Asmussen barn has two live ones at Big A
OZONE PARK, N.Y. - With a record of 18 for 45, Steve Asmussen's New York division is batting .400 at the winter meet. Two recent additions to the stable, Bearursa and Raynick's Jet, figure prominently in their respective New York-bred allowance races Thursday.
Bearursa has made a successful transition from Polytrack to the inner dirt. She is the second choice in race 7, a $43,000 optional claimer with second-level conditions for fillies and mares at a mile and 70 yards.
Raynick's Jet was purchased following a third-place finish Jan. 21. He is the morning-line favorite in race 8, a $40,000 first-level allowance for 3-year-olds at six furlongs.
The first 21 starts of Bearursa's career came at Woodbine. She was claimed by Asmussen for $25,000 out of the last one, and has earned $28,600 in two local starts. After rallying from far back to finish third at six furlongs, she stretched out to win her first-level condition under a mild drive.
"She ran super last time, and we're hoping she can duplicate that race," said assistant trainer Toby Sheets.
Whether such a reprise is enough to catch Shot Gun Gal remains to be seen.
Shot Gun Gal is fresh off a front-running sprint victory first out at the meet for Linda Rice. She is likely to be loose on the lead under C.C. Lopez.
Other contenders include Dancing Daisy, who relished a muddy track beating first-level allowance routers two starts back for David Donk; Eager Emma, who makes her first start since three in-the-money finishes in this condition last autumn for Nick Zito; and Carlyn Darlyn, sharp versus $10,000 claimers in her last two starts.
Raynick's Jet overcame a wide trip to win his debut here for Philadelphia Park-based Ramon Preciado, and has changed hands since running third in an allowance route six weeks ago.
Raynick's Jet will race with blinkers on Thursday.
"Hopefully he can improve," said Sheets. "He hasn't been too focused at all since we've had him, so the blinkers may help."
Come From Behind, whose best races have been on or near the early lead, may be the one to catch in his second start for Bruce Levine.
C'Est Qui Ton Pere, Irving Rules, and Backcountry Boy each comes off a win.
Cajun Jet, Rapide One, and Vital Argument complete the field.