Asmussen eyes big preps for Disarm, Shopper's Revenge

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Disarm and Shopper’s Revenge are both under serious consideration for major Kentucky Derby preps after running in separate allowance races last weekend at Oaklawn Park.

Trainer Steve Asmussen said Disarm is a candidate for the $1.25 million Arkansas Derby at 1 1/8 miles on April 1 at Oaklawn. The son of Gun Runner launched his 3-year-old season Sunday with a runner-up finish in an entry-level allowance at a mile. The race was his first at two turns and his first since August, when he rolled by 6 1/4 lengths in a maiden special weight at Saratoga.

“I was pleased with his effort,” Asmussen said of the race Sunday. “He really needed it. Obviously, I wish he’d won it. He came out of it good.”

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Disarm finished four lengths behind wire-to-wire winner Two Eagles River, who earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 91. Two Eagles River is now being considered for either the Arkansas Derby or the Grade 3, $600,000 Sunland Derby on March 26, according to his trainer, Chris Hartman.

Disarm earned a Beyer of 84 on Sunday. He races for his breeder, Winchell Thoroughbreds.

Shopper’s Revenge is possible for the Grade 2, $1 million Louisiana Derby at 1 3/16 miles on March 25 at Fair Grounds, Asmussen said.

Shopper’s Revenge ran Saturday, and closed for second in a first-level allowance at 1 1/16 miles. It was his first start against winners. Shopper’s Revenge had made his two-turn debut one race earlier, and won a maiden special weight over 5 1/4 lengths on Jan. 14 at Oaklawn.

Shopper’s Revenge is a son of Tapit. His dam, Stopshoppingmaria, earned $3 million on the track, among her wins the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Shopper’s Revenge races for his breeders, Whisper Hill Farm and Three Chimneys Farm.

The Arkansas Derby and Louisiana Derby both offer 100 points to the winner as part of the final round of preps for the Kentucky Derby.

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