Asmussen gears up for Racing Festival of the South

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Oaklawn leading trainer Steve Asmussen had a handful of Racing Festival of the South hopefuls out for works Monday, including Arkansas Derby probables Combatant and Tenfold.

Tenfold worked in the second set, breezing a half-mile in 49.60 seconds. Oaklawn clocker Taylor Radimer had the horse galloping out five-eighths in 1:02. Tenfold has won both of his starts, including a recent allowance over Florida shipper Navistar.

Combatant worked first after the renovation break, going in 50.25, with Radimer getting his final quarter in 23.80. Combatant is coming off a third-place finish to Magnum Moon in the Grade 2, $900,000 Rebel.

Untrapped worked for the Grade 2, $750,000 Oaklawn Handicap not long after the track opened, going a half-mile in an easy 50.60. He is coming off a runner-up finish in the $300,000 Essex Handicap.

◗ Bravazo left Oaklawn before training started Monday to head to Churchill Downs to continue preparations for the Kentucky Derby.

◗ Magnum Moon arrived for the Arkansas Derby on Monday, according to track spokeswoman Jennifer Hoyt.