Asmussen looks to add to impressive Oaklawn totals in Bachelor Stakes

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Oaklawn Park leading trainer Steve Asmussen has four stakes winners on the Saturday card, including Cazadero and Jaxon Traveler in the featured $200,000 Bachelor.

Bankit, a four-time stakes winner, and La Renoleta, an undefeated Group 1 winner, go in allowances ahead of the Bachelor.

“We’ve got action,” Asmussen said.

The Bachelor is a six-furlong race for 3-year-olds that drew a competitive field of six. The group includes Sir Wellington, who was a head winner of last month’s Gazebo over Jaxon Traveler; Bob’s Edge, who is making his stakes debut off a strong allowance win at Oaklawn; and Gagetown, a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Include Betty.

Asmussen had won 49 races from 203 starts this meet through Wednesday, 12 more wins than second-leading trainer Robertino Diodoro. Asmussen also led all trainers in stable earnings with $5 million. It’s already been a meet to remember for Asmussen and local assistant Darren Fleming.

“How can you say enough about the job Darren Fleming and the crew do,” Asmussen said. “They are getting it done. It’s very impressive to witness. I couldn’t be more grateful or proud of them, just watching the horses train – how comfortable and happy they are, and how good they look when they walk over to the paddock.”

:: Bet horse racing on DRF Bets. Double Your First Deposit Up to $250. Join Now.

Oaklawn leading rider Ricardo Santana Jr. has been a regular aboard Asmussen trainees this meet, and he has the mount on Cazadero. The Grade 3 winner is coming off a fourth-place finish in the Gazebo, which was his first out since August. Cazadero has reason to move forward in his second start back and also could be closer to the pace than he found himself in his return. He will break from post 6, and could get a stalking trip Saturday.

Jaxon Traveler is a candidate to wire the field. He used his speed to win his first three races on the lead, including the $100,000 Maryland Juvenile Futurity in December. He came from just off the pace last out when second in the Gazebo, which was his first start at 3. Francisco Arrieta has the mount from post 3.

Sir Wellington will break from the rail, just as he did last out when he won the Gazebo. He stalked the pace, took the lead, and held off a surging Jaxon Traveler. It was the second stakes win for the horse by Palace. Alex Canchari has the mount for trainer Mac Robertson.

Oaklawn will have free general admission, and both the apron and infield will be open to the public after restrictions earlier in the meet due to the pandemic. The track also will offer patrons 50-cent corned beef sandwiches Saturday.