Asmussen still deciding how to keep top juveniles apart

ELMONT, N.Y. – Trainer Steve Asmussen said that plans have not yet been firmed up for Basin, Shoplifted, and Gozilla, the first three finishers from Monday’s Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga.

Asmussen would like to keep the three separated, and there are three Grade 1 stakes for 2-year-olds in late September and early October – the American Pharoah on Sept. 27 at Santa Anita, and the Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland and the Grade 1 Champagne at Belmont, both on Oct. 5.

Basin took advantage of a contested pace to win the Hopeful by 6 1/2 lengths in the slop. He ran seven furlongs in 1:23.48 and earned an 85 Beyer Speed Figure.

Shoplifted, who spun his wheels early in the slop, rallied to get second by a neck over Gozilla, who was part of the early pace.

Asmussen said all three remained in Saratoga and will have at least one, if not two, works there before they go to their respective races.