Asmussen will keep Pauline's Pearl, Clairiere separated
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The next move with Pauline’s Pearl, who went over $1 million in earnings with her fast-closing second in the Grade 2 Azeri on March 12 at Oaklawn, is to be determined, trainer Steve Asmussen said Tuesday.
“We’re obviously very proud of her,” he said. “She’s a top class filly. With the blessing of having her and Clairiere for Stonestreet, we’ll keep them separated. It’s undecided as to where she runs next.”
Asmussen said options for the fillies include the Grade 1, $1 million Apple Blossom on April 23 at Oaklawn and the Grade 1, $750,000 La Troienne on May 6 at Churchill Downs.
Clairiere is a Grade 1 winner of $1.3 million who captured a Fair Grounds allowance in her 4-year-old debut March 16. She earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 96.
Pauline’s Pearl earned a 92 Beyer for finishing three-quarters of a length behind female sprint champion Ce Ce in the Azeri. One start prior, Pauline’s Pearl won the Grade 3, $400,000 Houston Ladies Classic on Jan. 30 at Sam Houston.
Both fillies were ridden by Joel Rosario.
Rosario, Geroux on the go
Rosario and Florent Geroux will soon be headed to Keeneland for the Kentucky meet that runs from April 8-29.
Both riders will be at Fair Grounds on Saturday for stakes mounts on Louisiana Derby Day. From there, reigning Eclipse Award winner Rosario will head to Sunland Park to ride on Sunland Derby Day.
Geroux, meanwhile, will ride regularly in Arkansas through April 3, according to his agent, Doug Bredar. He said Geroux will then head to Keeneland, but could return to Oaklawn for stakes engagements, possibly for the April 23 card that features the Apple Blossom and Oaklawn Handicap. Agent Ron Anderson said Rosario is scheduled to ride at Keeneland every day of the meet with the exception of April 9, when he heads to Aqueduct for the Wood Memorial, and April 23, when he returns to Oaklawn.
Plans are being determined for Oaklawn’s perennial leading rider, Ricardo Santana Jr.
“I’m thinking we’re going to stay here for a bit,” agent Ruben Munoz said Tuesday. “We’re going to take it day to day.”
Oaklawn races through May 8.