Asmussen's Hopeful trio put in works

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Trainer Steve Asmussen has already enjoyed a terrific Saratoga meet and will look to close it out Monday with a victory in the Grade 1 Hopeful.

Asmussen, who has won 13 races including two Grade 1’s, is expected to start three horses in the Hopeful: Basin, Shoplifted, and Gozilla, all maiden winners at this meet. On Monday, each put in a workout over the Oklahoma training track.

Basin, a 1 1/4-length maiden winner here on July 21, went a half-mile in 49.88 seconds. Shoplifted, a 4 1/2-length winner here on July 27, went a half-mile in 50.48 seconds, while Gozilla, a 4 1/2-length winner here on Aug. 10, went five furlongs in 1:02.00.

“Those three still look fast,” said Scott Blasi, assistant trainer to Asmussen. “All three are beautiful movers and very talented.”

Blasi said Asmussen wanted to do a little more with Gozilla because he’s had time for just two workouts since his last race while the other two had time for more works in between races.

Got Stormy back to work

Got Stormy, who won two stakes here in a one-week period, including the Grade 1 Fourstardave against males, returned to the work tab Sunday, going a half-mile in 50.23 seconds over the Oklahoma turf course.

She is preparing for the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile on Sept. 14.

“She just glides over it, doesn’t she?” Casse said.

Casse said Got Stormy would likely have one more work here next weekend and she would ship to Woodbine early next week.