Clairiere bedded down at Churchill after solid second in Apple Blossom
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. -- Clairiere emerged from her runner-up finish in the Apple Blossom at Oaklawn in excellent condition and is now settled in at Churchill Downs, trainer Steve Asmussen said Tuesday.
Clairiere was a fast-closing second in the Grade 1, $1 million Apple Blossom last Saturday. She finished 1 1/4 lengths behind champion Letruska and a half-length in front of third-place finisher and champion Ce Ce.
Clairiere earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 101 for her effort in the Apple Blossom, which came following an allowance win in her seasonal debut March 16 at Fair Grounds.
“She came out of it great,” Asmussen said. “She made it to Churchill Downs in good shape. Disappointed we didn’t win, but very proud of how good she is – and nothing but respect for Letruska and Ce Ce.”
:: For the first time ever, our premium past performances are free! Get free Formulator now!
Asmussen said plans going forward are to be determined for Clairiere, a 4-year-old daughter of Curlin and the $2 million earner Cavorting. Clairiere races for her breeder, Stonestreet Stables.
“We’re going to give that race credit, evaluate how she’s training, and map out a plan that works from the Breeders’ Cup Distaff backwards,” said Asmussen.
Clairiere became a Grade 1 winner in last year’s Cotillion at Parx Racing and went on to run a close-up fourth in the BC Distaff held at Del Mar. She was beaten just three-quarters of a length in her first start against older horses, and earned a career-high Beyer of 102. This year, the BC Distaff will be run at Keeneland.
Clairiere boasts a record of 4 wins from 12 starts for earnings of $1.5 million.