Echo Zulu puts in first work of 2022
Echo Zulu, the sure champion 2-year-old filly of 2021, posted her first timed workout of 2022 on Tuesday at Fair Grounds, breezing an easy three furlongs in 39.80 seconds.
Echo Zulu completed a perfect four-start campaign that included three Grade 1 wins with an easy victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies on Nov. 5. Following a winter break, she arrived at Fair Grounds in late December, trainer Steve Asmussen taking his time before allowing the filly to breeze.
“We’ll gradually pick up speed and distance,” Asmussen’s assistant Scott Blasi said after the Tuesday workout. “She has filled out beautifully, and it’s nice to have her back on the work tab.”
Echo Zulu’s connections haven’t specified a target comeback race. The Fair Grounds Oaks comes up March 26.
Trafalgar likely for Risen Star
Trafalgar, a decent fourth in the Jan. 22 Lecomte, his stakes debut, is likely to run back Feb. 19 in the Risen Star Stakes, trainer Al Stall said Wednesday.
Stall said he plans to race Trafalgar in blinkers for the first time.
“I like how that’s been going with him,” Stall said.
Trafalgar, by Lord Nelson, won a one-turn maiden mile at Churchill and a two-turn, first-level allowance at Fair Grounds before checking in 4 1/4 lengths behind Call Me Midnight and Epicenter in the Lecomte.
◗ Louisiana-bred allowance and open maiden competition are the highest-class fare on a modest nine-race Friday program.