Gasia gets best of Morner

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Gasia overcame early trouble and launched a strong bid around the final turn to score a 1 3/4-length win in the $100,000 at Oaklawn Park on Saturday.

The one-mile race for 3-year-old fillies was one of two undercard stakes supporting the Grade 2, $1 million Arkansas Derby.

Gasia ($10) raced near the back of the pack early, as Beau Dare jumped to the lead and ran the opening quarter in 23.39 seconds. Morner took the lead down the backside, and Gasia proceeded to move up between horses, went well around the final turn, and overtook Morner, covering the distance in 1:39.50.

Larry Melancon rode Gasia for trainer Larry Jones.

Jones said he and owner Susan Knoll will discuss next-race plans for Gasia, who is nominated to the Kentucky Oaks. She is scheduled to ship to Keeneland.

"This filly, she definitely can stand some time between races," Jones said. "My guess right now is we're probably looking at the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan at Pimlico. That's probably what I'm going to suggest. We've got to talk it over."

The Black-Eyed Susan will be run May 19.

Gasia earned $60,000 for the win, which was her fourth from seven career starts. She has now earned $119,976.

Northern Spur: 'Admiral' scores

Admiral's Arch added blinkers and won his first stakes race when he overtook Sweetening to win the $100,000 for 3-year-olds by a half-length. It was another 4 1/2 lengths back in third to Mr. Pursuit.

Sweetening broke well from the outside and set fractions of 22.76 for the opening quarter and 46.28 for the half-mile. Admiral's Arch ($7) was bumped after the start and moved up down the backside. He easily picked up rivals around the final turn, entered the stretch four wide, and ran down Sweetening, while covering the mile in 1:38.66.

Shaun Bridgmohan rode Admiral's Arch for trainer Steve Asmussen.