Goodall eyeing Eight Belles for next start

Goodall emerged from the $150,000 Purple Martin on Saturday at Oaklawn Park with the year’s co-highest Beyer Speed Figure for a 3-year-old filly. She earned a 94, the same number Grade 3 winner Mythical put up Saturday taking the Any Limit at Gulfstream Park.

The Purple Martin was one of two sprint stakes on the Oaklawn card, which also featured the Grade 3, $250,000 Whitmore for 4-year-olds and up. Goodall zipped six furlongs in 1:08.78, as she powered to a 4 1/2-length win. It was one of the fastest times for the distance this meet at Oaklawn.

“She’s a very nice filly,” trainer Steve Asmussen said. “Daughter of Yaupon – shows his brilliance.

“Running 1:08 and 3 on a day when the older boys in the Whitmore go 1:08 and 4 is awfully impressive.”

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Asmussen trained Yaupon, a Grade 1 winner who began his career with four consecutive victories. Of those initial wins, two included triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures.

Goodall is now 2 for 3 for Spendthrift Farm. She won a maiden special weight sprint at Fair Grounds by a half-length one start before the Purple Martin.

“She’ll go on to Kentucky,” Asmussen said. “I think her next race to be in consideration for is the Eight Belles at Churchill. It was very good to see her rate a bit Saturday. A little bit of a new dimension for her, and a better outcome.”

Goodall will pick up more ground if she goes in the Grade 2, $700,000 Eight Belles, which is for 3-year-old fillies over seven furlongs.

◗ Skippylongstocking arrived Tuesday in advance of a Saturday start in the Essex Handicap, according to trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.

Joseph said Haulin Ice remains on course for the Matron at Oaklawn and White Abarrio, the Oaklawn Handicap.

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