Heiligbrodt loaded for Legends Night

OPELOUSAS, La. - Three weeks ago, when trainer Steve Asmussen was in New York attending to his top 3-year-old Curlin in the Belmont Stakes, his local crew was busy qualifying no fewer than four 2-year-olds for the two divisions of Saturday night's D. S. "Shine" Young Futurity. The two five-furlong dashes are valued at more than $125,000 each and anchor Louisiana Legends Night, a 13-race program devoted exclusively to Louisiana-breds.

The Asmussen quartet, Must Acquit and Jumpin for Jason in the colt and gelding division, and Iknowuthinkimsexy and Hisse in the filly division, are all owned by Heiligbrodt Racing Stable. A fifth Heiligbrodt colorbearer, Cubera (trained by Brett Brinkman), will make for a three-horse entry in the male division that has been installed as the heavy morning-line favorite. All three were victorious in their qualifying trials.

While he might have missed their qualifying efforts, Asmussen has made plans to be here to supervise the saddling of his small legion of juveniles in the finals. The barn is also represented in the B. B. "Sixty" Rayburn for 3-year-olds, as well as in one of three starter allowance stakes on the card and in the final race of the night, which is for 2-year-old maidens.

"This will be my first trip in since the meeting began," Asmussen said.

The Heiligbrodt stable is based in Texas, and its Shine contingent is a mixture of homebreds and horses purchased at sales in Louisiana and Kentucky. When asked about the Heiligbrodt stable having such a strong presence on a night restricted to Louisiana-breds, Asmussen said: "They are in the business of racing horses. I think the Louisiana program is a good example of them doing just that."

Must Acquit ran 58.39 seconds in winning his trial, making him the fastest of the eight qualifiers for the two divisions. He is a son of Successful Appeal and was a three-length winner in maiden special weight company at Churchill Downs on May 12. Donnie Meche, aboard for the trial win, will once again be in the saddle.

Corey Lanerie will replace Meche on entrymate Jumpin for Jason, while Brinkman has given the return call on Cubera to Gerard Melancon.

The Asmussen-Heiligbrodt entry has also been given the favorite's role in the filly division of the Shine. Iknowuthinkimsexy drew off impressively in winning her qualifying heat, while Hisse had to settle for second in her trial while 1-2 on the tote board. Meche rides Iknowuthinkimsexy, while Lanerie has the call on Hisse.