Pauline's Pearl eyes Azeri Stakes, millionaire status
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Pauline’s Pearl is nearing $1 million in earnings and could bid for the milestone next month at Oaklawn Park.
Trainer Steve Asmussen said Wednesday that the Stonestreet Stables homebred is being considered for a start in the Grade 2, $350,000 Azeri on March 12 at Oaklawn.
Pauline’s Pearl pushed her career earnings to $968,500 last month, when she won the Grade 3, $400,000 Houston Ladies Classic at Sam Houston Race Park.
The race was her first start against older rivals, and Pauline’s Pearl shuttled home by 3 3/4 lengths. For her effort in the 1 1/16-mile stakes, she earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 93.
“I loved it,” Asmussen said of the race from Pauline’s Pearl. “For her to start her 4-year-old campaign so stylishly is very exciting. She’s obviously been a filly that has been very good to us.”
Pauline’s Pearl is a multiple stakes winner, among her victories the Grade 3 Fantasy last year at Oaklawn. She closed her productive 3-year-old campaign with a win in the $200,000 Zia Park Oaks in November, earning a Beyer of 96.
Following last month’s start in the Houston Ladies Classic, Pauline’s Pearl remained with Asmussen’s division at Sam Houston. She worked five-eighths in 1:01.80 on Sunday in her first move since the Houston Ladies Classic on Jan. 30.
“She’ll work back probably Saturday, then go to Oaklawn,” Asmussen said. “We’ve been avoiding the weather we’ve had the last 10 days.”
Oaklawn lost five days of training due to a winter storm system and freezing temperatures.
Pauline’s Pearl is a daughter of Tapit and the Grade 1-winning mare Hot Dixie Chick. She gave Asmussen his third win in the Houston Ladies Classic behind Midnight Bisou and Lady Apple.