Publisher likely for Oaklawn Handicap

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Publisher will likely make his next start in the Grade 2, $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap, trainer Steve Asmussen said Tuesday. The 1 1/8-mile race is April 18.

Publisher gained a following last season when, as a maiden, he ran second in the Arkansas Derby. This season, he has developed into the meet’s co-winningest horse, going 3 for 4 at Oaklawn.

“It’s very good to see Publisher having such a good meet,” Asmussen said. “He’ll most likely run in the Oaklawn Handicap.”

Publisher races for Gus King and the estate of Brereton C. Jones. He opened his Oaklawn season with a runner-up finish in a maiden special weight at a mile Dec. 26. The winner of the race, Nu What’s New, put up a Beyer Speed Figure of 101 and went on to win the Grade 3, $500,000 Oaklawn Mile.

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As for Publisher, he returned to win a maiden special weight and a first-level allowance. From there, he won the $135,000 American Pharoah, an overnight stakes named for his sire. Publisher was a 1 1/2-length winner and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 95.

“A solid race,” Asmussen said. “He’s putting it together a little better all the time. He’s always kept good company. It’s wonderful to see him winning now.”

All of Publisher’s starts at the meet have come under Asmussen’s son, jockey Erik Asmussen.

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