Sharp Asmussen 3-year-old pair could be stakes bound

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Trainer Steve Asmussen sent out a pair of impressive 3-year-old winners last week at Oaklawn in Mitole and Title Ready, and both could be headed to stakes competition. Mitole won a maiden special weight sprint with a Beyer Speed Figure of 96 on Saturday, and Title Ready conquered two turns in his first attempt in a deep allowance race Feb. 1.

Mitole was a 10-length winner, covering six furlongs in 1:09.75. One race earlier, older sprinters in the $125,000 King Cotton covered the same distance in 1:09.85.

“That was special,” Asmussen said Monday. “He’s a nice horse.”

Mitole is a son of Eskendereya and races for Bill and Corinne Heiligbrodt. He was making his third career start Saturday and came into the race off a runner-up finish in a maiden special weight at Oaklawn. Asmussen said plans are now being discussed with the Heiligbrodts.

“Running that huge, we’ll see how he comes out of it,” Asmussen said. “I’m pleased with him right now. If we keep sprinting, we’ll look at the Gazebo. I think he will stretch out. So, whether we go to the Gazebo or stretch out is our next question.”

The $125,000 Gazebo is a six-furlong race for 3-year-olds on Feb. 24 at Oaklawn.

Title Ready was a sharp, 3 1/2-length winner of a first-level allowance at 1 1/16 miles, earning a career-high Beyer of 89. Title Ready is a son of More Than Ready who races for his breeder, Charles Fipke.

“He’s a really nice-pedigreed horse – that second dam being Personal Ensign – that has always been talented,” Asmussen said.

“If he trains well, the Rebel will be his next race.”

The Grade 2, $900,000 Rebel is March 17 at Oaklawn.