Souris completes Asmussen sweep

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Trainer Steve Asmussen and jockey Roman Chapa completed a sweep of the opening weekend stakes at Oaklawn Park on Saturday when Souris drew clear by 3 3/4 lengths to win the $50,000 American Beauty Stakes.

Asmussen and Chapa also teamed together on Friday to win the $50,000 Dixieland Stakes with Razor on opening day.

Souris ($6.40) settled along the rail early, about three lengths behind She's a Rebel Too, who led the field through an opening quarter in 22.83 seconds. She's a Rebel Too continued to set the pace through a half-mile in 46.84 seconds, while Souris advanced on the inside and drew clear in the stretch, covering six furlongs in 1:10.83.

"That's the shortest way around there, on the rail," said Chapa.

Saltwater Runner finished second, while it was another length and a half back in third to Southern Surprise. Josh's Madelyn, who was favored, finished sixth.

Souris earned $30,000 for the win, which improved her record to nine wins in 29 career starts and earnings of $557,406. Souris is a 5-year-old daughter of Defrere who races for Nelson Bunker Hunt.

Earlier on Saturday, Asmussen won another sprint stakes for fillies and mares when Savorthetime captured the $100,000 The First Lady at Gulfstream Park.