Union Jackson eyes stakes after impressive win

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Union Jackson might be poised for his stakes debut following a powerful win last week at Oaklawn. He won an optional $35,000 claiming sprint by 3 3/4 lengths and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 95.

“He came out of the race in good shape, and we’ll go back to the track with him, speak with [Stonestreet Stables], and try to map out a plan,” said trainer Steve Asmussen. “We think there’s stakes in his future.”

Union Jackson is a 4-year-old son of Curlin and Hot Dixie Chick, who was a Grade 1 winner at 2. He won his third race from five career starts in the Feb. 26 race at Oaklawn, with all of his starts coming around one turn. Union Jackson also won a maiden special weight sprint in October at Keeneland and a first-level allowance at 6 1/2 furlongs in November at Churchill Downs.

“I think that his momma was as fast as you could go, and he obviously is carrying on the family tradition,” said Asmussen.

Untapable works for Azeri

The champion Untapable was out early Tuesday at Oaklawn, working five furlongs in a bullet 1:00.80 in preparation for the Grade 3, $350,000 Azeri Stakes here March 19. She worked shortly after the track opened on a sealed track rated “sloppy.” Oaklawn head clocker Jim Hamilton had Untapable’s final quarter in 23 seconds and had her galloping out six furlongs in 1:14. She worked well within herself.

◗ Cosmic Evolution, the winner of the Debutante last season at Churchill Downs, breezed Wednesday at Oaklawn in preparation for the Grade 3, $200,000 Honeybee Stakes here March 12. She worked first after the renovation break on a sealed track rated “good,” covering six furlongs in 1:12.80. Hamilton had her final quarter in 22.60 seconds and had her galloping out seven-eighths in 1:26.