Win by Tip Tap Tapizar would be icing on cake for Asmussen

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Trainer Steve Asmussen, who was scheduled to be inducted into Thoroughbred racing’s Hall of Fame on Friday, will try to cap a memorable weekend when he runs Tip Tap Tapizar in Sunday’s Grade 2, $200,000 Saratoga Special for 2-year-olds at Saratoga.

Tip Tap Tapizar was one of five 2-year-olds entered in the 6 1/2-furlong race. Among those he’ll face is Recruiting Ready, who finished ahead of Tip Tap Tapizar when the two were second and third behind Classic Empire in the Grade 3 Bashford Manor at Churchill Downs.

“They ran him off his feet a little bit,” Asmussen said. “He’s trained well since. He had an impressive maiden race, wheeled back quickly, and two very talented horses beat him. He’s physically developing, getting better all the time. I like how he’s training.”

Ricardo Santana will ride Tip Tap Tapizar. The others entered are Sonic Mule, Gunnerva, and Get Lit N Get Wild.