A trio of Breeders' Cup-bound horses trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen had their first works at Santa Anita Friday.
Drilling easy half miles under the watchful eye of assistant Scott Blasi were Echo Zulu (Gun Runner), who went the distance in 50.80 seconds and Society (Gun Runner), who completed her move in 50.20 seconds.
Also working for Asmussen was Private Creed (Jimmy Creed), who was officially clocked going three furlongs in 37.40 seconds.
“This was their first work on the racetrack so we didn't want to do a whole lot,” Blasi said. “It was just a maintenance breeze to get them used to the surface.”
Echo Zulu, the champion 2-year-old filly of 2021, is a perfect 3-for-3 this campaign including a win in the GI Ballerina S. most recently Aug. 26 at Saratoga. She is being pointed to either the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint going six furlongs against males or the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint at seven furlongs. Both races are slated for Nov. 4 at Santa Anita.
Society is headed to the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff at 1 1/8 miles the same day at Santa Anita. Private Creed is targeting the five-furlong GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint Nov. 4.
Asmussen and Blasi plan to work two more Breeders' Cup hopefuls on Saturday at Santa Anita: Clairiere (Curlin), who will also go in the Distaff; and Gunite (Gun Runner), who is possible for either the Sprint or Dirt Mile, both also Nov. 4.
In other Breeders' Cup news, top-rated Classic contender Arcangelo (Arrogate) walked the shedrow and appeared to be doing well the morning after having his first work at Santa Anita. On Thursday, the Belmont and Travers winner drilled five furlongs in 1:02.20 for trainer Jena Antonucci.
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