Dubai Race Night » Macho Again

Asiatic Boy, Two Step Salsa in action this weekend

PatCummings — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:58:41 +0000

Following a strong second in his first North American start, Asiatic Boy is scheduled to run in Saturday’s Suburban Handicap (G1) at Belmont Park. A field of ten were drawn on Wednesday and the field lacks a major standout while offering substantial speed, both of which should benefit the winner of the 2007 United Arab Emirates Triple Crown. Asiatic Boy was second behind Macho Again in the Stephen Foster Handicap (G1) at Churchill Downs following a layoff and ship from Dubai, where he was a distant 12th in the 2009 Dubai World Cup (G1). Click below for video of the Stephen Foster Handicap.

Winner of the 2009 Godolphin Mile (G2), Two Step Salsa will be back at that same distance in Saturday’s Salvatore Mile (G3) at Monmouth Park. The race is the first American “Win & You’re In” qualifier for the 2009 Breeders’ Cup, with the winner of the Salvatore Mile earning a guaranteed spot in the starting gate for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. Eight are entered for the Salvatore Mile, including likely favorite Smooth Air, second in the Met Mile (G1) at Belmont in late May. Two Step Salsa was beaten more than sixth lengths in his first start since the Godolphin Mile victory when fourth in the Tom Fool Handicap (G2) at Belmont Park.

Asiatic Boy possible for Belmont’s Suburban Handicap

PatCummings — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 04:15:29 +0000

After an action-packed stretch run in his first start in North America, a second in last weekend’s Stephen Foster Handicap (G1) at Churchill Downs, Asiatic Boy has been reported as one of the possible starters in the $400,000 Suburban Handicap (G2) on July 4.

Click HERE to review the full press release from the New York Racing Association.

Macho Again won the Stephen Foster with a late wide move around the far turn. Asiatic Boy just edged favored Einstein for second and remains in the training care of Kiaran McLaughlin, whose main stable is based at Belmont Park, home of the Suburban. The American older horse division lacks a definitive leader and Asiatic Boy’s presence adds intrigue to the muddled picture. Nominations for the race are due in the next week.

Asiatic Boy second in American debut

PatCummings — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 01:25:35 +0000

After a disappointing winter campaign in Dubai, Asiatic Boy returned to the races in fine fettle with a strong second place effort in Saturday’s Stephen Foster Handicap (G1) at Churchill Downs. Macho Again upset the field with a strong rally from off-the-pace while favored Einstein encountered traffic trouble and finished third.

Click HERE to read more about the Stephen Foster and watch the race video.

Asiatic Boy was best of a four-way photo for the runner-up position and showed a much better turn of foot from off the pace for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. Assuming he has emerged from the race in good form, and with the general shallow nature of the older male division, Asiatic Boy’s presence could be felt later in the year.