Bloom and Asmussen Look Strong in Azeri, Essex

One owner has a chance to sweep the $350,000 Azeri Stakes (G2) for older fillies and mares and $350,000 Essex Handicap for older horses March 16 at Oaklawn Park.

That's Jeff Bloom, who will be represented by 6-5 program favorite Midnight Bisou in the Azeri and 9-2 choice Snapper Sinclair in the Essex. 

The Southern California-based Bloom has had a productive Oaklawn meeting, winning a Feb. 17 allowance race with Snapper Sinclair and a maiden special weight event the following day with Comedian. Midnight Bisou, Snapper Sinclair, and Comedian are trained by Hall of Famer and nine-time Oaklawn champion Steve Asmussen, Bloom's primary conditioner.

"I love Oaklawn, and Steve and I have had really good luck together," Bloom said. "Oaklawn's a great spot."

Midnight Bisou, whom Bloom owns in a partnership with Madaket Stables and Allen Racing, was a finalist for 2018 champion 3-year-old filly after winning five of nine starts, including the Santa Anita Oaks (G1) and Cotillion Stakes (G1) at Parx Racing via disqualification. Midnight Bisou launched her 4-year-old campaign with a three-quarter-length victory in the Jan. 27 Houston Ladies Classic Stakes (G3) at Sam Houston Race Park.

"It really did work out well for our filly to jump over there," Bloom said. "She got out of the race what she needed to get out of it. There were certainly some anxious moments during the course of that race that you didn't expect to have, but she definitely showed her talent and her class in overcoming the trip."

Bloom said Midnight Bisou's major spring objective is the April 14 Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) at Oaklawn.

Snapper Sinclair exits a powerful 2 1/2-length score in his local debut. It was the first dirt victory for Snapper Sinclair, who was beaten a nose by Bravazo in last year's Risen Star Stakes presented by Lamarque Ford (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.

"His numbers reflect improvement on the dirt," Bloom said. "His three most recent races are some of his best numbers, and those are on the dirt. It was really nice to see him validate what we thought he was about in that last start at Oaklawn. That, to me, was just visually ultraimpressive."

Triple Crown nominee Comedian was under consideration for Saturday's split $750,000 Rebel Stakes (G2) but landed in a 1 1/16-mile entry-level allowance race on the undercard.

"This is a colt that we have very high expectations for," Bloom said. "He's like one of these big Baby Hueys that's still kind of figuring things out. Talent-wise, we really do feel as though he's there, he's up to the task. But because he's not as seasoned, we just figured, 'Let's put him in the first condition, let him continue to develop, and if things go right, we still have time (to get to) the Arkansas Derby (G1) or something if everything goes well.'"

By Into Mischief , Comedian has a win and two seconds from three starts.