Saturday Morning Notes - July 8

- Once again, we’re seeing horses that were sent to Dubai going down with injuries. Brass Hat is done for the year, and perhaps for good. Perhaps it’s just a coincidence; trainer Buff Bradley attributed it to bad luck: "He was pulling up when he took a bad step." He also said it would be months before it can be determined whether he can return to racing. Brass Hat finished second in the World Cup, and was subsequently disqualified for a prohibited medication.

Also out for the year is the Golden Shaheen Sprint, and Grade 1 Malibu winner Proud Tower Too. "He did it two weeks ago when he had his first work back [after Dubai]," [trainer Sal] Gonzalez said. "He'll be out for four months, and we'll have to start all over. It happens." [Daily Racing Form]

And the Form also reports that Brother Derek will not make it to the Haskell, and it sounds as if he’s done for the summer altogether.

Hendricks said it is unclear when Brother Derek will return. Brother Derek could start in the $100,000 El Cajon Stakes at Del Mar on Sept. 2, using the race as a prep to the Super Derby at Louisiana Downs on Sept. 23. [Daily Racing Form]

- Reader Greg asked why Steve Asmussen is not appealing the six-month suspension handed down by Louisiana racing officials, and here’s the explanation straight from the horse trainer’s mouth: "I appealed it to the commission and the legal advice I received was that at civil court it would not be reduced......I'm very much looking forward to getting it behind me." [Thoroughbred Times]

And yes, the suspension does apply to all jurisdictions. Asmussen said that most of his clients will turn their horses over to the care of his assistant, Scott Blasi. Given all the horses he has all over the country, I imagine that Blasi is effectively the trainer for many of them anyway. Blasi has worked for Asmussen for 11 years. As a trainer, he has won with 19 of 65 starters. [DRF]