Chasing 10,000: Asmussen needs 4 wins to reach milestone

He will have to wait until at least Sunday to reach the goal, but Steve Asmussen added one victory Saturday to move within four of becoming the first trainer based in North America to reach 10,000 career wins.

Three-time graded-stakes winner Silver Prospector (5-2) took the lead in the second turn and ran on to win by 3 3/4 lengths in the seventh race, a $75,000 allowance mile, on the muddy track at Oaklawn. With Ricardo Santana Jr. riding, that gave Asmussen his 9,996th victory. Super Stock (8-1), who won the 2021 Arkansas Derby, finished second for Asmussen with his son Keith riding.

Asmussen began Saturday needing five wins to reach five digits. With starters in 11 races at four tracks, he went 13: 1-2-1, including 1-for-4 with post-time favorites. Two other entrants from his stable were scratched, including one top choice on the morning line.

The 10,000-win milestone has been reached by only one trainer. That was Perú-based Juan Suárez Villaroel, who is still active and had 10,317 victories through Jan. 31, according to the website Página de Turf.

Equibase reported these were the horses Asmussen had entered for races starting Saturday. Results are shown from completed races. Odds reflect post-time prices for races that are done and the morning line for those yet to start. Asterisks denote favorites.