This and that in racing world

A couple of notable items ...

Steve Asmusssen, a virtual cinch to be named Eclipse Award winner as top trainer for 2008 when the awards are handed out Monday night, Jan. 26, won six of the 10 races at the Fair Grounds on Saturday. The rich get richer, and Asmussen is the "now" trainer. He won a North American record 622 races in 2008 and also led all trainers in money earned.

Another horse had to be vanned off at Santa Anita on Saturday. This time it was the John Shirreffs-trained Madeo, who was running in the Grade II San Fernando Stakes and appeared to have injured his right foreleg, according to track stewards. No immediate word on the colt's condition.