Horse Racing News on May 2, 2014

Trainer Steve Asmussen told NBC Sports Network in a segment aired May 2 that the allegations made against him by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals are untrue, and he hopes to have the chance to defend himself in court.

Willis Horton's champion Will Take Charge fizzled May 2 in the $342,000 Alysheba Stakes at Churchill Downs, as former claimer Moonshine Mullin took 'em all the way with a rail-skimming trip under Calvin Borel.

Martin Racing Stable's Marchman strung together his second straight graded stakes win in three weeks with a decisive victory May 2 in the $167,550 Twin Spires Turf Sprint at Churchill Downs.

With a heart the size of the state where she was bred, Fiftyshadesofgold nailed down her first graded stakes win when the Texas-bred held off a determined Milam to register a half-length victory in the $175,000 Eight Belles Stakes Friday, May 2 at Churchi

Showing her affinity for Churchill Downs main track, Anita Cauley's homebred On Fire Baby took the lead coming out of the second turn and wore down pacesetter Devil's Cave to win the La Troienne Stakes Presented by the World Series of Polo May 2.

The Kentucky Derby field has been reduced to 19 horses after the owners of Pablo Del Monte decided to pass on the race.