In his first race back since a runner-up effort in the mid-February running of the G3 Saudi Derby, Obliteration (Violence) gave another strong performance in the Chick Lang Stakes at Laurel Park on Saturday.
Named a 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard', last year at Churchill Downs when his connections unveiled him June 12, the Steve Asmussen trainee has only been out of the money once in his career. That single miss came in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, where he finished a respectable fourth behind fellow 'Rising Star, presented by Hagyard', Cy Fair (Not This Time).
Content to stalk just off the flank of pacesetter Shane's Wonder (Eastwood), the 3-5 choice was waiting for his opportunity to pounce around the far turn. Obliteration uncorked down the lane, quickly put away his target and earned another trip to the winner's circle.
“He's an extremely talented horse who's remarkably versatile that's given us very good days,” said trainer Steve Asmussen. “For him to make the trip to Saudi, go through quarantine, come back and beat a quality field the way you expected him to, couldn't be happier.
“I thought he performed extremely well [in the Saudi Derby], the way the racetrack was playing, the times they were throwing up for the day, I thought it was a true test of the mile,” he added. “But I think the value to create with him now is to race him shorter. Obviously, the [G1] Allen Jerkens [at Saratoga], races like that, we feel he's of that caliber.
“I expect him to have two races between now and [the Breeders' Cup Sprint,” Asmussen said. “It will all depend on how he comes out of this. For him to go 1:09-and-3 over this racetrack, he's very fast.”
I'mclassyandsassy, stakes-placed as a juvenile, has bred eight winners from nine to the races. The O'Farrell Family's Ocala Stud parted with $85,000 for the mare carrying the colt that would become Obliteration at the 2022 Keeneland November Sale.
A half-sister to SW Fairway Road (Cuvee)–herself the dam of GSW Just Grazed Me (Grazen)–I'mclassyandsassy is responsible for a 2-year-old filly by Girvin and a colt by Elite Power who was foaled in April 2025. The winner's dam was entered in Forte's book for this season.
An absolute OBLITERATION ($3.40)!
The Steve Asmussen trained colt easily wins the $150,000 Chick Lang Stakes at @LaurelPark. @jose93_ortiz was up on the 3YO by Violence.
Can you hit the pick 6? Try here: https://t.co/lk97LJDmTP pic.twitter.com/oP4yCpKaOJ
— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 16, 2026
CHICK LANG S., $150,000, Laurel, 5-16, 3yo, 6f, 1:09.77, ft.
1–OBLITERATION, 124, c, 3, by Violence
1st Dam: I'mclassyandsassy (SP), by Master Command
2nd Dam: Launch Site, by Relaunch
3rd Dam: Insight to Cope, by Copelan
($200,000 2yo '25 OBSMAR). 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard,. O-Leland Ackerley Racing, LLC, Sherwood, James, Shupe, Jode and Cilia, John; B-Ocala Stud (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen; J-Jose L. Ortiz. $90,000. Lifetime Record: GSW-US, GSP-KSA, 9-4-4-0, $983,550. *1/2 to Pure Class (The Big Beast), SW, $352,648, Big and Classy (The Big Beast), GSP, $356,490, Sassy Beast (The Big Beast), SW, $297,110 and Family Biz (Fed Biz), SP, $452,878.
2–Shane's Wonder, 118, g, 3, Eastwood–One Fast Chick, by First Defence. ($380,000 RNA 3yo '26 IGDAPR). O/B-Uptowncharlybrown Stud LLC (PA); T-Alfredo Velazquez. $30,000.
3–Igniter, 122, c, 3, Volatile–Malibu Prayer, by Malibu Moon. O/B-Three Chimneys Farm, LLC (KY); T-Richard E. Dutrow, Jr. $15,000.
Margins: 3HF, NO, 6. Odds: 0.70, 2.70, 3.50.
Also Ran: Fulmine, Top Manipulator, Magic Wallet, Hollywood Import. Scratched: Buds Notion.
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