Youngster with *famous* trainer ...

[TrueColours]

Is it a blessing or a curse???

The 2006 colt - Promise Me Wine - is out of my newly acquired mare - Regal Swan - and is owned by Keith Asmussen and trained by Steve.

Will he be given every chance to succeed as a race horse in your opinion, or as they run such a large operation with such high ticket horses, might he get lost in the shuffle if he isnt of "Curlin" quality and ability? Just curious how these youngsters usually fare in outfits of this quality

I dont have access to the data for him - has he had any works yet?

[Acertainsmile]

I understand your dilema, but, you should feel better knowing that the horse is owned by a family member.. He may not be with the first string, but then again, you never know.


I've run a large outfit, not as big as Steve (we had about 70 in training at one point) .... I can honeslty say that horses didnt "fall through the cracks"... those that could run and stayed sound were placed in races where they belonged.

Steve has good assistants, and it will be up to the horse to show talent, and excell from there. I'll have to go look up your horse.... and put him in my virtual stable! I'll send you the link (it's free).

Just look at some of the pedigrees from the past few yrs, there are quite a few horses without regal bloodlines that have one classic races... coming out of big outfits!

[SleepyFox]

Speaking generally of a big barn (not saying anything about Asmussen directly), they have pros and cons. In the case of this colt, I think the biggest con would be that they tend to have a deep enough bench that they don't want/need to fool around with a horse with issues or mediocre talent.

But, Asmussen (and more importantly, his staff) know how to get horses to the races, which is a very good thing. From casual observance, his horses are always gleaming, the tack is clean, the shedrow nice and his staff appear to be good horsemen. I probably would not pay him to train this particular horse, but I would be pleased to see it in his barn if I wanted to see it do well. And, in promoting your mare I think it definitely makes sense to mention that she has a 2yo with Asmussen - it shows the foal has some quality and has the connections that will enable to possibly do big things.

You can gets his works emailed to you through Equineline's StableMail. Do you know where he is stabled?

[TrueColours]

You can gets his works emailed to you through Equineline's StableMail. Do you know where he is stabled?

No idea at all ...

I'll have to go look up your horse.... and put him in my virtual stable! I'll send you the link (it's free).


If you could - that would be great - thanks so much! :)

[K~2]

You can also do a workout search on the DRF's website (http://www.drf.com/workoutHorseSearch.do)

Promise Me Wine
04/06/2008 HOU 4F :49.60 Dirt Fast B G
03/30/2008 HOU 4F :50.80 Dirt Fast B G
03/22/2008 HOU 3F :39.20 Dirt Fast B
03/17/2008 EPR 3F :40.20 Dirt Fast B G

[Acertainsmile]

Here is a link to Equibase's Virtual Stable!

http://www.equibase.com/virtual1-nostable.html

[DickHertz]

Do you think Equibase's system is better than DRF for alerts?

[Pat Ness]

Just curious, what do you all think about the number of works this colt has had and the time between works?
I am in a huge learning curve with my own horses at the track, so I am only looking for opinions.
Thanks.

[hitchinmygetalong]

Promise Me Wine
04/06/2008 HOU 4F :49.60 Dirt Fast B G
03/30/2008 HOU 4F :50.80 Dirt Fast B G
03/22/2008 HOU 3F :39.20 Dirt Fast B
03/17/2008 EPR 3F :40.20 Dirt Fast B GDate - TRACK ABBREVIATION - Time - Surface - Surface Judgment - B=Breezing - G = From the Gate

This horse appears to be getting close to a race. From these speeds, we aren't looking at a sprinter, maybe a horse that will be better at distances of 7 furlongs or more. I would expect a decent effort in the first race and then improvement from there as the trainer tries the horse at longer distances.

But what do I know? :confused:

[SleepyFox]

Just curious, what do you all think about the number of works this colt has had and the time between works?
I am in a huge learning curve with my own horses at the track, so I am only looking for opinions.
Thanks.


It looks about right for a horse that's coming along with no issues. You usually start a horse breezing at a quarter or 3/8ths and then increase the distance by an 1/8 generally every other work, up to 5/8ths. And, when getting a horse fit, you will generally work them back every 5 to 7 days, if they come out of the work okay.

[QHJockee]

My husband and I worked for Steve for 4 years and I can tell you without a doubt that Steve is one of the few trainers with that number of horses who knows exactly which horse is which. You can give him a name of a horse and which division and he can tell you what that horse did the last 4 days in training. He is absoutely amazing with his horses.

He can be an a-hole but he does know his stuff. Besides, at that caliber, what trainer isn't in some way, shape or form? Few.

Remember, Steve certainly has more horses of the Promise ME Wine caliber than of the Curlin variety. He'll do a good job with that horse.

[solargal]

I don't know about Sam Houston, but the string at Hawthorne(which are far from his best) had a groom to every four horses, two foremans, and assistant. He has a strict routine that all his horses follow, but the all look and behave beautifully. I think that routine is why his two year olds debut so professionally. This one is owned by a family member so he might be doing something different. The works look good. If he is following Assmussen's training those works are spot on. He does not like his horses to work fast.

[TrueColours]

Thank you SO much everyone! Your input and comments have been invaluable ... :)

now all I have to do is cross my fingers and hope the little darling goes out there and kicks butt for all he is worth and has a good, solid race career

And thanks for the links - now I can watch him and see how he progresses and runs as well

[texang73]

But, Asmussen (and more importantly, his staff) know how to get horses to the races, which is a very good thing. From casual observance, his horses are always gleaming, the tack is clean, the shedrow nice and his staff appear to be good horsemen. I probably would not pay him to train this particular horse, but I would be pleased to see it in his barn if I wanted to see it do well. And, in promoting your mare I think it definitely makes sense to mention that she has a 2yo with Asmussen - it shows the foal has some quality and has the connections that will enable to possibly do big things.

I can say firsthand the comments about Steve's staff, shedrow, care of horses etc. is top-notch. I worked as a clocker's asst. trackside at Sam Houston this past season, and the horses there are VERY well looked after. And they have very good exercise riders. It's was also great fun to see the "swarm" (they'd exercise about 6- 8 in a bunch 3 wide) come cantering around the track... I don't necessairly like Steve personally, but his staff etc. do a great job. I wouldn't worry about the care of the horse, and it does lend some credibilty to your mare!

[Equus34]

I can also attest to Steves ability as a horseman along with QH. I galloped for Steve up at Hawthorne one winter while I was up there and he know's his stuff. I loved his training methods, from the older horses to the youngsters.

One thing he did that I just loved, is that "ALL" of his horses went to the gate once a week. No matter how quiet they were. Now they wouldn't work from the gate they would just go there and stand for a minute or so then back out and go on and train. This is probably why most of his horses are very well mannered in the gate and don't get nervous because he made it no big deal. Just loved that.

While I only galloped for him for a short time as he was getting ready to ship his horses from Hawthorne to Louisianna, I thought he was a wonderful horseman. He and his staff took great care of the horses, and all seemed very knowledgable.

[ravenclaw]

I don't necessairly like Steve personally

Those of you who know him, what is the deal with him personally? Is he arrogant? Moody? Shy? Just a jerk? I'm curious, because I have read other negative comments about his personality but he always seems okay when I have seen or read interviews with him. I guess he knows to behave for the press. ;)

[TrueColours]

Yay!!! Promise Me Wine had his first outing yesterday and at 5 1/2 furlongs won by 11 1/2 lengths "going away" ... :)

Horse name
Promise Me Wine

Notes


Activity type
Result

Activity date
09-19-2008

Track
Retama Park

Surface
Dirt

Distance
5 1/2 Furlongs

Track condition
Fast

Race number
1

Purse
$6,000

Claim price
$12,500

Individual claim price
$12,500

Race type
Maiden Claiming

Finish position
1

Jockey
Maldonado-Alicea E

Race chart

http://www.drf.com/drfNCWeeklyHorseDisplay.do?track=RET&country=USA&raceDate=20080919&raceNo=1




I know a $12,500 claimer isnt a huge big deal, but I am curious to see where they slot him next time out ... :)

[War Admiral]

Woo-hoo, congrats, very cool!!! :)

[Pat Ness]

A 12,500 claimer is a big deal and that is wonderful!!!

I am so confused why they would not have started the horse in Maiden Special Weights. From the last 2 years of racing, the MSW is the only place to possibly make some money without having to run the legs off of horses that may not have learned how to race yet, or do not have the speed to race with the big shots.

After the maiden condition is gone, things usually get way tougher and it seems to me that the trainers have a harder time letting the horses move up in class to give it a try, verses sending them down.

Maybe someone here can explain it to me because I just do not get it.

Again, not to take anything away from the fantastic win your horse got especially with a close like your horse had in the race.

[Laurierace]

No offense to the OP but they obviously don't think much of the horse and put it in a spot where they thought they had a chance to win. The purse was God awful. A win is a win and its definitely something to be celebrated but expect a big drop next time out as this horse may have just lost its best friend (maiden condition)

[Blinkers On]

Steve's alright, Blasi is ok in my books as is Toby and the rest of the crew. They do a very good job.
I've dealt with them on a professional basis. Saddled the odd one for them. They are good people, contrary to popular belief

[TrueColours]

Laurierace - I am ***HOPING*** that they tried to sneak an easy race in for him for his debut and that he would fly under the radar, not get claimed and would run a good race, but I also agree 100% - losing his maiden condition with the light works that he had leading up to this race (2 of them recently and 4 back in April and then he disappeared totally for a few months) I dont know if *I*would consider that to be the smartest of moves either ...

I wonder, on the flip side though, once he goes up against NW3 if he will have better condition by that stage and they literally treated this race like another "work" and nothing more. From the beginning, the thoughts were that this colt needed to go long so perhaps that is the ultimate game plan with him and this race was just a "gimme" along the way

I am hoping that he moves UP after this win, with longer distances but I guess only time will tell

And yes Pat - I would have thought a MSW would have made a whole lot more sense for this colt as well

Oh well - I still keep hoping for great things for this colt to increase the value of MY foal out of this mare in 2009, for the 2010 yearling sales ... :)

[Toadie's mom]

Steve's alright, Blasi is ok in my books as is Toby and the rest of the crew. They do a very good job.
I've dealt with them on a professional basis. Saddled the odd one for them. They are good people, contrary to popular belief

Count me in that "popular" group as far as Assmussen is concerned.
"Professional basis" is the key here. If you're not dealing with him professionally he's an arrogant a-hole. And don't make excuses for him like people do about Dutrow. Just because you're successful, doesn't mean you can't be nice.

Anyway, TrueColours.....I'm going to Retama next month. Doubt if I can get my partner to go early enough to go to the barns before the races start, but if so I'll look "your" baby up.

[summerly]

He is what he is, no punches. Somebody you'd rather run a horse for then against. A very very talented, smart, horsemen, probably be just as succesful on Wall St. then at his present carreer. He pays attention to every detail, no matter how small, with every horse, at every string. It's no surprise to find him pulling manes, and clipping ears at his barn. He is not unapproachable either. You should have asked him about the horse, he was just at the sales @ Woodbine last week!

[SleepyFox]

Laurierace - I am ***HOPING*** that they tried to sneak an easy race in for him for his debut and that he would fly under the radar, not get claimed and would run a good race, but I also agree 100% - losing his maiden condition with the light works that he had leading up to this race (2 of them recently and 4 back in April and then he disappeared totally for a few months) I dont know if *I*would consider that to be the smartest of moves either ...

I wonder, on the flip side though, once he goes up against NW3 if he will have better condition by that stage and they literally treated this race like another "work" and nothing more. From the beginning, the thoughts were that this colt needed to go long so perhaps that is the ultimate game plan with him and this race was just a "gimme" along the way

I am hoping that he moves UP after this win, with longer distances but I guess only time will tell

Congrats on the nice win!

I'm just arm chair QB-ing here, but I'm assuming the ran him short to get him fit. I would expect to see them stretch him out next time. With that big margin by which he won, I doubt they'll drop him next time. They might not bump him up, but if they drop him below $10k, they probably want to get rid of him.

I think they ran him where they thought he'd have an easy trip. They weren't worried about a claim at all. No one is going to take a Canandian bred first time starter off of Steve Asmussen. They might look at him next time after this nice win, but he was perfectly safe in this race. I would suspect whoever was making the decision wanted to get the horse an easy race rather than putting him over his head. That's what I would have done with him. I wouldn't be holding my breath for him to show up at the Fairgrounds in a stakes, but I would expect him to go on and be a useful horse. Nice job!

[TrueColours]

Well - he's in again today in a $19,000 Allowance at 7 1/2 furlongs this time, so cross your fingers that he continues to do well! :)

[Acertainsmile]

Good luck! Where and what race?

[TrueColours]

Here you go ...

Horse name Promise Me Wine
Notes
Activity type Entry
Activity date 10-11-2008
Track Retama Park
Surface Turf
Distance 7 1/2 Furlongs
Race number 8
Purse $19,000
Race type Allowance
Post position 2
Jockey Tejera E A
Race entry http://www.drf.com/entries/11/eRET11.html#8

[TrueColours]

Actually - I have a question with regards to this race:

8th (10:08)

7 1/2 Furlongs (Turf) | Open | 2 Year Olds Allowance | Purse: $19,000

Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 2 Promise Me Wine Tejera E A Asmussen Steven M 119 L 5-2
1A 10 Valid Bluff McNeil T Asmussen Cheryl 119 L 5-2
2 5 Lucky Raja Purcell K Davidson M Brent 1145 L 10-1
2B 12 Cashinmywranglers Chacaltana J Davidson M Brent 1145 L 10-1
3 1 Holly Jet Bourque S J Pish Danny 119 Blk-On L 8-1
4 3 Encolure Guzman J Locke John G 116 L 6-1
5 4 Club Tejano Rodriguez O Asmussen Steven M 119 L 7-2
6 6 Valid Commitment Collier J Edison Joe 116 L 30-1
7 7 Lucky Seventeen Taylor L Northrop George Jr 119 L 10-1
8 8 Austin Ridge Ramos A B Kotara Ronald 119 L 20-1
9 9 Skip Go Away Figueroa J Torrez Jerenesto 119 L 10-1
10 11 Another Slew Walker B J Jr Calhoun W. B 119 L 10-1


A-Coupled: Promise Me Wine and Valid Bluff

B-Coupled: Lucky Raja and Cashinmywranglers

Exacta / Trifecta (10 Cent Minimum) / Superfecta (10 Cent Minimum) Double (Races 8-9)(12% Takeout


Why are Promise Me Wine and Valid Bluff coupled as an entry (Promise Me Wine is trained by Steve Asmussen and Valid Bluff is trained by Cheryl Asmussen) but the # 5 horse - Club Tejano - is also trained by Steve Asmussen?

Who decides which out of the 3 of these Asmussen trained horses in this race get coupled as an entry - the trainer, the stewards or is it the luck of the draw and done on a "shake" basis? And if memory serves me correctly, you can also have 3 horses in an entry and if so - why wasnt that done in this case?

Thanks! :)

[Blinkers On]

Yay True Colours!!! Good luck!
Looks like hey did just run him cheap first time out and he continues to show some ability and run through his conditions!
Maybe he might even end up at Woodbine and you'd get to watch him live!
As to why they are coupled, do they have a common owner?

[Blinkers On]

Count me in that "popular" group as far as Assmussen is concerned.
"Professional basis" is the key here. If you're not dealing with him professionally he's an arrogant a-hole. And don't make excuses for him like people do about Dutrow. Just because you're successful, doesn't mean you can't be nice.

Anyway, TrueColours.....I'm going to Retama next month. Doubt if I can get my partner to go early enough to go to the barns before the races start, but if so I'll look "your" baby up.

I think as most of us have said. The guy is ok.
As someone else said the top guys who operate big barns have very qualified staff and are aware of the horses in their care. Period.
I think the arrogant nature of a great many very successful individuals is earned. I've never known him to be anything but a good guy to deal with. Which is a part of the reason he has a huge operation. The other factor is that he wins races. But with winning at a high percentage does sort of give the odd few an "it's my right to win races" arrogance.. that can turn to whiny. It's sort of "small man (jock's) syndrome" for trainers. Sometimes that really turns people off. I get that.

[Linny]

Successful people in all endeavors become accustomed to being sought after and can get arrogant. Asmussen has a pretty good team, top to bottom from Curlin on down.
His is an unusual operation in that they are active at some many levels, though admittedly, the "super elite" level is new to his barn since Curlin came to town. Nonetheless, they had major G1 types like Summerly as well as modest horses (like Golden Hare, one of the winningest TB's of the last decade) and did well with all of them.

Obviously they were looking to get Promise Me Wine into a pretty easy debut spot and hoped no one would take him. Funny thing is that Asmussen wins alot first out but rarely works horses fast so any talent is often a barn secret as opposed to everyone seeing those bullets. The fact that he won by 11+ indcates that he may have some ability and the barn must think so as he's entered in an allowance not a "claiming non winner of 2" this time around.