Steve Asmussen
In 2002, Asmussen won his first national training title by number of victories, as his outfit saddled an impressive 407 winners. However, he outdid himself last year, winning a record 555 races, over 180 more than his closest competitor. His training career began with both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses in New Mexico in 1986. He has won training titles at Lone Star Park, Keeneland, Fair Grounds, Churchill Downs, Remington Park, Sam Houston, and Retama Park, and is the all-time leading trainer at Lone Star. He was born into a racing family - his father, Keith, is a former jockey; his mother, Marilyn, is a trainer, and brother Cash was a champion rider in the U.S. and Europe.
Jerry Bailey
A member of Thoroughbred racing's Hall of Fame 1995 class, Texas-native Bailey began riding at Sunland Park in New Mexico and won with his first mount. Since those humble beginnings, he has become one of the premiere riders in the game. In 2003, Bailey broke his own record for North American earnings, as his mounts earned over $23 million; he also had a record 70 North American stakes wins. Last year, Bailey continued his success, though he was hampered statisically after suffering a wrist injury at his home, which caused him to miss a few months of riding time during the lucrative fall racing season. Nevertheless, he wound up in fifth spot on the 2004 earnings list when his mounts netted over $14.5 million. Last year saw him win Grade One stakes on Pleasantly Perfect, Sightseek, Peace Rules, and Kitten's Joy. He has won six Eclipse Awards and has ridden the major stakes winners Cigar, Skip Away, Hansel and Black Tie Affair, and Derby winners Sea Hero (1993) and Grindstone (1996). He makes his home in Davie, Florida, with his wife Suzee and son Justin.
Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC
Winchell Thoroughbreds is a partnership between Joan and her son Ron, who are continuing their racing business after the death of husband and father Verne in November, 2002. The Winchells are also involved in several commercial building interests, including shopping centers, restaurants, and industrial developments. Verne was the creator of a large chain of donut shops that was sold to Denny’s restaurants. They keep racehorses with trainers Ron McAnally, Steve Asmussen, and Michael Dickinson. They own Oak Wind Farm, located near Lexington, Kentucky. Their colt Tapit, made a splash on the 2004 Derby scene, but has since been retired.
T. F. Van Meter and Michael Lowenbaum (KY)
Tom Van Meter is the co-owner of Eaton Sales located near Lexington, KY. Eaton Sales was founded over 30 years ago by Lee Eaton, who subsequently sold the company to Van Meter and Reiley McDonald. Eaton focuses on selling thoroughbreds through public auction, and are annually one of the top sellers at Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton. They also oversee the boarding of some clients' mares, foals and yearlings.
05.04.05 - Wednesday Barn Notes 05.03.05 - Tuesday Barn Notes 05.02.05 - Monday Barn Notes 05.01.05 - Sunday Barn Notes 04.30.05 - Saturday Barn Notes 04.29.05 - Friday Barn Notes 04.28.05 - Thursday Barn Notes 04.09.05 - Sis City Wins Her Third In A Row With Ashland Victory 3.12.05 - Summerly Stamps Ticket To Louisville With Easy Fair Grounds Oaks Win 2.12.05 - Summerly Impresses In Silverbulletday
SUMMERLY is a beautiful filly who reminds people a lot of a junior version of Lady Tak, who contested this race for Steve Asmussen two years ago. Probable pacesetter is reunited with Jerry Bailey here after a disastrous pairing with Gary Stevens last out in the Ashland, where she encountered trouble at the start and was unable to make the lead. Likely to be tested early again here and they may elect to sit second or third and concede the lead to less proven rivals who stretch out. Not sure how she'll run if asked to rate as most of her performances off the lead have been substandard. Thinking the pace of this race will cost her a chance to steal it on the front end and it's hard to imagine she'll rate kindly and pass a couple of talented speedsters while reserving enough to hold off the closers. Willing to play against.
Summerly is by Summer Squall, the sire of 1999 Derby winner Charismatic. Summer Squall, who represents the fabled Northern Dancer line, ran second to Unbridled in the Kentucky Derby (GI) and won the Preakness Stakes (GI), Jim Beam Stakes (GII), and Blue Grass Stakes (GII) on the way to earning over $1.8 million. In addition to Charismatic, Summer Squall is the sire of 1996 champion two year old filly Storm Song and millionaire Summer Colony. Summer Squall is also a half brother to 1992 horse of the year A.P. Indy. He stood at Lanes End farm in Kentucky until being pensioned in 2004 due to fertility problems.
Summerly is the second foal from her dam, Here I Go. Her first offspring was stakes placed at two, finishing third in the grassy Kimberlite Pipe at Kentucky Downs. Here I Go had some success at Churchill Downs, running second in the 1 1/16 miles Golden Rod Stakes (GIII) as a two-year-old. She is a daughter of Mr. Prospector, generally considered a sprint influence until his son Fusaichi Pegasus won the 2000 Kentucky Derby. There is considerable distance influence on the female side of Here I Go's pedigree. Her dam is a daughter of the only unbeaten Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew. And her granddam, Darby Shuffle, is by Darby Creek Road, who ran second in the Wood Memorial (GI) and third in the Belmont (GI), behind Affirmed and Alydar. Darby Creek Road is a son of Roberto, who is showing up less frequently in modern American pedigrees. Roberto was one of the best European horses of the early '70's who had no problem going a route of ground.
Dosage Index: 3.57
CDSN » Churchill Downs Simulcast Network » 
