Back in KY

Sumwonlovesyou arrived back in Kentucky Tuesday morning after the 12 hour drive from the Fair Grounds. She shipped well and went out for a two mile jog this morning. I am going to try to work her this weekend as long as the track conditions are good. We are supposed to get some rain but who knows? As of now we are still on track for the 11th at Keeneland. I know that there are many people who want to get over to see her and please dont hesitate to contact me or just show up if you like. She generally trains later in the morning so if you want to see her on the track take that into consideration. Afternoon visits are ok too though I like to leave the barn quiet for a couple hours between 11 and 2 if possible. We generally take care of the horses (feed, walk, graze,etc.) between 3 and 5 in the afternoon so that may be a good time for those not inclined to wake up early. I am still working on getting us a jockey for the 11th. The agents for the top jockeys are understandably a bit leery of riding a horse that broke it maiden for a claiming tag in a Keeneland allowance. But I feel pretty confident that I will be able to get us someone who will fit her style and try hard.

Sumwonlovesyou works

Sumwonlovesyou worked today at the Fair Grounds going 5 furlongs in 104. She went in company with a maiden filly named Romantic Journey, who was going her first 5/8 ths. Sumwonlovesyou broke off about a length and a half behind the other filly going down the backside. She rated there until the eighth pole where her rider nudged on her a little and she took off. She was about 3 lengths clear of the other filly at the wire and galloped out well going 6 furlongs in 116.4. Willie Dunn worked her because Cherie is at a wedding this weekend (not her own) and he was impressed by Sumwons' acceleration when he asked her. She cooled out fine and seemed to be in good shape after the work. What we were wanting to do today was to get her to sit off of another horses lead and be patient enough to wait until the rider asked her before she moved. She did very well despite the slow pace set by Romantic Journey. We are set to ship on Monday afternoon and she should be bedded down at Churchill by early Tuesday morning. I am planning on getting two more works into her before the race on the 11th. I am working on a jockey for that spot and will let you guys know who as soon as we figure it out ourselves.

Wednesday Update

All is well in Sumwonlovesyous' world right now. She has been traveling great, minding her manners, and simply getting better everyday. There has been very little new information and I have been unbelievably busy which is the reason why it has been so long since my last post. The plan as of now is to work 1/2 mile on Saturday and ship to Churchill Downs on Monday. She should have at least two more works before we race her. Right now we are shooting for an April 11th start at Keeneland in an allowance race on the turf. There aren't a whole lot of options on the turf right now and as such have to take what is given to us when it comes to available races.

We were lucky enough to get a visit on Monday morning from Deb (Danzig188) and her husband Tony who drove down from Arkansas to see the filly. Part of the fun of this partnership from my standpoint is to see nice people like them who ordinarily would not have a chance to be involved with a horse like this, have so much fun with it. They were also smart enough to realize that feeding the trainer would put them in good graces forever. Looking forward to seeing everyone back in Kentucky.

Training Update

As per Riot's request, here is a training update on Sumwonlovesyou. She came out of her work in good order and has been training well since. We are still doing a lot of jogging and standing out on the track with her and it seems to be making a difference. Cherie is spending a lot of time on her back, walking around the backstretch. Unfortunately there are very few options to do anything off the track at the Fair Grounds (no grassy areas, horse paths, etc). Physically she seems to be keeping her weight fine and is eating everything we give her. We are shipping out on the 26th, to Churchill Downs where she will be stabled this spring.

Todays Work

Sumwonlovesyou had her first official work today at the Fair Grounds. She worked four furlongs after the break around 9:00 am. She backed up (jogged the wrong way on the track) for 1 1/2 miles before hooking up with my pony. They galloped to the 5/8ths pole where the ponyboy set her free. Sumwon broke off nicely from the 1/2 mile pole and settled into a steady pace around the turn. She did not switch leads on time going into or coming out of the turn, which we are attributing to poor habits she had developed. She responded well at the 3/16th pole and finished up strong while galloping out on her wrong lead. She was a bit winded pulling up but quickly recovered. The clockers did not post a time for her probably because they (like alot of us) misspelled her name. I did not clock her but believe she went around 51 for the 1/2 mile. The time was not important as I was pleased that she was willing to listen to the rider and not just take off. I think that as she gains confidence and trust she will do better with her lead changes and anxiety around other horses. She has gotten significantly better in that regard and hopefully will continue to improve. As for a race, it is increasingly looking like Keeneland will be our best bet. It is not that she could not run now (if there was a race) but I want to get her where I'm satisfied that we have got her 100%.