POST SCRIPT: Sumwon 5-26
 

Another deliriously fun afternoon at Churchill Downs for the Dee Tee crew and Sumwonlovesyou!!

Most importantly... Sumwon exited her second place effort in Saturday's 7th in fine order: a bit more tired than after her effort in April, but bright, alert and happy to greet the 15+ partners who visited her at Barn 14 afterwards. She ate up last night, and was a picture of health, happiness and soundness Sunday morning.

POSITIVES ABOUND..

Other than hitting the wire first, Sumwonlovesyou's return to allowance company results in nothing but positives, and there are pluses to finishing second in this spot as well (retaining the condition while padding her earnings with a $10,000 check). The sophomore daughter of Came Home and Mysterious Moll continues to learn and improve with every start under the expert direction of Chuck Simon, his staff and Willie Martinez.

DEMONSTRATES TRACTABILITY..

Sumwon added a new attribute to her bag of tricks Saturday, rating willingly and comfortably for Martinez after being used early to gain position into the first turn. Into the backstretch, Martinez followed the script rehearsed with Chuck beforehand, allowing Kooky Kent D. and Dale Roman's $200,000 4yo Phillips Pride to set the pace.

TAKES DIRT FOR FIRST TIME..

Taking dirt in her face for the first time, Sumwon was content to listen to Slick Willie. "She ate a lot of dirt and it didn't bother her a lick," Martinez told Simon after the race. "She wanted to go but let me give her the word when." Approaching the turn, Martinez gave her the 'word', got to the leader effortlessly, and loomed a threat for all the money by the top of the long Churchill lane. That's when the action really got interesting...

STAYS ON BETWEEN HORSES..

As Sumwon tried for the advantage on the front end, Steve Asmussen's Humble Janet was sneaking through on the rail under Shaun Bridgmohan, and a patient Robby Albarado was rallying wide outside on Ralph Nicks' Le Chateau, the even money favorite. As Nicks' Chester House filly and Sumwon tussled as Phillips Pride gave way, Humble Janet grabbed the lead briefly, only to find Sumwon unwilling to allow her to get away.

With horses challenging her left and right, Sumwon addressed the rail runner first as the three came together before the eighth pole. "She took the heart right out of the filly on the rail when we passed her," said Willie, "and she wanted the one outside us too." The top pair edged forward in the next sixteenth, and as in Sumwon's April placing, with every reason to pack it in, Sumwon persevered to the wire. She was a head shy as the camera snapped, but refused to stop running after the finish galloping out past the winner.

MARTINEZ: "She's a sweetheart.."

"Man she's a sweetheart to ride Chuck," Willie smiled on the track apron as he grudgingly accepted the near-miss. "Anything I ask she does, and she tried twice as hard as last time. She took a lot of dirt and didn't flinch.. went and got Kent's horse when I want.. didn't bother when we bumped or shy a bit when we all come together at the top of the stretch. She don't stop trying... We're going to get our wins."

HAPPY PARTNERS.. GROWING FAN BASE..

With partners, their family and friends totaling more than 20, the mood created by Sumwon's performance was ebullient. Additionally, with Chuck's popularity at the Downs, a growing familiarity with the Churchill fans, her dogged style and rise from $15,000 claimer ranks to $50,000 allowance runner, Sumwon's fan base continues to swell. Several dozen railbirds expressed well wishes to the Dee Tee faithful, Chuck and Willie, many saying they had bet her in April and were eagerly awaiting this next start.

They, and anyone else with an interest in Sumwonlovesyou, couldn't have been disappointed... There is only one rational conclusion to be drawn from Saturday's experience, and that is one of total contentment with the progress of this $24,000 purchase. Sumwonlovesyou continues to mature, improve and perform far above anyone's expectation. She should only continue to get better as the year progresses, and her demonstration of a willingness to run as far as she is asked opens the door to an even wider number of opportunities going forward.

I hope everyone enjoyed this third forray for Dee Tee Stables, and Chuck, his staff and I graciously thank all that have been so supportive and appreciative of the undertaking. It's an exciting adventure, and everyone shares in the experience. Much more to come when Chuck gets an opportunity to add his thoughts about Saturday and what lies ahead...

great job steve,chuck and staff..do we have a beyer/tg fig..

its an absolutely brilliant story.. its great to read how well she's doing and how much enjoyment all the people are getting here from her..

Wonderful write-up Steve!

Willie seems really great.

winner got an 83

nice write up Steve.

Going to have to get a dictionary with all those fancy words you use

Sumwon got an 83 also.

Super job Steve, Chuck and everyone else in the DT family!!!!

WOW!

Spyder

Just an incredible race to watch. It's amazing how my heart jumps out of my chest during the stretch runs of these races, not owning any of her, just pulling so hard for you guys to get into the winner's circle one of these times.

It really has been so much fun to watch her progress and to see how everyone (more or less!) comes together on the forum over her, owner or not.

Congrats to all the owners!

I'm not an owner but you better believe I was shouting when she came down the stretch yesterday. Its a good story to follow.

Very nice summary, Steve. You're a good writer.

Congrats to the Simon racing team and to all the partners.

This story gets better and better. Please, please get to Saratoga (or points in the mid-atlantic), so that I can start making it to the races. I need to make my appearance so that I can be assured that a big star will want my role in the movie script I see on the horizon. I've been told I look a little like Nicolas Cage, if it's not too early for a plug.

I felt bad after the race because I wanted the crew to get in the winner's circle. There really isn't a better feeling than getting your picture taken, and dag nabbit, sumwon deserved to have hers taken yesterday.

Oh well. It's coming sooner rather than later. She's a fighter and has the heart of a champion.

Sumwon has to be the purchase of the year. Further, the job Chuck has done with her is just amazing. I hope to be able to make it out to her next race which I am sure will be a winning one.

I can't say enough in the way of thanks to Chuck and Steve for allowing me to be part of this amazing journey.

Paul

While I almost broke my leg on Wednesday getting O Bee Naki home, my hand is extremely sore from a curled up Arlington house form getting into Sumwon.....

What was great is that these Ragozin guys that my dad and I were sitting in front of were saying "NO WAY this horse hits the board, 7 pt top, stupid money" I turn around and smile at them. Half of the gold room was all over her including friends of Dellinger (owners of Taylor) who my dad and I sit next to all the time now. It was awesome

Thanks Steve and Chuck
 

This has been a great experience owning a part of her and what a ride.
What a great purchase and it is gratifying to see Chuck and his team and Steve get some nice purse money in the last two starts and retaining her conditions. Can't wait to see her at Saratoga in August and if lucky to get to see her race when our family makes our trip there.

Thanks again,

Paul:)

Seems like you have found a nice equine ATM. I know that everyone wants a win, but she keeps her condition, but just keeps on making money for the DeeTee team. Way to earn her keep...

ALostTexan

Just one more Place finish at this level and Dee Tee gets the purchase price back. Just need to get a win at this level to get the purchase price and Chuck taken care of.

After the race Sumwon was definately into eatting. Got peppermints she's got the time.. otherwise she just wanted to left with her oats.

I don't know what I saw going into the top of the stretch. Was Willie or Sumwon trying to not Le Chateau by - knock her off stride? :) The run to the wire tells me she wants to win. She belongs in allowance company - just keeps running into better horses.

Maybe she can move forward. I'm sure Chuck has a better idea of what she is capable of. To go from low to mid level claimers to this is great. Better than I hoped for.

My racing and non-racing friends love hearing about her. I have a friend that insists on coming with me to see her next race. I don't know if she can feel the love :o but I know there are people all over the country and some outside the country that are cheering for her.

This has been really great. I never really cared about going to the track until now.

I'm thrilled for all...the owners, the trainer, the jock...EVERYONE!!!
So cool!

Simply thrilled with her progress! Many thabks to Chuck, Steve and rest of team.

So happy to be involved with this gutsy filly. Could not have asked for more.

Does Willy travel to Saratoga? Very nice to have a Jock taking an interest in her.

It is definitely an awesome story. Maybe with Steve's talent he could write a book about it after she gets a graded win or two!!! The bottom line is that Chuck and Cherie and the rest of the crew have improved this filly at least 20 lengths thus far. How much more, who knows. It was great to meet some of the partners who made the race for the first time. Also had a ball with the usual suspects. Steve and Chuck made a nice find on this filly. Can't wait till we meet again.

The Roger Vice crew? Hopefully they learned a little yesterday. She ran great.

Great job everyone! I missed the race and only just got to an internet connection. Thank you Chuck, Cherie, Steve, Willie and everyone else involved in her care. That she runs so well is a testament to her daily good care.

I am really hoping to make it to the next race!

I echo these sentiments. I was hoping you guys would be taking the picture as I watched here at home. Great story. Glad to hear she came back healthy and sound. 83 is a nice number, too. ;)

Looking forward to the next run!

I would also like to thank all the members on this board that had enough faith in Steve and Mr. Simon for shelling out the bucks so we could all enjoy. Lots of things on the internet are quite shady, we are all lucky that trust in other people's good will exists here.

That really makes this whole situation quite unique and refreshing for me. Its nice to be a part of a group of honest, trustworthy folks. So a pat on the back to the partners who joined. We have been very fortunate so far in many ways. This little venture has been very kind to us. It did not necessarily have to work out this well... knock on my wood head.

Please tell me they didn't pound her and aren't responsible for the low odds.

This was abolutely a gas and we didn't win. The track photographer said it was the most 2nd place photos they have sold besides the Derby. It was great meeting everyone (plus 20). One thing I will say is if the next time she runs and you're on the fence between coming or not hurdle the fence and GO!

Scavs see ya tomorrow and want a beer if you have any of that pic 6 money left. Lol

Steve, that's a great summation of a fantastic effort by Sumwon on a beautiful day at Churchill Downs. You and Chuck and crew are doing a wonderful job. The win would have been the only thing that could've made it a little sweeter. It was good to see such a nice turn out of DTers. Benny Leger is correct, this is a wonderful story that could get even better.
Thanks again.

Chris

I agree wholeheartedly. Steve and I were joking yesterday about it being a made-for-TV movie story (mainly trying to decide who would play me), but I was really only half-kidding.. It's incredible.

Not enough can be said about what a great job Chuck has done and continues to do with this filly. Like many, I definitely thought he'd move her up after the purchase, but the extent to which she improved has been a very pleasant surprise to say the least, and probably has even startled the staunchest optimists.

The positive reverberations of this venture are many and fantastically significant. While this board is already a fairly closely knit community, the journey of Dee Tee Stables and Sumwonlovesyou has brought everyone together in ways other meesage board administrations would never have been clever enough to dream of.

Owners have been able to meet each other at some of the world's most historic racetracks, and non-owners have joined one another in unfeigned rooting and fervent interest in this $15,000 maiden claimer turned dynamite, potentially stakes-bound filly.

As long as I've known Steve, he's been a smart and creative guy who gets genuine joy out of bringing people together and both teaching and learning the ins and outs of this game. Well, with that spirit, some great training, lots of hard work and a little bit of luck, he's embarked on something that is rapidly becoming a truly inspiring, fascinating and remarkable story and has more than fulfilled those goals of Steve's that I just mentioned.

Considering that he sleeps about 37 seconds a night, he doesn't have a ton of time to soak it all in, but watching this from the periphery (and in that I mean without a share in the partnership), I can assure him that this thing has already been an OUTSTANDING success and he should be tremendously proud of what he's done.

Hey 2nd's aint bad. Now years ago we had a gutsy gelding (Not named Funny Cide!)QH that ran 7 2nd's in a row. I finally told the jock, "Look, I dont care if you have to jump off, DONT RUN 2nd!!!!!" lol But those checks sure are nice.

I said it last time, but I think it bears repeating.

I am happy for all in involved. I have no stake in this horse (other than the really nice double I was sitting on had she won yesterday), but what brings me the most pleasure in this whole ordeal is to see this girl paying for herself these past two races. For Chuck to be doing what he is doing, out of the kindness of his own heart, gives faith in the principle that good things happen to good people. You can search far and wide and not find many trainers that would do what he is doing.





Chuck, with that all said, introduce me to your hotwalker....she is smoking:o

THANKS to steve and chuck for all the hard work and for being such great hosts.
thanks chuck and Sumwon for the great day friday at the barn. lunch with chuck, kelly and martin was a excellent afternoon.
it was GREAT to finally meet partners and spend the afternoon with all. what a decent and friendly group.
to echo Dell's statement. GO!! to the next race! my wife and i CAN"T wait to go again! you have NO idea what a great time you are missing!
IF you get the chance to go the day before, go back to barn and spend it with our star! Sumwon was great to watch workout and hang out with.
most of all race day, how can you not love her heart and her effort!
we are working on our pictures, hope to get them up tonight or tomorrow.

just got home a little while ago--long drive back, but no way we wouldn't do it again in a moment! kids had a blast, i know i did! i'll get pics up tomorrow, don't feel like tackling downloading tonite.
we went by the barn this morning for a few minutes before tackling the drive home, i got a few pics of sumwon lounging in the straw.

thanks to chuck, cherie and the rest of his crew--they have done a magnificent job with sumwon. and of course, thanks to our fearless leader, steve!!

Congrats to all of the owners, but a special congrats to Chuck. You have done a wonderful job with this filly.

Thank you all for sharing your story with us. Wonderful recap Steve!

How long a drive was it? Glad you're glad you showed up. Can't wait to see the pics.

about 10 1/2 hours, but i tried to stay around 80....hehe. troopers were out in force, but thank goodness for people who drive a bit faster than me!

glad i showed up too, well worth it--just wish i hadn't woken up at 2:30 am, and then couldn't get back to sleep....

had a BLAST! there were a lot of high points, but i still can't believe chuck handing me his cell and saying, here, say hi to randy romero!! man, what a DAY!

so when are you coming to a race so we can meet?? and hooves too, the one who thought this scheme up to begin with?

If she finds a spot in New York, I'll be there with bells on.

That makes two of us. And I know about 6 more.

Thanks to everyone for the continued expressions of pleasure and excitement over what we're doing together and Joey for very accurately capturing my feelings thoughts/towards the project..

It's more than any of us could have hoped of in terms of the 'ownership experience'..

Great job, Steve, Chuck and all the rest of the partners. Like GPK, I'm just on the bandwagon, but this is just so much fun to follow Sumwon and root her (and you guys!) on. Thanks for taking the risk and making this happen. Glad to hear that she came out of the race in good shape and look forward to rooting her on in the next one. Congratulations, guys, and keep up the good work!:)

Well said, Joey. I couldn't be happier... I got stuck at a wedding on Saturday and missed watching the live race, but I was screaming my a$$ off when I got home to watch the replay (even though I knew the outcome.) I am so happy for all involved with this hard knocking filly. :)