DRF Breeding Standouts: Asmussen-trained fillies impress at Churchill

A pair of 2-year-old fillies from the barn of trainer Steve Asmussen scored solid maiden wins on Thursday’s card at Churchill Downs, as Crazy ‘bout Elvis and Street Story both won 4 1/2-furlong races by open lengths.

Crazy ‘bout Elvis, a Dixie Union filly, swept to the lead in midstretch and pulled away to a 2 3/4-length score in her career debut. She covered the distance in :51.72 and earned a 64 Beyer Speed Figure. Asmussen trains the filly for Kirk and Judy Robison. Kirk Robison purchased her at last year’s Keeneland September yearling sale for $90,000 from breeder Mt. Brilliant Farm.

Crazy ‘bout Elvis is the first foal to race out of the Dynaformer mare Aventina, who is a half-sister to Grade 3 winner Desert Air, stakes winner and graded stakes-placed Desert Demon, and stakes winner Sand Saint. Other family members include stakes winners Cleaning House and Desert Alley.

Two races later, Street Story shook clear in early stretch and pulled away to a 2 1/2-length win under Ricardo Santana Jr., who also rode Crazy ‘bout Elvis. The Street Cry filly covered the 4 1/2 furlongs in :51.92, good for a 60 Beyer. She was making her second start after finishing fifth on June 6 at the same distance and track.

Bred by John Oxley, Street Story was bought for $155,000 at last year’s Keeneland September sale by Whispering Oaks Farm and Carol Castille from Gainesway, agent. Whispering Oaks and Castille co-own the filly with Southern Equine Stable.

Street Story is out of the winning Tale of the Cat mare Perfect Story and is a half-sister to multiple graded stakes-placed winner Medjool. Perfect Story is a half-sister to 2001 Horse of the Year and sire Point Given as well as two other stakes-placed winners. Other notable family members include Grade 2 winner Dignitas and stakes winners Turko’s Turn, U R Unforgettable, Explosive Girl, and Awsugahnow.

Crazy ‘bout Elvis and Street Story’s wins moved Asmussen closer to current Churchill meet leader Mike Maker in the trainers’ standings. Entering Friday’s card, Maker led Asmussen 32 wins to 30 with three days of racing left.