Grand Prairie, Texas (Tuesday, August 11, 2020) - What a proud moment for the Asmussen family tonight when jockey Keith James, son of the winning Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen and grandson of winning owner Keith Asmussen, won his first stakes race, the $100,000 Texas Thoroughbred Futurity, aboard Super Stock. It was the young rider's first ever stakes win from a new riding gig he began this season due to a break from school at the University of Texas due to COVID-19. It was just his fifth career victory, as well.

Favorite Super Stock ($5.60), a Kentucky-bred son of Dialed In, raced between horses with the pace before shaking clear at the top of the stretch and going on to win by three and a half lengths over Lucky Promise ($7.50) in second and Hulen ($2.80) third. Final time for the five and a half furlong stake was 1:04.95 over a fast track.

What a celebration it was in the winner circle! You've never seen prouder parents than Steve and Julie Asmussen congratulating their first born son on his first stakes win. His grandparents Marilyn and Keith were certainly watching from their home in Laredo, Texas. You could almost feel them bursting with pride.

"Every aspect of his connections having a family affair means the world to me," said jockey Keith James Asmussen.

"Racing has given us so many blessings as a family," said winning Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen. "And just speaking to my mom and dad after the race, you know, to be able to make your parents that happy in the circumstances in which it happens with Keith James riding for them, is a true blessing."

This was also Super Stock's first career win. His initial start was last month at Keeneland on a yielding turf course, for which he didn't care. He returned to Lone Star and ran second in an open maiden special weight. Third time was definitely the charm for everyone involved.

Super Stock earned a cool $68,188 breaking his maiden in this futurity.

Full order of finish behind the first three was Policy Limit in fourth, followed by Island Sun, Bobby Brinkley, K C Tiz Moro, Stans Hookin Bull and Redbird's Interest.

Stewart Elliott Rides Kandy Ginger to Victory in the Filly Division of the $100,000 Texas Thoroughbred Futurity

Erv Woolsey & Keith Asmussen's homebred filly, Kandy Ginger, took the $100,000 edition for the fillies. Ridden by Stewart Elliott and trained by Steve Asmussen, the Ontario-bred daughter of Kanthanos raced wide around the turn, grabbing the lead at the top of the stretch and widening the gap under urging. It was three and a quarter lengths back to Becca's Bouquet for the place, and another five and a half to Onna Musha for show. Fourth place went to Swift Red Bird, followed by Doha, Great Affection, Bebop Baby and Julio Choice. Final time for the five and a half furlongs was 1:05.35.

"It's great to win here at Lone Star Park," said winning trainer Steve Asmussen. "Erv Woolsey and my dad have had a longtime partnership and have run horses here for all of the 20-something years. To have two stakes winners on the same night for them is a blessing."

For those who placed wagers, favorite Kandy Ginger returned $2.80, $2.40 and $2.20. Becca's Bouquet paid $4.40 and 2.80, while Onna Musha paid $3.00 to show.

This was the second career win for Kandy Ginger from as many starts. She added $67,061 to bring her earnings to $87,221.