BloodHorse.com

The first winner for Cuvee in the United States came on May 8 at Lone Star Park when his first-crop 2-year-old colt, Border Cuvee, defeated a maiden field in his racing debut.

The colt, out of First Stage, by Relaunch, won the 4 1/2 furlong race impressively, dueling on the inside of rivals before he shook clear inside the furlong marker and drew away by three lengths under good handling.

Border Cuvee was bred in Kentucky by the Asmussen family and trained at the El Primero Training Center in Laredo, Texas. Border Cuvee races for owner Keith Asmussen and is trained by his son, Steve.

Cuvee, while racing for Ron Winchell, was co-highweighted on the "Experimental Free Handicap" in 2003. The son of Carson City--Christmas Star, by Star de Naskra, began his racing career with an impressive 6 1/4-length win at 4 1/2 furlongs at Churchill Downs.

He returned to win the Kentucky Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. III) that year by 8 1/4 lengths. His success continued as he won the Futurity Stakes (gr. I) by 8 1/4 lengths and the Saratoga Special Stakes (gr. II) by 7 1/2 lengths, defeating the favored Pomeroy and the undefeated Limehouse.

Cuvee stands for $10,000 at Gainesway near Lexington and is booked full for 2008.