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What Next For Curlin? - July 14th, 2008

By Jordan Walters
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer

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Curlin’s five-race winning streak ended on Saturday at Belmont Park, as the 2007 Horse of the Year finished second in his turf debut to Red Rocks at the Man o’War Stakes.

“He didn't grab me like he normally does," jockey Robby Albarado said. "His acceleration was a little different. It wasn't an awful race, and he was up against it with two Breeders' Cup winners. I'd like to see him get another shot on the turf. It was like a first race for him, a new chapter. He felt comfortable over it. But to say that he loves it? Maybe next time will be his show-up race."

The plan by Curlin’s handlers was for the 4-year-old to get used to the turf in anticipation of racing in the Oct. 5 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. With that second-place showing, will those plans change?

"Physically, he came out of the race great,” trainer Steve Asmussen said. “There is no time frame - the evaluation will be continual. Our options are open."

Owner Jess Jackson said those options could include another start on turf, which if successful, possibly could be at Longchamp for the Prix Foy on Sept. 14 ahead of the Arc.

 

"We know what he can do on dirt, so we can always go back,” Jackson said. “We'll need to see how he rebounds from this race, and then I'll talk to Steve."

There are no precedents for an American horse winning either the Arc or any other major middle-distance European Flat race. Three American-trained horses have tried their luck in the Arc. El Senor was 9th in 1991, Tom Rolfe finished sixth in 1965, three years after Carry Back was 10th.

Red Rocks, the 2006 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner, has now won six of 19 career starts. Trainer Brian Meehan said this of his horse’s future: "We will see how he is over the next few days but the Breeders' Cup will be his main plan, and what we do between now and then is up for discussion."

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