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JUMP TO:DUBAI WORD CUP COVERAGE | BREEDERS' CUP COVERAGE | KENTUCKY DERBY COVERAGE | PREAKNESS COVERAGE | BELMONT COVERAGE7/22/08 -
Courtesy of the Thoroughbred Times Today
Although Monday’s workout was on dirt, where and on what surface 2007 Horse of the Year Curlin (Smart Strike) runs next remain undecided. Curlin breezed an easy half-mile in :51.47 on Monday on a muddy Oklahoma training track. The workout was his first timed move since finishing second in his turf debut in the Man o’ War Stakes (G1) on July 12 at Belmont.
“He came out of it really good,” Scott Blasi, assistant to trainer Steve Asmussen, said Tuesday morning.
“I’m very happy with it.” The Man o’ War snapped a five-race winning streak for Curlin, trained by Asmussen for majority owner Jess Jackson. “I think everybody was so disappointed that he ran second in a Grade 1 between two Breeders’ Cup [Turf (G1)] winners,” Blasi said. “Believe me, we’re very fortunate to have him. There’s no substitute for him.”
As he did last summer and fall, Curlin will use Saratoga as his training base to prepare for his next start. Should he make his next start on grass, the Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes (G1) at 11⁄2 miles onAugust 16 could be a possibility. The 11⁄8-mile Woodward Stakes (G1) on August 30 might be an option if Curlin returns to dirt.
“He’s done really well for us up here. It’s a great surface, and I think he appreciates the cooler weather,” Blasi said. “Right now, you can’t rule anything out. Steve and Jess will get together and decide what’s going to happen. There’s really no pressure on him.”7/13/08 -
Courtesy of the Thoroughbred Times Today
Horse of the Year Curlin emerged from his runner-up finish in the Man o’ War Stakes (G1) on Saturday at Belmont Park in good order, trainer Steve Asmussen said. Making his first start on grass, Curlin finished two lengths behind 2006 John Deere Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) winner Red Rocks (Ire) in the 13⁄8-
mile Man o’ War.
“Physically, he came out of the race great,” Asmussen said. Curlin will resume training at Saratoga Race Course, and Asmussen plans to evaluate the Smart Strike colt throughout the week. At this point, the trainer said he is considering “all options” for Curlin, a career earner of $9,496,800 who entered the Man o’ War with five straight wins, including a victory in the Stephen Foster Handicap (G1) in his previous start on June 14 at Churchill Downs. Asmussen and majority owner Jess Jackson of Stonestreet Stables previously expressed an interest in running Curlin in the $6,243,800 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1), the world’s most lucrative turf race, on October 5 at Longchamp. Jackson said Curlin could be sent to France to make his next start on turf in the Qatar Prix Foy (Fr-G2), a 2,400-meter (11.93-fulong) turf race on September 14 at Longchamp. He also mentioned the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes (Ire-G1),
7/12/08 - Curlin a good 2nd in the Man o'War
Courtesy of the TDN
While Curlin ran respectably to be second, beaten only two lengths in his turf bow, the chestnut's connections appeared unsure of what to make of the result. "We just didn't see that late kick from him today," said the colt's 80-percent owner, Jess Jackson. "I don't know if that was because he is still getting used to the turf or what. These are some of the things I will have to talk to [trainer] Steve [Asmussen] about. My feeling right now is that he needs another turf test. We know what he can do on dirt, and that is always an option."
While Curlin's immediate future is still unknown, Jackson was undeterred by the colt's first loss in six starts. "I'm disappointed, but this is not a setback," said Jackson. "And the horse that beat him is a very good horse, and I congratulate them on a great race."
Jockey Robby Albarado was pragmatic about his mount's first turf attempt. "Obviously, he didn't grab me like he normally does," he said. "It wasn't an awful race. He was up against it with a couple of Breeders' Cup winners. His
acceleration was a little different. He felt great, physically. He wasn't stressed or tired when I pulled him up. It's up to [his connections], but I would like to see him get another chance, another shot on turf. It's like a first race for him, a new chapter. He's got tons of talent and maybe that's what got him second today."7/9/08 - Horse of the Year Curlin cleared to contest Man o’ War
Courtsey of the Thoroughbred Times Today
—Jeff Lowe
Licensing issues apparently have been resolved that will enable Curlin to compete in the Man o’ War Stakes (G1) on Saturday at Belmont Park.
The colt’s eligibility was in question because Shirley Cunningham and Bill Gallion collectively own a 20% share of the five-time Grade/ Group 1 winner. Jess Jackson’s Stonestreet Stables owns the other 80%. Cunningham is not licensed in New York. Normally that only would be a formality, but Cunningham and Gallion face federal charges for allegedly bilking their clients in a lawsuit settlement related to the diet drug Fen-Phen. The clients won a civil judgment against the suspended attorneys, and a Kentucky judge last week ordered an interim receiver, Matthew Garretson, to take control of the management of Cunningham’s and Gallion’s assets. With the order, Garretson as receiver would replace Midnight Cry in Curlin’s ownership makeup for the Man o’ War, said Richard Getty, attorney for Stonestreet. Getty said Stonestreet and Garretson have been approved to enter Curlin in the Man o’ War, but Daniel Toomey, spokesman for the New York Racing and Wagering Board, would only confirm on Tuesday afternoon that the board expects to receive a license application for Garretson within the next day or so. Entries for the Man o’ War will be taken on Thursday.
Curlin, the 2007 Horse of the Year, would make his turf debut in a field that could also include John Deere Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) winners Red Rocks (Ire) and Better Talk Now. Jackson and trainer Steve Asmussen are eager to test Curlin in elite company on turf to gauge whether they should proceed with the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1) as a major target this fall. “I think that’s the question we want answered this weekend—whether he’s of the caliber to be considered for the Arc on the turf,” Asmussen said. “Two previous Breeders’ Cup Turf winners should definitely give us that measure.
“I think the Arc is one of the greatest races in the world, and we’re hoping to prove Curlin is one of the greatest horses in the world. If we can establish a Grade 1 form on him this Saturday at Belmont in the Man o’ War, we will make arrangements from there to get him to Chantilly and start our preparations with him to be comfortable going right [clockwise]. Liking the turf is one thing, going right-handed is another.”7/8/08 - Horse of the Year Curlin breezes at Churchill Downs
Courtesy of the Thorougbred Times Today
Reigning Horse of the Year Curlin continued preparations for his turf debut this weekend with a half-mile breeze on dirt Monday morning at Churchill Downs. Curlin completed an easy four furlongs in :50.80 on the main track rated as fast under regular exercise rider Carlos Rosas. The four-year-old Smart Strike colt is scheduled
to race on turf for the first time on Saturday, in either the Man o’ War Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park or the Arlington
Handicap (G3) at Arlington Park.Curlin worked seven furlongs on turf in 1:31.20 on July1 at Churchill. Trainer Steve Asmussen said he would prefer to start Curlin in the Man o’ War, which is expected to include two previous Breeders Cup Turf (G1) winners in Red Rocks (Ire) and Better Talk Now. Asmussen expects to hear today if a licensing issue involving Midnight Cry Stables, a 20% owner of Curlin, will be cleared in New York. “That race is coming up fabulous,” Asmussen said. “If you’re going to venture overseas, you don’t want to be kidding yourself about how good or bad you are on the turf.”
Curlin’s long-range goal is the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1) on October 5 at Longchamp. This year, Curlin won the Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup (UAEG1) after a prep race in Dubai. He won the Stephen Foster Handicap (G1) on June 14 at Churchill.
—Frank Angst
7/1/08 - Reigning “Horse of the Year” Curlin successfully completed the first step in what could be a journey to Paris to run in the famed Gran Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) with a solid work July 1 under jockey Robby Albarado over the Matt Winn Turf Course at Churchill Downs.
Stonestreet Stables and Midnight Cry Stable’s 4-year-old son of Smart Strike worked in company with Stonestreet’s Hawaii Calls, a 4-year-old son of Fusaichi Pegasus, and covered seven furlongs around the “dogs” on “firm” turf in 1:31.20. The Steve Asmussen-trained champion started the work about one length behind his workmate, who is a two-time winner in eight career starts, and finished on even terms. Curlin finished well as Churchill Downs clockers recorded his final quarter mile in :24.20 and his final eighth in :12.20. He galloped out one mile in 1:45.60. Hawaii Calls was timed in 1:31.40 for the seven furlongs on turf.
“We were very excited to work him, he’s a tremendous athlete,” Asmussen said. “We were very pleased with how he looked. The main thing is that Robby loved how he felt.”
“He was as fluid as always,” Albarado said. “He’s got a great way of moving and he covers a lot of ground and I felt like this morning was no different. His initial steps on the turf were like he knew where he was the whole time. He’s a horse who’s very smart now and he’s very aware of his surroundings, and this morning he felt great.”
Curlin scored an emphatic 4 ¼-length victory in Churchill Downs’ $1 million Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) in his most recent race. It marked his fifth consecutive victory – a string that also includes grade I wins in the $6 million Dubai World Cup, $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic Powered by Dodge, and the $750,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup. The Stephen Foster victory improved his career record to 9-1-2 in 12 races and pushed his lifetime earnings to $9,396,800 – the third-highest North American total in Thoroughbred racing behind top earners Cigar ($9,999,815) and Skip Away ($9,616,30).
But all of Curlin’s races have been on dirt, which made Tuesday’s work on grass a critical step in realizing the hopes of Stonestreet owner Jess Jackson and Asmussen to give the champion a shot in the Oct. 5 Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, Europe’s top test for older horses. Curlin’s regular exercise rider Carlos Rosas was aboard Hawaii Calls for this work, while Albarado worked the champion for just the second time in the colt’s career.
“The reason I wanted Robby to work him today was for him to feel,” Asmussen said. “I think that Curlin deserves to be prepared for what’s going to happen. Everybody was very pleased with how he handled it. He is blowing off of this move, but seven-eighths in 1:31-and-change around the dogs here is a very good move. I thought that he (galloped) out exceptional, as always. One thing that I really liked about it is when he went on the turf course and jogged off, he kept that presence about him – there was no caution, no worry. He was very confident and very relaxed behind that horse. He paced him well and didn’t get aggressive, like he was unsure of what he was supposed to do. I thought he picked him up very smoothly. When he got to him, head and head, he was a little aggressive again, which is what you expect from him at that stage.”
“I was more nervous working him this morning than I was riding him in the Foster – that’s the honest truth,” Albarado said. “It’s his first time on the turf and it’s an exciting time for all of us.”
Asmussen continues to point Curlin toward a racing debut on turf on July 12 in either the $500,000 Man o’ War Stakes (gr. IT) at 1 3/8 miles at New York’s Belmont Park or the $200,000 Arlington Handicap (gr. IIIT) at 1 ¼ miles at Chicago’s Arlington Park. Concern about licensing of the colt’s minority owners remains a factor in both jurisdictions, so the question of which race will mark Curlin’s turf debut remains unsettled. But, if all goes well in that race, Stonestreet and Asmussen would look to Paris and the rare bid by a top American horse for the Arc.
“The perfect plan for us – for me, for Curlin and for everybody associated with him – is to first establish his level of quality on the turf with his next race and not get ahead of ourselves,” Asmussen said. “We have to see if he can compete at the same level – a nice work is not a graded stake. If he can compete at his level on the turf and we get the race that we expect, we will map out how to win the Arc with him. I think that getting him over there immediately and getting him used to going right (on right-handed turns) would be the biggest obstacle that we face. I think we establish that he’s as good a horse on the turf as he is on the dirt, then we get him over there and get him relaxed, comfortable and confident, and doing right.”
Among the most recent major American dirt stars to make the trip to Paris for the Arc de Triomphe were 1961 Kentucky Derby winner Carry Back, Tom Rolfe, who ran in the 1965 Arc against Sea-Bird, followed by U.S.-trained One For All and Intrepid Hero in later years.
6/23/08 - CURLIN WORKS AT CHURCHILL: TURF NEXT
Curlin (Smart Strike) worked five furlongs in 1:03.80 at Churchill Downs Monday morning and is expected to follow up with a work on the turf next Tuesday, according to trainer Steve Asmussen. He reeled off splits of :13.20, :26.20, :38.80 and :51.20, galloping out six furlongs in 1:17. Trainer Steve Asmussen confirmed that, should the colt show an affinity for the turf, he will look for a race over that surface in mid-July.6/16//08 - Asmussen to test Curlin on turf for possible Arc bid
Courtesy of the Thoroughbred Times Today
One day after Curlin’s emphatic 41⁄4-length win in the $1-million Stephen Foster Handicap (G1) at Churchill Downs, trainer Steve Asmussen said he will test the reigning Horse of the Year on turf. The surface switch for the Smart Strike colt will be made to judge his ability for grass racing, specifically a potential bid in the prestigious Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1) on October 5 CURLIN at Longchamp.Curlin has won five straight races, including the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (G1) and ’08 Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) against the best dirt horses in the world. Curlin has never raced on grass, but trainer Steve Asmussen said testing Curlin on turf has been discussed with majority owner Jess Jackson. “We’ve talked about it since last year, since the Classic and [Jackson] put him back in training,” Asmussen said. Asmussen said Curlin, who has nine wins, one second, and two thirds in 12 career starts, will breeze on the turf course at Churchill Downs and be pointed to a turf race in the United States in July. Among the possibilities are the Man o’ War Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park and the Arlington Handicap (G3) at Arlington Park, both on July 12.
“If we don’t like how he works on the turf, then we’ll change plans and that will have to be discussed,” Asmussen said. “But right now, we’re going to plan on working him on the turf, with the possibility of running him on the turf the weekend of the 12th.” If Curlin demonstrates an affinity for grass racing, Asmussen said he would likely be shipped to France to train at Chantilly, with the 2,400-meter (11.93-furlong) Qatar Prix Foy (Fr-G2) on September 14 at Longchamp a possible prep race for the Arc at the same distance.
Asmussen said he would rely on his brother, Cash, a retired jockey who won the 1991 Arc aboard Suave Dancer, to help him prepare Curlin for one of the most important races in the world, which draws middle-distance turf stars from across the globe. “One of the things that gives me a great level of comfort about the Arc is Cash,” Asmussen said. “He gives me all the confidence in the world.”
6/14/08 - Horse of the Year Curlin continues dominance in Stephen Foster G1
Courtesy of the Thoroughbred Times Today
—Joe Nevills
Following a successful trip to Dubai, 2007 Horse of the Year Curlin continued his dominance on Saturday at Churchill Downs with a 41⁄4- length win in the $1-million Stephen Foster Handicap (G1). The Smart Strike colt tracked the pace from fourth on the rail until the final turn, where rider Robby Albarado angled Curlin outside. He overtook pacesetter Barcola under a hand ride and steadily powered clear to win the 11⁄8-mile race in 1:49.68 as the 2-to-5 favorite. Albarado said he knew he had the race in hand when he passed the eighth pole.
“I looked up on the Jumbotron and I was way in front. He still amazes me with his routine brilliance,” Albarado said of Curlin, who carried 128 pounds and conceded from ten to 15 pounds to nine challengers. The impost is the most carried in a Grade 1 win since Skip Away carried 128 pounds while winning the 1998 Pimlico Special Handicap (G1). Runner-up Einstein (Brz) closed willingly to edge pacesetter Barcola by a nose.
The victory in the Stephen Foster increased Curlin’s lifetime earnings to $9,396,800, trailing only Skip Away ($9,616,360) and Cigar ($9,999,815) among all-time leading North America- raced earners.“When you look at what he has done, it just hits you over the head,” trainer Steve Asmussensaid. “That’s incredible.” Though Asmussen and majority owner Jess Jackson did not confirm that Curlin was being pointed to turf races such as the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1) in France or the Japan Cup (Jpn-G1), they did suggest another overseas trip may be in his future. He won the Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) on March 29 at Nad al Sheba.
“We first decide how fit he is and how he came out of the race,” Jackson said. “Then he’ll tell us when he’s ready and we’ll decide where we’ll go after that.” “We’re going to sit down and talk about what we’re going to do next,” Asmussen said. “I do expect to breeze him on the turf and weigh out that option.”
Curlin was met at the winner’s circle with a thunderous ovation. Many racing fans in attendance thanked Asmussen and Albarado for bringing the champion to Churchill. “It was amazing,” Albarado said. “Our sport needs these horses to keep our fans excited about horse racing. He’s a superstar and he’s proven it.”
1/22/08 - Horse of the Year Curlin Races On
by Tracy Gantz
Courtesy of the BLOODHORSE
With nearly every category a foregone conclusion, the 37th Eclipse Awards night appeared to hold few, if any, surprises—until Jess Jackson in accepting Horse of the Year for Curlin announced the champion would continue racing in 2008.To a full house Jan. 21 at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, Calif., Jackson said the Smart Strike colt would run at 4, and he didn’t rule out a 5-year-old season, either.
Despite lucrative offers to stand him at stud, Jackson told the crowd he and his family decided “to give the fans and the industry what we need, marketing a hero and a horse that’s bred to endure and that brings stamina, quality, brilliance, and speed for a mile and a half or two miles.”
Thanking the entire Curlin team and singling out trainer Steve Asmussen and his staff, Jackson also took time to acknowledge the work of the people behind the scenes at the barn.
“This is the thrill of a lifetime for us,” Jackson said. “This is a guy who saw Seabiscuit run in 1939. I’ve seen Swaps, Nashua, Determine, Silky Sullivan, Native Dancer, etc., etc., all through Secretariat, and this is a dream come true.”
Jackson spoke at the culmination of the briskly run evening ably emceed by Kenny Rice that came in 45 minutes early by the time Breeders’ Cup Classic - Powered by Dodge (gr. I) winner Curlin was named the 2007 Horse of the Year. As expected, the colt received the bulk of the first-place votes—249. The filly Rags to Riches came in second with 12 votes, while defending Horse of the Year Invasor received two.
Earlier in the evening, with actress Angie Dickinson presenting, Curlin was honored as the champion 3-year-old male, getting all but four of the first-place votes, 262 votes to Street Sense’s three and Hard Spun’s one. When accepting that trophy, Jackson paid tribute to Curlin’s tough competition.
“This is about a horse,” Jackson said. “He loves to compete, and what he met this year was a group of some of the finest 3-year-olds in the history of racing. I have to take my hat off to Street Sense, Rags to Riches, Hard Spun, who stayed there every time, and, of course, Any Given Saturday.”
Asmussen, grinning widely at the prospect of keeping Curlin around for a while, said the first major goal of 2008 could be the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I), with a prep in this country beforehand.
“It’s great that he’s going to be in training,” the trainer said, “but I think he’s a horse that can carry everybody’s expectations and he spoils us with his consistency.”
Curlin’s championship season began with a maiden victory in February and ended with a win in the Breeders’ Cup Classic Oct. 27 at Monmouth Park. In between, he added the Preakness Stakes (gr. I), Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I), Arkansas Derby (gr. II), and Rebel Stakes (gr. III).
1/22/08 - HORSE OF THE YEAR CURLIN TO RACE IN 2008
Courtesy of the TDN
There were few surprises during last night's Eclipse Awards ceremony in Beverly Hills, but there was a bit
of welcome news. Making the announcement as he accepted the trophy for the 2007 Horse of the Year, Stonestreet Stables's Jess Jackson revealed that Curlin (Smart Strike) will be back in action this year.
Jackson bought out partners Padua Stables and George Bolton after the colt's smashing success in the
GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Monmouth Park, and now holds an 80-percent interest. The remaining 20 percent, once controlled by Midnight Cry's beleagured partners Shirley Cunningham Jr. and William Gallion, is now in the hands of the courts.
Jackson is confident that he will be free to chart a course for his Eclipse champion, but did caution, AThere are provisos: he must be fit and we must work out the ownership issues." He added, "It's very likely that he will race in 2008, because I think those issues can be worked out."
______________________________________________________________________________________
Curlin, bred by Fares Farm in Kentucky, has skyrocketed in value since being sold to Ken McPeek, agent for Midnight Cry Stable, for just $57,000 as a KEESEP yearling. Stonestreet Stables, Padua Stables and
George Bolton bought into the colt for a figure reported to be around $3 million after a 12 3/4-length maiden
victory at Gulfstream Park in February (video), and he wore his game face in just about every one of his next seven starts.
"I have to thank John Moynihan, who put us all together; and the brilliant strategy of Steve Asmussen, and the way he arranged the campaign, has to be noted," Jess Jackson of Stonestreet Stables said as he accepted the award. "There is so much to say for Steve's whole team--Scott Blasi and the rest, and for the athleticism of Robby Albarado. A great horse needs a great rider and a great trainer, and we were lucky enough to have them."
Curlin cruised though wins in the GIII Rebel S. and GII Arkansas Derby, and was not disgraced when third in the GI Kentucky Derby. Off at 3-1 in the GI Preakness, he stumbled at the start, but was relentless down the lane, catching Derby hero Street Sense in the final jump for his first Grade I victory. His stretch drive in the GI Belmont S. was just as impressive, but Rags to Riches was out to make history, and she outgamed Curlin to take the "Test of the Champion" by a head.
It may have taken the colt some time to recover from beaing beaten by a filly. Curlin was sent off the 9-10 chalk in the GI Haskell Invitational S. two months later, but, after making a tepid bid in the stretch, he flattened out and finished third, beaten 4 1/2 lengths by Any Given Saturday.
Shaking off his two tough defeats, Curlin demonstrated his determination once again as he battled past fellow Eclipse hero Lawyer Ron to take the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup , and his sophomore finale was a tour de force, as he handled the sloppy track and the best in the nation to take the GI Breeders' Cup Classic in a gallop. Most of those behind him that afternoon have headed off to the breeding shed, but Curlin will be back in action this year.
Jess Jackson said that the decision to bring the colt back, rather than take the quick dividends available for top stallions, was in large part influenced by the fans. "I want to encourage everyone to work together to raise racing to a new level of marketing, of ethics, of sincerity, and to give the fans what they need," he said.
"That's why we decided to race Curlin this year."
1/22/08 - Horse of the Year Curlin main star at Eclipse Awards
Courtesy of the Thoroughbred Times Today
Jenny Blandford
Less than a year ago, a talented three-year-old named Curlin debuted with an emphatic 12 3⁄4-length victory in a
seven-furlong maiden special weight race at Gulfstream Park on February 3. Monday night, the Smart Strike colt was honored with Thoroughbred racings top honor as the 2007 Horse of the Year at the 37th annual Eclipse Award ceremony at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.
Curlin, who also was named champion threeyear- old male, became the first three-year-old
to garner Horse of the Year since a string of three straight sophomores—Charismatic (1999), Tiznow (2000), and Point Given (‘01)—took home the prestigious award. Curlin also became the fourth straight Breeders’
Cup Classic (G1) winner to be voted Horse of the Year, following Ghostzapper (2004), Saint Liam (’05), and Invasor (Arg) (’06).
Unraced as a juvenile, Curlin followed his debut win by scoring victories at Oaklawn Park in the Rebel Stakes (G3) and Arkansas Derby (G2). His three-race win streak crumbled when he finished third behind Street Sense in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1). Curlin turned the tables on that foe by prevailing by a head
after an extended stretch duel in the Preakness Stakes (G1). He subsequently finished second to Rags to Riches in the Belmont Stakes (G1) for three classic placings in his Triple Crown campaign.
His powerful wins during the fall in the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) and the Breeders’ Cup Classic Powered by Dodge sealed top honors for Curlin, who has finished on the board in each of his nine career starts.
1/21/08 - Curlin’s meteoric rise to be on display at Eclipse Awards
COURTESY OF THE THOROUGHBRED TIMES TODAY
By Jeff Lowe
The gold statuette for Horse of the Year is one of 26 awards that will be distributed tonight at the 37th annual Eclipse Awards ceremony at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Curlin is a strong favorite to become the first three-year-old to garner Horse of the Year since Charismatic, Tiznow, and Point Given won racing’s top honor as sophomores in 1999, 2000, and ’01, respectively. Curlin also would be the fourth straight winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (G1) to be voted Horse of the Year, following Ghostzapper in 2004, Saint Liam in ’05, and Invasor (Arg) in ’06.
Eclipse titles as Horse of the Year and champion three-year-old male would cap a startling ascension that began less than a year ago when Curlin stormed onto the racing landscape with his debut win at Gulfstream Park on February 3. Victories in the Rebel Stakes (G3), Arkansas Derby (G2), Preakness Stakes (G1), and Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) followed over the next nine months before Curlin put a seal on his unique season with a dominant 41⁄2-length win in the Breeders’ Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (G1). ...
1/18/08 - Watch for an announcement about CURLIN's future at the ECLIPSE AWARDS, Monday, January 21,2008.
1/18/08 - CURLIN WORKS AGAIN Likely Horse of the Year Curlin (Smart Strike) worked five furlongs in 1:04 at
Fair Grounds yesterday. It was the third work for the GI Preakness S. hero since his win in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic Oct. 27. He turned in a pair of four-furlong breezes at Fair Grounds Jan. 6 and Jan. 12. Stablemate Pyro (Pulpit), the runner-up in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile, covered the same distance in 1:03.80. Pyro will be pointed toward the GIII Risen Star S. Feb. 9, while Curlin's future has yet to be determined.
12/21/07 - Jackson buys out Bolton, now owns 80% of Curlin
CIURTESY OF THE THOROUGHBEDTIMES TODAY
—Pete Denk
Jess Jackson’s Stonestreet Stables has bought George Bolton’s ownership in Curlin, bringing Jackson’s interest to 80% in the leading candidate for champion three-year-old male and Horse of the Year.Jackson announced the deal on Thursday, saying that he and his wife, Barbara Banke, had bought out Bolton for an undisclosed price. “We could not be happier. To be part of this marvelous horse’s special year has been the highlight of our career in racing,” Jackson stated. “His consistent record of success in America’s most important races against the very best competition exceeded our wildest expectations. He’s a wonderful horse, and we believe he may earn the honor of being named Horse of the Year.”
Jackson said Curlin is in perfect health and will enter light training to keep fit. With the breeding season approaching, the chances of Curlin racing in 2008 grow larger each day. Neither Jackson nor anyone in his camp would say if a final decision has been made to keep Curlin in training.
The three-year-old Smart Strike horse is with trainer Steve Asmussen at Fair Grounds. Curlin won six of nine starts this year, including the Preakness Stakes (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (G1). ..,
11/30/07 - Curlin Ships to Fair Grounds by Blood-Horse Staff Date Posted: November 30, 2007 Last Updated: November 30, 2007
Curlin, the leading candidate for 2007 Horse of the Year, arrived at Fair Grounds Nov. 27 following a van ride from Churchill Downs, but his racing future is still undecided.
A 4 1/2-length winner in the $5-million Breeders' Cup Classic-Powered by Dodge (gr. I), Curlin is not immediately scheduled for active training, and will walk the shed under tack for now, according to trainer Steve Asmussen.
Curlin's majority owners are Jess Jackson and George Bolton, but embattled attorneys William Gallion and Shirley Cunningham, Jr., of Midnight Cry Stables also have a 20 percent interest in the 3-year-old colt. Because both are currently jailed on charges of taking millions of dollars awarded to plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit concerning the diet drug phen-fen, Curlin's racing future remains cloudy.
Asmussen has guided Curlin’s racing career since just after the Smart Strike colt’s maiden victory at Gulfstream. He brought him to Fair Grounds early last season, eventually shipped him to Oaklawn to win the Rebel Stakes (gr. I) and Arkansas Derby (gr. II), and then saddled Curlin to capture the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) and Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I) prior to the Classic.
10/27/07 - Curlin Wins Breeders' Cup Classic in Quick Time: CLICK HERE FOR MORE BREEDERS' CUP NEWS
COURTESY OF THE BLOODHORSE
by Dan Liebman
Date Posted: October 27, 2007
Last Updated: October 27, 2007Just like in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), Hard Spun led into the stretch, but this time it was not Street Sense but Curlin who went by him to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic – Powered b y Dodge (gr. I) Oct. 27 at Monmouth Park.
In the process, Curlin, ridden by Robby Albarado, tied the track record for 10 furlongs, getting the distance on a sloppy track in 2:00.59. in fifths, that translates to 2:00 2/5, equal to Carry Back's clocking way back in 1962. A gutsy Hard Spun hung tough for second while Awesome Gem finished third.
Curlin is owned by the Midnight Cry Stable of Shirley Cunningham and Bill Gallion, Satish Sanan's Padua Stables, Jess Jackson's Stonestreet Stables, and George Bolton. He is trained by Steve Asmussen.
Hard Spun took the lead right of the gate, with Lawyer Ron and Diamond Stripes settling in second and third. Hard Spun took the field through fractions of :23.11, :45.85, and 1:10.67. The only change in position came when the field had run six furlongs and Any Given Saturday moved past Diamond Stripes.
The were in the same spots, Hard Spun in front followed by Lawyer Ron and Any Given Saturday as they ran a mile in 1:35.86, but Curlin had closed to be in fourth position. Hard Spun still had the lead as they cornered for home but it was apparent Curlin was moving to the lead on his outside.
The two raced down the stretch, with Curlin pulling away to win by an easy four lengths. It was another half-length back to Awesome Gem with Street Sense getting fourth.
10/22/07 - Preakness winner Curlin completes final breeze before Classic
COURTESY OF THE THOROUGHBRED TIMES TODAYPreakness Stakes (G1) winner Curlin breezed four furlongs in :50.20 at Keeneland Race Course on Monday for trainer Steve Asmussen in preparation for a showdown with Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum!
Brands (G1) winner Street Sense in the $5-million Breeders’ Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (G1).
The colt is due to arrive at Monmouth Park today.Jockey Robby Albarado, Curlin’s regular rider, has the mount in the Classic on Saturday. Asmussen’s assistant, Scott Blasi, will arrive with Curlin and two other Breeders’ Cup starters, Bessemer Trust Breeders’ Cup Juvenile
(G1) hopefuls Kodiak Kowboy and Pyro. Asmussen is expected to arrive in New Jersey on Thursday.
Winner of the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) in his previous start, Curlin will face older horses
for the second time in eight career starts. Curlin, who raced in each of the three Triple Crown races
this spring, did not race as a juvenile.
10/3/07 - Curlin To Prep at Keeneland...
Courtesy of the Thoroughbred Daily News
Curlin (Smart Strike), a game 1/4-length winner over Lawyer Ron (Langfuhr) in Sunday's GI Jockey Club Gold Cup S., will prep for the the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland. " He shipped [to Keeneland] fine and he came out of the Gold Cup great," Scott Blasi, assistant trainer to Steve Asmussen, said. "He will do all of his preparations for the Breeders' Cup here and ship to Monmouth Oct. 23."
9/30/07 - Curlin Edges Lawyer Ron in Gold Cup Thriller
Courtesy of the Blood Horse
Date Posted: September 30, 2007
Last Updated: September 30, 2007by Karen M. Johnson
In a race reminiscent of Rags to Riches beating Curlin by a head in this year’s Belmont Stakes, the Sept. 30 Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational (gr. I) at Belmont Park featured Curlin catching favored Lawyer Ron in the final yards for a neck win.
The exciting Gold Cup finish is a prelude of things to come when Curlin and Lawyer Ron meet again in four weeks in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic – Powered by Dodge at Monmouth Park Oct. 27.
The $750,000 Gold Cup came down to a two-horse race during the stretch run. Political Force finished third in the 1 1/4-mile dirt race, four lengths behind Lawyer Ron. Bringing up the rear was Sun King, Brother Bobby, Indy Wind and Malibu Moonshine.
Brother Bobby set the pace for three-quarters of a mile, while being pressed on the outside by the 3-5 favorite, Lawyer Ron. The early fractions were 24.26 seconds, 47.88 and 1:11.66. After a mile run in 1:36.30, Lawyer Ron, ridden by John Velazquez, held a narrow advantage. Curlin, with Robby Albarado aboard, raced comfortably in fourth for six furlongs and initiated a three-wide move around the far turn.
Preakness winner Curlin, who was meeting older horses for the first time, needed every inch of the stretch to reel in Lawyer Ron.
The final time was 2:01.20 over a fast track. The winner, a son of Smart Strike, returned $6.20 as the second choice.
Steve Asmussen, Curlin’s trainer, said, “Hopefully, it didn’t take too terribly much out of him and he’ll be sharp for the Classic.”
The Gold Cup’s “Win and You’re In” designation earned Curlin a berth to the Classic. Curlin is owned by Stonestreet Stables, Padua Stables, George Bolton and Midnight Cry Stable.
Asmussen carefully mapped out his fall plans for Curlin after the colt was third in the Haskell at Monmouth on Aug. 5. Asmussen had no interest in running Curlin, who had competed in each of the Triple Crown races, in the Travers at Saratoga. His goal was to have a fresh horse heading into the Breeders’ Cup, with one prep under his belt.
“I think he is an outstanding horse, and he proved so once again today,” Asmussen said. “The third in the Haskell and the third in the Kentucky Derby were against horses whose form had held up. We’ll all meet in a month’s time, probably to decide a lot of honors.”
Curlin will leave New York Oct. 1 for Kentucky, where he will train over Keeneland’s Polytrack for the Classic.
Todd Pletcher, Lawyer Ron’s trainer, was happy with the effort and liked the strong way that the colt galloped out after the race, in front of Curlin. Pletcher also commented that he learned something from the race.
“He is a free-running horse; probably better off letting him go and do what he wants to do,” Pletcher said.
Lawyer Ron, a 4-year-old, entered the Gold Cup off sensational-looking wins in the Woodward and Whitney at Saratoga.
(Chart, Equibase)
8/21/07 - Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Curlin breezed Monday morning for
the first time since finishing third in the $1-million Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1) on August 5 at Monmouth Park.
Curlin completed five furlongs in 1:03.64 on Saratoga Race Course’s Oklahoma training track.
“Curlin worked beautifully,” said Scott Blasi, assistant to trainer Steve Asmussen. “I really like what I’m seeing in him. He’s in great shape.”
The Haskell was the first start for Curlin since he was beaten by a head by Rags to Riches in the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 9. The Belmont came three weeks after Curlin beat Street Sense by the same
margin on May 19 to win the Preakness. Curlin ran third behind Street Sense and Hard Spun in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) on May 5 at Churchill Downs. In the Haskell, Any Given Saturday drew off to a clear win and Hard Spun held off Curlin by a head to finish second.
“He was coming off quite a bit of a layoff,” Blasi said about Curlin’s Haskell performance. “Any Given Saturday was set up perfectly for it. He was coming off the Dwyer [Stakes (G2)] four weeks later. Good horses, you can get beat under those circumstances.” “Our goal with Curlin is the Breeders’ Cup Classic [Powered
by Dodge (G1)]. We’re going to take the best possible route there.”
Curlin will skip the $1-million Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga on Saturday and make his next start in the $750,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) on September 30 at Belmont Park. The Smart Strike colt has four wins, one second, and two thirds in seven starts and has amassed purse earnings of $1,952,800 since his career debut on February 3.
“Having Curlin do so much in such a small period of time, and having him run peak performances through the Triple Crown races, I think it’s asking too much of any horse to keep them at a peak level from August through the end of October,” Blasi said. “I think the Haskell was a good race, and Any Given Saturday is a good horse. I think under timing and preparation, on another day we’re going to be in good shape. I’m happy he’s had a race over the Monmouth racetrack, and the difference between a mile and a quarter and a mile and an eighth is a long way for a lot of horses.”
Courtesy of the Thoroughbred Times Today —Phil Janack
08/14/07 - Curlin to use Jockey Club Gold Cup as Breeders’ Cup prep
Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Curlin will make his next start in the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) on September 30 at Belmont Park. Trainer Steve Asmussen said Monday morning at
Saratoga Race Course that the 11⁄4-mile Jockey Club against older horses would be Curlin’s only start between his third-place finish in the Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1) on August 5 and the Breeders’ Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (G1) on October 27.
The Haskell was the three-year-old Smart Strike’s colt first start since competing in all three Triple Crown races. He finished third to Street Sense in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1), won the Preakness, and finished second to Rags to Riches in the Belmont Stakes (G1).
“The major target has always been the Classic,” Asmussen said. “How do you get there best? I thought it was a good opportunity to run him at Monmouth over the same racetrack [as the Breeders’ Cup]. With that in our bank, I think that just two races and we can be at our best.”
Though Curlin remains stabled at Saratoga, Asmussen said the $1- million Travers Stakes (G1) on August 25 and a likely showdown with Street Sense was never on the radar. “After the Belmont, the Classic was the major goal for the second half of the season,” Asmussen said. “Trying to be polite and not eliminating the Travers has kind of put us in this position, but at no point did I ever say Travers. “I think Graveyard of Champions and the best horse I’ve ever had shouldn’t go in the same sentence. That’s how I’ve always felt about it. I didn’t give it that nickname, but we’re aware of what happens here.” Curlin has four wins, one second, and two thirds with earnings of $1,952,800 in seven career starts, all in 2007.
“We’re just following the course that everbody’s made important,” Asmussen said. “It has been suggested that they put way too much emphasis on the Breeders’ Cup races, but that’s where the emphasis is, so that’s where we’re going to target and do our best with.”
Courtesy of the Thoroughbred Times Today - Phil Janack
08/05/07 - Curlin runs third in the Haskell.
.
"We're going to have to figure out why he ran third," trainer Steve Asmussen said after his Curlin failed to deliver a knock-out performance in the Haskell. AHe ran the worst race of his career and we'll have to figure out
why."
Curlin the Star of Aug. 5 Haskell
by Jason Shandler
Last Updated: August 3, 2007 ( Courtesy of The Bloodhorse)
During the post position draw for the Aug. 5 running of the $1-million Haskell Invitational (gr. 1), Steve Asmussen was asked if Curlin was the best horse he has ever trained. A master of understatement, Asmussen–who has won more than 3,000 career races–flatly replied : “I think that would be very reasonable.”
Without doubt, Preakness Stakes (gr. 1) victor Curlin is the star of the 1 1/8-mile Haskell at Monmouth Park. If he wins, it could set up an electrifying 3-year-old championship in the $5-million Breeders’ Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (gr. I) later this year, also to be run in Oceanport, N.J.
Curlin, whose last race was a heart-pounding loss to Rags to Riches in the Belmont Stakes (gr. 1), has made recent three works at Saratoga. If the son of Smart Strike is fit and ready to go, the field of eight should set up perfectly for him. Asmussen said the race's quick pace, which is likely to be set by Stormello and Cable Boy, will suit his colt just fine.
“That’s one of the main reasons why we chose the Haskell,” Asmussen said of the early speed. “The Breeders’ Cup has been our main objective for the second half of the year. Talent-wise, (Curlin) is capable of doing anything we want him to. This horse has spoiled us with his consistency. We’re very pleased with him.”
08/03/07 - Curlin returns in $1-million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park
COURTESY OF THE THOROUGHBRED TIMES TODAY
Preakness Stakes (G1) winner and Belmont Stakes (G1) runner-up Curlin was installed as the even-money morning-line favorite for the $1-million Haskell Invitational Handicap Presented by Vonage (G1) on Sunday at
Monmouth Park.
The Smart Strike colt has been working steadily at Saratoga Race Course following his narrow loss to filly Rags to Riches in the Belmont Stakes on June 9 and enters the Haskell with four victories in six career starts.
Trainer Steve Asmussen said the colt, owned by Stonestreet Stables, Padua Stables, George Bolton, and Midnight Cry Stables, will benefit from running a race on the track, as Monmouth hosts the Breeders’ Cup World Championships on October 26-27.
“The horse has spoiled us with his consistency,” Asmussen said. “We’re very pleased with his development coming off a 1½-mile race, and the Breeders’ Cup is one of our major objectives.”
—Tom De Martini
Haskell Invitational H. Presented by Vonage (G1)
August 5, $1-million, 3yo, 11⁄8m, Monmouth Park, 6:12 PM ET - Curlin breaks from the six hole.
07/03/07 - CURLIN WORKS!
COURTESY OF THE THOROUGHBRED TIMES TODAYCurlin went to the track around 6:20 a.m. EDT and, under regular exercise rider Carmen Rosas, covered the 5 furlong distance in 1:03.20, which ranked 18th at the distance. The breeze was the first major training move for Curlin since a runner- up finish to Rags to Riches in the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 9 at Belmont Park. Churchill clockers timed the Smart Strike colt in fractions of :13.80, :27, :38.80, and :51. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:17.40. “I asked for 1:03 and I got 1:03,” trainer Steve Asmussen said. “He’s an awesome horse.”
Curlin turned in a series of strong gallops prior to the breeze, which Asmussen hopes will help the colt prepare for a summer/fall campaign that could include the $5-million Breeders’ Cup Classic Powered
by Dodge (G1) on October 27 at Monmouth Park. “I don’t think that he’s lost any sharpness,” Asmussen said. “He’s just happy and healthy.” Asmussen is pointing Curlin to the $1-million Haskell Invitational Handicap (G1) on August 5 at Monmouth Park. He plans to work Curlin one more time at Churchill before the Haskell. Curlin will be shipped to Asmussen’s stable at Saratoga Race Course on July 12.
“We’ll keep our routine where it’s at,” Asmussen said. “We’ll have plenty in us before we leave here, so we’re
not obligated [to that schedule] when you get up there, because you never know what will happen in New York weatherwise.”
Lot of history in horse's name ( This is a very interesting story on the naming of CURLIN)Charlie Curlin of Trigg County was a slave whose name will live forever if the horse called Curlin wins the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. Curlin the horse actually might wind up the post-time favorite: no surprise, given Curlin is undefeated going into a wide open race. But the story behind this intriguing Derby hopeful is much larger than one colt's perfect record going into America's greatest horse race. READ MORE>>
