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Horse racing betting: Curlin preps for turf debut
By Jordan WaltersWagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
| Horse Racing Betting at WagerWeb Racebook |
Reigning Horse of the Year Curlin worked four furlongs Monday at Churchill Downs in anticipation of his debut in a grass race this weekend – but which race?
Trainer Steve Asmussen had exercise rider Carlos Rosas guide Curlin through the half-mile workout in :50.80.
"He's an awesome horse, I'm excited," Asmussen said. "It looks like we ought to know something on the licensing soon, I understand. We're obviously very anxious about that."
Asmussen said he anticipates the 2007 Preakness and Breeders' Cup Classic winner to run in either the Man o' War Stakes at New York's Belmont Park or the Arlington Park Handicap in Chicago on Saturday. The decision on which race will be Curlin’s target hinges on the resolution of a licensing issue in both racing jurisdictions regarding the colt’s minority owner, Midnight Cry Stable.
The ultimate goal for the horse is to run in Europe's premier event for handicap horses, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in France on Oct. 5. The Man O' War is the preferred race by Asmussen leading to France.
Curlin is third on the all-time North American earnings list with $9,396,800. Only Cigar with $9,999,815 and Skip Away with $9,616,360 have more career earnings.
Last month Curlin won the Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill and overall has won nine of 12 lifetime starts.
The 1 3/8-mile Man O’ War is expected to attract two other Breeders’ Cup champions in Red Rocks, winner of the John Deere Turf at Churchill Downs in 2006, and Better Talk Now, winner of the Turf at Lone Star Park in 2004. Grand Couturier, winner of last year’s Sword Dancer Invitational at Saratoga, is also expected to compete.
“That race is coming up fabulous,” said Asmussen. “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.”
If the licensing issue is resolved, Curlin would fly to New York on Thursday.
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