Edit: Updated Thursday 7/17/08: Majority owner Jess Jackson has actually placed a public poll up on the Stonestreet Farms website asking the public to vote whether Curlin should continue with the turf, go back to dirt, try the synthetics, or even retire. Don’t miss this opportunity to vote!
Well, it’s been a slow day for me. I got back into the swing of things at work after dealing with a sick child on Monday and Tuesday and had to cut the grass - meaning I only got to see the last 3 races of opening day at Del Mar.
When I got in, I noticed Ron Correll’s new poll question about whether Curlin should stick to the grass. I’ve talked about this in the previous post and some of the comments and have strongly indicated yes, but I have to be honest here - I’m now thinking it might be unwise to shoot for the Arc.
Everyone’s wondering where he’ll go next. The Arlington Millions, perhaps a ship over to Europe and a rumored run in the UK. I’ve got a half-crazed idea that I haven’t really seen talked about yet that I’d like to share.
What about the Breeder’s Cup Turf? We saw Curlin match up against Red Rocks and Better Talk Now in his turf debut. We know he can match up well with them and it’s certainly reasonable to think he can win against such competition if all goes well. This got me thinking. Obviously I’d like nothing better than a repeat Horse of the Year title for Curlin. Would the Breeder’s Cup Turf be a more realistic shot at a major win to help accomplish that feat?
I think one would have to assume if pursuing another Eclipse Award that Big Brown will return and be a strong contender for the Breeder’s Cup Classic. That means Curlin would have to be able to convince voters that his 2008 campaign was stronger. I’m not sure a minor award in the Arc would be sufficient for that - although it likely should be. Folks like winners when it comes to Horse of the Year titles. Winning the Dubai World Cup and the Breeder’s Cup Turf in the same year would be quite an accomplishment.
Of course, I’ve got a hunch that Zenyatta has a helluva shot to finish up 2008 undefeated, which would make her a contender for top honors as well - but she’ll need to win a Breeder’s Cup championship in order to pull it off.
My plan would be to go to the Arlington Millions for his next turf race - and if all goes well to pursue a U.S. turf championship rather than a world one. The short list of goals for Curlin in my mind should be:
1. Win - above all else, put him in a position to win. He’s a winner through and through and deserves to be in the winner’s circle every time he runs.
2. Catch and pass Cigar in all-time earnings. I know this seems like a foregone conclusion but I for one will not count those chickens until they hatch. Too many things can go wrong. He needs to be #1 by the end of the year. No matter what course is plotted - that must be assured.
3. Establish U.S. turf dominance. Let’s be honest - he needs to be the top U.S. turf horse to have a shot at races like the Arc. Shoot for a U.S. championship and then think of the overseas potential. I know the purse for the Arc is huge - but there’s also the real possibility that he could wind up out of the money for the first time in such a race. I’d like to avoid that as when his career is through I think it would be special to say he never finished worse than third.
So those are my thoughts for the moment. I know many of you have sounded off recently about your opinions. I”m curious to know if any have changed - as well as what your thoughts are about the Breeder’s Cup Turf.
Think of what the presence of Curlin - even in a turf race - would do overall for Breeder’s Cup day. Curlin, Big Brown, and Zenyatta- oh my! Not to mention Benny the Bull. What a special day that could be. In the end - Breeder’s Cup day needs Curlin. I totally understand the decision no to try him on the synthetics. We’ve seen too many great dirt runners look flat on the synthetics - but since turf is on the table, why not point for the Breeder’s Cup? It just seems so much more logical to me.
I don’t know - what do you guys think? Have I lost my mind with this one?
I agree with you about the Breeder’s Cup Turf race with Curlin as the star runner! I would actually go to California and see it which is a very long way for me to travel.
Glad to hear it, libby - I think I’d probably try to make it to Santa Anita for the Breeder’s Cup if he were there as well. And if he does go, I’d much prefer the turf over the synthetic main track.
All- don’t forget to take part in Jess Jackson’s poll over at the Stonerstreet website - he’s asking the public for their opinion since it’s us as fans that he brought Curlin back for.
http://www.stonestreetfarms.com/
No, you didn’t lose your mind while writing this post.
That happened a week ago. Remember?
Seriously though, let’s send Curlin to France.
“Let’s be honest - he needs to be the top U.S. turf horse to have a shot at races like the Arc.”
It should be a question of “why not?” which would have to come after a powerful win in the Arl Million and not before. Even then Curlin would have to run against more seasoned competition in terms of distance and surface. Winning a group-1 in Europe would enhance his record but he could do that in the English Champion S and not have to deal with the distance problem.
“- above all else, put him in a position to win. ”
Coming off a 9F win in the Foster, they could have run him in the Rodney where he would have enjoyed a class advantage at a distance he’s won at twice and earned 20k more while chalking up a nice turf stakes win for the record. Red Rocks ran in what amounts to a clf-alw in his comeback and he’s a BCT winner! Team Curlin tried to steal a Gr-1 turf win and like most that try got caught.
“- as well as what your thoughts are about the Breeder’s Cup Turf.”
If he wins the Arl Million they should target the Irish and/or English Champion S and see what competition comes up for the Arc. Otherwise back on dirt and point to the JCD.
I think they should try the Arlington Million, and if he wins ship him to France. Jackson obviously really wants to win the Arc, so either try the Million, or shoot for the Champion stakes. He definetly needs to get a win on the turf in the US before they even think of shipping him overseas.
We are in total agreement. Hopefully the Arlington Millions is next on the list. I’m shocked that the DRF writer seemed to be angling for a repeat in the Classic. I get that it would be a huge day, but I just don’t want to see him run on the synthetics.
Prep him for the classic unless they plan to show the Arc here on a major network. More people know Big Brown than Curlin. I want Big Brown to bounce back then have his Classic dreams shattered by our beloved Curlin.