Friday morning funnies – Curlin and Big Brown smack talk

20 06 2008

An anonymous poster left a link to this youtube video in my last post.  I thought it was funny enough to share with you all on Friday morning.  It features Curlin and Big Brown talking a bit of “smack talk” to each other.

My favorite moments:

Big Brown to Curlin: “One of us got beat by a girl!”

Curlin to Big Brown: “Tom Durkin just called and said you finally crossed the wire in the Belmont”

 

I’ll be back with some Hollywood Park picks for tonight when I get home from work (roughly 6PM EST) for anyone interested in playing along.


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Categories : Big Brown, Curlin

What were the greatest moments in Breeder’s Cup history?

18 06 2008

Big hat tip to Ron Correll over at tracksideview.com for cluing me into a little poll being conducted by the Breeder’s Cup to determine the greatest moments in Breeder’s Cup history.

We’ve had many deep discussions here about who some of the greatest horses of all time are.  If you recall, I was able to interview Ron and get his take on his favorite thoroughbreds several weeks ago. Now’s your chance to sound off on what Breeder’s Cup moments you think should be known as the greatest.

Take the poll from the Breeder’s Cup here:

http://www.breederscup.com/poll_top25.aspx

The idea is that out of a list of historic moments, you rank your top 5.  When all the votes are compiled the top 25 moments will be available on a DVD going on sale in October, just in time for the 2008 edition of the Breeder’s Cup Classic. 

I realize we get a few folks form time to time who may not be familiar with some of these races, so I’ve included the youtube replay for some of the more famous moments. For those of you who are already familiar, consider this a walk down memory lane.  No doubt some of you have stories to tell about these races, and god knows I’d like to hear them. Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : Horse Racing News

Curlin: Raider of the Longchamp Arc?

16 06 2008

As of right now the plan with the defending U.S. Horse of the Year seems to be a run in the world’s richest race, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in France on October 5.  Usually the Dubai World Cup, which Curlin has already won, is known as the world’s richest horse race. This year due to a sponsorship from the nation of Qatar, the purse for the Arc has been boosted to a whopping $6,172,800. 

Needless to say, a victory in the Arc would rocket Curlin to a stratospheric level of lifetime earnings, far beyond the $603,015 that he currently trails Cigar by on the all-time standings. In a larger sense though, much more is at stake if indeed Curlin goes in the Arc.  The horse that I’ve loved beyond all others from the moment I first laid eyes on him would be looking to cement his status as one of the greatest race horses to have ever lived.  A win in the Arc would make such a claim very difficult to refute as it would mean the colt had defeated the best the world could muster on both dirt and turf. 

Originally run in 1920 to commemorate the Allied victory in World War 1, The Arc would be a daunting challenge for Curlin.  Not only would he be trying the grass against some of the best turf horses in the world, but he’d have to run clockwise around the racecourse – mirror opposite to what he’s used to here in the U.S.  He’ll also have to contend with a 1 1/2 mile distance – a distance he hasn’t tried since being nosed by the filly Rags to Riches in the 2007 Belmont Stakes.  Luckily for Curlin, his bloodlines would appear to be right for a run in the Arc.  Since 1994 no horse without a direct bloodline connection to Nearco and his grandson Northern Dancer has prevailed in the Arc.  Northern Dancer just happens to be Curlin’s great-great-grandfather on his dam’s side (Sherrif’s Deputy). Also noteworthy is the fact that Curlin and turf specialist English Channel share the same father (Smart Strike).

Before we get carried away with visions of grandeur this Autumn in France, let’s look at what the road ahead for the talented 4 year-old son of Smart Strike might look like.  For starters, trainer Steve Asmussen has indicated that Curlin will next race on the weekend of July 12th/July 13th. Exactly where still remains a bit of a question.  The most likely scenario in my mind would be an entry into the G3 Arlington Handicap for his first try on the grass.  Another option remains the G2 Man O’ War Stakes at Belmont Park that same weekend.   If they decide to go in the Man O’ War, Curlin will be following in the footsteps of perhaps racing’s biggest legend: the great Secretariat.

Most people remember Secretariat for his scintillating Triple Crown run, capped off by his amazing 31 length victory in the Belmont.  What some fans forget is that “Big Red” also proved he was world-class on the turf.  In fact, Secretariat’s first turf victory came when he set the track record during the Man O’ War Stakes at Belmont Park.  What better shoes for a chestnut colt like Curlin to follow in his quest for greatness than those of Secretariat? 

It goes without saying that the challenges will be plenty, but honestly if there’s one colt I’ve seen in my life who can overcome everything thrown at him, it’s Curlin.  Consider for a moment everything this colt has had to face in order to arrive where he is today, able to ponder the prospects of taking on the best of the world on turf after proving himself the world’s best on dirt:

  • He was unraced as a 2-year-old due to sore shins, and then brought back very slowly by original trainer Helen Pitts.
  • After getting beat by 7 lengths in the 2007 Kentucky Derby, he returned to catch Derby winner Street Sense at the wire by a nose in the 2007 Preakness
  • After losing by a neck to the filly Rags to Riches in the Belmont, and then returning from his Triple Crown campaign with a flat (by Curlin’s standards) effort in the Haskell – Curlin returned to defeat the top older-male in the nation at the time, Lawyer Ron, in the Jockey Club Gold Cup.  This was no small task. Lawyer Ron was red-hot at the time coming off two career best performances.
  • In a stacked field on Breeder’s Cup day in the slop at Monmouth, Curlin powered away to win convincingly over all of his rvials, including Street Sense, Hard Spun, Lawyer Ron, and Any Given Saturday.
  • Curlin then took significant time off before shipping to Dubai and winning for fun in the Jaguar Trophy and the $6 million Dubai World Cup. 
  • Finally, Curlin returned home from the Middle-East and overcame an assignment of 128 pounds to win easily in the Grade 1 Stephen Foster at Churchill on Saturday. 

It’s hard to believe when looking at that body of work that this colt was unraced just 16 months ago.  Clearly he’s a one-of-a-kind colt that has answered the bell thus far. Without question he is the best dirt horse in the universe at the moment. Can you imagine what might happen if he were to beat the best of the world on grass as well?

It’s been a long, long time since the sport of thoroughbred horse racing had a star like this.  The world will be watching with eager anticipation to see how Curlin takes to the grass in several weeks, either in Chicago or in New York.  Wherever it may be, the hopes of racing fans worldwide will rest upon Curlin’s massive shoulders.  If all goes well, I plan on making the journey to see his first attempt on the grass, as he’ll no doubt need the encouragement from his fans.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of horse racing, or a casual observer with a passing interest, realize that you are looking at a horse who when all is said and done, may well find himself atop the list of all-time greats.

 


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Categories : Curlin, Horse Racing News

Curlin is unstoppable.

14 06 2008

Curlin destroys the competition in the G1 Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs on Saturday

 

Curlin. You cannot stop him.  You can only hope to contain him.

On Saturday at Churchill Downs, that’s exactly what a field of 9 competitors was hoping to do in the Grade 1 Stephen Foster Handicap.  Curlin’s connections had entered him into the Stephen Foster despite being assigned a daunting 128 pounds for the race  – 10 more pounds than the 2nd choice, Einstein, and as many as 15 pounds more than some of the other rivals. Adding even more intrigue was the fact that Curlin was breaking from the rail – a post position that did not seem to be his most comfortable. 

None of that mattered to the 4-year-old son of Smart Strike as the field turned for home.  Curlin kicked into high gear and blew away the competition, reaching the line a clear 4 1/4 lengths in front of Einstein and Barcola.  Curlin completed the 1 1/8 mile distance of the Stephen Foster in 1:49.68 after soft early fractions of 25.01 and 49.28 were set by pace setter Barcola.

Curlin was bumped by Delightful Kiss after breaking from the starting gate, but was able to settle into 4th in the early running while Barcola grabbed the early lead.  Eventually Sam P. came after Barcola, and as the field entered the far turn it appeared for a moment that Curlin was in a difficult position.  The consummate cool customer under pressure, Curlin waited until an opening appeared to angle wide around Barcola and then made his dash for the finish line with but a tap of the whip from jockey Robby Albarado followed by a handride through the lane.

Einstein, thought to perhaps be a turf specialist, was sent off as the 2nd choice and rallied to nip Barcola right at the wire for 2nd place.  Amazingly, despite being sent off at odds of 1-5, Curlin sat atop a $97.80 trifecta with Einstein and Barcola underneath.

Hats off to Jess Jackson, Steve Asmussen and company for having the guts to run the colt at such a weight disadvantage.  Asking a colt to carry 128  pounds after returning from Dubai is no small challenge.  Curlin, as he has done since the Breeder’s Cup Classic last fall, made it look like he was winning for fun. 

If there’s anyone left out there that doubts this colt’s greatness, I simply don’t know what to say.  In my admittedly short life (compared to some other horseplayers), this is clearly the best horse I’ve had the pleasure of seeing. What challenge could possibly be next?   Jess Jackson and Steve Asmussen have been nominating him for every major stakes race imaginable from here to France and all the way to Japan (and back again).  God knows what kind of weight they’d need to assign him to give anyone else a prayer of a chance. 

With the win in the Stephen Foster, Curlin boosts his all-time winnings to $9,396,800, or just $603,015 away from Cigar’s all-time earnings record.  As of right now, Curlin ranks 3rd all time, just behind Skip Away who currently resides in 2nd place with $9,616,630 in lifetime earnings.  If they can catch the right purse, Curlin’s next run might well be for the all-time lead.  He’s all but assured a place in the hall-of-fame when his racing days are over, and the stud fee he’ll one day command is unimaginable. 

For now, let’s continue to enjoy him while we can.  Horses like this come around maybe once in a lifetime.  He’s that special.  He’s that magnificent.  I’ve believed he was the best since his run in the Arkansas Derby, and every time he steps onto the track from here on out, history is written.  Enjoy him while you can.   With any luck his U.S. debut won’t be his last race in the states this year.  Overseas purses beckon, including a potential run on the turf (going clockwise) in the Arc de Triomphe on October 5, and the Japan Cup in Tokyo on November 30th.

Wherever he goes, and whenever he runs, the next one will be a historic moment that sport needs to hype as much as humanly possible.  You want superstars?  We’ve got one – and when all is said and done he should be firmly entrenched among the list of all-time greats. 


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Categories : Churchill Downs, Curlin, Horse Racing News

Curlin’s 2008 U.S. debut headlines Saturday Churchill card

14 06 2008

The Saturday racing card at Churchill Downs marks the 2008 U.S. debut of defending Horse of the Year winner Curlin in the Grade 1 Stephen Foster Handicap.  The last time Curlin raced at Churchill downs he was a green 3-year-old that battled through a horrific trip to finish 3rd in the Kentucky Derby.  The son of Smart Strike used that effort, where jockey Robby Albarado said he “became a man” in the stretch, to move forward in what became his coming out party during the Preakness two weeks later.  The rest, as they say, is history as the colt has gone on to prove his dominance as the top U.S. dirt horse, as well as a force to be reckoned with on the international circuit with his resounding 7 length win in the prestigious Dubai World Cup in March.

A very strong undercard features 5 additional stakes races in what features to be an excellent day of thoroughbred racing. Let’s take a look at the stakes races, beginning with the Grade 2 Fleur De Lis Handicap in race 6, and running all the way through the Grade 3 Mint Julep in race 11. No doubt bettors will be focusing their action on these races in the pick 4 and pick 6 wagering. 

Race 6:  The Fleur De Lis Handicap (G2) – 1 1/8 miles.

  • #5 Hystericalady (4/5*)
  • #2 Peach Flambe (3/1)
  • #1 Aspiring (12/1)

#5 Hystericalady headlines the field and for good reason. She’s a grade 1 winner and has battled with the likes of Ginger Punch and Nashoba’s Key.  I think there’s enough speed in here today that she could sit a comfortable race just off the early pace and look to make her move in the stretch – where she should prove the best horse.  It’s going to take the best race of someone else’s life to get past her. #2 Peach Flambe would appear to be a contender based on speed figures alone.  I’m just not sure she’s good enough to seriously threaten Hystericalady.  She did run 2nd to Ginger Punch in the Sunshine Millions Distaff, but she was beaten handily by over 6 lengths. Hystericalady, on the other hand, gave Ginger Punch all she could handle in the Breeder’s Cup Distaff last fall.  #1 Aspiring is a horse I’ve got to use based on name alone, but besides that there’s really not much to like. 

Race 7: The Regret (G3) – 1 1/8 miles (turf)

  • #4 Pure Clan (7/5*)
  • #6 Magical Theater (10/1)
  • #3 Zee Zee (3/1)

#4 Pure Clan is 4 for 7 lifetime, with a pair of respectable losses to the late Eight Belles and another solid effort against Proud Spell last out.  She won’t find anyone of that caliber here today. The pace won’t exactly be ideal, but she should be able to sit a comfortable trip and make her move in the stretch to prevail. #6 Magical Theater exits back to back victories and although she’s only raced at the maiden and conditional allowance levels and steps up into stakes company today, she has beaten some return winners.  The daughter of Smart Strike has every reason to move forward today.  #3 Zee Zee has solid turf form and cannot be totally dismissed here. She’s had trouble classing up in the past, but has the ever useful third start off a layoff angle going for her as well.

Race 8: The Northern Dancer (G3) – 1 1/16 miles

  • #1 Recapturetheglory (3/1)
  • #2 Pyro (7/5*)
  • #6 Visionaire (5/1)

We’ve got plenty of familiar names to those who followed the 3-year-old campaign this year leading up to the 2008 Kentucky Derby.  All 3 of the runners exiting the Derby wound up in my selections today.  #1 Recapturetheglory will be on the lead from the 1 hole and look to wire this field.  There doesn’t appear to be any serious pace pressure here unless #5 My Pal Charlie decides to go after him, which may well happen since ‘Charlie’s best bet to hit the board is to be as forwardly placed as possible early on.  #2 Pyro was my top ranked 3-year-old until Big Brown arrived on the scene.  Since then things have gone wrong, and he must look to prove that the synthetic try in the Blue Grass and the bad start to the Derby warrant drawing lines through them.  If the colt that ran in the Louisiana Derby and the Risen Star shows up – he should be coming late to threaten for the score.  #6 Visionaire was progressing nicely until the same combo of races that Pyro ran into.  I’m thinking he’ll be in a nice stalking position turning for home here and if anyone can get to Recapturetheglory and My Pal Charlie, he should have a good shot.  Obviously I feel that #5 My Pal Charlie was hard to leave off as his name keeps popping up in this analysis.  #7 Texas WIldcatter also warrants consideration underneath.

Race 9:  The Jefferson Cup (G2) – 1 1/8 miles (turf)

  • #4 Tizdejavu (3/1*)
  • #7 Bobby Blue Eyes (6/1)
  • #3 Wicked Style (5/1)

Arguably the most difficult of the stakes races on the card to handicap. #4 Tizdejavu has yet to run a bad race in his career.  He prevailed by a nose at the G3 level last out and has been working beautifully in the interim.  He’s also a Tiznow colt, andI tend to have a fondness for them.  #7 Bobby Blue Eyes absolutely freaked last time out when hitting the grass for the first time to break his maiden by 10 lengths.  The competition gets deeper, and you always have to worry about a bounce off such a performance, but perhaps this one just really is that much better on the grass?  I’ll take my chances at decent odds.  #3 Wicked Style was a G1 winner before having a rough time in the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile.  I’m willing to think he needed that last race on 5/21 after a long layoff and will look for a better effort here.  I think another number you’ve got to consider in the multi-race wagers is #8 Go West Bert.  True, his freak move last out was in an off-the-turf race in the slop, but his form was solid on the grass prior to that.

Race 10: The Stephen Foster Handicap (G1) – 1 1/8 miles

  • #1 Curlin (3/5*)
  • #9 Barcola (20/1)
  • #4 Einstein (5/1)

The feature race of the day – and Curlin’s 2008 U.S. debut.  It’s been a long time since we last saw Curlin thrashing the world’s finest in the World Cup.  Even longer since we saw him romp in the slop at Monmouth in the Breeder’s Cup Classic.  If the horse we all know and love shows up – fahgetaboutit.  If he happens to have some Dubai rust on him, or is a bit too eager off the layoff and gets used up early and tires – then perhaps #9 Barcola has a shot to wire the field in a fashion similar to what Da’ Tara did last weekend (I know, I know – enough with the references to the Belmont). #4 Einstein looks playable to me, but you’ve got to hope he can be something close to what he usually is on grass. #5 Grasshopper could also be in the mix here today, andwill likely find a way into the money – but unless he brings his best I don’t see him hitting the wire in front.  Get ‘em Curlin – win this one and you’re within reach of Cigar’s all-time earnings.

Race 11: The Early Times Mint Julep (G3) – 1 1/16 miles (turf)

  • #3 Dreaming of Anna (1/1*)
  • #8 Kiss With a Twist (15/1)
  • #11 Ciao (6/1)

#1 Dreaming of Anna is the class of the field and has a legitimate shot to take them gate-to-wire in the closer. If she can prevail she’ll boost her lifetime earnings closer to the $2 million mark.  Her workout tab sure looks like she’s on her A-game. #8 Kiss With a Twist may be a surprise to hit the board.  Note a couple of things.  She’s a 4 year old daughter of Lemon Drop Kid and she seems to love the Churchill grass. She could surprise and move forward today. #11 Ciao also does some of her best running at Churchill on the grass and while thrashed by Dreaming of Anna in the Pucker Up (G3), she has matched class with Bit of Whimsy in the Mrs. Revere.  I’d also think of using #6 Street Sounds here as on her best she can hit the board. 

Best of luck to all, and as always be sure to check for late changes/scratches. 

Good luck Curlin – make us proud!

 


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Categories : Churchill Downs, Curlin, Grasshopper, Handicapping Selections, Horse Racing News, Pyro, Texas Wildcatter, Visionaire

Dana Byerly – fighting the good fight

13 06 2008

I’d just like to take a moment here to officially tip my hat to fellow TBA blogger Dana Byerly of Green But Game.  You see, Dana wrote an outstanding post today calling on the NTRA to do more in publicizing Curlin’s historic run at Cigar’s all-time earnings record, and Alex Waldrup, CEO of the NTRA has taken notice!

It’s amazing, is it not, that we have possibly the greatest horse of the modern era making his 2008 U.S. debut at Churchill on Saturday, and almost no one outside of die hard racing fans knows about it.  This is the kind of event that should be trumpeted from roof tops.  There should be TV commercials building the hype for weeks on end.  We always say we want superstars – and by golly now we’ve got one in Curlin.

For those of you that aren’t familiar with Dana, she’s an oustanding blogger and someone I’m greatly honored to be affiliated with through the TBA.

Stop over and check out her letter to the NTRA, as well as Alex’s official response. 

Most of you know how big a Curlin fan I consider myself – he’s the horse that first convinced me to blog about my passions.  I think Dana is 100% correct that we need to do a better job of promoting the sport – especially after Big Brown’s Triple Crown flirtation and debacle.

I can’t thank you enough, Dana, for calling attention to this matter, and I’d also like to thank Mr. Waldrup for responding to you and posting about the issue as well.  Slowly but surely it seems bloggers are making a difference, and it’s quite inspirational to learn that folks really are listening.  As I said above, it’s an honor to even be associated with you. 

Standing applause for Dana here at The Aspiring Horseplayer!

Now everyone reading this get ready to watch the Horse of the Year tomorrow at Churchill – and don’t forget the other stakes they’ve got on the card for the day.  Days like this are just what the doctor ordered for anyone still suffering from the Belmont blues. 


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Categories : Announcements, Curlin, Horse Racing News, TBA

Curlin draws the rail for the Stephen Foster

11 06 2008

Things just got a tad more difficult for the defending Horse of the Year in his 2008 U.S. Debut.  Already up against it, so to speak, from a weight disadvantage, the 4-year-old son of Smart Strike has now drawn the rail post position for Saturday’s running of the Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs.

Why is this significant?  Well, consider for a moment that two times we’ve really seen Curlin stuck to the inside, he’s had some problems.  I’m of course referring to the opening moments of the 2007 Kentucky Derby, where he broke from the 2 hole, and his stretch battle with the filly Rags to Riches in the 2007 Belmont Stakes. 

During a pre-race interview for the Dubai World Cup, jockey Robby Albarado indicated that Curlin is a horse that seems to prefer running on the outside.  He likes to get horses on the lead in his sights and unleash his runs from around 4 to 5 wide when possible.  Moreover, Albarado indicated that Curlin doesn’t like being whipped on his left side – something that might prove a problem if he’s got horses in tight quarters to his right as they turn for home.

All of this is starting to add up to a difficult challenge for Curlin on Saturday.  Where once this seemed it would be a walk in the park against a field that was intimidated about facing him, you have to think that there are owners and trainers licking their lips now thinking they just might have a shot at beating him.

Everything will come down to his positioning as they turn for home.  Let’s not mistake this. Curlin is the best dirt horse in the world.  That fact is not debatable any more.  Still, if we’ve learned anything over the last few weeks, it’s that even the best are capable of encountering hardship in any given race.  I still expect him to prevail, and as Curlin is my favorite horse of all-time, I’ll be cheering my guts out for him as they turn for home, but I have to be honest here and say that I’m more worried about the setup in the Stephen Foster than I was when Curlin took on the best in the world in the Dubai World Cup.  In other words, this won’t be a piece of cake.

The field for the Stephen Foster looks as follows:

  1. Curlin  (Robby Albarado)
  2. Delightful Kiss (Miguel Mena)
  3. Sam P  (Kent Desormeaux)
  4. Einstein (Julien Leparoux)
  5. Grasshopper (Garrett Gomez)
  6. High Blues (Corey Lanerie)
  7. Red Rock Creek (Shaun Bridgmohan)
  8. Jonesboro (Jamie Thierot)
  9. Barcoloa (Jesus L. Castanon)
  10.  Brass Hat (Calvin Borel)

 


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Curlin set to return in the Stephen Foster

10 06 2008

Horse racing needs its heroes.  With the debacle of Big Brown in the Belmont Stakes last Saturday, the building anticipation for a potential showdown between a Triple Crown winner and the 2007 Horse of the Year seemingly went out the window.  Instead, racing fans have been left with a head scratching defeat and a renewed appreciation that nothing is a given, no matter how lopsided it may appear on paper.

This Saturday’s running of the Grade 1 Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs appears no different.  Curlin, for all of his freakish success, will be assigned the daunting challenge of carrying at least 10 pounds more than any of his competitors in the 1 1/8 mile race. 

The list of competitors has grown in recent weeks to potentially include Grasshopper, Einstein, Jonesboro, Student Council and Delightful Kiss, among others.  While Curlin will be carrying 128 pounds against these foes, he’s actually run at a higher weight (132) in his amazing victory in the Dubai World Cup on March 29. 

Trainer Steve Asmussen has been quoted in the press as being concerned about the weight assignment – but has indicated that colt will need to show he can overcome such obstacles to keep marching triumphantly forward. 

Personally, while I’m concerned about the weight assignment as a Curlin fan – I’m looking for the colt to come to the rescue of horse racing and re-establish himself as the sport’s biggest star.  A few weeks ago the prospects for Curlin winning a second consecutive Horse of the Year award seemed bleak when viewed from the shadow of Big Brown’s seemingly assured Triple Crown bid.  Now, with Big Brown’s defeat still fresh in everyone’s mind, what bigger message could Curlin send than to defeat Grade 1 level rivals while running at such a significant disadvantage? 

The Curlin team hasn’t made a bad move since the colt was defeated in the Haskell last summer, and have run off 4 straight victories including the Jockey Club Gold Cup, the Breeder’s Cup Classic, and of course the Dubai World Cup.  He also seems to be training well, rattling off  a 5 furlong workout in 1:02.80 on Monday.

Of the competitors, I find Einstein the most intriguing.  Grasshopper is a horse I’ve thought highly of but it’s been a while since he’s won and he seems to find a way to lose in the stretch when it counts.  Student Council is returning off a big win in the Pimlico Special on Black Eyed Susan day. 

It’s time for Curlin to answer the bell and rise up to face a new round of challengers.  Will racing fans get to see another signature race in the amazing career of a colt that went from unraced maiden to world champion in little over one year?  If so, Curlin will add to his bankroll in his quest to overcome Cigar as the top earning U.S. thoroughbred in history.  The task won’t be easy, and Curlin may well have to earn this one in the stretch as his lighter weight competitors turn for home.  Barring a “Dubai bounce”, I’m looking for Curlin to add another notch to his belt.  That being said, you really can’t fault any bettors looking for an opportunity to beat the favorite after seeing a “lock” go up in smoke last weekend.

 


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