Curlin: 2007 American Horse of the Year Impressively Wins Dubai World Cup Prep
Never in Doubt: Curlin beats Sheikh Mohammed's Familiar Territory
The 2007 American Horse of the Year, internationally rated 129, proved that he has retained his form in coasting to victory in the Al Tayer Mortors Jaguar Trophy at the ninth meeting of the Dubai International Racing Carnival.
Trainer of the four-year-old Curlin USA (Smart Strike Can), Steve Asmussen, set up the race as Curlin's prep for the world's second richest race * the Dubai World Cup on 29th March where he is odd-on favourite to win.
"The timing between the races is ideal--he won the Jockey Club Gold Cup over a mile and a quarter (2000m) before winning the Breeders'Cup Classic (2007) over the same trip, four weeks later." said Asmussen.
A mile and a quarter is the US Derby and Classic distance and, though Curlin was beaten in the Derby and later by the audacious filly, Rags to Riches USA (A P Indy USA), he showed extraordinary improvement to win the Classic on the worst imaginable ground.
In the Jaguar, Curlin raced a keen second to Familiar Territory (Cape Cross Ire) who led all the way until about 400m out when Curlin's motionless jockey, Robby Albarado, took him wide to settle him and pass to win by 2-1/4 lengths.
Mere words could do no justice to the horse compared to seeing the power, control and athleticism of this magnificent animal. He just gets better and tougher as he matures.
Albarado said "He is an amazing athlete and racehorse. It is a real honour to be associated with him...".
*L'Arc de Triomphe has jumped to the richest race for 2008. One doubts that lead will last for long since Sheikh Mohammed will want to open his Meydan Racecourse in 2010 with all the superlatives.
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