Champions of the turf?
July 5th 2008 05:02
The top ranked horse in the world, Curlin, satisfactorily completed his first test away from dirt when he worked with Hawaii Calls over seven furlongs on the turf course at Churchill Downs. Curlin would give his work companion a start of about one length, then race wide and finish on terms with him, running 1.31.20 for the trip. Not dazzling times by any means, with his final furlong 12.20.
(photo: Reed Palmer)
But this was not about morning-glory records; this was an introduction and acclimatisation to turf. His trainer Steve Asmussen was very pleased:
“We were very excited to work him, he’s a tremendous athlete,” he would say, adding “ we were very pleased with how he looked. The main thing is that Robby loved how he felt.”
Curlin’s regular work rider, Carlos Rosas, rode Hawaii Calls, while raceday jockey Robby Albarado rode Curlin in trackwork for only the second time in his career.
“I was more nervous working him this morning than I was riding him in the Foster - that’s the honest truth. It’s his first time on the turf and it’s an exciting time for all of us,” Albarado said.
Who better than regular race jockey Albarado to know if Curlin was raceday-comfortable on grass. Both trainer and jockey were impressed by his easy manner and confidence on the unusual (for him) surface.
Now the Curlin camp is heading towards a US turf debut in July in either the Man O’War Stakes(11 furlongs) at Belmont Park, or the Arlington Handicap (10 furlongs) at Arlington Park. With the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe as his ultimate target. The best horse in the world should really contest the best race.
In 1991 Steve Asmussen’s brother, (the well named) Cash Asmussen, won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe aboard Suave Dancer. Cash will help Steve in the preparation for an attempt to win the Arc. And the sire of Curlin also sired last year’s Champion Turf Male, English Channel.
Could Curlin overcome a (possibly soft) grass track; muddling tempo and capacity field; gaining confidence and traction as he attempts to accelerate on grass instead of grinding on dirt? Perhaps not. But why not attempt it anyway?
Earlier in the year there was much excitement about a possible clash between Curlin and Big Brown. The stigma and taint of the Belmont Stakes have tarnished the reputation of Big Brown. There will always be suggestion and innuendo to follow the mention of his deeds. We know that Big Brown will race on for a limited time yet. So why not have that race against Curlin that all of the US wished for so few months ago. But now, why not follow Curlin to Paris and race him and the best of the world on grass? In one bold move - with one brave decision - a champion is reborn and forgiven. If Big Brown can defeat Curlin then his place is assured in the list of racing greats. And even better if he could do it on foreign soil, in a move so bold as to be breathtaking.
Big Brown is bred to run on turf and he in fact won his maiden on grass at Saratoga winning by more than 11 lengths. Big Brown can contest the Breeders’ Cup Classic and may prove successful again, redeeming much lost faith. But with the retirement of Heatseeker, and no show by Curlin, the lack of real depth would make this a semiprecious victory instead of a diamond. Why not chase the dream of being the first North American horse to win the Arc?
This is racing. It is our world of dream and imagination. Dream big.
Watch this video of Big Brown winning on the grass at Saratoga:
Curlin wins Stephen Foster
(photo: Reed Palmer)
But this was not about morning-glory records; this was an introduction and acclimatisation to turf. His trainer Steve Asmussen was very pleased:
“We were very excited to work him, he’s a tremendous athlete,” he would say, adding “ we were very pleased with how he looked. The main thing is that Robby loved how he felt.”
Curlin’s regular work rider, Carlos Rosas, rode Hawaii Calls, while raceday jockey Robby Albarado rode Curlin in trackwork for only the second time in his career.
“I was more nervous working him this morning than I was riding him in the Foster - that’s the honest truth. It’s his first time on the turf and it’s an exciting time for all of us,” Albarado said.
Who better than regular race jockey Albarado to know if Curlin was raceday-comfortable on grass. Both trainer and jockey were impressed by his easy manner and confidence on the unusual (for him) surface.
Now the Curlin camp is heading towards a US turf debut in July in either the Man O’War Stakes(11 furlongs) at Belmont Park, or the Arlington Handicap (10 furlongs) at Arlington Park. With the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe as his ultimate target. The best horse in the world should really contest the best race.
In 1991 Steve Asmussen’s brother, (the well named) Cash Asmussen, won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe aboard Suave Dancer. Cash will help Steve in the preparation for an attempt to win the Arc. And the sire of Curlin also sired last year’s Champion Turf Male, English Channel.
Could Curlin overcome a (possibly soft) grass track; muddling tempo and capacity field; gaining confidence and traction as he attempts to accelerate on grass instead of grinding on dirt? Perhaps not. But why not attempt it anyway?
Earlier in the year there was much excitement about a possible clash between Curlin and Big Brown. The stigma and taint of the Belmont Stakes have tarnished the reputation of Big Brown. There will always be suggestion and innuendo to follow the mention of his deeds. We know that Big Brown will race on for a limited time yet. So why not have that race against Curlin that all of the US wished for so few months ago. But now, why not follow Curlin to Paris and race him and the best of the world on grass? In one bold move - with one brave decision - a champion is reborn and forgiven. If Big Brown can defeat Curlin then his place is assured in the list of racing greats. And even better if he could do it on foreign soil, in a move so bold as to be breathtaking.
Big Brown is bred to run on turf and he in fact won his maiden on grass at Saratoga winning by more than 11 lengths. Big Brown can contest the Breeders’ Cup Classic and may prove successful again, redeeming much lost faith. But with the retirement of Heatseeker, and no show by Curlin, the lack of real depth would make this a semiprecious victory instead of a diamond. Why not chase the dream of being the first North American horse to win the Arc?
This is racing. It is our world of dream and imagination. Dream big.
Watch this video of Big Brown winning on the grass at Saratoga:
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