Handicapper's Edge: Curlin makes his turf debut

[two gun sid]

Horse of the Year CURLIN (Smart Strike) is expected to arrive at Belmont Park on Thursday and then make his turf debut in Saturday's 49th running of the $500,000 Man o' War S. (G1) at 11 furlongs.

Beaten a head by the filly Rags to Riches in last year's Belmont S. (G1) and then third in the Haskell Invitational (G1) at Monmouth Park, Curlin has since reeled off five straight victories, four of which were Grade/Group 1 wins. Since his victory in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1), Curlin has won the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) and Stephen Foster H. (G1).

Those races, however, were all on dirt and now the four-year-old is using the Man o' War as a springboard to a season on the turf, which includes the Prix Foy (Fr-G2) on September 14 as a prep to the ultimate goal, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1) on October 5. Both races will be run at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris.

The Man o' War does not figure to be a walk in the park for Curlin, who will face seasoned and successful turf stars such as Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) winners RED ROCKS (Ire) (Galileo ) and BETTER TALK NOW (Talkin Man).

http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/article.cgi?id=12138

Colonel John returns in the Swaps Stakes out west. Unbridled Belle, Hystericalady and Proud Spell are racing in Delaware and we've also got the Summit of Speed at Calder this weekend. Looks like some good racing.

[Awsi Dooger]

1. Vindication euthanized

Very sudden sad death for the 2002 Breeders Cup juvenile winner and undefeated 2 year old champ, thought to be a Triple Crown threat before injuries ended his career without any races at 3.

He was in discomfort last night and taken to an equine hospital, where exploratory surgery revealed a rupture in his stomach, complications from colic. Vindication was euthanized today, at age 8.

http://www.kentucky.com/254/story/457533.html

[two gun sid]

2. Sad loss of a son of Seattle Slew

I was at Arlington the day he won the BC Juvenile. He was a real quality 2YO and looked a lot like his sire.

[two gun sid]

3. ESPN News to broadcast Man O War Stakes

along with the Delaware Oaks on ESPN2. Finally someone gets it. Curlin is the best horse in the world right now. Put him on TV so people can see him.

http://blogs.timesunion.com/horseracing/?p=477

[TZ]

4. Yay!

About time they figured that out!

[two gun sid]

5. Some free PP's for todays races

Calder Race 9 Princess Rooney Handicap
http://www.brisnet.com/bris_link/pdfs/dougoneill_116692.pdf

Delaware Race 8 Delaware Oaks
http://www.brisnet.com/bris_link/pdfs/hgrahammotion_116671.pdf

Belmont Race 9 Man O War Stakes
http://www.brisnet.com/bris_link/pdfs/darley_117024.pdf

Hollywood Race 8 Swaps Stakes
http://www.brisnet.com/bris_link/pdfs/winstar_farm_llc_116846.pdf

Who's got the winners?

[two gun sid]

6. I bet the 'House!!!

21.80 11.40 6.40

I wish I'd of hit the exacta! paid 540.00

[Justpat]

8. Thanks!

I guess we should have run him on the grass a long time ago.
Boy, he really likes the turf.

[two gun sid]

9. He came back good then?

Oh shit, was that exciting! He did good.

[Justpat]

11. He came back in great shape.

He is very proud of himself.
This colt is really a ham. After the win picture was snapped and the valet
took the saddle off, Talkhouse turned and stood facing the clubhouse, looking
up into the stands. I hope he turns out to be as good as he thinks he is on the turf.

[two gun sid]

12. Boy, that was exciting. I'm glad he came back good.

If he keeps winning races like that he's gonna have a big fan club to ham it up for.

Did I tell you that was exciting?

[Justpat]

13. It was exciting to me too.

I acted like a jerk, screaming my head off up in the boxes like I'd never seen
a horse win before.

[two gun sid]

14. A jerk? what are you talking about? Horse racing is...

supposed to make you excited. If you ain't screamin' your head off, you ain't havin' fun.

[bread_and_roses]

29. very happy for you, congratulations!

and the "ham" note is delightful. Please post a pic if you can.

[Justpat]

34. I will.

I'll post a win pic later today.

[aaronbees]

30. Just watched the replay

He looked great out there! Congrats!

[Justpat]

35. Thanks!

I am still walking on air.

It was just a maiden claimer but I was proud of him and impressed with
the time of the race.

He was so proud of himself today.

[two gun sid]

7. Proud Spell wins the Delaware Oaks

thrilling stretch drive with African Violet really putting Proud Spell to the test. She wins by a head.

[two gun sid]

10. Mistical Plan wins the Princess Rooney in 1:10.76

Miraculous Miss 2nd and Dream Rush 3rd

[two gun sid]

15. Red Rocks wins the Man O War

Curlin 2nd. Better Talk Know 3rd.

Red Rocks had a better early position and a stronger finishing kick. No shame in that loss for Curlin. But, no excuse either.

[TZ]

17. Is this his first turf race?

I think 2nd is pretty good for a horse that mostly runs on dirt..

[two gun sid]

20. Yes. First turf start.

He did well but I don't think he did well enough to warrant a trip to France for the Arc de Triomphe.

[Justpat]

21. Yes, it was his first time on grass.

Jess Jackson, the majority owner, wanted to try it.
They were thinking of sending him to the Arc.
I don't think they will now.

[aaronbees]

18. Red Rocks sure does well in the States

Curlin looked good, but didn't have quite the same overpowering kick he does on the dirt. Wonder what he'll do next.

[two gun sid]

22. Good Question.

Where do you go with a horse like him"

[aaronbees]

24. Jockey Club Gold Cup, BC Classic, Japan cup

Or something like that, maybe? Or perhaps a different overseas grass stakes ... but I don't think Curlin would win the Arc based on what we saw today. Red Rocks is second tier over in Europe; if Curlin was going to head in to the Arc confidently, he'd have to have walloped the field today.

[two gun sid]

26. He only had to carry 116 today

I don't think he goes to France either. I'd like to see him go once at Saratoga and end at the BC.

[TZ]

25. Isn't it nice to be able to ask this question though..

To have a truly great horse racing well into their 4th year...

[Justpat]

37. Did he run on lasix yesterday?

Maybe it moves him up enough to be a better horse here.

I'll have to check the form and see if he ran on it.

[two gun sid]

39. Yes. He ran on Lasix.

[Awsi Dooger]

32. Red Rocks looked a bit quicker than Curlin in the final sixteenth

Impressive surge, really digging for the wire.

I never feel comfortable when a top horse is content to linger that far back, particularly when spotting lengths to a threat like Red Rocks. The whole way around it never looked like Curlin would do it.

This time he lost on the outside, his preferred route, unlike the Belmont. I hope the connections take that into account and return him to the dirt, where I might find a wager on him. Turf is always a blur to me.

[two gun sid]

33. You're right. He didn't have an excuse.

I didn't feel he had to win this race but, I guess I did expect him to show a flash of brilliance during the running and finish closer up.

No shame in how he performed today and I'm glad his connections were game enough to give something like this a try. Not many owners would risk a defeat with a horse like that. Jackson must have real faith in him.

But, yes, put him back on dirt.

Are you still back home in FL? I hope everything is well with you and your family. How do the 'Canes look for the upcoming season?

[Awsi Dooger]

50. I've been back in Las Vegas for almost 3 weeks

My mom fell down and broke her ankle in 3 places at 4:30 AM, less than 2 days after I left. I'm still shook up about it. She was making great progress, gaining 22 pounds of the 30 she had lost while hospitalized. She was back to playing bridge with her friends, and had even joined my dad and I on the golf course a few times.

I knew that was the danger period, early AM when she's wandering around the house, very wobbly. She can't seem to sleep the night. I would always stay up until 4 AM to help her. I should have emphasized to my dad to keep lights on. Her mental woes -- recently diagnosed with Parkinsonism -- don't allow mom to realize she needs to be careful physically. This is the second broken ankle in 3 years.

Here's a picture. The break is so bad she couldn't have normal surgery. It's an external fixator, and she has to keep weight off the foot for 6 months. That is seemingly impossible, the way she bolts out of bed on impulse. We were planning a summer trip to the Saratoga region but now that's gone. I'll be back to help when I can, maybe in August or September.



The Canes should have improved personnel for the first season in years. I attended the spring game and the young freshman defenders are exciting, early enrollees, notably an incredibly instinctive outside linebacker named Sean Spence. But the QBing is very young, and possibly a lopsided defeat on the road to the Gators early in the season. Miami hasn't lost to Florida since 1985.

[two gun sid]

53. I wish you and your family all the best

I had something similar happen to my dad last winter. Broke his ankle in the snow, wouldn't stay off of it and broke it in two more places. He's had two brain surgeries since 2001 and...well, he's had his problems so I can definitely empathize. I hope your mom as feeling better soon.

I hope the 'Canes defense is improved. But I hate the thought of them losing to those goddamn Gators.

[Awsi Dooger]

55. Thank you sid, same to you and your family

Brain surgeries, gad. That puts a broken ankle into different focus. I hope your dad is doing well.

Anyway, it's so frustrating regarding my mom because there must have been 150+ days since Christmas in either a hospital or some form of rehab. Every day the calendar was an issue, the time specifics of the next appointments. The insurance kept extending things and agreeing to subsequent treatments, which surprised my dad and I. When she seemed close to where she had been, another incident. I wouldn't be as concerned except she demonstrates the same tendencies as your dad, unable to stay off it. Mom is very proud and stubborn. She won't use a walker even though she walks so much better with one. A walker in the middle of the night would have prevented that stumble and broken ankle. Now the surgeon is debating removing a bone fragment, one he couldn't get to initially.

Yeah, I'm dreading that Gators game. I'm sure Miami will flash signs of young talent but on the road early in the season a young team figures to get whipped. The Gators aren't my favorites. I better leave it at that.

BTW, mom loves the horses. She is a huge Big Brown fan. During that 5 week period she was incredibly upbeat. Even from her hospital bed the other day she was telling me about the feature at Calder, reading the Herald article over the phone. :)

[trumad]

56. Come on---we own the Gators....

Miami by 3 scores.

[Justpat]

36. I think he can't accelerate as well on the turf

A true grass horse has that terrific burst of speed that they can pour on at the end.

Curlin looked like a grinder - a very talented one, obviously since he managed to
finish second, but a grinder nonetheless.

[Awsi Dooger]

51. Very good summary

Curlin can sustain for long stretches but it's indeed more like a grinder. Even when he ran down Street Sense in the Preakness it was gradual and not a sudden burst.

I think that's why I don't particularly like turf racing. Too often it's decided by a blast at the end, someone prevailing after the field is bunched. When I used to bet turf races I was normally on the wrong side of that, and it sucked. :-(

[Justpat]

16. Red Rocks wins.

Curlin second, Better Talk Now third.

Curlin didn't look all that fluid on the grass to me.
I mean he still finished second, but I think he is a
true dirt horse.

[two gun sid]

19. I'm glad Jackson gave it a shot though,

We fans need to thank him.

What was Frankel's horse doing? Trying to steal one or screw it up for everyone else?

[Justpat]

23. He was probably trying to steal it

because the last time he ran he won on the lead.

Winning a stake at GG is a hell of a lot different
than a Grade I at Belmont.

[aaronbees]

27. Swaps coming up in 17 mins

Field of four with Trevor's Clever and Nownownow scratched. I like Colonel John here but am interested in how Madeo does.

[aaronbees]

28. Tres Borrachos wins it!

Exciting race ... Two Step Salsa noses out Colonel John for 2nd. CJ laid up much closer to the pace today, which probably compromised his chances but someone had to challenge Two Step on the lead. Tyler Baze with a smart ride on Borrachos to sit just in back of those two.

[two gun sid]

31. Just saw a replay. Nice horse that Tres Barrachos.

[two gun sid]

38. In all the excitement we forgot about IEAH's Benny the Bull...

in the Smile Sprint at Calder yesterday. He won it easy.

Chart
http://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/CRC071208USA10.pdf

[Justpat]

41. Calder is a really slow track, but that is slow time for good horses.

The filly sprint went faster.

[two gun sid]

40. IEAH's Kip DeVille wins the Poker H. at Belmont in 1:32.94

Our old pal Steppenwolfer finishes dead last.

By the way, I think IEAH is getting ready to dump Dutrow. Iavorone made some comments about Dutrow to the press yesterday at Calder after Benny the Bull's race.

[two gun sid]

42. Magical Forest wins the Barbaro S. at Delaware in 1:44.02

at big odds. pays 33.60 7.40 3.40

Z Humor was scratched.

[two gun sid]

43. Hystericalady wins Delaware Handicap in 2:02.37

Lemon Drop Mom 2nd. Unbridled Belle 3rd.

I'm looking forward to a Zenyatta - Ginger Punch - Hystericalady meet-up.

[aaronbees]

44. That'll be a doozy matchup

Hystericalady romped.

A two-year-old Candy Ride colt named Candy Lion just won an impressive maiden race at Hollywood Park - last day of the meet.

[Justpat]

45. Here is the win picture

Hope this doesn't come out too big, or too small.

[two gun sid]

46. Beautiful!

I just checked in to see if you had posted it yet. Good lookin' group you have there.

[Justpat]

47. I am the white haired one in the front.

The rest of the pic is Bill in back, Jose Espinoza's wife and kids and on the end,
Talkhouse's hotwalker and her daughter.

Whenever Jose Espinoza wins a race for us, he asks that his family be able to get
in the picture. How can I say no?

[two gun sid]

48. I recognized you two...

the others I didn't know. You can't say no. Our regular driver does the same thing and I think it's great. The sport is more fun when it's a family thing.

Congrats again.

[bread_and_roses]

58. Thanks for the photos and congrats again! (n/t)

[jakefrep]

49. Sister Kathy's win picture from Ottawa

We're still waiting for Maumee Lane's picture from Hoosier Park.

[Justpat]

52. Congratulations!!

I don't know anything about trotters, but that looks like a nice mover.
Also, that is a nice shot of all four legs off the ground.

[jakefrep]

57. Thanks....

On her best days, she is a good mover. She does best when she's able to get out front early and fight horses off in the stretch.

[two gun sid]

54. Congratulations!

For both wins. Kathy looks good.

[bread_and_roses]

59. very pretty with the mane blowing. congratulations! (n/t)

[Justpat]

60. OK, race fans

I'm up at Saratoga already and loving every minute of it.

If any of you can make it to the Spa this year, send me a pm and I'll
give you my cell phone number so we can get together.


Later.... OB

[two gun sid]

61. How's the weather?

Our 2YO's all scoped bad. Lot's of mucus so the vet gave 'em some shots and we'll see what happens. I forgot to tell you Stanley won last Friday at Hazel in 1:57 flat. We entered him back this weekend but his race didn't fill. Curly is in the 5th at Jackson Sat. Nite which is closing nite and he's in a claimer. But, our trainer won last nite with the high dollar colt that he trains and has won 3 of the last 4 races he's had horses in. Not too shabby of a week for the barn. It's better to be lucky than good.

Here's Stanley's chart and as soon as the photographer sends me the win picture I'll post it.
http://racing.ustrotting.com/race_result.cfm?race_id=2021588&target=889331

Hope everything is good with you and the crew and OB, have a good meet. It's a good life we all have.

[Justpat]

62. It is HOT here.

It is supposed to be in the nineties the next few days.

That is great news about Stanley and good luck with Curly.

I'll check in here to see how he did.