Curlin versus pair of BC Turf winners in Man O’ War
Curlin will be attempting something new on Saturday (July 12th) in the Grade 1 Man O’ War, and if he takes to the turf like his connections hope he will, it is off to France for a shot at Arc de Triomphe (G1) glory in October. He must pass this test first, and it should not be easy for the son of Smart Strike.
Curlin showed special ability right out of the box, winning his first three starts easily, then finishing a troubled 3rd in a deep renewal of the 2007 Kentucky Derby (G1). He turned the tables on his Derby rivals two weeks later in the Preakness (G1), then gallantly battled talented filly Rags to Riches in the Test of Champions, only to lose by a head.
After a short breather, he was off his game in a non-threatening 3rd in the Haskell (G1), and he hasn’t missed a beat since in five impressive wins versus three-and-up company, including the JC Gold Cup (G1), BC Classic (G1) and Dubai World Cup (G1).
Following a facile score in the Stephen Foster (G1), Steve Asmussen and company mapped out a plan to ship to Europe later this fall, and his first turf work was a solid 7f in 1:31-1/5 breezing with the dogs up. He owns solid if unspectacular turf breeding and will not offer any value in his grass debut. Regular pilot Robby Albarado will be in the irons.
Red Rocks won the 2006 BC Turf (G1) over firm footing at Churchill Downs, defeating 2004 BC Turf winner Better Talk Now and subsequent 2007 Turf winner English Channel. He was not at his best when returned to the US for a repeat try in the Turf, and his suspect form and soft ground lead to a non-threatening show finish. He opened up his 2008 campaign with a win, and was last seen finishing a respectable 6th of 11 in a salty Group 1 at Epsom. If he runs well in this spot, expect him to stay in the country and prepare for another crack at Turf glory. Note that he dons the hood and might stalk the pace.
Better Talk Now is not as fast and consistent as he once was, but the nine-year-old gelding still packs a punch from time to time. He could have nabbed the Manhattan (G1) with clear sailing, and note that his last win was the 2007 Manhattan. It would be a great story if the old boy dusts himself off and beats a field of this quality.
Grand Couturier (GB) won the Sword Dancer (G1) at the Spa last summer, defeating English Channel in the process. He was a solid 3rd behind Doctor Dino and Sunriver in this race last fall, and he was shelved after failing to handle soft turf at Monmouth. He was a fast closing 3rd in his ten furlong prep for this, and he is capable of top three status with his best.
Grade 3 type Mission Approved will provide the pace, while Godolphin runner True Cause will be trying to rally late. Robert Frankel’s Sudan (Ire) exits a sharp Golden Gate wire job at this distance and might be aggressively handled by Johnny V.
Tags: Better Talk Now, Curlin, Man O' War, Red Rocks, Steve AsmussenRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Handicapping, Horses, Jockeys, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Trainers
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