(Monday, June 16) The 2007 Horse of the Year Curlin ran his '08 record to a perfect 3 for 3 with a victory in Saturday's $750,000 Stephen Foster Handicap (G1) at Churchill Downs, drawing clear to win by 4 1/4 lengths.
The victory brought Curlin's career earnings to $9,396,800, third on the all time list behind Cigar ($9,999,185) and Skip Away ($9,616,360).
The colt was making his first start since taking the Dubai World Cup (G1) in March, and dispelled any notion the long trip to Dubai might have taken something out of the son of Smart Strike.
Owned by Stonestreet Stable and Midnight Cry Stables and trained by Steve Asmussen, the colt returned $2.80 for the win.
Second choice Einstein, a turf specialist, checked in second, completing a $12.80 exacta.
The pacesetter Barcola held on for third, completing a $97.80 trifecta.
Grasshopper ran fourth, and was followed by Brass Hat, Jonesboro, Delightful Kiss, Sam P., High Blues and Red Rock Creek.
The colt was winning his fifth start in a row, all with jockey Robby Albarado aboard.
"He's an amazing horse," Albarado said. "Again with his routine brilliance, he is in textbook form. He's showing that he is a superstar. He prevailed for the fans and I'm proud of him-- he's an amazing horse-- amazing athlete."
Curlin carried 128 pounds in the Foster, spotting his rivals 10-15 pounds.
So what's next for the multiple Grade 1 winner?
Asmussen is considering running Curlin on turf. If the colt works well on turf, the likely scenario would be a turf start in either the $200,000 Arlington Handicap at Arlington Park or the $500,000 Man o' War at Belmont Park as a prep for the $1 million Arlington Million on August 9.
The ultimate turf goal would then be a start in France in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) in October.
Certainly an ambitious goal for a colt that has not yet started on turf in his career.
There were six stakes on the card on Saturday, and it was a chalk player's delight.
Hystericalady ($3.00) started the chalk parade by winning the $300,000 Fleur De Lis Handicap (G2). Pure Clan followed that up with a win in the $200,000 Regret Stakes (G3), paying $4.00.
Pyro paid $5.60 as the second choice in the $190,000 Northern Dancer, followed by Tizdejavu ($8.00) winning the $200,000 Jefferson Cup (G2).
After Curlin won the Foster, Dreaming of Anna paid $3.00 in winning the $169,000 Mint Julep Handicap (G3).
The all stakes Pick 6 returned a paltry $48.00 for a $2 ticket.
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