Curlin in the beginning of the Stephen Foster (creepy_coyote)

Asmussen said he would work Curlin on the turf and find a grass race for him in North America on the weekend of July 12-13. He did not say if he had a particular race in mind. He would prefer a race over an international style course, such as those at Arlington Park, Belmont Park or Woodbine. Major turf races for older horses scheduled that weekend include the $500,000 Man O’ War (gr. IT) at 1 3/8 miles at Belmont Park and the Arlington Handicap (gr. III) at 1 1/4 miles at Arlington Park.

That is, if he works well on the turf… fingers crossed!

Here’s a fun fact, in yesterday’s extremely satisfying chalk fest, favorites (with the exception of Pyro, who was a close second favorite) won by 35 1/4 lengths total!!

Fleur De Lis – Hysterical Lady – 7 lengths

Regret – Pure Clan – 2 3/4 lengths

Northern Dancer – Pyro – 1 3/4 lengths

Jefferson – Tizdejavu – 4 lengths

Stephen Foster – Curlin – 4 1/2 lengths

Mint Julep – Dreaming of Anna – 2 1/2 lengths

Obeah – Unbridled Belle – 5 lengths

Ogden Phipps – Ginger Punch – 7 3/4 lengths

I’m looking forward to seeing some races where there are actual stretch battles and one can find some betting value, but after the past few weeks I think we all deserved to see what real favorites and champions look like (even if they rarely compete against each other).