JACKSON CHALLENGES BIG BROWN’S OWNERS TO RACE
By Ray Paulick
Jess Jackson, the majority owner of Curlin, is hoping to shame the owners of Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown into challenging the reigning Horse of the Year in the Aug. 30 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga.
Jackson said if Big Brown runs against Curlin in the Woodward he will donate $50,000 from the Curlin for Kids Fund to Anna House, the non-profit day-care center for the children of backstretch workers at Belmont Park run by the Belmont Child Care Association.
“Big Brown’s camp recent remarks about Curlin inspired me to offer an incentive to get these two great horses to race at the legendary track at the Spa,” Jackson said in a press release. “Both horses are eligible for this race and both have plenty of time to prepare for what would be Thoroughbred racing at its very best and in the name of a great cause.
“This type of competition between horses is exactly what Thoroughbred racing needs — an event that introduces the excitement and competition of racing to a broader audience,” Jackson said. “Imagine Horse of the Year Curlin racing against Derby winner Big Brown, on a legendary track. I would love it, the fans would love it, and the horses would love it. ”
Don’t hold your breath waiting for the IEAH Stable or Paul Pompa Jr. to accept the challenge on behalf of Big Brown. Despite the comments by Big Brown’s trainer, Rick Dutrow, that Big Brown is “way better than Curlin,” the Boundary colt’s connections are looking for a specially created turf race for 3-year-olds at Belmont Park in mid-September. The $500,000 Woodward is for 3-year-olds and upward at 1 1/8 miles on dirt. Big Brown’s owners have said they will then point their colt for the Breeders’ Cup Classic on the new synthetic surface at Santa Anita Oct. 25.Curlin’s plans after the Woodward have not beendetermined.
Curlin worked on Monday in preparation for the Woodward, going six furlongs in 1:14.62 on the sloppy Oklahoma training track at Saratoga. The Grade 1 Woodward would be Curlin’s first race at Saratoga. Under the weight for age conditions, Big Brown and other three-year-olds would carry 121 pounds; 4-year-old Curlin and other older horses would carry 126 pounds.
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Tags: anna house, belmont child care association, Big Brown, Breeders' Cup, breeders' cup classic, Curlin, curlin for kids, Horse Racing, IEAH, jess jackson, New York Racing Association, paul pompa jr., Paulick Report, Ray Paulick, rick dutrow, saratoga, woodward
August 13th, 2008 at 11:10 am
This would settle the bet once and for all - but I don’t think it will happen. IEAH and Dutrow continue to be all talk as to a possible match up - and every indicator points towards Big Brown’s feet being a real (and hidden) issue for his remaining career. He worked turf on an audible with no legit explanation right before the Haskell, was painful to watch as he struggled to win the Haskell - uncomfortable, rough and reluctant lead changes and bearing out almost to the outer rail in the stretch. The fact they want a turf race created shows not only their fears for his feet but also their hubris that they think someone should just create a grade one for them because they want it.
However - to be fair - Jackson’s not clean on this either. His steadfast refusal to seriously consider a run at Santa Anita on racing’s big day also speaks volumes. I’m betting money they’ve tried Curlin on synthetic and he doesn’t like it. Otherwise - why not give it a go? He’s no better as far as trying to pick the optimum spot for his horse than IEAH is.
My bet? They never meet. But if they do - wouldn’t the Woodward answer every question? No synthetic bias, plenty of prep time for both - it would satisfy the masses and the media - but it would mean Dutrow running on Jackson’s terms - and I doubt he’ll do it with BB in his current condition.
August 13th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I would love to see Big Brown join Curlin in the Woodward Stakes at Saratoga! I still believe Curlin is the better horse, but I admire Big Brown for his efforts. Big Brown didn’t get to choose his trainer, so he can’t help if Dutrow has a big mouth. Plus I don’t understand switching Big Brown to turf? It would make better sense to run Big Brown on dirt in the Woodward and help secure the $50,000. donation for Anna House, the non-profit day-care center for the children of backstretch workers at Belmont Park run by the Belmont Child Care Association. Now that would be a BIG PLUS for Big Brown’s image!!
August 13th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
If this race were to happen Curlin would win easily. Big Brown is a big phoney. It took a lot of BB to beat an extremely weak Haskell field. Curlin on the other hand has romped on the dirt taking on more quality fields. I just hope that Dootrow will race BB so when he loses he will finially be shut up.
August 13th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Will Curlin get off the steriods as well? Now that would be an interesting match! Gloves and drugs off!
August 13th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Please enough of Jackson and IEAH!!!!!
August 13th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
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August 14th, 2008 at 1:51 am
I can’t see the Rokeby and Greentree camps going on like this. This is not the Sport of Kings anymore