JACKSON SEEKS FAN INPUT ON CURLIN’S PATH
He’s not quite Uncle Sam looking for a few good men and women to sign up for the U.S. Army, but Jess Jackson does want something from the public: their opinion. Specifically, the Paulick Report has learned that the California winemaker and Thoroughbred horseman is seeking input from both fans and horsemen in an online poll on where 2007 Horse of the Year Curlin should race next.
The debate on whether or not Curlin should continue on his ambitious path toward the Oct. 5 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in France began among Jackson, his family, trainer Steve Asmussen and Jackson’s advisers shortly after the 4-year-old son of Smart Strike finished second to 2006 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Red Rocks in last Saturday’s Man o’ War on the turf at Belmont Park. It was Curlin’s first start on grass.
Realizing the discussions and debate extend far beyond Curlin’s inner circle, Jackson decided to see where the public thinks Curlin should race next, so he asked for poll to be set up on his Stonestreet Farms web site at www.StonestreetFarms.com.
"It became obvious this weekend at Belmont Park that Curlin is not only a hero to me and my family but also to thousands of fans," Jackson said. "With so many people supporting Curlin and his future I wanted to ask the public where they think Curlin should go next."
The poll, which will be open through July 30, asks simply: "If you were Curlin’s owner, Jess Jackson, where should Curlin go next?"
A. Turf Campaign
B. Dirt Campaign
C. Synthetic Surface Campaign
D. Retire
In the meantime, Curlin has shipped from Belmont Park to Saratoga, where he will train for his next engagement, wherever that is.
Winner of last year’s Preakness Stakes, Jockey Club Gold Cup and Breeders’ Cup Classic en route to honors as champion 3-year-old male and Horse of the Year, Curlin has yet to race on a synthetic surface. This year’s Breeders’ Cup, held at Santa Anita during the Oak Tree Racing Association meeting, will be the first on synthetic track for the traditional dirt races. Santa Anita is installing a Pro-Ride synthetic surface this summer after experiencing drainage problems with the Cushion Track it had previously installed.
"Curlin is a true world class champion," Jackson said. "He continues to race at the age of four years old and stands as an inspiration and fresh change for the industry."
By Ray Paulick
Copyright ©2008, The Paulick Report
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Tags: Curlin, jess jackson, man o' war, Paulick Report, prix de l'arc de triomphe, Ray Paulick, red rocks
July 15th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Major kudos to Jess Jackson! It’s people like you who are great for the game!
July 15th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Curlin ran well, but not well enough. Fact is, he would be a tough sell against world class grass horses on their own turf at Longchamp. But,. before this noble experiment is abandoned, consider this:
Curlin always has improved dramatically when given a SECOND ATTEMPT at most anything, (SEE HIS DUBAI races for the most recent example).
Therefore, I would urge Jess Jackson and Steve Asmussen to put Curlin in the Arlington Milliion or the Sword Dancer at Saratoga to see if he can indeed improve significantly in his second turf start at a Classic distance.
If he does improve, I would definitely give him his chance to run in L’Arc.
If however, Curlin only improves somewhat, I would point him for the $3 milliion BC Turf on the Santa Anita grass course, Oct. 25.
Should Curlin not improve, I would then point him for the G-1 stakes at Belmont instead of the BC Classic on a synthetic track of unknown resilience. . . For more thoughts on this subject and others revolving around BC contenders in all divisions, please check my free, weekly race racap column on http://www.bodoglife.com/Regards/Steve Davidowitz
July 16th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Curlin is a very fast learner–think about his Derby run coming off of little experience, then what he accomplished next as the Preakness winner–and what he was able to do in only nine months or so–Champion! Let’s see Curlin run again on the turf! It would be wonderful to see him go forward! Best wishes!
July 16th, 2008 at 10:32 am
I agree, try him once more on the grass. Then decide where to go from there. I though his second to Red Rocks was quite respectable. He’s a great horse, lets see how versatile he is.
July 16th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Only in America could one find a racehorse’s connections asking the US Public for an opinion as to that horse’s future.
Is that amazing, or what? I like the distance on turf challenge approach. Harder, riskier and requires more time, but what rewards if Curlin’ can do it. Actually, I have no doubt Curlin’ can do it…it’s the humans responsible for making it happen that concern me. There may not be time for the Arc, but I say, if not this year use prep races here or overseas to build him for such a challenge for 2009…can you imagine, Curlin’ racing as a 5 yo???? WOW!
Simply WOW!!!! Takes a completely different mindset for US connections to even consider such a thought.
July 16th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Congratulations on your attempt for Curlin and thoughts about the ARC!!! You are a true sportsman. What I would say is go to Del Mar for the Pacific Classic on Polytrack. It really looks like the surface has been improved, the early reports from trainers are times are much faster and fairer. This race, the fans love and support…With Curlin they would create a frenzy, 60K people would come. I think the spacing works well for you and you can test out before the BC Classic and see if that is a fitting conclusion for Curlins career.
July 16th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Thanks for considering us the fans. We love Curlin and to have an imput in his life brings us all into the game.
July 16th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Curlin did not have his same kick on the grass. He looked just like what he is…a dirt runner trying the grass. His stride is for the dirt and MAYBE the synthetic tracks. Curlin is an amazing horse so try him one more time on the grass but if he doesn’t improve and show that kick then I say go for the Breeder’s Cup or another Dubai Cup.
July 16th, 2008 at 11:26 am
I think Curlin needs another race over turf to determine whether a turf campaign should be pursued. Depending on his performance there, then he should continue with a turf campaign or return to dirt.
July 16th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Who are these people voting for him to retire?!? Clearly they are not fans of the sport or they would pick anything but. He’s a superstar AND he made it past 3. I think PETA must be infiltrating the voting…
July 16th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
I love Curlin and his connections because they obviously adore this horse. So if he races, I want to see him race in the United States because he’s our Champ and there are few things lovelier than seeing this gorgeous animal run. Having said that - my heart says retire him before something happens to him - I could not stand it if he was to get hurt or worse.
July 16th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
I am 2 sided on this one. I don’t want to see Curlin risk getting injured but oh I love to watch this big boy race. I think that he should try once more on the grass to see if he decides he likes it after all and then decide whether to go for the dirt. I think that synthetic is a challenge still to most horses that are not turf racers. Whether he runs in the BC is not a big deal to me just so he stays fit and happy.
July 16th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Well for a first time try on the turf I felt Curlin did a good job and deserves another solid chance on the turf. But instead of sending him to the Arc let’s keep him in the states and aim for the BC Turf. Afterall no horse has ever won two BC races with one on the main track and one on the turf, wouldn’t that be enough to show how special he is? And if you still feel Curlin does better the second time he races at a track, then bring him to Oak Tree for the Clement Hirsch as a prep for the BC Turf.
July 16th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I agree, give him another chance on turf. I would not rule out a foreign turf campaign. He may not be ready for the Arc this year, but I wouldn’t mind him having the chance to race on European turf.
July 16th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
give Curlin another shot on the turf… the Arlington Million would be a perfect fit. Same type of “International” turf course, timing would be about right….. base the rest of the year on the outcome.
July 16th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
I was one who voted for retirement earlier today. I believe that Curlin has nothing left to prove and his value now lies in the excellent genes he should pass on to the next generation of throughbreds. I would love to see him continue racing on dirt and just racking up more wins, but I do not want to risk injury to this special horse. (And that would be very bad for the industry.) He has always been my favorite! And I am anything but a Peta proponent; they would prefer that all horses, dogs, cats, etc. just die off. No pets allowed in this world.
July 16th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
I agree with Steve Davidowitz….try another turf race…Arlington Million or perhaps a course that is more “yielding” if that is possible in this country. Give a guy (Curlin) a chance to improve his turf form. I applaud Jess Jackson for continuing to campaign this great horse….
July 16th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
I have always loved Curlin!!! Got to see him in the Kentucky Derby and fell in love with him then. I also would like to see him try another turf race. He has clearly showed improvements in all of his races that were deemed “not wins”. I feel his long strides do suit him more to dirt but he is such a talented horse that I would not rule him out on turf. He needs another try.
July 16th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Curlin is one for the ages, so it’s so fitting to get the people’s opinion on his next steps. What a concept! Thoughtful! Innovative! Thanks! That said, everything in me is saying “retire him.” He’s done it all. Like another poster said, there’s nothing more to prove. Please let him retire sound and with his head held high.
July 17th, 2008 at 1:33 am
In agreement with others, I am interested in seeing what this amazing Curlin can do a 2nd time out on the turf. If he doesn’t improve try synthetic or go back to dirt. Glad that he is still being allowed to run. Ambiguous as some others are about loving to see him run and being fearful of injury. Loving to see him run is outweighing the fear, Have confidence in his strength, breeding and training. Thank you Mr. Jackson.
July 17th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
While Curlin remains untested on synthetic surfaces, the breeding sheds of the future will require stallions who have excelled on synthetic track surfaces. The really great horses have all done well on any surface. My recommendation is that he be seriously considered for the Breeders’ Cup Classic this fall.
July 18th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
By this juncture the Curlin connections already KNOW about Curlin’s turf capabilities relative to dirt. They have a good understanding of how he moveson this surface and whether he still has his explosive kick on the lawn. Albarado in particular should have a very good idea about how this colt handles the turf, and plans re his future should be formulated with this understanding given paramount consideration. If the connections are of the opinion he indeed DOES handle the turf well then serious consideration must be given to underlying issues accounting for a much less than stellar performance in the Man o’ War. He seemed to lack his usual vitality in that race as well as in his turf work, displaying none of his usual aggressiveness characteristic of his past performances. In the Man o’ War he certainly did not put himself into the race at all. In the past we have seen him pull his way into a close tracking position (ie Dubai) and I seriously doubt Robby chose to fall some fifteen lengths off the pace in the Man o’ War, instead suxpecting that Curlin was reluctant to get involved in spite of Robby encouraging him to do so. ( If Robby didn’t encourage him to at least lay alongside Red Rock, then shame on him!). Has there been any consideration to the possibility that this grand colt is in need of a true break from the rigors of training? Perhaps nagging injuries, very subtle but cumulative, are beginning to plague him, or perhaps simple fatigue is a factor. I suspect he has been in constant training now for approaching three years without any significant break. Perhaps a brief step back to evaluate much more than just whether he likes the turf is in order?