Comments on: JACKSON SEEKS FAN INPUT ON CURLIN’S PATH

By: murray

murray — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:36:06 +0000

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?

By: John B.

John B. — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:52:31 +0000

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.

By: Lin C.

Lin C. — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:33:35 +0000

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.

By: Connie

Connie — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:27:19 +0000

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.

By: Ashley Bruck

Ashley Bruck — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:01:02 +0000

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.

By: Donna W

Donna W — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 01:51:43 +0000

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….

By: Suze

Suze — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:13:57 +0000

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.

By: Wrinklez

Wrinklez — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:11:33 +0000

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.

By: Jacalyn

Jacalyn — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:17:25 +0000

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.

By: Vicki

Vicki — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:46:00 +0000

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.