Posts Tagged ‘red rocks’

 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

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