posted Jul 3, 2008

farmerjack:
Your memory is right on...Ouiji Board won the American Eclipse award for best turf filly or mare in both 2004 and 2006. She was edged out in the voting by Intercontinental in 2005.

And you are absolutely right about added interest in the Arc over here. Already the buzz is starting. Turf writers are writing about it in their columns and the racing TV shows are talking about it. People here will be paying close attention to the Arc this year where as most would not without Curlin's participation. It's great for racing and God knows we need something to get excited about with all the controversy lately. We need a star, and Curlin has become one. Let's hope he runs well next week.

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posted Jul 3, 2008

That is good enough for me, lets just hope all goes well and he makes it to France!!

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posted Jul 4, 2008

yes it will be great if we see curlin over in europe. dont know what joses problem is.

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posted Jul 4, 2008

It would be great if we did see Curlin in Europe so why isn't he running in the King George I wonder?

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posted Jul 5, 2008

The reason i think Curlin isn't running in the King George Jose is because he can earn nearly as much money in winning at either Belmont or Arlington Park first of all. Also there is no 100% guarantee Curlin will be as good on turf as dirt so why fly half way around the world to the UK when they can find out at home!!

On another note maybe Asmussen and connections don't want to see an embarrassing display like the one Dylan Thomas gave when trying the dirt in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont when the O'Brien charge was still in the back stretch and Bernardini had already won under a hand ride!! I personally hope Curlin is as good on turf as he is on dirt and he turns up for the Arc with a legitimate chance of winning the premier race in Europe.

Finally i believe the bookmakers are clearly wary of Curlin handling the turf as he is only 10/1 with Corals which obviously means they are taking no chances. I think you have to be wary of the highest rated horse in the world currently!!

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posted Jul 5, 2008

Alsilvio:
I agree with you.
It now looks like Curlin will run in the G-1T Man'O'War. Other expected starters include former BC Race winners Better Talk Now, Red Rocks and possibly Group-1 winner Sudan among others. An impressive win, and he will be on his way to Paris, and 10-1 would be a bargain. A poor showing, and, well it was a great idea while it lasted. For racing's sake, and us racing fans, let's hope he makes the trip.

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posted Jul 5, 2008

If he beats Red Rocks by 3 lengths or less then we know Curlin will struggle in the Arc. I don't want him to get beat in the Arc. He is the best horse in the world but on Dirt, not Turf.

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posted Jul 5, 2008

Jose:
You are so relentlessly negative. But why?

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posted Jul 7, 2008

the only explanation is he has layed curlin.

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posted Jul 8, 2008

Saratoga AJ i have to ask you do you honestly believe Curlin can win the Arc as personally i don't even though i rate the horse as the best in the world currently. The reason i say this is because the turf is likely to be soft and this i believe will not suit Curlin and also he has only raced at 12 furlongs once and he lost in the Belmont to Rags to Riches.

To win the Arc you need to possibly stay further than 12 furlongs due to the likely soft ground and also to beat the likes of New Approach, Youmzain, Soldier of Fortune, Duke of Marmalade, Frozen Fire etc.. is just asking too much. Also the Ballydoyle team will employ a pacemaker to set the race up for them as well and this has previously proved successful when Dylan thomas won the Arc last year.

Finally i ask the question of where would you position Curlin in this race as you will probably have a field of 20 horses so would you want to stalk the pace, placed midpack or come from near the rear?? Also can Curlin handle racing right handed as well??

Too many questions in my opinion for Curlin to answer and overcome to win the Arc but i hope he can as it would be good for the sport of horse racing.

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