Curlin Could Make History this Weekend
This weekend is gearing up to be a massive weekend for horse racing, as Santa Anita opens its doors to racing on its new surface and Belmont Park readies itself for the 2007 Horse of the Year, Curlin. On Wednesday, 24 September 2008, Santa Anita Park confirmed their upcoming racing extravaganza, which they hope, if all the racing goes well over the weekend and rave reviews are given in regard to the surface, could lure the mighty Curlin to compete in the upcoming Breeder’s Cup Classic. But for now Curlin has his sights set on the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup.
The Jockey Club Gold Cup will take place on Saturday, 27 September 2008, at Belmont Park and it is expected that thousands of loyal horse racing fans will be filling the grandstand to see Curlin in action. Jess Jackson, the principal owner of Curlin, is not worried about the money side of things, he just wants his horse to give a good performance as he already knows in his heart that Curlin is one of the greatest and doesn’t have to prove himself anymore.
What has the fans all excited is the fact that Curlin’s total earnings now stand at $9 796 800, and if he was to win the 2008 Jockey Club Gold Cup, it will not only be his second consecutive win at this event, but will place him as the top financial earner in horse racing. Current title holder, Cigar, won $9 999 815 with his thirty-three start career, but the $450 000 that Curlin would earn if he were to win the Jockey Club Gold Cup would drop Cigar to second place and make for a very historic moment.
If Curlin returns to the stable fit and without injury after Saturday’s race, there are three events that Jackson and the team will look at for Curlin. First up is the $5 million Breeder’s Cup Classic being run on the 25th of October, the $500 000 Clark Handicap on the 28th of November or the $2.5 million Japan Cup Dirt on the 7th of December. Even though Jackson has given some thought to the Breeder’s Cup, he has not confirmed or even speculated on Curlin’s next start. The new synthetic track at Santa Anita has played a major role in Jackson’s hesitation to race Curlin at the Breeder’s Cup, as he fears the track will not be suited to his horse. At present the track is being tested and a weekend of racing lies ahead. If good reviews come back on the track, who knows what Jackson’s decision might be.
