| my miss storm cat |
02-23-2008 12:12 AM |
Gotodubai gave a first hand account in the paddock. :)
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Curlin impresses in first Nad Al Sheba workout
With exercise rider Carmen “Carlos” Rosas trying to quietly contain him, American Horse of the Year Curlin strode easily through his first workout at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, traveling 800 meters in :50.50 on Saturday morning.
“He went very, very nice,” said Scott Blasi, assistant to trainer Steve Asmussen. “Carlos did a great job.”
Asmussen had given strict instructions prior to the move that Curlin should not exert himself too much with only five days before his first scheduled start of 2008 in a US$175,000 race over 2,000 meters at Nad Al Sheba on February 28.
“Curlin gets over the ground here really well,” Blasi said of the track. “And he’s anxious to do something. He did things the right way this morning … and I think Steve will be pleased.”
Blasi reported that Curlin was feeling so good after the workout that he had to put a lip chain on the colt as he cooled out.
“I’m very happy with how he’s acting. I see a lot of similarities with how he has been before his previous races,” he added.
Jim Cornes, stable coordinator for the Dubai Racing Club, timed Curlin’s workout. He said the robust chestnut son of Smart Strike came out on the track accompanied by Blasi and his pony, Poncho, about 7:30 a.m.
After a warm-up gallop, Curlin broke off on the stretch turn, getting through his first 200 meters in :13.07, 400 meters in :25.27 and 600 meters in :37.89.
Cornes described Curlin as “comfortably restrained” through the move. “He was well within himself and eager to do more,” he said.
Curlin is scheduled to walk on Sunday and then just gallop up to the race, with a visit to the Nad Al Sheba starting gate planned for Tuesday morning. Blasi noted that most of Curlin’s serious training was accomplished at the Fair Grounds Race Course prior to his departure from the United States.
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No one wants to talk about Sun Classique?
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