The Carnival!

[Linny]

That was heading into the paddock to school. Gotodubai and I spoke this moring. He said Curlin was as relaxed and well behaved in the paddock and gate schooling as any horse he's seen. He looks great, in good weight with a gleaming coat.

http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/b...nny999/Curlin/

[my miss storm cat]

Nice pictures.

I hope Familiar Territory looks good too.

[my miss storm cat]

Form comments, UAE Oaks, from our friends at the ERA...

http://www.emiratesracing.com/era/Ne...?ContentID=543

[Borntorun]

Hi,
Heard Asmussen last night on HRTV, does not sound like they are going to do anything more than give Curlin a hand ride around the track. He emphasized the goal is the World Cup. Looked at the PPs and have to give Familiar Territory a great chance at winning. 3rd off the layoff, proven at the distance vs. large fields, I'll play him to win, although I do not think I'll get 4/1, hope I get at least 5/2 though.

http://www.churchilldowns.com/news/r...%202.28.08.pdf

[my miss storm cat]

Yeah I hope FT wins.

edit - I mean I reeeeeallly want Imperialista but I don't think he's got a shot here. FT does though.....

* * *

Swallow Star (gotta love that name ) is scratched from the Oaks.....

[ArlJim78]

Originally Posted by Borntorun

Hi,
Heard Asmussen last night on HRTV, does not sound like they are going to do anything more than give Curlin a hand ride around the track. He emphasized the goal is the World Cup. Looked at the PPs and have to give Familiar Territory a great chance at winning. 3rd off the layoff, proven at the distance vs. large fields, I'll play him to win, although I do not think I'll get 4/1, hope I get at least 5/2 though.

http://www.churchilldowns.com/news/r...%202.28.08.pdf

yes this is only a workout for Curlin, not the goal, so its really not wise to bet on him, also considering the weights (Familiar Territory gets 14 lbs off his sharp win two weeks ago)

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by ArlJim78

yes this is only a workout for Curlin, not the goal, so its really not wise to bet on him, also considering the weights (Familiar Territory gets 14 lbs off his sharp win two weeks ago)

Aren't they saying that just incase?

Aren't they covering themselves AJ?

[ArlJim78]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

Aren't they saying that just incase?

Aren't they covering themselves AJ?

no, because its true. Curlin probably has nothing to fear from that field if it was at equal weights and if it was THE target race, but it isn't.

If it wasn't for Familiar Territory I'd say Curlin would win even in workout mode. But that horse has ran particularily well on dirt at 10 furlongs and has a couple of recent races under his belt so he has a racing fitness edge over Curlin. His last race was in fast time and the rest of the field he beat was strung out badly. The horse looks sharp and although he is five he's only raced 10 times, mostly on turf.

To me a sharp horse with a big weight break can often beat a better horse.