Curlin works on turf

Rileyoriley · #1 07-01-2008, 01:28 PM

July 1-went 7f around the dogs on firm turf on the Matt Winn Turf course at CD in 1:31.20. Story is on Bloodhorse. com.

GBBob · #2 07-01-2008, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rileyoriley

July 1-went 7f around the dogs on firm turf on the Matt Winn Turf course at CD in 1:31.20. Story is on Bloodhorse. com.

I'm not sure if it was posted, but now Illinois is giving them a hard time about getting licensed here.

brianwspencer · #3 07-01-2008, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GBBob

I'm not sure if it was posted, but now Illinois is giving them a hard time about getting licensed here.

Well the one good thing is that they haven't definitively said no, they have just said that they'll have to wait until the application comes in.

DogsUp · #4 07-01-2008, 04:05 PM

I wonder if Curlin is able to run in a pack and then sprint to the finish like they do in Europe. I also wonder if Alborado is able to adjust his style. Or are these of no concern?

hoovesupsideyourhead · #5 07-01-2008, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DogsUp

I wonder if Curlin is able to run in a pack and then sprint to the finish like they do in Europe. I also wonder if Alborado is able to adjust his style. Or are these of no concern?

he has a style?

hoovesupsideyourhead · #6 07-01-2008, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

Yes, it's called "get beat more than you should while riding the favorite."

Bobby Fischer · #7 07-01-2008, 05:02 PM

Exciting stuff.

Nice picture of him on bloodhorse, reminds a little of the Secretariat book cover picture.

ELA · #8 07-01-2008, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DogsUp

I wonder if Curlin is able to run in a pack and then sprint to the finish like they do in Europe. I also wonder if Alborado is able to adjust his style. Or are these of no concern?

If it's an issue of "true" European style racing, OK. However, if it's an Albarado issue -- no, no concern at all as far as I am concerned. He knows the horse, he's been to the big dances, he'll do his homework and he'll be ready. We're not talking about a "local" jock who gets to "keep the mount" and is kind of "out of his league" so to speak. He's a professional, national stage, etc. jock.

Eric

SentToStud · #9 07-01-2008, 05:25 PM

I am eagerly awaiting Curlin's first start on turf.

I will bet against the steed.

With both fists.

blackthroatedwind · #10 07-01-2008, 05:26 PM

If they wanted to have any shot whatsoever in the Arc they would secure the services of Andre Fabre and Oliver Pesslier.

Of course, those two would probably prefer to be associated with a horse with at least an outside chance.

LARHAGE · #11 07-01-2008, 05:32 PM

Christophe Clement was asked on HRTV last week what he thought of Curlin attempting the Arc, he said if they sent him over early enough to work a few times and was ridden by a European rider he would be interesting, hey it's the same as when the European riders ride laughingly bad in the big dirt races here, when in Rome do as the Romans.

docicu3 · #12 07-01-2008, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

If they wanted to have any shot whatsoever in the Arc they would secure the services of Andre Fabre and Oliver Pesslier.

Of course, those two would probably prefer to be associated with a horse with at least an outside chance.

Your best guess at odds for Curlin in the "Arc".

Bobby Fischer · #13 07-02-2008, 10:35 PM

http://www.churchilldowns.com/video/...ases-turf-work

too lazy to sign in/out, but the video of his work with commentary may be available to all

parsixfarms · #14 07-03-2008, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docicu3

Your best guess at odds for Curlin in the "Arc".

I thought I saw somewhere that on a European bookmaker's "future book" for the Arc, Curlin is listed at 14-1.

Cannon Shell · #15 07-01-2008, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ELA

If it's an issue of "true" European style racing, OK. However, if it's an Albarado issue -- no, no concern at all as far as I am concerned. He knows the horse, he's been to the big dances, he'll do his homework and he'll be ready. We're not talking about a "local" jock who gets to "keep the mount" and is kind of "out of his league" so to speak. He's a professional, national stage, etc. jock.

Eric

I think that he is at a huge disadvantage over there. The tracks are so different and the ground is so soft that a US jock is a possible problem.

ELA · #16 07-01-2008, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

I think that he is at a huge disadvantage over there. The tracks are so different and the ground is so soft that a US jock is a possible problem.

Yeah, I see that. As far as the soft ground, I don't know if that is as much a disadvantage vis a vis the jock as it is the horse. At this point, I don't know the actual plans so I don't know who acclimated the horse would be to the potential track conditions. As far as the tracks -- yes, a definite factor. However, I would think they would do what they could -- short of getting another jock -- to try and overcome this factor. Would they not have Albarado over there early, get him some previous mounts, watch, learn, etc. Sure, nothing like real life experience, but we are not talking about complete amateurs here, right? At the same time, can you really see them not using Robby and changing jocks for this? It might make sense, but it's a big trigger to pull. Easy to say, tough to do.

On the other hand -- as good/great/whatever you want to call it, as Curlin is -- going over there and competing in the toughest race, perhaps in the world, that are come incredible hurdles to overcome. He doesn't have to be able to "handle" the turf, he's got to be "great" on it.

Eric

Cannon Shell · #17 07-01-2008, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ELA

Yeah, I see that. As far as the soft ground, I don't know if that is as much a disadvantage vis a vis the jock as it is the horse. At this point, I don't know the actual plans so I don't know who acclimated the horse would be to the potential track conditions. As far as the tracks -- yes, a definite factor. However, I would think they would do what they could -- short of getting another jock -- to try and overcome this factor. Would they not have Albarado over there early, get him some previous mounts, watch, learn, etc. Sure, nothing like real life experience, but we are not talking about complete amateurs here, right? At the same time, can you really see them not using Robby and changing jocks for this? It might make sense, but it's a big trigger to pull. Easy to say, tough to do.

On the other hand -- as good/great/whatever you want to call it, as Curlin is -- going over there and competing in the toughest race, perhaps in the world, that are come incredible hurdles to overcome. He doesn't have to be able to "handle" the turf, he's got to be "great" on it.

Eric

The course is different from distance to distance which is a real issue for an inexperienced rider over the course. The ground being so soft is something our riders are simply not used to riding over. Knowing where he is in relation to the finish will be the biggest issue i would guess.