7/12 (BEL): Man O' War (Gr. I)

[magic_idol]

Here's what they say about it, To me just another way to bag a great horse

Curlin Raises New Doubts On US Strength
by Mike Hedge : 7/14/2008
English galloper Red Rocks has raised new questions about the standard of American racing by giving the horse ranked No.1 in the world an old-fashioned hiding.
Red Rocks, who has performed only moderately at home since winning the 2006 Breeder Cup Turf, beat the World Champion Curlin by two lengths in the Group 1 Man O’War Stakes at Belmont on Saturday.
The win left trainer Steve Asmussen in a less-than-affable mood and is likely to torpedo plans for Curlin to run in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
While Red Rocks has shown good ability, he finished only sixth at his previous start in the Coronation Cup at Epsom behind Soldier Of Fortune.
The defeat which came after Curlin’s Dubai World Cup win and a hollow first-up victory, could be down to the horse’s inexperience on grass.
Curlin was making his first attempt away from the dirt tracks he was brought up on and connections are hoping his performance was down to inexperience on the new surface.
His owner, Jess Jackson took some consolation in the reception his horse had received.
“It was a great race for the fans and this is part of what we are trying to do,” Jackson said.
"We just didn’t see that late kick from him today.
"I don’t know if that was because he is still getting used to the turf or what. My feeling right now is that he needs another turf test.
“I’m disappointed, but this is not a setback.”
While Red Rocks is capable of producing the goods on his day, the concern for the Curlin camp was that he only held off the veteran Better Talk Now by a half length to keep second.
The shock defeat of the 2-5 favourite follows the dismal performance of America’s other boom horse, Big Brown, in the Belmont Stakes at the same track last month.

[herkhorse]

I wouldn't say Curlin's loss was a shock defeat, and I certainly wouldn't mention Big Brown.

[CSC]

Curlin didn't show an affinity to quicken on turf as European turf horses do so well, I would say the connections would be less than gung ho about going to the Arc now.

[odbaxter]

I'd like to see Curlin take a shot at the Arlington Million. Forget about France. There are way to many things going against him even if he can improve dramatically on this weekends work.

It was awesome seeing him running in this race though. You have to give these guys credit for bringing him to the grass.

[Kasept]

http://www.drf.com/news/article/96423.html

Red Rocks to the Sword Dancer...

Those that haven't seen him in person will be impresssed. He's a beautiful looking horse.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by Kasept

http://www.drf.com/news/article/96423.html

Red Rocks to the Sword Dancer...

Those that haven't seen him in person will be impresssed. He's a beautiful looking horse.

Quietly a front runner for Post of the Year.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by Kasept

http://www.drf.com/news/article/96423.html

Red Rocks to the Sword Dancer...

Reddam is going great guns with this horse, Notional, Mistical Plan, and Overextended showing flashes of the talent and brilliance that was once expected from them this past week.

Should see some ridiculous moves on the road to the BC.

My top 5:

(1) Red Rocks will lose the Sword Dancer and be shipped back to England so that Brian Meehan can train him up to the BC Turf in California (cross-entered in the BC Classic of course)

(2) Notional will lose the Whitney and then be wheeled right back in the Iselin because he's a Monmouth dirt horse, will hit the board in the Meadowlands Cup, and start in the BC Mile on turf...

(3) Mistical Plan will win the Ballerina, but lose the Beldame on the stretchout, prompting Reddam to negotiate with the BC to establish a BC Dirt Filly and Mare Mile, which CashCall will sponsor.

(4) Overextended will hit the board in the Empire Classic, prompting a start in the BC Classic (cross entered in the Discovery of course).

(5) Zetersburg will win a first condition allowance going 5f on turf at Del Mar, prompting a start in the Prix Alybbabble Nonsense (that group 1 sprint on Arc day in France) as prep for the BC Turf Sprint.

As an aside, he will also be the only owner to start horses in each Juvenile race during BC weekend. Of course, all 3 will be maidens at the time.