Curlin Comes Up Short in Breeders' Cup History

Reigning HOY Lost Gamely As Euros Dominated 2008 BC Classic

Oct 26, 2008

Curlin was gunning for back-to-back titles in the Breeders' Cup Classic, a feat accomplished only by Tiznow in the 25 years of the race. European runners dominated 2008.

After sure-stepping to a Breeders' Cup Classic title in 2007 through a slimey chocolate-like surface at rain-plagued Monmouth on the Atlantic shore, Curlin found rougher going on the Pro-Ride topping at sunny Santa Anita Park October 25 in his attempt to repeat his Classic title. European entries dominated the Classic in a one-two finish with Raven's Pass and the noted miler-turned-Classic competitor Henrythenavigator.

Frankie Dettori Gets Dream Ride

"A dream come true" said jockey Frankie Dettori of Raven's Pass's charge from the back of the pack to the wire. Dettori said he had dreamed of such a ride the night before the Classic. Raven's Pass overtook Curlin easily after the American 2007 reigning Horse of the Year had shot past rivals after the turn in familiar fashion under regular rider Robby Albarado.

Curlin's run in the lane, hardily applauded by the hopeful onlookers, didn't lack for effort. He never quit, but as he gamely kept striding to the finish, he was losing ground to Raven's Pass, Henrythenavigator, and Tiago, who nipped him for third. Raven's Pass zipped the 1-1/4 miles of artificial course in 1:59.27, an exceptional time compared to previous races on the Pro-Ride that had been accepted as a slower running surface than conventional dirt surfaces.

Asmussen Had Not Favored Pro-Ride

Steve Asmussen, Curlin's trainer, had been wary about running his champion on a surface that resembled turf conditions. Curlin lost on turf earlier in the season, finishing second in the Man o' War Stakes (G1T).

"It was absolutely the Pro-Ride surface" that caused Curlin's defeat, the muscled chestnut's disappointed trainer said after the loss. Curlin's fourth place finish was the colt's only off the board performance of his career.

Best of the Classics:

2008 -- Raven's Pass; 2007 -- Curlin; 2006 -- Invasor; 2005 -- Saint Liam; 2004 -- Ghostzapper; 2003 -- Pleasantly Perfect; 2002 -- Volponi; 2001 -- Tiznow; 2000 -- Tiznow; 1999 -- Cat Thief; 1998 -- Awesome Again; 1997 -- Skip Away; 1996 -- Alphabet Soup; 1995 -- Cigar; 1994 -- Concern; 1993 -- Arcangues; 1992 -- A.P. Indy; 1991 -- Black Tie Affair; 1990 -- Unbridled; 1989 -- Sunday Silence; 1988 -- Alysheba; 1987 -- Ferdinand; 1986 -- Skywalker; 1985 -- Proud Truth; 1984 -- Wild Again.

Curlin's Win Streak Ends

Curlin has a slate of 11 wins from 16 starts including Dubai World Cup Classic and Breeders' Cup Classic titles, and he holds the all-time track career money earnings title at over $10 million. Curlin's career bankroll earlier this year superceded that of the wonderful Cigar, who raced to two consecutive Horse of the Year awards in the 1990s while earning over $9 million in his seven-year career, a record earnings figure he held for the last 12 years.

With Curlin's stunning loss, and Zenyatta's equally stunning victory in the Ladies Classic, the Horse of the Year title may be up for grabs. If Zenyatta gets the HOY vote, she will be one of only five females to do so dating back to Busher's win in 1945.

The copyright of the article Curlin Comes Up Short in Breeders' Cup History in Thoroughbred Racing is owned by BarbaraAnne Helberg. Permission to republish Curlin Comes Up Short in Breeders' Cup History in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.