CURLIN
©Courtesy of Dubai Racing Club / Andrew Watkins
2008 - CURLIN
Curlin added his name to the list of American superstars on the roll of honour for the Group One Dubai World Cup (sponsored by Emirates Airline), the world's richest race which was run over 10 furlongs on dirt at Nad Al Sheba on Saturday, March 29.
Like Invasor the previous year, the four-year-old colt had already proved himself to be the best dirt performer in the world, with an impressive victory in the Grade One Breeders' Cup Classic five months earlier at Monmouth Park, New Jersey.
Trained by Steve Asmussen, Curlin had warmed up at Nad Al Sheba at the end of February, simply oozing class to score easily under top-weight in the Jaguar Trophy Handicap.
The 2008 Dubai World Cup, worth US$6-million, attracted a wide-ranging international line-up of 12 horses, with Curlin taking on three compatriots in A P Arrow, Great Hunter and Well Armed plus the South African-trained 2007 UAE Triple Crown winner Asiatic Boy, Godolphin's much improved Jalil, Japanese raider Vermillion, two French hopes, Gloria De Campeao and Kocab, plus Premium Tap who had chased home Invasor the year before.
Quickly into stride from his wide draw, Curlin was soon prominent under Robby Albarado, tracking the fast starting Well Armed and Asiatic Boy.
Curlin swept into the lead a quarter of a mile out and drew clear to stop the clock in an impressive 2m 0.15s, seven and three quarter lengths ahead of Asiatic Boy who was closely followed by Well Armed, A P Arrow, Great Hunter and the second South African challenger Lucky Find.
Jalil finished seventh on his first start in Group One company, but both Premium Tap and Vermilion disappointed, finishing ninth and last respectively.
Steve Asmussen, enjoying the biggest success of his career, was full of praise for his charge: "Curlin has spoilt us with his consistency and has proved he is the best horse in the world on this stage. It's a dream come true."
Robby Albarado echoed the trainer's sentiments: "What a horse! I just show up and ride him and get the glory but everybody works so hard - I am just the one that's seen.
"I have ridden close on 4,000 winners, but nothing beats this. It is the best moment of my career. He was aggressive out there and he took the race to them.
"Curlin is such a special horse and I promise you that the best is yet to come,"