by Steve Bailey
Horse of the Year and champion three-year-old male Curlin showed no signs of rust in his 2008 debut as he took control with 250 meters remaining and drew away to win the $175,000 Jaguar Trophy by 2 1/4 lengths on Thursday at Nad al Sheba racecourse.
For video replay (fifth race), click here.
Appearing perfectly comfortable in his first race around the triangular track with the seemingly never-ending stretch, the four-year-old Smart Strike colt performed brilliantly in his prep for the $6-million Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) on March 29.
Jockey Robby Albarado held a firm grip on Curlin early as he rated just behind Group 3 winner Imperialista through much of the 2,000-meter (9.94-furlong) handicap race at the same distance as the Dubai World Cup.
Pulling even with the pacesetter midway through the stretch, Curlin accelerated just enough to draw away under an easy hand ride and galloped out with ease after crossing the wire.
“He is an amazing athlete and racehorse. It is a real honour to be associated with him and he has shown why tonight," Albarado said. “I took him wide to help settle him as he was a bit keen and from then I was never concerned.”
Familiar Territory finished second under jockey Kerrin McEvoy with Jet Express taking third as Curlin covered the distance in 2:00.60.
Curlin, the winner of last year’s Preakness Stakes (G1) and runner-up to Rags to Riches in the Belmont Stakes (G1) for trainer Steve Asmussen, had not raced since capturing last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (G1) on October 25 at Monmouth Park.
Curlin earned $105,000 to boost his career earnings to $5,207,800 as he won for the seventh time in ten career starts.
For video replay (fifth race), click here.
Steve Bailey is deputy news editor for Thoroughbred Times