Saratoga Springs, NY (My Sportsbook) - Curlin, 2007 Horse of the Year, took the lead late in the stretch to capture Saturday's $500,000 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. It was his first ever start at the historic track in upstate New York.
The 1 1/8 mile Woodward proved to be no problem for the four-year-old colt and jockey Robby Albarado. They settled into fourth place in the seven-horse field while Past the Point and Wanderin Boy set very fast fractions on the lead.
On the turn for home Curlin began to make his move, easily going past Divine Park and drawing close to the leaders. Racing on the outside, Albarado urged his mount into second, drawing ever closer to Past the Point.
The two horses raced on even terms until the sixteenth-pole when Curlin took the lead for good. He went on to post a length win over Past the Point with Wanderin Boy holding third and A.P. Arrow closing for fourth.
Finishing the final order was Loose Leaf, Divine Park and Out of Control. Dr. D. F. C. was a scratch.
The time for the 55th Woodward was 1:49.34
Owned by Stonestreet and Midnight Cry Stables, Curlin was sent off as the 3-10 favorite and gave Albarado his second Woodward victory. He piloted Mineshaft to the winner's circle in 2003.
"One of the great things about Mr. Jackson keeping him in training is being able to run in this race, with its history," said assistant trainer Scott Blasi. "There are only so many opportunities. We've never dodged anyone, and we've never had one given to us, he's always had to earn it."
The colt adds $300,000 to his career earnings which now total $9,796,800, second on the all-time money list. Skip Away is now third with $9,616,360 while Cigar holds the record with $9,999,815.
Trained by Steve Asmussen, Curlin was coming off a second-place finish on the turf in the Man o' War at Belmont Park. This year he also won the $6 million Dubai World Cup along with the Stephen Foster Handicap.
Curlin has now won six of his last seven starts, including last year's Breeders' Cup Classic and Jockey Club Gold Cup. In his career he has 10 wins in 14 races.
His next start is still undecided.
Curlin returned $2.70, $2.40 and $2.10. Past The Point paid $13.80 and $6.40, and Wanderin Boy paid $3.50 to show.
