Rock the Vote

So, if it were up to you, what would you do next with Curlin? Jess Jackson wants to know. While I agree that he didn't display his usual closing kick in his turf debut, he was a bit slow to come into his own on dirt as well and could benefit from some additional work over the surface. I don't know if he could stay up with the likes of Zarkava or New Approach at this point (or if he wants the Arc distance), but I'd like to see him continue to work on turf and see where it goes. Of course, if things go horribly wrong at Santa Anita with the new surface installation, there's still the option of turning up at the Breeders' Cup at the last minute (although I believe the fallback location is Woodbine, which also has a synthetic surface -- but that may be simply a rumor, I'm too lazy to investigate properly)...in any event, go vote!

Horses Americans Should Know V: Montmartre

Given Curlin's (relatively) disappointing finish in the Man O' War, many European betting agencies have upped his odds for the Arc; they have also installed a new favorite in the appropriately-named Montmartre. Montmartre won the Grand Prix de Paris yesterday (Bastille Day, as you no doubt noticed) in very impressive style (video). Despite his win, his Timeform rating places him in sixth, behind horses such as Duke of Marmalade and New Approach (and just slightly ahead of his stablemate, Zarkava). Unlike that of Zarkava, Montmartre's family is a more recent addition to the Aga Khan's operation; he was bred by SNC Lagardere Elevage, the commercial breeding operation for Jean-Luc Lagardère, who died in 2003. The Aga Khan purchased the entire business in 2004, including the stallion Linamix, who is the broodmare sire of Montmartre. A grey 3-year-old, Montmartre made his racing debut in April of this year, finishing second in a 2000 m race at Longchamp. That effort was quickly followed by a win later that month over 2200 m. His first foray in Group company did not go terribly well (see below), but he rebounded in June in the Prix du Lys. He seems to relish the 2400 m distance (about 1 1/2 miles). Montmartre was largely absent from the Arc picture after a disappointing finish in the Prix du Jockey Club (aka the French Derby -- apparently the public address system noise upset him), but is now very much a factor. One wonders if the plan will be to start both Zarkava and Montmartre in the Arc (providing all goes well), and just which one of them Christophe Soumillon will decide (or be appointed) to ride. Montmartre has certainly demonstrated an affinity for Longchamp; he's never been out of the money in his four starts there. His lone up-the-track finish, mentioned above, was at Chantilly -- and of course the unbeaten Zarkava seems happy enough at either track, although there is some concern that she prefers the ground not to be too soft. In any event, it's going to be a very interesting Arc indeed with Montmartre added to the mix.

Del Cap Recap

Del Cap day went like clockwork as per usual; there was a nice breeze to mitigate the heat and the track management has clearly made some improvements to the sound system and video displays since last year which were much appreciated -- you could actually hear the race calls. Smart and Fancy defended her title in the Light Hearted against a tough challenge from Weeks, and Wheels at Noon upset Silver Tree in the Caesar Rodney -- perpetual rabbit Shake the Bank hung on for fourth in the race, and it's always fun to see him take off, even without his stablemate, Better Talk Now. (At least he got to pick up his own check). Perhaps the most interesting undercard race was the Barbaro -- we collected a nice payout when Magical Forest prevailed (and was not taken down after a rough stretch run with Cherokee Artist), but all in our party were impressed by Ready Set's effort -- in coming from way behind (just like his old man, Touch Gold) and encountering considerable traffic trouble, the colt looked very professional getting up for third. Finally, the feature race -- I'd been backing Hystericalady and was very pleased with her runaway victory. I went against my better judgment and put a little money on Santa Teresita as the bottom half of my exacta, but the real dirt was clearly not to her liking. Nevertheless, it was a fine race from Hystericalady. And now, dear reader, a selection of photos from the day for your amusement: Jeannine Edwards preps in between races Interviewing Michael Matz, et al., before (or after?) the Barbaro Stakes Jorge Chavez knew he got away with it (admittedly, to my enrichment) More of Hystericalady than most of her competitors saw Unbridled Belle looked rather cheerful in defeat

No Shame in Second

For his first effort on turf (and against two Breeders' Cup winners), Curlin's second-place finish to Red Rocks was encouraging indeed. His outside post and slightly slow start kept him well in the middle of the track; in my opinion it was a very useful learning experience (and it's never a bad thing to pick up a paycheck for that). It was a great effort from Better Talk Now (he didn't seem to miss Shake the Bank, who will be running tomorrow in the Caesar Rodney at Delaware Park) as well to get up for third. Clearly the three Breeders' Cup winners were much the best. One hopes that Team Curlin will see a second place finish on turf as being exactly what it is -- not a bad beginning.

Weekend Preview

The Man O' War should be well worth watching; Curlin has quite a task ahead of him. Red Rocks, Better Talk Now and Grand Couturier are all strong contenders, and I keep expecting Sudan to figure it out at some point. This race might be a little short for Better Talk Now, but it's always great to see the old guy. Here's hoping for a strong effort from Curlin. While Unbridled Belle is a deserving favorite in the Del Cap (especially after her runaway victory in the race last year), I like Hystericalady to upset her. I'm intrigued by Santa Teresita, given the fact that she's faced Zenyatta, but as this is her first time on conventional dirt, I'm not a believer - yet. The weekend's activities are not confined to this coast; at Hollywood Park, Colonel John is coming back in the Swaps, as are Tres Borrachos and Nownownow. It will be useful to see how they have progressed since the Derby trail. There's action at Arlington this weekend as well - Tizdejavu is back in the American Derby, and Cosmonaut is aiming for a hat-trick in the Arlington Handicap. He's always been just a shade below the top turf runners in his generation, but he is well-placed in this race -- it's obviously one he relishes. It would be nice to see him make a mark for himself, rather than to continue to be better known for his former trainer's cobra-venom hijinks. He's now with Carlos Martin, a third-generation trainer based in New York who was the horse's first trainer, so it's something of a return home. Finally, make sure you check out the article in the NY Times today on racing in Mongolia; those of you familiar with my arcane interest in genetic and archaeological connections between Mongolian horses and Icelandic horses will not be surprised by this recommendation, even if it's not referenced in the story -- it's still a good read. See you Sunday at Delaware Park!

What About Einstein?

Much has been made over Midnight Cry's 20% ownership of Curlin and the various licensing issues it has caused -- yesterday the judge in the case denied the motion to force the sale of said percentage -- but little has been mentioned about their continued ownership (albeit under the guise of their partners) of Einstein. Einstein is currently ranked sixth by earnings in America for the year (just behind the now-retired Heatseeker) and is proven in G1 company on both dirt and turf and at a variety of distances -- he's probably the most consistent and versatile horse in the country; however the ongoing legal turmoil means that trainer Helen Pitts can't necessarily run him where and when she would like: Because neither Cunningham nor Gallion were licensed in New York, Pitts had to withhold Einstein from running in the Manhattan. “It's hard because the one I feel the worst for is him,” Pitts said. “Because, with New York being an example, I couldn't run when he was ready to run; he was dying to run. “Yes, I still got to run a week later, and he ran his eyeballs out, but it's frustrating from my standpoint because I know how good he's doing. But we adjust, and we'll work around it.” Given that Einstein is 6, one imagines that if an attempt to force his sale were successful, he'd be headed straight to stud (even though his Spend A Buck breeding isn't popular in the US right now -- despite its obvious quality). In an ideal situation, he'd be bought by someone else (ideally, someone who is not in prison) and kept in training with Helen Pitts (with whom he has blossomed over the last few years -- I still suspect Curlin might have hit his stride sooner had he remained with her team) for at least another year. One wonders whether he's simply flying under the radar with relation to the legal tussle or if there are ongoing behind-the-scenes discussions over his future. In either case, here's hoping the rest of his season is unimpeded by the problems created by the Midnight Cry situation. More on this weekend's races later...I need to go see a man about a phone...

Curlin: High on Life

Curlin is off the juice and set for his first turf test in the Man O' War on Saturday (after a license was granted to the receiver now handling the holding company for his minority owners, rather than to the indictees or their partners). (Majority) owner Jess Jackson doesn't mince words: Jackson told the subcommittee that Curlin demonstrated that a horse could run without drugs."Not that he didn't in the past, but we changed that," he told Congress in his testimony. Trainer Steve Asmussen (apparently 'on notice' regarding the whole drug situation -- but will he make Stephen Colbert's On Notice board?) is not expecting anything like a walkover on Saturday: "If we can establish Grade I form with him in the Man o' War, then he'll go to Chantilly," Asmussen said. Curlin would prepare at the ancient training center north of Paris for the 1 1/2-mile Prix Foy on Sept. 14 at Longchamp. "We do expect a Curlin race Saturday, but there are questions out there. We don't want to kid ourselves about his turf form if we're going to try the Arc. I think we're going to get a gauge of his turf ability, but even if all goes well, we'll still have a lot to do." Here's hoping for an encouraging effort; the Prix Foy would be the next stop if all goes well. Luckily ESPNews will be televising the event, and I join Dana in praising the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that made it possible. A brief, sad segue before we discuss this weekend's Del Cap – former 2-year-old champ Vindication is dead at age 8 after complications from colic. I admit I thought he was over-rated as a racehorse and certainly didn't think much of his retirement at 2, but it's a shame nonetheless. In better news, Del Cap weekend is almost upon us. Proud Spell will likely return on Saturday in the Delaware Oaks and Unbridled Belle goes for a repeat win on Sunday in the big race. If your only experience of live racing is a Breeders' Cup day or Triple Crown race, I encourage you to join me at Delaware Park on Sunday; it's never too crowded, there's plenty of shade and/or air conditioning, the paddock is lovely and while the food isn't much to speak of, the bathrooms work. Check back tomorrow for more on the Delaware Oaks and the Delaware Handicap.

Jess Jackson Got a Deal

This from the AP: A group led by winemaker Jess Jackson paid $2.6 million for an 80 percent majority interest in rising star Curlin in 2007. The purchase price, long held secret, has been released for the first time in a motion filed in a civil case against Curlin's two minority owners. Until Tuesday, the sale price had been reported to be in the $3.5 million range. This comes as there are still attempts to force the sale of the other 20% -- it's all on on Thursday. No word on a license in NY or IL as yet...or what that remaining percentage might be worth.