Ambassador Curlin

With the Triple Crown over, we can finally turn our attention back to the real deal – Curlin. Despite grumblings from trainer Steve Asmussen over the high weight he has been assigned (even though that weight is lower than what he carried in the Jaguar Trophy in Dubai), it seems all systems are go for the Stephen Foster this Saturday at Churchill Downs. It's a shame the rest of the world tunes out after the Belmont, because this race has drawn a great field – Einstein, Brass Hat and Grasshopper are just the top of the list of probable starters. I can certainly see Asmussen's point over the weight given the quality of the field (and the possible poetic justice if Curlin's former trainer, Helen Pitts, were to beat him with Einstein, although see below about Einstein's still-kinda-sorta owners, Midnight Cry), but by the same token, Curlin probably has more to prove by running against himself rather than the rest of the field. Were you aware that Curlin has his own charitable foundation? (I was not). Curlin for Kids supports a number of charities (without feeling the need to trumpet that information), so not only is Curlin doing some good for the sport, he's helping the community at large with each race. I'm going to guess that the good people of Midnight Cry, whose trial continues apace, now with allegations of juror intimidation – or at least juror annoyance – might not have been so eager to share the wealth – here's hoping Jess Jackson can buy the remaining piece of his ownership puzzle very shortly. Barbara Banke, wife of Jess Jackson, confirmed that current plans are to keep Curlin focused on an international agenda: He's been nominated for the $6.2 million Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Europe's most prestigious turf race, on Oct. 5. Given Asmussen's disdain for synthetic surfaces, Curlin will probably skip the Breeders' Cup Classic this year at Santa Anita. The connections have also discussed trying the Japan Cup this fall. "We think of him as an international horse," Banke said. "Our family and racing fans all over the world are having a great time. It's a great way to travel." Given the dearth of older horses in the same class to race against in the US, taking on the world is also the approach I support, even if it means there are fewer opportunities to see him in person (although Paris is certainly a more appealing trip than LA from this coast). American racing has taken a beating not just from PETA and the American press, but has a lot of ground to make up in the rest of the world; I’m all for nominating Curlin as our ambassador.