Curlin Returns
– World-beater Curlin returned from Dubai today, arriving at Belmont late this afternoon. He’ll remain in the quarantine barn there until Friday and ship to Keeneland on Sunday. Trainer Steve Asmussen plans to give Curlin several weeks off before he begins prepping for a campaign beginning this summer. No word yet on what the rest of the year for the reigning Horse of the Year may look like, other than another shot at the Breeders’ Cup Classic, but Jeff Scott suggests Asmussen and owner Jess Jackson try Curlin on the turf — perhaps in the Arc de Triomphe. I would actually try to get to Paris for that.
– Speaking of returns, Country Star makes her much anticipated 2008 debut in the Ashland at Keeneland on Saturday, which drew a field of seven, including the sharp Proud Spell, installed as the 8-5 morning-line favorite off her victory over the previously undefeated Indian Blessing in the Fair Grounds Oaks, and the reliable Bsharpsonata, winner of four straight, her last the G2 Davona Dale. Also in the mix, Life Is Sweet, a full sister to Sweet Catomine who enters off an allowance win over turf at Gulfstream, Busher Stakes winner Little Belle, and Absolutely Cindy, who attracted attention after beating the boys in the Battaglia Stakes at Turfway, rallying six wide to get the win.
– A field of 10 has been entered for the Wood.
