CURLIN......THE NEXT "SUPERSTAR"!!!!

larrygene · Postby **larrygene** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:05 am

Am I the only one that saw a Superstar in the making last Saturday in the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn? This horse in just his 2nd lifetime start demolished a field with the ease and move that reminded me of Arazi in the BC Juvenile. It was reported that after his 12+ length maiden win a group paid $3.2 million for him. This horse looked like a seasoned pro in the Rebel. Curlin could be one horse worth the money. He definitely moves into the top five of my picks to win the KY Derby.

Larrygene

Stevie Belmont · Postby **Stevie Belmont** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 9:06 am

He is up against it time wise. I think the Preakness is a more realistic goal.

Rokeby Forever · Postby **Rokeby Forever** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 11:10 am

Every year, some horse gets rushed into the KY Derby and either gets hurt before the race or after it (does Strong Contender ring a bell?). The KY Derby is NOT the only race in America and I wish these owners would realize that horses need seasoning to win the KY Derby - 2 or 3 career races just isn't enough.

madelyn · Postby **madelyn** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 11:59 am

His time, over a fast track at Oaklawn, puts him back with the pack behind Street Sense and Any Given Saturday at Tampa Bay with its slow going. He also has a way to go to make the earnings cut.

larrygene · Postby **larrygene** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 4:23 pm

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT ME NOW!!!!!!!

See you in the winner's circle the first Saturday in May. He never took a deep breath and won by 9 or 10.

geowarrior · Postby **geowarrior** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 4:25 pm

Still not a fast time. He's unquestionably a good horse but has he really been tested? How would he have stacked up against the four horses involved in the photo at Keeneland today?

CA Michael · Postby **CA Michael** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 4:41 pm

I'm with Larrygene on this one. Anyone remember the 1983 Arkansas Derby.........and the 1983 Kentucky Derby? Deja vus??

Have to admit I am biased, though.... Would LOVE to see a non-starter as a 2yo take the Derby. Would do wonders for the soundness of so many young horses foolishly pushed at 2.

geowarrior · Postby **geowarrior** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 4:53 pm

Actually, not to be a pain, but I don't remember those 1983 races because I didn't live in the U.S. then - could you elaborate, Michael?

CA Michael · Postby **CA Michael** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 5:04 pm

SUNNY'S HALO took the 83 Arkansas Derby with same panache as today's winner. Three weeks later he took the Kentuck Derby in similar front running style. He had raced as a 2yo, earning a championship in Canada, but only several times in 1983 before the Derby.

BTW, how fast was the Blue Grass run in today???????

geowarrior · Postby **geowarrior** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 5:11 pm

I agree the time for the Bluegrass was not fast. However the four horses in the Bluegrass photo all displayed, as the chart would have it, "good courage". What I was trying to say is that Curlin with his easy wins has not yet had to race head to head, and then with the slow time in addition, that still leaves me with some doubts.

I have to say the Derby is shaping up to be an interesting race.

I agree with you Michael that a win by a horse that had not raced as a two year old would be a nice thing to see. I can't think offhand how many contenders this year fit that profile. Am I right in thinking only Curlin and Tiago do?

Heidilady · Postby **Heidilady** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 5:22 pm

larrygene wrote:WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT ME NOW!!!!!!! See you in the winner's circle the first Saturday in May. He never took a deep breath and won by 9 or 10.

Well he did beat Olympic Chief right? My you must be proud

I heard about the win and how he did it but haven't managed to see the race yet (stupid computer). I've been eyeballing Smart Strike lately but Curlin's resume could stand to be a little fuller. I still don't like the no races as a 2yo angle in general, it's that usually there's a bad reason for waiting so long, not a good one, plus lack of seasoning almost always bites them in the arse in the Derby. I think have some sort of background, even if it's in December or something, gets their brain where it needs to be but who knows, maybe he's smart and tough. We shall see. Hmm..Maybe I wouldn't mind it so bad if it weren't for that name. Was Cricket Champion taken? He's sure photogenic based on the photo he's got for the database. Random note, I was checking out his female family and it seems like his 2nd dam's half sis died in a freak tornado incident. Wow that is pretty freakish. Lightning or tornados, man. It's like mother nature was determined to give you the finger.

About the time the BG was run in, I just know it was slow but boy that half in 51+ seconds yipes.. Randy goes 'oh I think it'll go in 50' and Jerry said 'well maybe not that slow.' It kinda amused me I have to say. Still I'm sure the Beyer's gonna suck royally. Or you'd expect it to right?

geowarrior · Postby **geowarrior** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 5:32 pm

I would expect a royally sucking Beyer for each of today's prep. races, yes.

Now I wait with baited breath for the graded earnings to be updated. I think Tueflesberg might just get in but I think Chelokee might be edged out.

I also wait with anticipation for Stevie Belmont's new list.

Heidilady · Postby **Heidilady** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 5:35 pm

geowarrior wrote:I would expect a royally sucking Beyer for each of today's prep. races, yes.

Now I wait with baited breath for the graded earnings to be updated. I think Tueflesberg might just get in but I think Chelokee might be edged out.

I also wait with anticipation for Stevie Belmont's new list.

I can't wait to see who Andy Beyer picks for the race. Should be amusing. Chelokee reminds me of the name Chilukki so I have to catch myself when I say it. I wonder what crazy devils will spring for the Lexington this time around.

geowarrior · Postby **geowarrior** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 5:36 pm

I think it's quite likely Olympic Chief will be the favorite for the Lexington.

Rokeby Forever · Postby **Rokeby Forever** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 5:40 pm

Curlin beat Mr Ed by 10 lengths. A horse is a horse, of course, of course....