Breeders’ Cup Classic Preview – Curlin
Curlin
With Big Brown out of the picture, Curlin will be the overwhelming favorite in the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Saturday.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have established his odds to win at 7/5.
Bet the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Classic Championship
Curlin’s resume is as good as they come. Winner of the 2007 Preakness, the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Classic, and the 2008 Dubai World Cup – he’s 11-2-2 in fifteen career starts and 4-1-0 in 2008. He’s also the current top money winner in North America with over $10 million in earnings and was named American Horse of the Year in 2007. You get the picture – this horse can flat out race.
Although Curlin has never run on the synthetic surface, there is reason to believe he may not be fazed. His style of coming from off the pace is suited to emerging trends at Santa Anita’s Oak Tree Meet, as is his pole position (9), which avoids the troublesome rail. Curlin’s sire Smart Strike has established a reputation for producing all-weather and turf runners, including more than one winner on synthetic surfaces.
On the flipside, there are those who perceive the onset of decline for the great horse. After flashing brilliant athleticism in a series of multiple-length wins, Curlin has added girth of late and has won more recently in the role of the grinder. This was evidenced in his gritty but difficult victory over 40/1 long shot Past the Point in the August, 2008 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga.
No doubt the greatness of this horse must be respected. However, considering that he will likely be over bet on race day, those seeking real value might be better served looking elsewhere.
By: CHRIS ROCCO
