I Sure Hope You Saw It Happen

by Ed Meyer

posted on September 28, 2008 in General Discussion, News | No Comments >>

On Saturday, September 27, 2008, history was made. We have a new leader at the top of the money heap. The way we gauge our game is by how well you get paid. I think we’ll be talking about Curlin for years to come.

In the G-1 Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational, the stage was set to propel Curlin to the top of the pantheon. His career earnings are $10,246,800, compared to Cigar with $9,999,815. Jess Jackson, of Stonestreet Stable, has committed to running in the $5 million dollar Breeders’ Cup Classic.

He was running on a sticky sloppy surface that didn’t favor any of the favorites for the most part all day. When you run for these kind of bucks, you can bet they will be gunning for you. It is no secret what your plans are, and what you are trying to accomplish. But today, it was more than just money. History was on the table.

Curlin settled out, and was ridden to a perfect ride by Robby Albarado. He finished up down the lane a little wide and went on to score by a 1 1/4 length victory. He had to work for it, make no bones up about it. Wanderin Boy and Alan Garcia were not going to go away quietly. Garcia is riding as good as anyone in the nation. He has New York’s number, and is beginning to write his own ticket.

With Curlin’s record at: 15 starts – 11 wins, 2 places, and 2 show finishes,  if my math serves me correct, he is perfect in the money. Not a bad career, and it is not over yet.

Trainer Steve Asmussen has done very well with this son of Smart Strike. He could see he looked comfortable down the backstretch and knew he had the right hand in the saddle. About the last seventy yards, there was a chill that ran down my arm. To see a champion etch his name with the best of the best, is a moment that brings to light why we watch horse racing. Congratulations, champ… Savor the moment… Thank you for creating memories for all of the fans. There was never a time like now where we needed a true champion.