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Breeders’ Cup Classic winner and Horse of the Year Curlin is making his 2008 debut in the desert of Dubai racing in the $175,000 Jaguar Trophy at 1 1/4 miles in Nad Al Sheba Racecourse on Thursday, February 28.
The Jaguar Trophy is Curlin’s final prep race for the $6 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I), also at 1 1/4 miles.
Curlin arrived in Dubai last February 17 accompanied by Scott Blasi, assistant to horse trainer Steve Asmussen, exercise rider Carmen Rosas, and Blasi’s pony. After a quarantine period, he resumed training February 20 and breezed an easy half-mile last Saturday and made his first visit to Nad Al Sheba’s starting stalls Tuesday, February 26, which are designed differently from U.S. starting gates.
“The gates are smaller here,” said Scott Blasi. “He definitely fills them up.”
Curlin is the first U.S.-based horse to be prepped in Dubai for the Dubai World Cup. Horse trainer Steve Asmussen planned this some time ago after theorizing that Curlin improves in his second start at a given venue based on his victories in the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park, the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park, and the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Monmouth Park.
Curlin will be competing against 5 in the Jaguar Trophy, the 5th of 8 in Nad Al Sheba’s Thursday races, with post time scheduled for 11:15 am EST. Curlin carries 132 pounds with regular jockey Robby Albarado to ride.
Among those facing Curlin are Familiar Territory, who may be the second choice, Arqaam, Engrupido, and Jet Express.
The Thursday races in Dubai are being simulcast at various racetracks across the country, and several account-wagering sites such as Bodog are taking bets on the races. Gambling is illegal in Dubai, but in the U.S., Curlin is sure to be an overwhelming favorite.
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