Zap! of the Week: Curlin vs. Zenyatta?

How about Curlin versus Zenyatta, December 26th, in a Match Race, 1-1/8 miles, at the Fairgrounds? I'd show up, what about you?

Great video blog by Larry Zap. Note that Zenyatta is beating Curlin by more than 2 to 1 in my poll to the right...

Zap is known as "the eye" for being able to measure quality in thoroughbred racehorses, and is practically a fixture at Southern California tracks. He has a deep appreciation for quality horses, music, movies, live performance, and comedy. Zap co-hosts Race and Sports Radio every Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 AM (pst) on San Diego's XX Sports Radio (1090 AM) and online at XXSportsRadio.com .

Curlin Retired

Curlin Schooling for the Breeders Cup Classic, in the Paddock at Santa Anita Oct. 16, 2008.

Curlin, the 2007 Horse of the Year and winningest horse in North American history, will not race again after this year. The announcement was made Saturday by Curlin's majority owner, Jess Jackson, who said that Curlin may race once more before the end of this year.

Curlin, who raced as a four-year-old this year finishing 4th in the Breeders' Cup Classic, has earned more than $10 million in a career that includes 11 wins in 16 starts - including victories in the $6 million Dubai World Cup, the Stephen Foster, the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup. He is one of the top contenders for 2008 Horse of the Year.

Jackson, who owns 80 percent of Curlin, last week reportedly submitted a private offer for the remaining 20 percent interest in the horse.

Zap! of the Week: Breeders Cup 2008, Zenyatta & Company

Some wonderful footage of Zenyatta, Goldikova, Tiago, Stardom Bound, Maram, Kip Deville, Curlin, and more on a very busy training morning at Santa Anita Park. Some beautiful scenes that start out in the dark, then lighten as the sun comes up over the track.

Zap says, "Last full day of training for the Breeders Cup 2008...super filly Goldikova enjoyed a nice gallop as well...enjoy!"

Zap is known as "the eye" for being able to measure quality in thoroughbred racehorses, and is practically a fixture at Southern California tracks. He has a deep appreciation for quality horses, music, movies, live performance, and comedy. Zap co-hosts Race and Sports Radio every Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 AM (pst) on San Diego's XX Sports Radio (1090 AM) and online at XXSportsRadio.com .

Zap! Raven's Pass and Friends

Check out Larry Zap's Raven's Pass and Friends footage. In the 3 minute mark, Dettori is on Raven's Pass and basically states that Curlin is taking on Raven's Pass. "How true," said Zap.

Who's Picking Curlin in the Breeders Cup Classic?

Renowned handicapper and general character, John "Mutton Chops" McCririck, that's who! I was fortunate (and really excited!) to meet him at Clockers Corner Thursday morning, as he was having breakfast in the warm California sunshine. When asked who he liked in the Classic, he made some sort of British remark about "laying odds on Curlin!" I also promised not to show this photo of him to any children, so if your kids are around, please move on to another page. :) Mutton Chops is a very pleasant and well-spoken fellow, I must say.

Curlin Draws Post Position 9 in Breeeders Cup Classic

Curlin drew post position 9 in the Breeders Cup Classic. Here's the full field:
1 - Go Between (Gomez)
2 - Casino Drive (Espinoza)
3 - Tiago (Smith)
4 - Duke of Marmalade (Murtagh)
5 - Henry the Navigator (J. Velasquez)
6 - Smoooth Air (Cruz)
7 - Student Council (Bridgmohan)
8 - Ravens Pass (Dettori)
9 - Curlin (Albarado)
10 - Fairbanks (Migliore)
11 - Colonel John (Prado)
12 - Champs Elysees (A. Garcia)

For full coverage, visit the official Breeders Cup Site

Curlin Schooling in Santa Anita Paddock

Quite a crowd was on hand to watch Curlin school during the fifth race yesterday at Santa Anita. Cool as a cucumber, he looked every bit the highest-money-earner-of-all-time. What a magnificent horse.

And Here's Curlin Just After His Work!

What a magnificent horse! He looked like he'd just been for a stroll in the park.

Curlin Works at Santa Anita Today!

Curlin at Santa Anita

Curlin coming off the track in the quarter pole chute, after his gallop this morning. Looking spectacular!

Sunny Santa Anita - 24 Days to Breeders Cup!

Another warm and sunny day dawned at Santa Anita. Curlin is here in Barn 27, and I hope to get a glimpse (and some photos) of him soon. Tomorrow morning will be his first time out on the track.

In the meantime, I've been talking to some long-time trainers about the historic Receiving Barn. Mel Stute, who's been at Santa Anita since 1945, had an interesting recollection... Many years ago, the grooms went on strike, and one of the trainers led his horse over from the stables to the receiving barn before a race -- with two guns strapped on! They called him "two guns" after that.

With no racing yesterday or today, I haven't been able to get an inside photo, but hope to post one very soon.

Rainbow's End Curlin's Santa Anita Barn