Mon Jul 14 14:05:49 2008

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Curlin fine, schedule flexible

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Elmont, NY (Sports Network) - Reigning Horse of the Year Curlin experienced no ill-effects from his turf debut Saturday in the Man o' War Stakes at Belmont Park. The four-year-old finished second by two-lengths to Red Rocks.

"Physically, he came out of the race great," said trainer Steve Asmussen.

"He didn't embarrass himself and he sure didn't embarrass me," noted majority owner Jess Jackson. "I'm disappointed, but this is not a setback. And the horse that beat him is a very good horse, and I congratulate them on a great race."

Future races for Curlin have not been finalized, with the colt possibly remaining on turf through his last career race.

"There is no time frame, the evaluation will be continual," said Asmussen. "Our options are open."

In addition to running in Europe's premier event, the Prix de LArc de Triomphe in Paris on October 5, Jackson mentioned the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes on Saturday, September 6 at Leopardstown as a possibility.

"We know what he can do on dirt, so we can always go back," Jackson said. "We'll need to see how he rebounds from this race, and then I'll talk to Steve. My feeling right now is that he needs another turf test."

The latest thoroughbred poll still has Curlin as the unanimous choice as the top racehorse in North America. He received all 18 first-place votes in the poll released Monday.