Fri Jun 6 10:32:07 2008

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Suffolk Downs going after Big Brown and Curlin

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East Boston, MA (Sports Network) - In an effort to lure the top two thoroughbreds to the Massachusetts Handicap (MassCap), Suffolk Downs has announced it will boost the purse of the race to $5 million.

The $5 million purse is dependant on Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Big Brown and 2007 Horse of the Year Curlin both running in the MassCap on Saturday, September 20. Big Brown must sweep the Triple Crown Races and both he and Curlin must still be undefeated this year for the purse to be $5 million.

"Big Brown and Curlin are regarded as the two best thoroughbreds in the world and racing fans would like nothing more than to see them go head to head," said Richard T. Fields, the largest shareholder of Suffolk Downs. "If they are to square off, we feel that a $5 million purse is a great incentive and what better place than at Suffolk Downs in the city of Boston, the sports capital of the world."

The $5 million would include a $1 million participation bonus for each horse. However, should Big Brown win the Triple Crown, but either he and Curlin have a defeat the purse will be $3 million with a participation bonus of $500,000 per horse.

Curlin is scheduled to run in the Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs on Saturday, June 14. Big Brown, according to trainer Rick Dutrow, Jr., will go in the Travers Stakes at Saratoga in August. Both horses are being pointed toward the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita in October.

The 1 1/8 mile MassCap is part of the Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" program where the winner automatically is entered into the Breeders' Cup Classic race.