Bodog Beat

Curlin will head to Belmont for the $500,000 Man o' War Stakes. (AP Images)

Trainer Steve Asmussen announced today that Curlin will be making his turf debut in the $500,000 Man o' War Stakes (gr. IT) on July 12.

With Curlin's long-term goal being the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) at Longchamp Oct. 5, it was imperative he run his next race on the grass. The Horse of the Year recently had a successful work at Churchill Downs and after some licensing issues regarding the colt's minority partners, it was unclear as to whether Curlin would reach any of the potential races (Arlington Handicap or Man o' War).

"We’ve been OK’d to race in New York and we’re planning on flying him to Belmont on Thursday," Asmussen said. “I have no particulars; that was handled by Stonestreet."

If Curlin looks good at the Man o' War, prepping for the Arc will be the next step.

“I think the Arc is one of the greatest races in the world and we’re hoping to prove that Curlin is one of the greatest horses in the world,” Asmussen said. “If we can establish a grade I form on him this Saturday in the Man o' War, we’ll make arrangements from there to get him to Chantilly and start our preparations with him to be comfortable going right-handed. That will start Saturday, and if all goes well we’ll still have a lot to do.”

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