Bodog Beat

Curlin with trainer Steve Asmussen. (AP Images)

Curlin, North America’s 2007 Horse of the Year had a great prep race for the $6 million Dubai World Cup when he won the $175,000 Jaguar Trophy Handicap at Nad Al Sheba Race Course on Feb. 28. The World Cup will be run March 29.

"That was just what we wanted," said trainer Steve Asmussen. "In racing you are always cautiously optimistic, but that's what we expected. The timing between the races is ideal – he won the Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I) over a mile and a quarter before winning the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) over the same trip four weeks later. That's why we've come for this race, so everything's gone to plan so far."

"He is an amazing athlete and racehorse," Albarado said. "It is a real honor to be associated with him and he has shown why tonight. I took him wide to help settle him as he was a bit keen and from then I was never concerned."

Curlin total purse earnings are more then $5.2 million and he has won seven of 10 career starts including victories in last year's Preakness Stakes and Jockey Club Gold Cup.

Curlin is one horse to watch out for at the Dubai World Cup. And don't forget to get your Kentucky Derby futures in the Bodog Racebook.