Bodog Beat

Expectations are high for Curlin when he returns to the dirt in the $500,000 Gr. 1 Woodward Stakes on Saturday. (AP Images)

After a brief experiment on turf that culminated in a second place finish at the Man o' War Stakes at Belmont Park, Curlin is returning to dirt in the Woodward Stakes, a Gr. 1 $500,000 race for 3-year-olds and up this Saturday, Aug. 30, at Saratoga.

He will face a small field that will not include Big Brown—the connections of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes champion declined owner Jess Jackson's offer of a $50,000 charitable donation in exchange for Big Brown's participation. Instead, the field of possible contenders includes Star Plus, a Group 1 winner based in Argentina; Divine Park, unbeaten in his last three outings; and Out of Control, runner-up in his last two graded stakes races.

If Curlin is feeling any pressure to live up to expectations, he isn't showing it. The 2007 Horse of the Year has looked every bit the champion in his workouts, turning out an effortless breeze of half a mile in 49.14 in his final prep. "He's very professional," exercise rider Carlos Rosas said afterwards. "Once you step on the track, he knows what's going on. Right now, he knows what's coming. I think he's ready. He's ready to rumble."

The Steve Asmussen-trained 4-year-old has had an amazing 2008 campaign so far. With the exception of his runner-up finish at the Man o' War Stakes, Curlin has not lost this year. Recent wins in the $1M Stephen Foster Handicap, the $6M Dubai World Cup and the $175,000 Jaguar Trophy have padded his lifetime earnings to $9,296,800. All eyes will be on Curlin to see if he can add a win in the Woodward Stakes on Aug. 30 to his already impressive resume.

How will Curlin fare in the Woodward Stakes? Get all your horse betting odds in the Bodog Racebook.