HORSE RACING

• Curlin to remain at Saratoga for next start

  
  

  Saratoga Springs, NY (Sports Network) - Owner Jess Jackson revealed Tuesday that reigning Horse of the Year Curlin will make his next start in the WoodwardHandicapat SaratogaRace Courseon Saturday, August 30. Jackson made the announcement during a national teleconference.

  "We condsidered many options," Jackson stated, "but, this is the best place to display his talent. He is very happy (in Saratoga)." The Woodward will be conducted on Saratoga's main track at 1 1/8 miles.

  Jackson said two other races under consideration were the $1 million Pacific Classic on Sunday, August 24 at Del Mar and this week's Arlington Million on the turf.

  On his Stonestreet Farms website, Jackson solicited input from fans as to where they would like to see Curlin run next.

  The final results showed 51- percent favored the colt staying on turf, while 33-percent wanted to see a return to dirt.

  There was also 10-percent that preferred Curlin run on a synthetic surface, while another 6-percent favored retirement.

  "Curlin is not only a hero to me and my family but also to thousands of fans," said Jackson. "With so many people supporting Curlin and his future I am asking all racing fans where they think Curlin should go next." Curlin's last race was on turf in the Man o'War at Belmont Park when he finished second to Red Rocks. Owned by Stonestreet Farms and Midnight Cry Stable, Curlin currently has $9,496,800 and Skip Away has earned $9,616,360. Cigar is first on the list with $9,999,815 in career earnings.

  The four-year-old put in a workout Monday morning on the Oklahoma training track at Saratoga.

  He went five-furlongs in 1:02.72 with Jackson and his wife in attendance.

  "He's in a beautiful rhythm, he's very comfortable," said trainer Steve Asmussen after the Monday workout. "He's very loose. It amazes me how he jogs off afterward.

  For me, it's like Christmas morning, I get giddy when I see him."

  08/05 13:31:01 ET