Curlin had his debut on the turf surface at the Man O’War Stakes, but he fell short in his late drive and finished second to 2006 Breeders’ Cup Turf Champion Red Rocks. It was Curlin’s first loss in six starts, but his good showing should be enough for trainer Steve Asmussen to continue to prepare him for the Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe at Longschamps Racecourse in Paris on Sunday, October 5.

Curlin should rebound from the loss without any problems. He finished second in his first attempt on the turf, and once he gets used to the surface he should be dominant again. Placing in the Man O’War should not be looked at as a loss, just a stepping stone towards mastering the turf. If Curlin has shown anything, it’s that he has stamina and longevity. One second-place finish on a new surface does not mean he’s done.

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