no walkover

I'll be interested to catch tomorrow's Gold Cup at Belmont Park where Curlin makes his return after a less than stellar performance in the Woodward at Saratoga. In his defense, the Spa probably isn't a track best suited to his style, but he just didn't look all that hot in chasing down Pass the Point in a workman-like victory. Curlin's stride is pretty unique: long, obviously, but still very efficient. He toes in and the action is confined to a tighter vertical space (if that makes any sense), yet still covers a boat load of real estate. Once he gets into a rhythm, it's extremely effective. For whatever reason, he never really got comfortable last out. His stride was much shorter that you're used to seeing, almost choppy. I don't know whether it was the track, or what, but he just wasn't himself. So, we'll see which Curlin shows up tomorrow, but if it's not the guy we saw earlier in the year, he's vulnerable. Timber Reserve should sit a good trip off Wanderin Boy and get first run, so he has a chance at a number. Mambo in Seattle is no joke, but I'd prefer to have a horse with more tactical foot, especially given the likely pace scenario. An interesting spot, anyway, and no gimme for the champ.

As for Big Brown, it's fairly safe to say that he's of the same quality of an Afleet Alex or Smarty Jones. He's not one of the ones to go down in the books, but he showed last out in beating a legit G2.5 field that he's got some substance. Now, he's not getting 1m 1/4 out in California in the Classic, especially over the synthetic surface racing on the front end, but I'll give him his due. At 1m 1/8, he'd give those other two a good run for their money. It will be fun to see who shows up to take him on. California has some legit synthetic specialists, and the Euros seem to be gearing up for an invasion. Goal is to be live in that late pick 4 on Breeders' Cup Day to a few of those bombs.