DRF Breeding Standout: Juvenile Ride On Curlin sets track record at Ellis

Ride On Curlin recovered from a slow break, shot to the lead under Calvin Borel, and jetted to a 7 3/4-length victory in a 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight on Saturday at Ellis Park, setting a track record of 1:03 for the distance.

The 2-year-old bay colt by two-time Horse of the Year and second-crop sire Curlin earned a 91 Beyer Speed Figure in his second career start. He was runner-up by two lengths in his debut on June 21 at Churchill Downs to Conquest Two Step, a highly-touted Two Step Salsa colt and $420,000 OBS spring juvenile purchase.

Ride On Curlin was bought by owner Daniel Dougherty for $25,000 at the Keeneland yearling sale last fall. Trainer Bill Gowran told the Louisville Courier-Journal following Ride On Curlin’s blowout win at Ellis that the horse was the best he’d ever trained.

Bred by the G. Watts Humphrey and Louise Humphrey Revocable Trust, Ride On Curlin is out of the winning and Grade 2-placed Storm Cat mare Magical Ride. His second dam is Grade 1 winner Victory Ride. Other notable family members include Grade 1 winner and sire River Flyer and stakes winners Mr. Mabee and Seven Nation Army.

Lane’s End stallion Curlin currently ranks third on the North American second-crop sire list. His progeny earnings are paced by Belmont Stakes winner Palace Malice.