Curlin drills five furlongs at Saratoga

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Horse of the Year Curlin worked Monday at Saratoga for his next start. When or where that will be, however, is still a mystery, as his connections continue to remain uncommitted as to their plans for the champs next appearance.

With regular exercise rider Carmen Rosas aboard, Curlin worked five furlongs in 1:03.04, according to Daily Racing Form, shortly before 6 a.m. at the Oklahoma training track on Monday. Curlin covered his opening three furlongs in 37.65, completed the final quarter in 25.59, then galloped out six furlongs in 1:16.91 while going effortlessly throughout.

Both owner Jess Jackson, who was on hand for the work, and trainer Steve Asmussen were pleased with the breeze. Neither would give a hint as to where Curlin might run next or even if hell return to the dirt or remain on grass following his second-place finish behind Red Rocks in his turf debut in the Man o War at Belmont on July 12.

Possible options for Curlin include either the Woodward at Saratoga or Pacific Classic at Del Mar if he is to go back to the main track, or the Sword Dancer at Saratoga should his connections opt to keep him on grass with a possible eye on the Arc de Triomphe on Oct. 5.