Curlin leads North American sires by 100-plus dirt Beyers in 2017

Hall of Famer Curlin proved himself able to sire an elite dirt runner early on, getting a Belmont Stakes winner in his first crop. In 2017, he has taken that skill to the next level, leading all sires by progeny Beyer Speed Figures of 100 or more in dirt races with 13.

Those three-digit dirt Beyer efforts were achieved by seven horses, giving Curlin the most to pass that threshold this year through Dec. 14.

Two horses were responsible for Curlin’s top dirt Beyer of the year, both earning a 106.

Keen Ice hit that mark twice, first in a three-length victory in the Grade 2 Suburban Stakes, then two starts later when he was second in the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup. In between, he registered a 104 Beyer during a runner-up effort in the Grade 1 Whitney Stakes.

Also hitting the mark was Connect, who earned his 106 in the Grade 3 Westchester Stakes, his lone start of the year.

Three-year-old Irish War Cry turned in a trio of three-digit Beyer performances this year. The colt earned two 101 figures for wins in the Grade 2 Holy Bull Stakes and Wood Memorial Stakes en route to a start in the Kentucky Derby. He then tallied a 100 when second in the Belmont Stakes.

Champion Stellar Wind hit the mark twice in consecutive Grade 1 races, earning a 101 for her win in the Beholder Mile Stakes and a 103 for her Clement L. Hirsch Stakes score.

Good Magic picked up a 100 Beyer in his third career start, winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile by 4 1/4 lengths.

Curlin stands at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm in Lexington, Ky., for an advertised fee of $150,000.

Dual champion Lookin At Lucky was second by three-digit dirt Beyers, with nine. The resident of Ashford Stud in Versailles, Ky., has had four horses pass that milepost in 2017, including Accelerate. Accelerate’s four races with 100-plus Beyers are highlighted by the 110 he earned when third in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic. Accelerate also earned a 109 in his 8 1/2-length victory in the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap.

Other runners that earned at least one 100-plus Beyer in 2017 include Money Multiplier, Madefromlucky, and Breaking Lucky.

Lookin At Lucky stands for an advertised fee of $17,500.