Curlin's Approval team keeping an eye on Breeders' Cup

Curlin’s Approval could be headed back to the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. Her connections are just starting to look for a suitable stepping-stone to that race following her win in last Sunday’s $75,000 Sugarloaf Key Handicap at Gulfstream Park.

Curlin’s Approval was a 2 1/2-length winner, closing from last to cover six furlongs on a fast track in 1:09.08. It was her second win in her last three starts, behind the $75,000 Ana T. on June 3 at Gulfstream. Trainer Happy Alter said the mare’s next move is now being discussed with George Isaacs, general manager of the Bridlewood Farm operation of John and Leslie Malone. Curlin’s Approval is owned by Alter and Bridlewood.

“There’s races coming up at Keeneland,” said Alter. “We’re looking all over the country, picking something that will be a challenge and the right timing between now and that race if we go on to the Breeders’ Cup.

“One step at a time.”

Curlin’s Approval, a multiple Grade 2 winner who has earned $653,725, ran 13th in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint after stumbling at the start of the Nov. 4 race at Del Mar. This year, the Breeders’ Cup will be held at Churchill Downs.

Curlin’s Approval, who has run some of her biggest races at the seven-eighths distance of the Filly and Mare Sprint, was making a rare start at six furlongs in the Sugarloaf Key Handicap.

“She had to go out wide and circle the field, so she was much the best,” Alter said. “She handled the field very nicely, and, also, the adjustment to three-quarters from her usual seven-eighths.

“She came out of the race bouncing.”

Alter is looking forward to what’s next with Curlin’s Approval, as well as a recent arrival at the barn. The mare’s half-brother by Morning Line has just come into him at Gulfstream.

“He’s a beautiful 2-year-old colt,” said Alter.

Another promising runner in the Alter barn is Tapit’s Princess, an unraced 2-year-old daughter of Tapit and the Grade 1-winning mare Lady of Fifty.