Horse Racing | Curlin dominates in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — All it took for Curlin to win over the world were a few powerful strides in the stretch of the $6 million Dubai World Cup.

North America's 2007 Horse of the Year rolled on from there to a record-setting 7 ¾-length victory at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse in the world's richest race.

"What a horse," winning jockey Robby Albarado said of the 4-year-old colt. "Curlin is like a limousine, and I am just along for the ride."

Kentucky-bred Curlin, trained by Steve Asmussen, ran 2,000 meters (about 1-¼ miles) in 2 minutes, 0.15 seconds in the Group I race and earned $3.6 million. The winning margin surpassed the previous mark of 6 lengths set by 2000 World Cup winner Dubai Millennium.

There is no legal wagering at Nad Al Sheba. Handicappers at Emerald Downs in Auburn made $2.80 for every $2 win bet on Curlin.

Curlin has won eight of 11 career starts and earned $8,807,800. He ended his 2007 season with victories in the Grade I Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., and the Grade I Breeders' Cup Classic at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J.

"He's thriving when he is running," Asmussen said. "He's a tremendous animal. He's spoiled us with who he is."

Asiatic Boy was second in the field of 12.

Big Brown captures Florida Derby

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. — Big Brown is a breathtaking colt, no doubt. And after his latest romp, there is little doubt he is a leading contender for the May 3 Kentucky Derby.

Big Brown, trained by Richard Dutrow Jr. and ridden by Kent Desormeaux, rolled to a 5-length victory over 16-1 shot Smooth Air in the $1 million Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park.

The Grade I event was the first stakes race for Big Brown, who improved to 3 for 3 and has won by a combined margin of 29 lengths.

Big Brown, who broke from the outside post in a field of 12, ran 1-1/8 miles in 1:48.16 and paid $5 to win. The Kentucky-bred led by a length after a quarter-mile in 22.76 seconds.

"I loved it," Dutrow said. "I knew the horses in this race could not catch him. I am not knocking them in any kind of way, except that Big Brown is much better than these horses today."

Note

• It was a huge day for Dutrow, as two horses he trains — each with Edgar Prado aboard — won in Dubai.

Sprinter Benny the Bull won the $2 million Golden Shaheen, and Diamond Stripes took the $1 million Godolphin Mile.