Horse Racing | Curlin puts on show at Churchill

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Curlin looked as good in his return to the United States as he did when he left.

The reigning horse of the year won for the fifth straight time Saturday, easily taking the Stephen Foster Handicap in his first race on American soil in more than seven months.

In doing so, the 4-year-old colt got redemption on one of the only racetracks that has given him any trouble. He finished third in his previous trip to Churchill Downs, last year's Kentucky Derby.

Starting from the rail, the 2-5 favorite waited under Robby Albarado until after the second turn, then clicked into another gear to coast to victory by more than four lengths in the 1-1/8-mile Foster in 1 minute, 49.68 seconds.

Einstein, the 6-1 second choice, took second by a nose over Barcola, who had led most of the race.

Curlin paid $2.80, $2.20 and $2.10. Einstein paid $3.80 and $3.20. Barcola was $6 to show.

Curlin won $589,000 of the $1 million purse Churchill guaranteed provided at least one Grade I stakes winner competed in the race. His lifetime earnings are now $9.4 million, third behind only Cigar ($10 million) and Skip Away ($9.6 million).

Stablemate Pyro also ended up in the winner's circle, taking the undercard Grade III Northern Dancer Stakes.

Pyro, who finished eighth in the Kentucky Derby last month, won the 1-1/16-mile race in 1:43.53.

Ginger Punch wins at Belmont

NEW YORK — Ginger Punch, the champion older mare of 2007, romped to a 7 ¾- length victory in her return to Belmont Park for the $300,000 Ogden Phipps Handicap.

The win was the third in four starts this year, improving the 5-year-old's overall record to 10 for 18.

The time was 1:42.37 for the 1-1/16 miles. Ginger Punch earned $180,000 for the Stronach Stables and paid $3, $2.20 and $2.10 as the 1-2 favorite.