Originally published Sunday, June 15, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Horse Racing | Curlin puts on show at Churchill
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...
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.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 12:31 AM
Armstrong battles heat in Tour 2nd stage
Justin Wilson enables owner to end skid
Atta Boy Roy wins Governor's Handicap at Emerald Downs
NW Briefs: Dave Villwock collects 57th career hydros victory

2009 fireworks time lapse
With strict parking rules enforced at this year's July 4th celebration on Wallingford Ave North, less cars and more spectators filled the streets.
Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
Tax tips for new independent professionals
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new car? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
nwhomes

Find a new home or condo that fits your lifestyle.
Search New Developments
Builder Directory
- Landmark Smith Tower mostly vacant
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' and blasts media in Facebook posting
- Former NFL MVP McNair killed
- Hard times for tourist towns means good deals for travelers
- Shooting unveils very different sides of McNair
- Tukwila residents rally against light-rail noise
- Quincy Jones remembers "the biggest entertainer on the planet": Michael Jackson
- Confessions of an Idol Addict | "American Idols" on tour: Live coverage from opening date
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Seattle Mariners at Boston Red Sox: 07/05 game thread
247 - Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' and blasts media in Facebook posting
172 - Hatred for the NBA runs deep, but don't take it out on the players
135 - Tukwila residents rally against light-rail noise
123 - Former NFL MVP McNair killed
112 - Property taxes: Appeals shoot up is King, Snohomish Counties
103 - Tent City on campus: UW stalls decision
100 - Anti-tax rally in Olympia attracts about 1,500
68 - Seeking your questions
53 - Mariners did their part, now they need help
42
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Hard times for tourist towns means good deals for travelers
- Landmark Smith Tower mostly vacant
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Tent City on campus: UW stalls decision
- The People's Pharmacy | Estrogen mimicker found in sunscreen
- Toyota's Toyoda scolds execs for emulating U.S. car companies' mistakes
- Tukwila residents rally against light-rail noise
- Outdoor-theater season kicks off at Volunteer Park
- Seattle safety project: A snake shelter on Beacon Hill





