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Curlin dazzles in Arkansas Derby Stonestreet Stables, Padua Stables, Midnight Cry Stables and George Bolton's CURLIN (Smart Strike) established himself as a leading Kentucky Derby (G1) contender with an authoritative 10 1/2-length win in the $1 million Arkansas Derby (G2) at Oaklawn Park on Saturday. Curlin, who made his debut a little more than two months prior, tracked the pacesetting Deadly Dealer (Concerto) on the inside through fractions of :23 2/5, :47 4/5 and 1:12 3/5 for the opening six furlongs. Turning for home, Curlin moved to the outside while still in hand and guided past Deadly Dealer with ease, reaching the mile in 1:38 before finishing the nine furlongs on the fast track in an effortless 1:50. The 3-5 choice paid $3.60, $3 and $2.40, while topping the $59 exacta, $194.60 trifecta and $793.60 superfecta (2-6-10-1). Storm in May (Tiger Ridge) broke alertly, fell back on the first turn, advanced on the rail nearing the final turn and finished gamely to earn the place spot, a half-length clear of his nearest pursuer. The 30-1 shot was worth $12.60 and $6.20. Deadly Dealer fought back gamely late to retain the show, paying $3.60 as the 2-1 second option. Delightful Kiss (Kissin Kris) closed from well back to complete the superfecta another half-length back at 12-1, and was trailed by Going Ballistic (Lite The Fuse), Flying First Class (Perfect Mandate), Officer Rocket (GB) (Officer), Slew by Slew (Slew City Slew) and Olympic Chief (Chief Seattle). For You Reppo (El Corredor) was scratched. Curlin has made a meteoric rise since capturing his debut by 12 3/4 lengths in a maiden race at Gulfstream Park on February 3, when conditioned by Helen Pitts. Following a transfer to the barn of Steve Asmussen, the chestnut colt dominated the Rebel S. (G3) over this surface before putting in this sublime performance, boosting his bankroll to $802,800 in the process. The winner was bred in Kentucky by Fares Farm Inc. and attracted a bid of $57,000 at the 2005 Keeneland September Yearling sale. He was purchased privately by his current owners following his maiden win. Curlin was produced from the unraced Deputy Minister mare Sherriff's Deputy and has an unnamed yearling half-sister by Medaglia d'Oro.
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