As American Pharoah Seeks Triple Crown, Eclipse Tries to Make History of its’ Own
The baby blue and black silks of Eclipse Thoroughbred partners will be represented on Belmont Stakes Day, Saturday, by Curalina in the $750,000 Acorn Stakes (Grade I), and Matterhorn in a high-level Allowance race.
Curalina, second at her debut at Saratoga last August, was going to be one of the top choices in the Spinaway Stakes (Grade I) on closing weekend at Saratoga, but had to be scratched with some bone bruising. She returned to action at Gulfstream Park on March 28, overcoming several obstacles to win impressively showing a high degree of guts and determination.
On Kentucky Oaks Day at Churchill Downs, Curalina dominated her Allowance field winning by 8 3/4 lengths. She emerged from that race in excellent shape and has been training in New York like a house-on-fire. She will cover a distance of one mile and will be ridden by Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez. This three-year-old daughter of Curlin is trained by multiple Eclipse Award winning trainer Todd Pletcher. Post time is 3:15 EST.
Curalina’s stablemate, Matterhorn, will go for two in a row as he runs in the final race on an historic day at Belmont Park. This four-year-old son of Tapit is coming off a one and one-half length win in a seven furlong race at Belmont on May 6. The distance is the same on Saturday. Matterhorn will be ridden by Eclipse Award wining jockey Javier Castellano at 8:12 EST. This colt is now coming into his own and is an emerging star in the stable.
BELIEVE BIG!!