Curlin's back

Halfway around the world, Curlin proved that he still rules it.

The defending Horse of the Year made his 4-year-old debut Thursday under the lights in Dubai and dominated five overmatched opponents in the 1 1/4-mile Jaguar Trophy Handicap at Nad al Sheba Racecourse. The huge chestnut colt's margin over the British-bred Familiar Territory was a very measured 2 1/4 lengths and could have been many more if Robby Albarado had so desired.

"You could have ridden him tonight," the Cajun joked to an English racing commentator. "We wanted to give him an easy race for the [Dubai] World Cup and we accomplished that. He really needed this race mentally and physically."

Despite spotting the field 15 pounds (Curlin carried a career-high 132) and racing without Lasix for the first time (it's banned in Dubai), the champion cruised in his first race since dominating the Breeders' Cup Classic Oct. 27 in the slop at Monmouth Park. The 1-5 favorite in the international pool (Dubai bans betting, too) broke well from the rail and was a bit keen to run on, but Albarado took a firm hold and guided him to the 3- or 4-path as he stalked in second behind Imperialista. Curlin glided into the lead with virtually no encouragement in upper stretch and completed his paid public workout for the March 29 World Cup. It was his seventh win in 10 career starts, and the winner's share of the $175,000 purse raised his career earnings above $5.2 million. The time on a fast track was 2:00.60.

Before the race, trainer Steve Asmussen said, "I don't want him doing too much because it's a prep for the World Cup. He's hydrated well since the trip and his prep work has gone extremely well. As far as his attitude goes, he's maybe a little more bossy. He definitely has the presence."