Curlin continued to add to his impressive resume Saturday as the 2007 Horse of the Year pulled away to win the $6 million Dubai World Cup, the world’s riches horse race, by 7 3/4 lengths.

Curlin’s eighth career victory in 11 starts was worth $3.6 million and put his career earnings at $8.8 million, which is third all-time behind Cigar ($9.9 million) and Skip Away ($9.6 million).

Making Curlin’s accomplishments even more is impressive is that he broke his maiden just over a year ago. His 3-year-old campaign in 2007 included wins in the Preakness Stakes and $5 Breeders’ Cup Classic.

The $6 million Dubai World Cup (G1), the world’s richest horse race, celebrates its 13th running on Saturday, March 29.

Raced at 2,000 meters (about 1 1/4 miles) on the main dirt track at Dubai’s Nad al Sheba Racecourse, and the winner joins an elite group of world-beaters including inaugural winner Cigar, Singspiel, Dubai Millennium, and Invasor, winner of last year’s edition.

The field of the 2008 Dubai World Cup with trainers, jockeys and morning line odds:

Curlin will have to break new ground and become the first horse to win the $6-million Dubai World Cup on March 29 at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse from stall 12, following the Post Position Draw Ceremony tonight.

Assistant trainer Scott Blasi said: “He’s done everything right since he’s been here. He’s been training well. I think the draw is ok, because of the configuration of the race track, and he will put himself in a good position.”

Jalil and Happy Boy drew eight and three and their trainer Saeed bin Suroor said: “It is certainly better than last year when Discreet Cat was drawn one. I am very happy, stall eight will suit Jalil, and Happy Boy is also well placed in stall three.”

Well Armed drew stall two and trainer Eoin Harty said: “That’s fine. I’ll use it to my advantage. I think he’s the speed of the race. It’s better to be drawn inside than outside.”

Asked about Curlin’s draw in 12, he added: “Even if they started Curlin on Nad Al Sheba road, I don’t think it would make much difference!”

Breeders’ Cup Classic winner and North America’s reigning Horse of the Year Curlin won his 2008 debut, the $175,000 Jaguar Trophy at Nad Al Sheba on Thursday, February 28.

Ridden by Robby Albarado, spent most of the 1 1/4 mile horse race running slightly wide in second. With about 400 meters left, Curlin stormed to the front and finished 2 1/4 lengths ahead. The final time was 2:00.60. Familiar Territory was second and Jet Express was third in the six-horse event.

Trained by Steve Asmussen, Curlin has now won 7 of 10 career starts including victories in last year’s Preakness Stakes, Arkansas Derby and Jockey Club Gold Cup. He also placed in the 2007 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. His earnings are more than $5.2 million.

Horse of the Year Curlin will face five challengers when he makes his 2008 seasonal debut in the $175,000 Jaguar Trophy at Nad Al Sheba on Thursday, February 28.

Trained by Steve Asmussen, Curlin is owned by Stonestreet Stables and Midnight Cry Stables. The Jaguar Trophy at 1 1/4 miles, will serve as Curlin’s final prep race for the $6,000,000 Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) on March 29 also at 1 1/4 miles in Nad Al Sheba Racecourse.

Horse of the Year Curlin will open his 4-year-old campaign by racing in the world’s richest race, the $6 million Dubai World Cup, on March 29. A victory against top thoroughbreds worldwide in the Dubai World Cup would go a long way in elevating Curlin’s status as one of horse racing’s brightest stars.
Curlin’s majority owner, [...]

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Ticker) - Starting from the rail did not hinder Electrocutionist at the $6 million Dubai World Cup. Despite drawing the first post, Electrocutionist blazed down the straightaway to win the world’s richest race in  2 minutes, 1.32 seconds at Nad Al Sheba on Saturday.