HORSE RACING

• Curlin easily captures Dubai World Cup

  
  

  Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Sports Network) - Odds-favorite Curlin ran away from the field to win Saturday's 13th running of the $6 million Dubai World Cup at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse.

  Curlin was sent off as the 2-5 favorite in wagering in the United States after being the 3-5 in the program. From the original 13 horse field there was one scratch, Happy Boy, reducing the starters to 12.

  The field broke well from the gate at the start of the World Cup. Taking the early lead was Well Armed followed closely by Asiatic Boy, Curlin and Premium Tap. Premium Tap returned after finishing second to Invasor in the 2007 running.

  Well Armed led the field up the long backstretch with Asiatic Boy still in second and Curlin to the outside in third place. Around the final turn jockey Robby Albarado urged Curlin into second from the outside and quickly assumed the lead from Well Armed.

  Curlin put away the field with about 330 yards to run. Last year's Horse of the Year continued to increase his advantage down the stretch as he went on to win by 7 3/4 lengths.

  "He's an amazing horse," said Albarado. "I'm just honored. He did all the work. It is an amazing feeling."

  Asiatic Boy, with John Murtagh riding, finished second with Well Armed fading to third and A.P. Arrow closing for fourth after starting from the far outside.

  Curlin returned $2.80 and $2.10. Asiatic Boy paid $5.60 for place, and Well Armed paid $19.00 to show.

  Curlin, winner of last year's Breeders' Cup Classic, earned $3.6 million in winning the richest horse race in the world. He has now won eight of 11 lifetime starts for $8.8 million. The colt is within sight of Cigar's earnings record of $9.9 million.

  Steve Asmussen trains Curlin for owners Stonestreet and Midnight Cry Stables.

  "Fantastic race for Curlin," said co-owner Jess Jackson.

  Last year as a three-year-old Curlin won the Arkansas Derby, Preakness Stakes and the Jockey Club Gold Cup. He was third in the Kentucky Derby and second in the Belmont Stakes. His last loss was in the Haskell Invitational to Any Given Saturday when he was third.

  03/29 14:07:30 ET