The 2007 Breeders' Cup Classic

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The 2007 Breeders’ Cup Classic

Winner: Curlin

The 2007 Breeders’ Cup World Championships took place at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, New Jersey. It was the 24th edition of the premier North American horse racing event and featured a number of exciting races and finishes. One of the highlights of the card was the Breeders’ Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (G1).

Long considered the main event of the Breeders’ Cup, the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, the 2007 edition of the race was loaded with star power. Pre-race favorite at 5-2 odds was Kentucky Derby (G1) and Travers Stakes (G1) winner Street Sense. His top Classic competition included Haskell Invitational (G1) winner Any Given Sunday and Whitney Stakes (G1) winner Lawyer Ron—a pair of Todd Pletcher charges, who were both 4-1 favorites. And then there was 9-2 fourth choice Curlin, who beat Street Sense to win the Preakness Stakes (G1).

It was Hard Spun, though, with fractions of 23.11, 45.85, and 1:10.67, who set the early pace. Jockey Robby Albarado and Curlin made their move at the ¼ pole and would pass Hard Spun after 3/16 en route to a 4 ½-length victory in a winning time of 2:00.59. Hard Spun finished second, while Awesome Gem came in third.

“The track was a huge concern. He trained at an off-track at the most, a gallop. The horse came in in great condition and he showed up. He ran when it mattered most. First time watching him, he carried Robby [Albarado] well and he came home like he was supposed to. The horse in the paddock, he's a big day horse, settled, calm and waiting for what was going to happen. It's an amazing feeling. Growing up in racing, it's extremely emotional to have witnessed great horses run in time and to be this close to one and to be this part of a horse of this ability is a lifelong dream,” said Curlin’s trainer Steve Asmussen.

Tragedy struck the race, as George Washington was euthanized post-race following a break down at the 1/8 pole.

For the win, Curlin paid $10.80, $5.20, and $4.20 across the board. Hard Spun returned $7.60 to place and $5.80 to show. Awesome Gem’s third-place showing paid $9.40.