Daniel Dougherty's Ride On Curlin (Curlin) is likely to return to black-type company next out after a successful comeback at Oaklawn Thursday.
The GI Preakness S. runner-up broke a step slow in his first start since being eased in the GI Belmont S. June 7 and was far back off the pace early. Saving ground, the bay came running late to score a narrow victory and complete the six-furlong optional claimer in 1:10.40.
“I wouldn't have been crushed if he had gotten beat, because it was his first race back,” trainer Billy Gowan said. “I just wanted to see him run his race. He sure showed up, like he always does.”
Ride On Curlin exited the race in good order and Gowan's main objective for the colt is to get him ready for the $600,000 GII Oaklawn H. Apr. 11. The conditioner is also considering a possible start in the 1 1/16-mile Essex H. in Hot Springs Feb. 14.
“If he's jumping out of his skin, we'll consider it pretty strongly,” Gowan said.
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