The three-year-old Indian Charlie filly has won seven of nine career starts with two seconds. Last year’s champion juvenile filly, she won the Grade 1 Prioress in the mud here on July 5 and Saratoga’s Grade 1 Test on August 2.
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New York-bred juveniles will be featured here at Belmont Park on Sunday afternoon.
In the $100,000-added Bertram F. Bongard for two-year-olds at seven furlongs, Double Domino, Poachaway, Remarkable Storm, Rereadthefootnotes, Tall Poppi, Trinity Magic and Uncle T Seven are likely.
In the Joseph A. Gimma for two-year-old fillies, also at seven furlongs, Akilina, Crafty Shocked, Fabulous Florence, High Cry, Ouchy Night, Sapphire Sky and Seek On are expected.
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There are only two more weekends left this year for the Breakfast at Belmont program, which provides fans a behind-the-scenes look at the world of racing, including a tram tour of Belmont’s remarkable stable area.
A kids’ favorite, the starting gate demonstration, gives children an up close and personal look at the starting gate. The Paddock Show is a must-see for racing fans and novices alike as a horse’s daily routine and equipment are explained.
Fans can also join Mary Ryan trackside as she provides expert commentary on the morning workouts and training schedule.
For entry into the track for the Breakfast at Belmont program, take Exit 26B off the Cross Island Parkway and enter Belmont through Gate 5.
The Breakfast at Belmont program is held every weekend through September. Breakfast is optional and available for a nominal cost.
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While many Thoroughbreds’ names are derived from their lineage, reigning Horse of the Year Curlin, who is on the verge of becoming the all-time richest Thoroughbred, was named after one of his original owner’s great-grandfather, who served during the Civil War as a private in the United States Colored Troop (USCT).
Charles Curlin, who was the property of James Curling of Golden Pond, in Trigg County, Kentucky, enlisted in the United States Army on October 17, 1864, and was assigned to Company A, USCT, 13th Heavy Artillery Unit, which was organized at Camp Nelson, Kentucky. The 13th Regiment provided military service primarily in Western Kentucky and the Central Bluegrass, as well as garrison duty at Camp Nelson and protection of Smithland and Lexington.
Curlin was honorably discharged, sustaining service related injuries during his tour of duty, and received a military pension from the Army. By the time he was discharged from military service, the spelling of his name had changed from “Curling” to “Curlin,” a spelling and pronunciation he retained for the remainder of his life. At the close of his military service, Curlin returned to civilian life as a farmer and coal miner in Kentucky, and died in Tobacco Port, Stewart County, Tennessee on August 22, 1925.
On Saturday, September 27, Curlin (the horse) returns to action in the 90th running of the Grade 1, $750,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup, in which he will attempt to break Cigar’s all-time money-earnings record of $9,999,815 and become the first $10 million thoroughbred. With his victory in the Grade 1 Woodward on August 30 at Saratoga Race Course, Curlin’s bankroll now stands at $9,796,800.