Defending Horse of the Year Curlin made his return to dirt racing in the $500,000 Woodward Stakes a successful one at Saratoga today. Curlin, the 3-10 favorite against six rivals, looked like a big winner as he clicked into gear for jockey Robby Albarado rounding the final turn. He drew even with pacesetter Past the Point, a 40-1 shot, in upper stretch as second choice Divine Park retreated. But after getting a slight advantage, the champ labored in the final eighth of a mile before prevailing by 1 1/4 lengths.

With the victory, Curlin’s 10th in 14 starts, Curlin boosted his earnings to $9,796,800, moving him past Skip Away into second place all-time among Thoroughbreds. Cigar, with 19 lifetime victories and earnings of $9,999,815, leads the way. Curlin could go for the earnings record in the $750,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup September. 27 at Belmont Park at 10 furlongs, although there may be other options.

$500,000 Woodward Stakes results and payouts
Pgm Horse             Win    Place   Show
5 Curlin             2.70     2.40    2.10
3 Past the Point             13.80    6.40
8 Wanderin Boy                        3.50$
2 Exacta (5-3) Paid $41.80, $2 Trifecta (5-3-8) Paid $185.00