Curlin’s first runner is Evolutionary

When you win races like the Preakness, Dubai World Cup and Breeders’ Cup Classic, earn more than $10 million on the track, and collect two Horse of the Year awards, fans tend to flock to you faster than you can breeze a half mile. When you also fill out a 16.2 hands chestnut frame like a photographer’s dream, and possess the pedigree to match, breeders tend to drool all over their broodmare’s dance card. Before the first Curlin foal ever dropped, the racing and breeding world could not wait for the first son or daughter of the two-time champion to make it to the races. I am happy to say the wait is almost over.
 
Entered in the first race at Arlington Park on Wednesday is a first time starter named Evolutionary. Produced by the 13-year-old Gilded Time mare Gilded Wings, Evolutionary is a chestnut daughter of the most sought after first crop American sire in years. As the first foal of Curlin to make the races, the two-year-old filly will have as much scrutiny as any recent debut performance at Arlington that I can remember. Owned and bred by Pin Oak Stable, Evolutionary goes to the post against six other 2-year-old fillies, in the five furlong affair for maiden fillies, as the 5-2 morning line second choice. Trained by Arlington-based conditioner Donnie K. Von Hemel, she is scheduled to be ridden by Channing Hill. 
 
Taking a look at Evolutionary’s recent works, it is easy to believe that the youngster will come out running on Wednesday. Starting about six weeks ago, here are the April foal’s workouts over Arlington’s polytrack main strip:
 
4/28 – 2 furlongs in :23.60 breezing
5/11 – 3 furlongs in :34.60 (bullet) breezing
5/24 – 3 furlongs in :37.40 breezing
6/1 – 4 furlongs in :48.80 breezing from the gate
6/8 – 4 furlongs in :49.00 breezing
 
I have little doubt that Curlin (standing at Lane's End Farm) will be a successful sire. The son of Smart Strike seemingly has everything a breeder would want including a strong book of quality mares to visit him. The only question is how successful. Here’s to hoping he starts his sire career off with a bang on Wednesday at beautiful Arlington Park.
 

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