Curlin should join Big Brown on the sideline

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I assume it would be best for the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Oct. 25 at Santa Anita if Curlin’s connections decided he should run, even after the announcement today that Big Brown is out because of an injury.

My question, and I also assume this is first and foremost of the minds of Curlin’s connections, is whether it would be best for the horse.

What does Curlin, the 4-year-old superstar, have to prove?

He won the Breeders’ Cup Classic last year.

He this year became the first North American horse to earn more than $10 million in his career.

If they run at Santa Anita, it would be on an artificial surface that Curlin’s owner and trainer aren’t 100%confident will be to the horse’s liking. Curlin has another workout scheduled for today at the Arcadia track.

If he runs and wins, without Big Brown in the race, Curlin won’t have enhanced his reputation.

If he runs and loses against an undistinguished field, it will diminish his accomplishments in the eyes of some.

Worse, he could be injured.

As much as I’d like to see Curlin run here, it would be a mistake.

The Breeder’s Cup organizers will still provide two great days of racing for fans of the sport. They also can hope for better luck when the Breeders’ Cup returns to Santa Anita next year.

-- Randy Harvey