Fresh off his popular victory in the Woodward Stakes, Curlin now sets his sights on defense of his Jockey Club Gold Cup crown. To that end, the reigning Horse of the Year logged an easy half-mile breeze in 51.34 seconds on a gorgeous Monday morning over the Oklahoma Training Track in Saratoga Springs.

“Real smooth” was how assistant trainer Scott Blasi categorized the work, adding, “We really weren’t looking for much.”

Clockers caught Curlin in splits of 13 and 25 2/5 before galloping out in 1:05 2/5 and continuing on for six furlongs in 1:19 3/5.

Curlin will follow a familiar work schedule to what was employed last fall, working over the Oklahoma Training Track the next two Mondays before shipping to Belmont for the Sept. 27 Gold Cup.

“He is very comfortable up here, and we are very comfortable with what we are supposed to do with him up here, “ Blasi said. “It’s familiar for us, and familiar for him.”