LOS ANGELES (AP) -Curlin is going to defend his title in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Oct. 25.
Majority owner Jess Jackson announced the decision Tuesday, when an initial entry payment was due. A second and final entry payment for the Classic is due Oct. 21.
``Everything is go,'' Jackson said on a conference call. ``When a top athlete is ready, they want to play. Curlin tells us he's fit.''
Curlin, the reigning Horse of the Year, is expected to take on undefeated Casino Drive of Japan and some of Europe's top horses in the first Breeders' Cup to be run on a synthetic track.
He won't be facing Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown, who was retired Monday after injuring his foot during a workout in New York.
``My family and I were saddened to learn of Big Brown's career-ending injury. I've always said what a great horse Big Brown is and he brought a lot of energy and excitement to the industry,'' Jackson said.
``I'm disappointed Big Brown and Curlin will never compete against each other. It was a dream of mine.''
Curlin tested himself on the Pro-Ride artificial surface with a 5-furlong workout Monday at Santa Anita, and Jackson and trainer Steve Asmussen were pleased with what they saw.
``Curlin showed yesterday that he can handle the (surface),'' Jackson said. ``It's a bit faster than any surface we've run on and that worries me a bit. It gives horses with less durability a chance to compete against him.''
Jackson, who was born a few miles from Santa Anita, said he wants to see Curlin run in California.
Curlin goes into the Classic as North America's all-time leading thoroughbred money earner with more than $10 million. He will try to become just the second horse to win consecutive Classics.
``It's not about the money, it's about him,'' Jackson said. ``He has proven he's got the genes, the durability, the stamina that few horses match, particularly in talent, heart and determination.''
Curlin has been at Santa Anita since Sept. 28, arriving a day after winning the Jockey Club Gold Cup at New York's Belmont Park for the second consecutive year.
