Curlin was horse of the day, and of the year.

Byline: Dick Jerardi

Oct. 29--OCEANPORT, N.J. -- The 2007 Horse of the Year did not start in 2006. From Feb. 3 to Oct. 27, Curlin put together one of the more amazing seasons in racing history. And the colt saved his best race for last.

When the field hit the stretch of Saturday's $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Monmouth Park, it was down to three horses . . . Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense, Preakness winner Curlin and Hard Spun, the colt that kept trying to outrun both of them all year long.

Hard Spun was in his customary spot in front. Curlin and Street Sense had been together the whole race, Curlin on the outside and Street Sense in his favorite spot along the rail. The stage was set for a Classic finish as Curlin and Street Sense were closing fast.

Curlin altered the script. There would be no photos. There would be domination. Curlin ran away from Street Sense and ran by Hard Spun, winning by 4 1/2 lengths, running the mile and a quarter in 2:00.59, making the quite sloppy …