Stonestreet Stables, Padua Stables, George Bolton and Midnight Cry Stables’ Curlin settled any doubts about Champion 3-year-old or Horse of the Year as he romped to a 4 ½-length victory over a sloppy track to win the 24th running of the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Monmouth Park.

Curlin, who completed the mile and a quarter in 2:00.59, provided trainer Steve Asmussen and jockey Robby Albarado with their first of multiple Breeders’ Cup victories.

The race appeared to be showdown between Curlin and Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense, but it was Hard Spun, the Kentucky Derby runner-up, who made all of the early running.

Hard Spun spurted to a clear lead going into the first turn and led the field of nine through fractions of :23.11, :45.85 and 1:10.67 with co-second choices Lawyer Ron and Any Given Saturday plus Diamond Stripes in closest pursuit.

Meanwhile, Curlin and favored Street Sense raced along sixth and seventh, respectively, nearly 10 lengths off the lead in the run down the backstretch.

Both horses began to close in on the frontrunners on the far turn with Curlin getting the jump on his rival, whom he had narrowly defeated that spring in the Preakness.

“Everything went perfectly, starting with all the speed up front,” Albarado said. “It unfolded just the way we wanted, but it also takes a hell of a horse to get this done.”

Curlin collared Hard Spun just before the eighth pole and drew off for sixth victory of the year and third Grade 1.

Hard Spun easily head second by 4 ¾ lengths over the late-running Awesome Gem who claimed the third spot by a length over Street Sense who flattened out in the final eighth of a mile.