"Everything is go," Jackson said. "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."

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."

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 the second horse to win consecutive Classics.

• STEROIDS RULE -- New York toughened its steroids policy for racehorses, following the lead of the two other states that have Triple Crown races.

The New York State Racing and Wagering Board said the new rules take effect Jan. 1 at all thoroughbred and standardbred tracks in the state. That includes Belmont Park, home of the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown. The new rules set limits for steroids that are permitted.

Prompted by the death of the filly Eight Belles at the end of the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky and Maryland moved quickly to institute steroid restrictions. Trainer Rick Dutrow acknowledged using an anabolic steroid on Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown.

Horses competing in the Breeders' Cup will be tested for drugs, including steroids.