Brian Meehan hopes Red Rocks will finally be afforded the respect he deserves after his defeat of Curlin in the Man o'War Stakes.

The 2006 Breeders' Cup Turf winner claimed the biggest scalp in Flat racing at Belmont on Saturday when he inflicted a two-length reverse upon the American Horse of the Year.

Steve Asmussen's Smart Strike colt fared well enough on his turf debut, but Red Rocks held a discernible edge over his rival from the outset and claimed the $500,000 heat with a shade left in the tank.

"Everything is always easy with him," reflected Manton-based Meehan.

"He hasn't been given the kudos he deserves since the Breeders' Cup.

"He confirmed he is one of the best middle-distance turf horses in the world and has been for the last two or three years."

The Grade One triumph marked an emphatic return to form for the Paul Reddam-owned entire, who could finish only sixth in the Coronation Cup at Epsom on his last start.

Curlin and Red Rocks, ridden by Javier Castellano, were settled in third and fourth respectively behind a ludicrously fast early gallop set by Sudan and Mission Approved.

But when Robby Albarado asked Curlin to get closer, the response was not as immediate as it had been in the past.

Meehan's five-year-old, conversely, comfortably reeled in the pacesetters inside the final furlong and was going away from Curlin at the line.

Better Talk Now, the 2004 Breeders' Cup Turf winner, finished third.

"He got into the straight and got straightened up and balanced," added Meehan.

"I knew he was going to be hard to pass.

"He's a five-year-old horse now and he's proved himself with Group/Grade One horses all his life."

Connections of Curlin refused to give up on the prospect of the four-year-old transferring his electric dirt form across to the turf.

Asmussen had been considering sending him to France for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe following a five-race winning spree which incorporated victories in the Breeders' Cup Classic and the Dubai World Cup.

Although future plans were put on hold in the aftermath of the race, the immediate reaction was that of him deserving another opportunity on grass.

Owner Jess Jackson, of Stonestreet Stables, said: "The people applauded him in the paddock, all the way around and when he came back.

"It was a great race for the fans and this is part of what we are trying to do.

"We just didn't see that late kick from him.

"I don't know if that was because he is still getting used to the turf or what.

"My feeling right now is that he needs another turf test. We know what he can do on dirt, and that is always an option.

"I'm disappointed, but this is not a setback.

"And the horse that beat him is a very good horse, and I congratulate them on a great race."

Albarado added: "I would like to see him get another chance, another shot on turf.

"This is like a first race for him - a new chapter."

More news from SportingLife.com

Full racecards from SportingLife.com

Fast and full results from SportingLife.com