Excluding Europe seems like Rachel Alexander better than Einstein off last win.IN CAL Rail trip IS SLightly better than zen

Jason so much now depends on the Euros when you talk about pro rode, which plays like turf....My sleeper pick to win the Classic is the other filly Life Is Sweet, who loves that track...But it doesn't take an Einstien to know who's the horse to beat--all Einstien does is run big--Zenyatta will have her hooves full if she goes in Classic, and that's the buzz around here, that they're going for the Classic with her...believe me, with the way these synthetic tracks play, the way they're so different from one another--it's amazing for a horse to just win all the time, that winning streak has a life of it's own...Jason we're having a great year in the sport, far too many injuries though! I'm keeping my fingers crossed....

Zenyatta will not run in the big race.  After watching her stablemate get crushed by average males she will have nothing to do with the boys.  Macho Again and Dry Martini seem to be horses on the improve but this race will not settle much.  You will have a winner but the winner will have just won a race and little else.  Rachel Alexandra winning the Haskell and the Travers will be the highlight of the year and over trump anything that happens at the Breeders Cup.

Sea of Stars would be really tough.  Quality Road could be in fine form though by then.  I will go with Quality Road because I think his sire has proven he can throw a runner that can win the BCC on the same track.

I don't think Rail Trip is an average horse. Tres Borrachos has also improved leaps and bounds. If CJ has done the same, he'll be a force to be reckoned with. Einstein loves the Pro ride as well, Well Armed if he runs like hed did in Dubai will be tough. Then you have the two Euro stars. Zenyatta will not win IMO against this cast. Her stablemate ran into the two up and comers, and if she got beat by almost 8, trying to close like Zenyatta, then Zen will have her hands full. If i were the connections of Zenyatta and wanted to make a case for HOTY i'd run in the Pacific Classic or Goodwood, then run in the Distaff. This will end up being a Euro Cup i think, unless Rail Trip proves a great horse. The race i'm most interested in on Cup day is the turf with PP and Gio Ponti. These two horses should be our one two punch and best shots against the Euros and both are very good.

dry martini i can understand but macho again hates synthetics so good luck there. Life Is Sweet didn't get beat that bad. she got beat by a horse who loves holly wood park and a synthetic freak who was undefeated at one point this year. well armed i see him taking another shot in the dirt mile. einstein won the big cap over a tuff field so don't count him out yet. i think they should try the JCGC at belmont with einstein.

I love Mine That Bird but i'm not to sure about a Classic Win

Re: Rachel Alexandra's exploits  trumping whatever happens at the Breeders' Cup.  

Maybe so, and isn't it a shame!

I'll be surprised if Summer Bird even makes an appearance. A few "reality checks" in the next few races will keep them home.

Without steroids it appears horses will not mature as fast and will need 2 year old foundations to perform well in the Triple Crown races.  You will not see horse with 1 or 2 races winning the Derby anymore.  Foundation will be important and the top 2 performers this year in the steroid free Derby proved that.  My point Matthew is that we saw too many injuries because too many trainers seemed to rush their horses into big races without proper foundations.  You won't be able to race 3 or 4 times and be considered a real Derby threat anymore...

Fame and Glory

Macho Again

Einstein

I would examine these three first.

I pioked Sea the Stars because simply he is amazing. However, any horse mentioned has a great chance, I picked STS purely for sentimental reasons.

I don't think Zenyatta will run in the Classic - just a feeling.  Macho Again, Einstein, and Well Armed are certainly able to pull off something big. Quality Road is a big question mark. I will have to study the Euros more.  So at this point I'm going with the Birds - specifically MTB.  I love him and I pull for him in every race he runs.  He can run on synthetic and he can run a huge race.  My biggest concern for him is the Jockey?????

*Yawn* who cares who wins the faux-Classic?  Let's talk about the winner of the Jockey Club Gold Cup.

Euro's will dominate all races they enter this year as one of the years greatest racing dates should not be held on plastic surfaces.

I am thinking Sea The Stars will be the competition and may be too much for the zenzational Zenyatta to handle if she is pointed towards the Classic.  I hope Mine That Bird is right up there in the money too after last years BC not going his way at all.  

Any word on I Want Revenge and how he is healing? I miss that guy.

I have read a few comments about Rachel running in the BC Classic, in some articles... would that not be interesting...I believe she would win.....

  I'm really looking forward to the Breeders Cup, but more so to seeing Rachel Alexandra run whereever, and whenever she does.  

  Gio Ponti, Einstien, Precious Passion, Fab. Strike, Zenyatta and a few others are the ones carrying the American standard this year in the Breeders Cup, and it seems like a strong enough contigent to get the job(s) done to me.

  Also can't wait to see what happens with some of these horses coming off their long breaks and/or injuries.

No way am I getting off the Well Armed freight train now. I've loved him since he was a 3YO, and he's my man no matter what.

If Zenyatta goes, she'll be tough. But I would guess she won't be going, considering the conservative route thats been taken so far. Otherwise Rail Trip. I thought highly of him right from the start and it seems like its finally paying off.

quality road will win the breeders cup classic. he is faster than all the other horses. he broke the track record at florida derby. and he can beat rachel i believe. as a close 2nd choice i would say friesan fire since he never got to run his best in the derby or preakness due to his foot injury.

I voted for Well Armed, simply because he's my favorite on that list.  It is a long time away, and I haven't heard anything with him since the Dubai World Cup, but you never know.  If he is on top of his game, he could be a force to be reckoned with.  Should be a strong field. Sea the Stars was impressive when I saw him win the Guineas.  (Yay for study abroad.)  

I don't know about Zenyatta, as much as I'd like to see her take on males and love to see her win.  Would like to see Macho Again do well too.  Mine That Bird and Zenyatta would be using the same tactics I believe, closing into a strong pace.  Wouldn't mind seeing Mine That Bird win either.  Looking forward to seeing what happens!

On a side note, did Tiago get retired?  I haven't heard anything, and I figured I'd ask.

Cheers,

Heather

Zenyatta if she runs, which I doubt she will. If not, Einstein and Well Armed will battle it out. I love Mine That Bird, but the Bird doesn't love Santa Anita's surface so much.

If Zenyatta runs I pick her, if not I voted Einstien because hes a good horse that deserves it after being in the shadows of Curlin and others, yet still continues to prove he belongs. Thirdly the bird boys. Go birds!

Well Armed, if right, is the best stakes horse in America.  Her is my choice to win the BC Classic

"Eldaafer" the winner of this years Brooklyn Handicap can be the Dark Horse to take the Breeders Cup this year.

Watch his races over the next few months, then watch him in the Cup.  

ctscoots -

I'm with you.

This is as close to an 'east-coast' BC as we'll get.

- Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I)

- Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational (gr. IT)

- Vosburgh Stakes (gr. I)

Classic, Turf and Sprint.

     Wow, If that was the actual field for the classic, It certainly would live up to its name.  I would have to say the top two would be Zenyatta and Sea the Stars.  Mine that Bird and Einstein are a very close three, four.  I still am not counting out Friesan Fire, There is still plenty of time for him to get in a couple of prep races, One never knows in this crazy sport.  Another thing, Jason, While you say Einstein fires every time, Yes, But I would have to say that Zenyatta fires every time also, and when both are on their game, Zenyatta has a better chance because there is no way she will ever get a bad trip due to her last to first style, I cannot say the same for Einstein.  In any case, It should be an exciting four months of twists and turns, I for one, Cannot wait, It all starts for me this Saturday with Nicanor in the Virginia Derby, and don't be completely surprised if he is involved in one of the Breeder's Cup Races...

If Zenyatta runs and wins the Classic I will wear a pink dress with a bow in my hair to the Derby next year.  There is a 0% chance she runs and wins it so don't worry.  I think when we finally see who is in the race it will not matter a whole lot who wins it.  But I can guarantee you it will not be Zenyatta. The Derby mud winner ? You have to be kidding.  Let's see if he wins the WV Apple Butter Stakes before we talk about him in the Breeders Cup.  What about GIO PONTI ???

Colonel John

Well Armed

Informed

Mr. Hot Stuff

Then we can change the name to the Tiznow Classic.

Without Rachel Alexandra in the race, there will be no competition for Sea the Stars - he is probably the best horse in training right now (except for Rachel). I think the Moss's want to keep Zenyatta's

record perfect - so she will not run in the Classic.

I can't wait to see Gio Ponti in the turf!

Hold Me Back will win the Classic this year.  However, just in case, I will be in attendance at the Kentucky Derby next year and will meet draynay at the Barbaro statue at 10:00 AM and take his photo for the blog.  Dray, same bet if MTB wins the Classic?  How long have you been wearing dresses?  I think it's cool that you're so comfortable being a transvestite.  What color of dress will you wear if someone else wins the Classic?  Is Klinger from M*A*S*H your favorite TV character?  

Sea The Stars' connections keep saying things about the October weather in Paris that leads one to believe that are leaning more and more to the Classic.  Couple that with the fact that he looks like a horse more comfortable over 10F than 12F and you can see why the British books make him 3-1 for the Classic.

Personally, I'd love to see a race that somehow would put Zenyatta, Rachel, Stacelita, Sariska, and Ghanaati together.  That would put the Classic field to shame.

I am really sad to say this but I don't think Zenyatta will run against the boys in the BCC either. Which is a killer, because I would pay money to see Draynay in a pink dress with a ribbon in his hair once she won. I think she will run with the girls once again.

I am between Einstein, Quality Road and Sea The Stars. I love MTB but wonder how he would handle the synthetics. However, I picked Einstein for the time being. It's really too soon to tell. I would like to know how Quality Road is doing on the comeback trail.

DRAYNAY

Remember who said this,RA WILL NOT run in both the Travers and Haskell. Maybe one,but no way both!

LDP

You're correct,Rail Trip isn't an average horse. I've had my eye on him for well over a year.

Sea the Stars should go to the Leger and try to become the 1st horse to sweep the UK Triple Crown since the great Nijinsky.

Easy for Draynay to say, doubt he even goes to the Derby (although I'm sure he has a closet full of dresses to choose from). If he does actually attend the Derby (which I really am skeptical about), he's one of the many 149,000 plus anyonymous people there.

A few who attend, people would recognize anywhere, he's not one of them.

NOW the Travers is an important race? Guess Jason got thru to you last year when you said it was SOOOOO unimportant?

The Derby mud winner has won one race all year Ted.  You can't be serious about him winning the Classic.  If Big Drama shows up to WV the Derby mud winner will not win another race all year.  I watched the races by Sea the Stars this year and what a tough horse he would be to beat in the Classic.  They better hope he stays home. I think we have seen the best from Einstein and there are new kings in town.  Macho on Dirt and Gio on turf but Rachel still steals the show and the one to watch the rest of the year.

What about Mastercraftsman and Ghaanati?  You know those European milers have trouble with the metric to mile math. . .

Quality Road! I'm hoping that my original derby favorite can show us his talent without having any more setbacks. Einstein always runs his race- maybe one of the birds will be in the money if they keep progressing over the summer.

I Think STS is the choice if he runs but I have to uphold the american horses and Einstein would be my first choice right now. He is so consistent and will get a piece of it I'm sure.

As amusing as it is to ponder Draynay having wear a dress if Zenyatta won the Classic,I will throw my hat in with Sea the Stars, since he is the most amazing foreign horse out there, and the Euro's did so good last year. I agree with Brian that STS has a shot at winning the British Triple Crown, and that I think should be a priority. On another note, MTB has something to prove after last year, so dont count the little brown bird out. And, a shout out to Einstein and Well Armed.

This is a mediocre bunch.  While Zenyatta looks brilliant, i would guess that Jerry Moss will continue in a concervative manner and run her in the Distaff.  The horse that is not mentioned is Tiago.  He is in training and will show up everytime.  He is already slated for Adena next spring and their goal is to stand the Classic winner.  If he makes the race he will be very very tough against this bunch.  So, watch out for a Moss double.  Can happen.

Mike,

    The horse shouldn't have been as high of odds as he was. I don't see how you can dismiss a horse who went unbeaten in his first five starts, and then his worst finishes after those were two seconds. Thats why the horse was in my top three for the race. Also Tres Borrachos was a good three year old last year. It looks like he's finally put everything togeather and is going to be one heck of a horse.

Zenyatta, Sea of Stars, and Rail Trip. I would really like to see Quality Road and I want Revenge in that race, but neither is too keen of the plastic in Cali, so I am going to be going with Euro Horses or California horses, and that is about it. Zensational and Goldikova in the mile,

Jason, Never too early to begin the thought process for the classic. Interesting to see the wide range of opinions. Since your question seemed specific to the BC Classic the posters are discussing horses that probably will not be entered, but speculation at this time seems to be the name of the game.

Until the Euro contingent is solidified only the American probables seem worthy of  discussion, but, if See The Stars is pointed for this race it's over. I'm a big red,white and blue fan but that boy is in a league of his own and the distance is dead in his wheelhouse.

Since we're into speculation how about the possibility of Gio Ponti taking a crack at the turf to plastic for the classic. He's rapidly becoming a monster.  

Sea The Stars to win assuming he runs the Classic.  Rail Trip will hit the board.  

Draynay:

I want to see you in that pink outfit next May. Wear some pink Crocs for comfort. I'll meet you at 3:00 pm in front of the CD Giftshop. I'll be holding up a picture of Smarty Jones. SC  

The Classic - a big upset, like Arcangues and Volponi.

Horswld:

I left you a "movie review" comment on Jason's previous blog, the one about Smarty v. BB.

FIRST OF ALL SUMMMER BIRD IS GREAT AND OF HE DOES MAKE AN ANPPERANCE IM  SURE HELL DO REALLY WELL!=] HE'S A GRREAT HORSE THAT HAS HAD A LOT OF TIME TO MATURE!

ANYWAY MY PICK UNTIL A FEW DAYS AGO WAS PIONEEROF THE NILE! HE WOULD HAVE SMASHED THEM! NOW IM GOING WITH MINE THAT BIRD, SUMMER BIRD OR MACHO AGAIN. TTHEYRE ALL REALLY GOOD!=]

AND NOT ZENYATTA SHE COULDNT WIN IF SHE WAS ENTERED. I LOVE HER BUT SHE SHOULD STICK TO A REPEAT IN THE LADIES CLASSIC!:)

ONly three horses can win the classic, sea of stars, rail trip & QR, Rail trip is a beast and dominated last week in a laugher. Rail trip would have a huge home court advantage....zenayatta winning the classic......please! Thats like a woman playing in the nba finals! lol!

If Sea the Stars runs, he will win it, no doubt about it.  The sheer fact that Zenyatta is currently ahead in the voting is a joke.  And the fluke should do just about as well as he did last time on Santa Anita's plastic track.

In the who will win the breeders cup classic they left off Pioneer of the Nile who loves the track and is my pick to win if he runs

If the Mine That Bird who showed up in the Derby and Preakness is present on Classic day,I think he is the winner. But if the MTB that ran on Belmont S. day shows,Hmmm I don't think he will get home 1st. So far this horse has a defined running preference,and if he deviates from it,it can cost him. The horse has gobs of talent thats for sure.

Starting with "if", IF Quality Road Wins and is IN the Classic he wiil be my favorite. However, some may find this strange, but, my "sentimental favorite" is Mine that Bird. Strange that some people still underestimate his talent. Sure he tired in the last few steps of the Belmont but he is a great horse. IF (again) he does win the Classic, he should surely put all doubts away permanently.

Wouldn't it be amazing for Summer Bird to round out the top three.

Mine that Bird

Quality Road

Summer Bird

Wow!!

jukojoe,

    POTN has been retired due to a soft tissue injury in his left front leg.

I went with Sea the Stars for now, but I'm holding out hope that Sariska upsets him in the Arc de Triomphe (provided the two meet up there).

As for the U.S.runners, until someone beats her, I'll go with Zenyatta.

Einstein is a solid choice though...I just prefer him a tad more on the turf.

Too bad Sea The Stars dam, Urban Sea, died of "foaling complications" this year at age 20...hope we don't read this about RA or Zen 13 foals from now... I know, I'm such a cynic.

I more than happy that the Triple Crown races were steriod free. Why do you think so many horse are being put down or retiered??? Because of steriods! It destroys there bones and tuisse, I cant beleive that anyone would steriod there horse just to win, and by winning I mean cheating. Zenyatta will whoop every horse rear-ead on Breeder Cup Day. She's got power and a passion, she will win.

TIme wise it looks RACHEL is only one who could stand up to Euro THREAT.RAIL TRIP (should be top dog in older division)needs too pick up 3 lengths to be win threat.ZEN needs to save ground to be a CLASSIC threat

well armed is going to win the classic!!!!!! maybe atomic rain?what about casino drive? Right now, there is way too much summer racing to be seen to call out a winner. I just want to see RA in the travers+

Mine That Bird, he loved the track at Woodbine. I can't believe more people aren't picking him.

I would probably pick Sea the Stars at this point, but tend to agree with Draynay above. First of all, it is a toss up if Sea the Stars will even run in the Classic. The winner will probably be some horse who gets into form as the year progresses and maybe not even on your list at this point.

MK in FL,

    MTB finished dead last over the surface last year in the BCJ. I know some have said he shouldn't have been i the race, but honestly dead last, means more than just switching trainers, owners, etc. RA did the same and still came out on top in the Preakness. MTB, IMO hated the track, and will do so again if in the Classic.

If Zenyatta goes - she'll be my pick along with Einstein & Sea the Stars .. after last year it would be foolish to count out any European contender on S.A.'s synthetic.

I do think that Zenyatta has the ability to close FAR better then her stablemate LIS. LIS is a decent horse but not in anyway a closer the way Zenyatta is and to believe that she is in the same league downgrades Zenyatta ten fold.

If Zenyatta doesn't go (honestly Im not holding my breath ...as much as Id like her to prove herself against open co) then its Einstein all the way. He had a terrible trip and Im throwing out that last race. No way Macho Again would have ever gotten by him if he had a cleaner trip. Einstein - Sea the Stars - Well Armed.

I <3 MTB but hes a dirt horse - didn't preform well at S.A. last year & wouldn't expect him to like the track now

Mine That Bird has a pretty savvy trainer. I'm hoping this little horse will fly over the surface.

The Derby mud winner has a savvy trainer ?  His record is 2 for 40 and you call that savvy ? A trainer that wins just 2 races out of 40 races is not savvy its pathetic.

"MTB has a pretty savvy trainer"  That was classic. How many wins does that guy have this year?  God, some people must only watch the KD all year.  And like i said, he finished last, last year over this plastic track.

You people need to recognize that Sea the Stars is a better horse than Raven's Pass or Henrythenavigator were.  And Curlin was a better horse than Zenyatta is.  He would stomp her if they raced together.  

LDP, I agree with Nancyb, Chip IS a savvy trainer. I think MTB is the real deal who is a much more mature horse than he was last year. You can't tell me that a change in climate, trainer, groom, feed, track, etc., plus the crowd noise for a Breeders Cup doesn't effect a two year old colt. Obviously you don't have any first hand experience with two year olds.  

The horse that runs best on the turf will be the horse who wins the classic,  all the europeans will finish one, two, three and perhaps fourth as well.  It's quite obvious the synthetic surfaces favor turf specialists so figure out who the best turf horse is in the race and that's YOUR WINNER.!  No Brainer.  Zenyetta belongs with the girls,  they should keep her there she has nothing to prove. Rachel Alex. won't be running because her owner IS AFRAID of her losing and breeding stock value is much more important than giving the fans something exciting to look forward to,  doesn't everyone think..?  This years Breeder's Cup will be a showcase for the europeans and since real dirt racing isn't important anymore say goodbye to yet another era in horseracing.. The sport just keeps getting better and better each day,  isn't it..?

If Rail Trip stays healthy and keeps improving,he has to be the early-bird favorite(home court advantage).Remember,the Hollywood GC was only his 8th career start and he's toughened-up in his last couple of races. Out here,tactical speed rules,especially in full fields where the front runners have the advantage of not having to deal with traffic. The Euros are a toss-up,because the top Classic runners will not try synthetics until the BC,so either they like it or they won't. Plus,it's still early enough for an upcoming/unknown horse to breakthrough in the 2nd half of the season.

BTW>...all these injuries that sidelined the top 3yo's really put a damper on the TC and the rest of the year,but I've always thought that I Want Revenge was head Honcho,too bad.

Trying to pick the BCC winner now is like trying to pick the Kentucky Derby winner in January.  But if I had to pick right now I'd take Sea the Stars.

I like Mine That Bird but I'm surprised that he's getting so much play in this poll.  He was a flop over the SA surface in the Juvy last year and there's some serious older talent in this poll.  

And his "savvy" trainer is probably a nice guy but he's won one graded stakes in his entire career.  His 2009 win rate is a dismal 8% total, and I think that includes his Quarter Horses.      

OLD TIMER, yeah, like a Tiznow!

i go with mine that bird=]=]=] he'll come home in record time=]

Mine That Bird wont win because he didn't win the Preakness nor the Belomnt, anyways whats the point of MTB winning if he cant pass of his genes???  Zenyatta is a fantastic filly and deserves to be running away with the vote. Dont always blame the horse, look at the owners, trainer and jockey. Zenyatta would smoke any horse with a classic come from behind move. I personally live Zenyatta more because she's never been sterioded, she just runs with her heart. I wonder why RA is so powerful and big............her pedigree isn't real special and her father isn't very mucsular.......is the Breeders Cup steriod free??? For all we know RA could be sterioded and thats why she's so big and powerful. Just saying....

Zenyatta's running away with the vote cause people like to piss nay nay off. Is it just me or does anyone else here find it odd that nay nay seems to have a wierd wardrobe tucked away in his closet for "special" upsets being he claims to be a guy.

MK in FL,

    For one i never said anything against Chip Wooley, so i don't know why your first sentence included him. Two, i never said the changes didn't affect MTB, i said i don't think they affected him to the point of running dead last in the field. Stakes winners that have had previous stakes wins on synthetics don't just ship and run dead last. Plus have you seen this horse? He is litterally one of the quitest TB's i have ever seen, literally unflappable. Do i think the changes affected him, to a degree i do, i'd expect him to finish mid pack or so, but dead last, no. The horse disliked the surface aswell. And honestly the trainer can be smartest person alive, if the horse doesn't like the surface they don't like it. You can't make him run well over it, and by trying you risk injury to the horse.

I love Zenyatta but my choice for the Breeders Cup Classic is Einstein. I think that he is a much overlooked horse and is one with a lot of quality. Well Armed is also one not to overlook. I think that the older runners will dominate the 3 year olds this time around.

I am looking at a Rip van Winkle and Mastercraftsman Exacta.

Jason, I agree with your 4:52 comment.  Zenyatta hasn't run against anything (except Life is Sweet,once)at the level of Stacelita, Sariska and Ghanaati, never mind Rachel Alexandra or any of the boys.  And no-one should ever discount Sea the Stars - man, he looks really good in his races so far.

After saying all the foregoing, my heart belongs to the little brown horse.  (As well as Eye of the Leopard - if he ever figures out what racing is all about and stops gallumping about)

BTW is there anyone else besides me who thinks the 2YO fillies are almost more fun than anything else this year (at least so far) here and in Europe?  And where is Jealous Again going to race now that she belongs to one of the sheiks?  Too bad none of the Cup races are like the Prix de l'Abbaye: for 2YO's and up.  Would of been fun.

Jason, I am very surprised you don't have Colonel John on your poll list. I assume you know he is working (check out YouTube) and he looks terrific.

Let's see, a classic winner in his own right and by a two-time BC classic winner. On the poly. On his home track. And now a 4-year-old who has been freshened for a summer/fall campaign to peak in the Breeders' Cup. I agree Sea the Stars looks tough, but first he has to get here. Colonel John is out on the track every day.

DRAYNAY

As usual you ignore the fact that the horse that cost you money in the Derby has finished in the money IN ALL THREE RACES! Also, he's held up compared to how others' that's fallen like bowling pins over the past several months due to health issues.

Martha Washington Stakes (2009)

Fair Grounds Oaks (2009)

Fantasy Stakes (2009)

Kentucky Oaks(2009)

Mother Goose Stakes (2009) American Classic Race wins:

Preakness Stakes (2009)

This is what Rachel has done so far this year including stakes records for time and lengths of win. And this is what Zenatta has done this year.  Milady Handicap win and Vanity Handicap win and her biggest claim to fame this year is beating Life is Sweet by a few lengths and we all know a few days ago average males beat Life is Sweet by 8 lengths.  Comparing the two and what they have accomplished this year is just plain silly and if any of you believe Zenyatta can beat the best males from around the world come see me with your money I will be glad to take your bets and I will give you 5 to 1.

HopeforaTripleCrown,

    JJ has stopped giving his horses steroids. Also RA has alway been big, even when she raced for her previous owner and trainer. You seriously think a guy with what a thirty horse stable, and believed to be one of the most honest trainer left would pump his horse up on steroids?

A very good tactical move.  Rachel off to the Haskell !  A Haskell win and a Alabama win means Rachel is HOY and forces Zenyatta to run against the Boys in the Breeders Cup Classic to have a chance at the award.  Mr. Jackson must be a very good chess player.  Does anyone know if any 3 year old filly has ever won a Triple Crown race and followed that up with ANOTHER G1 win against the boys ? By the way the Haskell move also sends Big Drama over to the WV Apple Picnic Stakes and means another loss for the Derby mud winner.  He will never catch Big Drama without Rachel to help him.

Mr. Jackson great move and I will see you at the Alabama after the Haskell win.

Interesting, Rachel is running in the Haskell at 1 1/8 miles. I certainly understand why they don't want to run her against the boys going further and Monmouth Park is kind to frontrunners so its the logical choice to run back to back 1 1/8 mile races.  Jackson is trying the win HOY without facing older horses at 1 1/4 miles(male or female) or running in the B.C.,  but heck,  if Ghostzapper can win HOY after running only 4 times in a given year then ANYBODY can win HOY. Its like designer jeans,  whatever brand is selling the best MUST be the best, Isn't that right..?

Jason, I think for the poll and all polls, one should be able to vote one time! Someone is voting for Zenyatta's Pride over & over. Einstein, Sea the Stars, Well Armed, and Rail Trip all have the advantage over her. Also, her coddlers won't put her in the Classic, it will be the Distaff/ Ladies Classic that she runs in. They want her to be able to win and they know if she runs in the Classic she won't win.

That was a good one gw.  Jay, are you really suprised that Zenyatta is running away with the vote, these people couldn't make an objective decision if you asked them to

It's difficult to pick a Classic winner at this point. Of the American horses, maybe Einstein or one of the Birds. I want to wait and see how the summer races play out as we go toward the fall.

HopeForaTripleCrown---Rachel looks very much like her sire to me.(Maybe watch some of his races on Youtube.) Her pedigree includes Sadler's Wells; is he not special? As for your comments on "steroids", I would ask that you just read articles in the BloodHorse archives. You would discover that in June, 2008, the Thoroughbred Safety Committee recommended the elimination of steroids in racing and training; and all North American racing authorities had to implement this rule no later than December, 2008. The state of California had already announced that no steroids would be allowed for horses racing in the Breeders' Cup last fall. So, yes, the BC is steroid free and should remain that way. I believe you may be confusing anabolic steroids and corticosteroids by some of your remarks as well. They have very different uses and effects. Anabolic steroids were legal for use in racing horses until recently.

I say; look to the Southern Hemisphere this year.....

Personally, if i were JJ i would not go to the Alabama. This year i think both feilds Travers and Haskel would be about the same. The reason i would not do the Alabama, is because it would give her only 3 weeks to rest. I don't think that JJ will run her in the Travers he may but i don't think he will. If she wins the Haskel, it's time to move up the ranks, and i personally would go to the Woodward. RA would receive five weeks rest, and the distance would be right were she likes it, nine furlongs, which i'd be more comfortable with it being her first start against older horses. My next start would be at Belmont in the JCGC.

Jason, see you're still trying to educate certain people on how much the people IN the game think of the Travers.

Not sure why these people don't realize the importance it holds for us.

"Mr. Jackson great move and I will see you at the Alabama after the Haskell win.

Draynay 14 Jul 2009 6:09 PM"

LOL, I want to SEE that. My bet is his security people will be all over you like fleas on a dog if you try to get within 20 feet of him or Rachel. His BIG horses have their own security force.

Maybe I'll ask him when I actually DO see him at Saratoga, if he's ever heard of you other than maybe reading your flaky anti-Curlin rhetoric last year.

I agree with you Jason the Haskell and Travers is the path but Mike Relva already told us she is not going to both so I can only guess she is going to the Alabama after her Haskell win because we all know Mike MUST be right.  Whatever.... What are you talking about ? Rachel runs a 146 less then a second away from Secretariats record while jogging home and you seem to think a 1 1/4 is too much for her ? Don't confuse yourself thinking she can't go the distance with ease.  Her Preakness performance was off short rest while fending off a record holding sprinter and winner of his last 7 out of 8.  When a horse runs a 146 while being eased 200 yards before the wire it is silly to think another 200 yards is too much.  Rachel already has a G1 win going beyond 1 1/8th how many does Zenyatta have ?

I think Sea the Stars would be really tough if he shows up.I don't think Zenyetta will end up in the big race because by that time the race for HOY would already over. Its such a pity though, she is quite a talent. I will go see Ra run in the Haskel, I'm so excited, I think once she wins that , she is horse of the year by a long way.

Back to the classic, The older horses running at this point are not really impressive, perhaps with the return of Well Armed, Colonel John, things might change a bit later. I have been following European racing and they have some really nice three year olds,

I think there are a few nice three year olds over here too, some that didn't make the triple crown, such as , Quality Road, Square Eddie,and Stardom Bound to name a few.

It will be  interesting the rest of the year

Whatever I agree with you, but as far as HOY goes, it DOESN'T change the value of a broodmare one single bit---The Classic looks tough, I'm sure we'll get Euros, as much as I'd like it to be in Kentucky, or Balmont, or Gulfstream, so we could get the two fillies together in the Ladies Classic, I have strong vibes they're going in the Classic at 1 1/4 vs older...the reason she's running away with the voting is because persons in the know--know this: most synthetic races are blanket finishes, and this freak beats everyone, and some good ones at that, by open margins--it's possible--very possible, we're going to see some historic racing by these two greats--just the thought of it gives me goosebumps!

Draynay, King Of The Stats....Rachel won past 1 1/8....Rachel beat a Derby Winner...(even though you think he's a dog).....here's a stat--Zenyatta beat an Eclipse Winner, twice...the only way Rachel can do that is to go out there and take her on, why so shy?

the mere idea that Rachel can win HOY without beating her elders is rather outrageous (yet, likely). she has already beaten most of the top male 3 yos in the preakness, thus beating them again in the Haskell and/or Travers would prove little. I would like her to defeat some elders such as Seattle Smooth, Cocoa Beach and Music Note (since a match vs. Zen is not likely) before HOY honors are bestowed upon her.

Well Armed is another who would prefer dirt, as is Col John, in my opinion...Both have class....By the way, I would invite anybody to "take in" the whole "Zenyatta Experience", as this horse is just "in the know" about all of this---she even does the "slow entrance" in the post parade, knowing all eyes are upon her, and she struts it like she knows, as well, before and after, and maybe even during her classic kick--indeed, I would be saddened to ever see her return to the finish line just to be unsaddled...saddened to see what came next...but I have been blessed to see some greats unsaddled in defeat, still great....that's when you know you're great, when you lose, and are still great.....that's what I'm trying to say: they will still both be great, they will lose no $$ value if they lose, not one cent...no reason not to face off except they should come West cuz she's undefeated...

Zenyatta, with her ears up.

da3hoss, or like a Mr. Hot Stuff! Who knows - like father, like son.

Jason I'm not sure where they are with Colonel John, but if they're on track for the Cup, you have to consider him a candidate based on his class alone---He won the Travers despite getting run up on by Macho Again and losing his action at the head of the stretch---THAT race, I believe, knocked him out for the Classic, he ran ok, almost the same race as Curlin, but they wanted to win on dirt with him and it was a great race for him to win! Not many horses can win The Travers like that--if he's sound you have to consider him for the win'''''

Yeah Sergio... I am sure you like the idea of Zenyatta racing 3 times in the same races she did last year against the same competition on the same tracks then racing in the Breeders Cup Distaff and claiming to be the best ?  Rachel wins the Oaks, Preakness, Mother Goose, Haskell and Travers and somehow that is not enough for you ?  That would be the greatest 3 year old season for any horse in history or at least top 3 and you still wouldn't be satisfied ?  GIVE ME A BREAK.

Jason I'm NOT suprised to see Zenyatta dominating the vote, but I'd beware of Euros, as this race will at the least stamp Zenyatta as a world class turf horse and in my opinion raise her value big time! As far as Rachel, I'm not giving her a mulligan/think they SHOULD come for two--the Lady's Secret, as a prep, then the fbig face off in November, having prepped once--THAT is what they should've done with Curlin last year0---Zenyatta is undefeated and that should mean something...go West, Young Lady....

It surprises me at this point that anyone really thinks that any horse other than SEA THE STARS really has a shot at winning the BC CLASSIC. SEA THE STARS just completed the EUROPEAN TRIPLE CROWN and I can't really imagine any other horse beating him on his best day. I feel ZENYATTA will freak and have her best performance if she runs against the boys and I definately think if anyone could beat SEA THE STARS, its her. RAIL TRIP is a beast as well.

Point Given won HOY over Tiznow while never stepping outside of his restricted age division. But, he rattled off enough G1 wins the nod was given to him. While I hope (and expect) Rachel Alexandra to race against older horses, if she continues to run off Grade 1 victories, how could she not be Horse of the Year.

Of course, it depends on what type of consistent performances we see from the like of Zenyatta, Einstein, Well Armed, etc. If no one steps up their game and puts together a string of wins, it is Rachel's for the taking, Breeders' Cup or not.

As to who I would pick in the Classic now? I'll give the nod to the European again.

Soldier Course,

I read your "movie review" comment in the SJ vs BB blog not long before I came over here. Thanks! Also, I have another movie and some comments that I'll post over at Adam's Turf here shortly.  I sure wish more people would come over there and come up with some more movies as well as comment their opinions. I love the topic!  TWO THUMBS WAY UP!!!

As for the Classic, so far, I have to go with Zenyatta. She's just done more to impress me than the others listed have. And the ease that she does it is what really locks me in on her. Plus we still haven't seen the bottom of her yet.  Having said that, you can make a real good case for just about every horse listed.

I am also looking outside to some horses that haven't been listed.  One of those being Grazen.  I know he has only a longshot chance of making the BC and has raced only a few times so far, but (while not beating much) he does have a graded stakes win over synthetics  making it his third win in a row.  His win in the Affirmed was ultra impressive and looked almost too easy for him.  Therefore I will be keeping a close eye on him and see how his next few races turn out. If he continues to do well and impress, I think he deserves our consideration.

Zenyatta is one of my top picks along with Einstein and after last year you have to put in Sea the Stars I can not help see that the Euros again will dominate. I do not think they would run Zenyatta in the Classic unless it comes down to HOY Zenyatta vs RA. Some one mentioned that RA can not be HOY w/out beating older horses but Favorite Trick as a two year old won HOY and he beat only 2yr olds! Anything can happen in horseracing.........would love to see RA & Zenyatta run against the boys but to put it fairly I would have to agree to run RA in the BC on synthetic would not be fair due to the track surface.

Hey I was just saying, come on look at Big Brown he was sterioded and he's trainer said so. He was sterioded every month on the 15th. Yes they've banned them but some people are just greedy and want to win, they also haven't banned them interaly. I was just saying...........(I meant RA conformation not her running compared to her dad.)

WOW!!...we should all be thankful that Draynay doesn't have a say/vote for year-end honors. Obviously,logic is not his forte.

Jason,are you gonna' make a trip to Del Mar this year?...Pacific Classic Day is crazy and maybe you can scrounge-up an interview with Jerry Moss,Julio Canani(that'll be fun),Jack Van Berg or your twin Jim Rome.  lol

QUOTE: "The Thoroughbred Safety Committee RECOMMENED the elimination of steroids in racing and training." So there not banned in all 50 states... Also steriods of any use take years to wear off if the horse was sterioded multiple times, so meaning that if RA's father was sterioded for racing and was then retired to stud when still testing positive for steriods then was bred to mares resulting in that foal having small amount of steriods. Yes they've more than likly worn off by now. How much did RA weigh when she was born?

Draynay is right there is no way that Mind that dud can catch big drama I cant wait for that race. The HOY is so far away anything can happen like last year when big brown went down and had no chance for HOY. Summer Bird is the real deal you guys with soon found out how great he is just needed blinkers and a hall fame jockey!

For those mentioning a start in the Alabama for RA after the Haskell, aren't they too close?  What is it, two weeks or three?  I know she did it in the Preakness but that was a one-time deal and much planning is obviously going into the second half of the year for her.

Since they have opted for the Haskell, maybe you won't see Rachel in the Travers.  She can only run so many races, and I would think it is time to take on older, whether males or females.  All dependent of course, on what transpires in the Haskell, though I do expect her to win.  Will Munnings run with her?  He's pretty fast.

HfTC---The Thoroughbred Safety Committee recommended the elimination of steroids in racing and training in June, 2008. The rule was to be IMPLEMENTED by all North American racing authorities by December, 2008. Most racing jurisdictions implemented the rule by the fall of 2008. Enforcement will, of course, have to be on-going. (Please use the BH search site and type in "ban on steroids".) Enforcement is the key. Racing as an industry will probably be aggressive in testing and enforcement in order to avoid federal intervention. I think a pharmacology textbook could be helpful in accurately understanding the different groups of steroids, both natural and synthetic.

HopeforaTripleCrown,

What makes you think that Rachel's sire had steriods?  Not every horse in racing received steriods as a routine.  It doesn't take years for them to leave the system.

It's highly unlikely that Rachel's sire had any in his system when he sired her and even more unlikely that she had any steriods in her system when she was born.  Her size cannot be attributed to steriods but to genetics.  Believe it or not, the size of the horse depends on the sire and dam and how well the dam was doing while infoal.  It has nothing to do with steriods.  Steriods do not affect the size of the skeleton of a horse especially since the dam was not injected with steriods during her pregnancy.  Do you think that Zenyatta might have been a "steriod" horse because of her size?  She's even bigger than Rachel. The whole idea is ludicrous.  If steriods are allowed, why are they testing for them?

MonicaV---Your next to last sentence at 1:42 P.M. is precisely right! The whole idea is ludicrous! HfTC needs to avail him/herself of the source materials on the family of pharmaceuticals known as "steroids" before making further assertions on their usage or ban.

draynay says MTB was a fluke in the derby and won't win another race this year so if he's so bad that don't make RA look so good. On one hand he says RA is great because she beat the boys and in the next breath he berates the ones she beat. From what I've seen that's typical draynay. One day it's this way and the next its not. News flash draynay, it's not such a great year if you beat nobody (see big brown last year). If you want to continue to bash the ones she beat spare us the "greatest 3 yr old season in history" crap. If you want to give her credit for the greatest in history you'll have to man up and give some credit to those she beats.

HOY honors should go to the one who consistently faced the best they could find and consistently runs big races. Last year was a perfect example with Curlin coming out on top. If RA's competition doesn't add up then neither do her credentials for HOY. Which way do you really want it draynay? What color is the sky in your world?

Me I favor horses like Einstein or Gio Ponti who won't go into the voting on wins alone. They will actually face off against each other. In today's world it's not that difficult to become a million dollar winner of graded races with inflated purses. There are so many more big money races to choose from than there used to be and less talented horses taking home the big money. The more big purses the more big winners. Look at Big Drama, he's fleeing the RA scene in search of what his connections percieve as easier money. Kinda like big brown ducking Curlin last year. His connections knew he would be no match on dirt and they had plenty of opportunity to amass purse money against other weak 3 yr olds. Keep racking up money and wins against inferior competition and not having the risk of being embarassed again like he was in the Belmont.

PamS,

    I agree the two races are close, three weeks apart. That is why i would actually go to the Woodward. It's at her best distance and she'll have a five week break. The plus if she win is that it is one of the bigger races for the hadicap division at Saratoga, and a grade one win against older males and in the Haskell would just about lock up HOTY.

Monica V::::So right in all that you stated.......

I know I am late with this comment but here goes. I will be very disappointed and angry if rachel alexandra does not turn up for the bc classic. angry with the owner. sour grapes and childish! I know curlin didn't like the santa anita surface but that is no reason to boycott the race per se. ra looks tailor made for this race, the way she travels, the trip, her speed, everything about her screams bc classic at santa anita against the top horses in the world. anything less doesn't remotely enhance her alreday huge reputation. she is class and should be allowed to give it a go. let's face it, she won't be around next year. and she would murder sea the stars in my book.        

dray if Rachel wins The travers and an obligatory race, like the Beldame v elders, it's "game over" for HOY---BUT the real prize would be The Breeders Cup Classic on pro ride, where they'll meet the best Euros, making this an international race of much prestige--just like last years awesome Classic----and yes, ther'll be another female in there, too....making it the biggest prize in her (already) stellar carreer.....they can PROBABLY win HOY back there...but it's over here in So Cal where she can reign "top of the world, mom"!

DRAYNAY

You of all people  saying that I "must be right" regarding RA not running in both races. That's a scream considering the source. lol

If he goes in the Classic....N/A pick...Einstein Euro Pick...Sea of Stars.

Draynay:

What side of the closet do you keep your pink dress in, the left side or the right side.

I voted for Sea The Stars if he runs because he seems awesome so far and  since the Euros did so well last year, I expect it to happen again.

I have a question for anyone who would care to answer...

I'm looking at the Fall schedule and Rachel can run against the boys in the Haskell 1,000,000 on August 2nd at 1 1/8...

The Woodward at Saratoga on September 5th at 1 1/8 for 3 y/o and up...500,000

and then the Beldame 600,000 at Belmont Park on October 3rd for F&M 3 y/o & up at 1 1/8

My question is... How important in the voting for HOY is having run at 1 1/4 miles?

What if Rachel just finishes the season having never run a race at 1 1/4?

If she does that schedule she could still be rested and ready for the Breeders cup on November 7 if her handlers change their mind...

Man I sure have missed a lot LOL.  Just put in my vote today.  Wow Jason you have  been just carrying on aye?  :)

People keep talking about what Rachel Alexandra needs to do to win HOY, good lawd i mean after 3 Grade 1's and 2 Grade 2 victories you would think she would need to go over and win the ArC to get consideration for HOY.  Some people's thinking is very flawed and outrageous.  Lets talk about Zenyatta and her lack of racing and the lack of competition. A Grade 1 and a Grade 2 win, tel me what else she has to do let me think, she needs to run against some real horses, maybe more than 1 Grade 1 winner in a race, second she would need to ask her connections to have the guts enough to run either against males or out of the state of California. This is the most ignorant thing I have ever heard, her connections are banking that she will win the B.C. and it will be well basically a 1 win HOY campaign, I am sorry there are going to be more impressive older males with resumes that look better than Zenyatta's this year. Please people open your eyes and understand that horse racing is not about coddling ur horse through the weakest schedule ever.  I mean if this was BCS voting Zenyatta would be dead last right now, her strength of schedule is like ranked 10th right now in the list of top 10 horses looking for HOY voting.  This is the same reason Curlin embarrassed her last year in HOY voting and apparently the Moss's dont mind, and to be honest I dont either, if your horse isnt good enough to be put through a HOY campaign.  Please Please stop talking about the award, its not for the faint of heart. It is for true champions that take on challenges and give their all every time, not for horses that run on fake surfaces and against allowance horses.  It is disgraceful to the sport!!!!!

I love Zenyatta but I doubt she will go to the Classic. She will probably be kept on the conservative trail and although she might have a shot, I must agree. I would be crushed if Zenyatta went up against guys and didn't win. But I think it would be grea to see what would happen. She is such an amazing mare.

BobZ,

    I think running 1 1/4 is relitively important, but if look at last year, to a lot of fans it didn't seem to matter, because Zeyatta, who was the favorite of many had never run the distance, and was still a finalist. This year she has only raced twice at the same dist of 1 1/8, and ppl still think she is one of the top horses. For a three year old i do not think it is as important as it is for a older horse to run at the distance, especially a filly. If you have a three year old it is more important to beat older horses and be dominant in your own class. That is why a win in the Haskel, the Woodward and Beldame would probably be enough to win RA horse of the year.

if zenyatta is america's best chance at beating sea the stars in the classic then euros have it again

if sea the stars goes in the classic it's all over.

The euro's will no doubt have a strong contingent after last year's success and Sea of Stars is a fantastic 3-year-old, but if I had to pick one horse right now it would be Zenyatta.  The powerful mare has a good chance to win on her home track if her connections take the risk.

i hope sts dont run in us we need our irish horses running in IRISH races not US 1s