Can't disagree with you. At least she'll get her dance card punched against older horses in the Woodward. I thought Graham Motion said earlier that he wasn't interested in Bullsbay racing against Rachel? Maybe I heard wrong.

I think the only thing that rubs me the wrong way about this is what Jason described as the "dollar signs" with respect to Kensei. Before everyone jumps down my throat to remind me this is a business- yes, I am aware of that- for someone like J.Jackson, is the business reward of increasing the stud fee for an average horse like Kensei really worth the pure racing thrill of seeing a potential superstar like RA continue to steamroll her competition? IF- big if- Kensei wins, and adds a few thousand dollars to his stud fee in his initial year or two, I am willing to bet the meager funds left in my youbet account that he fades away within a couple of years of standing at some mid-level farm, and for this, J. Jackson has sacrified running a real superstar against a few really good horses, never mind the history of having all 3 classic winners fighting it out in the Travers (can't remember the exact number of years since that last happened, but it's been a few). Of course all of us Monday-morning quarterbacks want to take a shot at mapping out Rachel's future without any legitimate right to do so, but this just seems so cut and dry - you have what many knowledgeable people consider to be one of the best horses right now, therefore, you take your superstar and you run in places befitting a superstar, at distances that are challenging and push your horse to their competitive limits (with all obvious caveats about health and safety coming first). As far as the general public knows, she's happy, healthy, and up for a fight, so why not let her have it? It's not like he's saving her for any BC races...

Jason I agree that many want to see the Quality Road vs. Rachel a lot more than they want to see Rachel vs. Zenyatta.  However, it is a simple fact that Kensei will be a stallion and Rachel will not.  Little more has to be said than that.

The Woodward winners for the last 35 years reads like a who's who of racing legends and adding a 3 year old Filly's name is historic to say the least.  She will be facing older G1 winning males and a win here makes her hands down the greatest 3 year old filly ever.  The only thing left to do will be to win the Beldame and dare Zenyatta to show.  Quality Road and Rachel will have their chance next year.  It's not Rachels fault QR could not run for 4 months. My pick in the Travers ?  Quality Road for sure !

Overall, Jess Jackson is still a great sportsman.  He continues to do rare and unprecedented things with this amazing filly, not to mention that he did something few other owners ever do by racing Curlin as a 4 year old last year.  It will never be enough for everyone.  To see her make history in the Woodward will still be awesome!  I just feel privileged to witness history every time Rachel races...to see one of the potential greats.  That's enough for me!

One thing I do want to mention is its a GOOD thing Rachel didn't show up in the Travers because it would have been a 4 horse field.  Many would have dropped out for the Pennsylvania.  As it is there are a half a dozen older males that will now pass the Woodward knowing they have no chance of beating the great 3 year old filly.

Hey Jason

I knew they were not going to send RA to the travers. It was too risky a move to put her up against Quality Road. A loss In the travers especially to QR could mean she loses out on HOTY, if he goes on and probably win the classic. The woodward on the other hand is a better situation. She has a chance to beat older males, and it appears to be a softer spot. If she losses in the woodward (I doubt that) its still not as bad.  I guess mister Jackson is making all the right moves with RA.

There is still hope - maybe QR, MTB and Summer Bird will all point for the JCGC.  I agree, though, that the Travers was the far more exciting option.  It's just unfortunate for Rachel that Kensei is her stablemate and has a chance at champion 3yo male.  You can't blame Jackson for that - just bad luck for the fans.

Quality Road is Fast but his Trainer is the problem here with distance move from 6.5 to 10 furlongs.QR last race was very good with the wide trip.

I however will bet on the slower horse:HOLD ME BACK with 30 $ likely going down the drain

KENSEI however cant beat this field

Jason,

There are very few owners who spend the money that Jess Jackson does.  With the industry being on a downward trajectory, don’t you think it’s a good idea to support the big spenders so long as they are not cheating?  How does this sport of kings expect to attract new ownership if the industry writers are bashing every decision they make.  The Travers is still going to be a great race additionally, the Woodward will benefit greatly from her presence.  He had a tough decision to make, which I am sure if you or I were lucky enough to be in that circumstance we would have made the same decision.  Give the guy some credit he is putting RA up against the best older males in the country.  He is not exactly ducking the competition, i.e. IEAH and “BIG BROWN”.    

Totally agree with you Jason! However, does Mr. Jackson really think that Kensei is going to beat QR??? QR is a beast and there is no way of betting against him in the Travers! RA is going where the female TB has never won before. I think he wants to build up her legacy in the sport, and the Woodward is just the place for her. She could definitely get the 1 1/4 miles. MTB would be better suited for the Pennsylvania Derby, because, he too, has no chance against QR.

Jackson spent a reported $10 million for Rachel and the only way he can recoup any of that total is through purse money because you'll never see Rachel at auction, nor will you see any of her offspring; they will surely remain homebreds. Kensei's value would soar as Travers winner. From a business standpoint, it is easy to understand Jackson's decision. She'll probably air against her Woodward competition. I'm disappointed they didn't at least try the turf. Her high cruising speed and daisy-cutter action seem perfect for the turf. Obviously, Asmussen feels she has distance limitations and doesn't want to expose his girl.

Kensei is the leading candidate for 3-year-old champion if he wins the Travers.  Is he my pick?  No, but he certainly has a chance.  If there was no Kensei, Rachel would be running in the Travers.

Quality Road is the best of his division only if he wins the Travers, he has not proven it yet.

Let us not forget that the Woodward is one of the most important races of the year for older horses and has been now for 55 years.  Rachel winning this race would be historic.

I'm sorry RA isn't running in the Travers because I really think she could win it.  She's an incredible athelete but that's not all.  She is all business and she runs to win.  She has more heart than I've seen in a long time.  QR is an awesome horse but he's never faced the likes of Rachel and she has never faced the likes of him.  Rachel is a true freak and I really think she would win, maybe not by a huge margin but I just don't think she will let anyone get by her.  I could be wrong but there is just something about her when she's going to race.  She knows what she has to do and she is calm, cool and collected and ready.  She's amazing and so is QR.

I'm sure they'll face each other at some point because that would be a race for the ages.

I wanted to see her in the Travers because I wanted to see what she could do at 1 1/4. I already know she's lights out at 1 1/8, and I think she'll run away and hide in this.

Plus, the Travers is a more exciting field (even as much as I love Bullsbay).

Draynay, I disagree with you that winning the Woodward would make it the greatest 3YO filly season ever. Modern/recent history yes, ever no.

One more thing, QR hasn't gone past 1 1/8 miles.  Everyone is so sure he can get 1 1/4.  That really remains to be seen and we will find out Saturday.  It's still going to be a great race even without Rachel.

Totally agree Jason. The joke is, as you said, the Woodward is the easier spot for Rachel at her preferred distance. I know she's beaten MTB and SB, but she hasn't faced QR, and she hasn't faced any of them at 10 furlongs. She could've made the Travers the race of the year, but this is still a strong Travers.

I believe that is what Dray was saying is that you would have had R.A. Q.R MTB & SB as basically your field for the running of the Travers. Was that hard to comprehend or should he break that down in a simpler way for everyone.

But that has nothing to do with the fact that the horse belongs to Jess Jackson, and if he wants to run her in an allowance race to keep her record perfect for the rest of 2009 thats his BUSINESS.  If you want to make decisions about where a certain horse runs pull out that check book and get to writing, he'll tell you when to stop writing zeros on the check.  As a matter of fact Jason, how many horses have you owned.  Just wondering.   I also wonder why all of you horse racing analysts feel you have the right to question the decisions of a horse owner. And why is it always just focused on Jess Jackson, what about other connections, did you jump all over the connections of MTB when they chose the WV Derby over the Haskell, I mean seriously the WVDerby, get real.  

Do you write blogs that ask Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Moss and John Sheriffs why it is that their mare has run in 12 races and a large majority of those races have been Grade II level, but sadly allowance quality fields.  Have you questioned why it is that the Moss's have announced that they would run her in the Lady's Secret against the likes of Hot and Dusty, BrieCat and the rest of the low quality horses out there in Cali.  Have you questioned why the Moss's haven't looked to ship but 1 time each year in 2008 and 2009, did you question why they scratched out of a race on Preakness day when the track was fine to run but they felt it was not in Zenyatta's best interest.  Have you questioned why they are not coming East for the Beldame, and last and most important since the Breeders Cup is so important and she is supposedly the best horse in training according to West Coast analysts like Gary Stephens (who was ignorant enough to say when interviewed: "In a race between Personal Ensign, Winning Colors, Rachel A. and Zenyatta", that he felt: "Zenyatta would win for fun") how absurd can that be, a horse that has posted a beyer speed figure of 104 as her personal best this year is going to beat horses that consistenly posted BSF in the 110's, the ignorance of some west coast biased people is astounding.  But my last question is have you sounded the alarm that the racing industry is looking for Zenyatta to prove herself against Males, at least 1 time, and i mean if they are scared to face R.A. because they know she couldnt catch her they should at least commit to the B.C. Classic, nope they wont do that im sure, they pulled out of the Pacific because Einstein is coming, lol.  Your arguments are laughable, and really give an indication that there is a double standard, Jess Jackson must go all out in every race with his filly, his 3 year old filly at that, I bet you feel they should race her every 2 weeks also dont you.  But you have nothing to say about the connections of ZENYATTA'S PRIDE, out west etching a cream puff schedule and trying to compare this a bit above average mare to the likes of great horses like Personal Ensign and Azeri.  Well Jason all I can say is we'll wait for your new blog to shift some of the focus to the west coast and the Moss's.  Or maybe you dont have any information on them and would need to do research before spewing such outrageous information.  Food For Thought, the racing world or at least the readers of this blog will be waiting intently to see your response!!!!!!!!

That is not what I heard Jason ... she was to run in the Travers if they felt Kensei did not have a good shot.  The Woodward became the plan so that they could take a shot at both big races.

It probably might have been a four horse race if RA had shown up, But it would have been a good four horse race. I think JJ made the correct choice, an easier race could set her up for the Beldame. I don't think Zenyatta will show up, But all the hype that will be around the if and maybe will Make RA even more popular than she is. JJ knows what he is doing.

I understand Mr. Jackson's decision, and I share the disappointment that she won't be running against the quality horses in the Travers.  However, as an owner, I am an advocate for running horses in races they should win, and the Woodward is setting up much better for RA to succeed.  Can't wait to watch both races!

IF she were my horse I'd try her at 10 furlongs against fillies before taking on males at that distance.  And IF she were my horse I'd try her against average older males at her best distance before taking on the better older males.

So I can't fault an owner for doing exactly what I would do.  And I don't think it's about dollar signs - isn't Jackson already a billionaire?  Not to mention he set Curlin's initial stud fee at $75k, a very reasonable sum for a horse of his stature.  That certainly isn't the behavior of a man predominantly focused on dollars with respect to his stallions.  

Jason,

As I predicted the day after she won the Mother goose, Rachel is going in the Woodward. And the reason was simple...9 furlongs, get lots of weight, and do something that hasn't happened in 65 years...have a 3 yr old filly beat older males in a major stakes race on dirt. As you pointed out, it's all about legacy, Jason.

Besides, other than QR, she's beaten the rest of the 3 yr old colts rather easily.  

They are opting for the easier spot. They want no part of QR. After all she only beat MTB by 1 length.

Jason,

Agree regarding stud value.

Agree regarding 10 Furlongs.

Agree regarding the potential Woodward field.

And, like you, I ain't sayin' that JJ is wrong for his decisions.

They're HIS horses.

We're still getting to see both horses.

Rachel is, yet again, in uncharted territory (even though that sounds overly dramatic given the overall strength of that division).

I try not to get too worked up about it - waiting for the announcement of which races for which horses.

Even this crap with Mine That Bird.

All the talk of how 'minor' the surgery was, how quickly the surgery was performed, the clean scoping and clean bill of health from the MD, the 'thumbs-up' workout according to Chip,......

But now today this crap about his throat, re-scoping, not commiting to the race.

I'm all for the health of the horse, as I'm sure everyone here would be. If there are issues, the horse comes first. (I would have said "if there are POTENTIAL issues", but there are ALWAYS POTENTIAL issues - nature of the sport)

However, does it not seem that ground-work is being laid for a change of plans.

You used "hopefully" in mentioning Mine That Bird. You know what I'm talking about.

It seems, more often than not, we don't get the matchup that we prefer.

Anyway,

Agree regarding the "sportsman" stuff.

Its a business more than its a sport.

     I would have loved to have seen Rachel in the Travers, But, With history to be made in the Woodward, Kensei running, and the 1 1/4 distance, It really was a no brainer.  I also agree, The distance was the main reason why she is going to the Woodward.   Either way, I still think it will be an exciting two weekends for this great sport.  I hope Mine That Bird is healthy enough to go to the Travers, I would love to see the two Birds go one, two...

     Quality Road is a beast, But, To go from 6.5 Furlongs to a mile and a quarter in such a short span.  I don't know, I think that is asking too much(IMO), Too soon...

Dray,

    More people want to see Rachel vs. Quality Road rather then Zenyatta vs. Rachel???  Are you feeling OK???

Jess Jackson is a BILLIONAIRE. What he paid for RA is pocket change. He does not care if he recoups his investment. He is trying to run in the most prestigious race while making it as easy as possible for her.The Travers is a much tougher spot.

I might get railed for this, but...

I am not so sure a race against Asiatic Boy, Bullsbay, Macho Again, and Cool Coal Man is easier than Quality Road, Summer Bird, Mine That Bird, and Kensei at this point.  If those eight horses lined up this weekend, I would give the olders a pretty good shot at winning.  Just as everyone else, I see a great deal of potential in Quality Road, but currently the facts are:  He is a horse with one two-turn race and he has only one sprint in the past five months.

We complain when 3 year old's don't run against older, and now we are complaining when a 3 year old filly runs against older males? We should just enjoy Rachel for what she is and the fact that she is no just beating up on other 3 year old fillies. If you want to complain about something how about the Breeder's Cup being on synthetic two years in a row, grass horses running in the classic and not having the opportunity to see our best dirt horses compete which is what American racing is all about.

Mine That Bird hasn't won a race since the Derby; Summer Bird comes in with a loss; Quality Road has had one very lovely effort since the spring. So defeating again MTB and SB would do what for Rachel? Nothing really.

The Grade 1 Woodward - never won by a F/M - and with a field of males who are graded stakes winners and with Beyers over 105 is far more of a challenge. Only a fool would speak of the Woodward like its some Thursday afternoon optional claiming allowance race at Finger Lakes.

Come on people she's moving on to bigger and better challenges - just enjoy the ride.

Well, Afleetalexforever, you sure convinced me how brilliant you are, calling Zenyatta "a bit above average mare". And you called Jason's argument laughable?  

No, my source is not Jess Jackson (who is the only 100% reliable source), but I know that everything this person has told me so far has come true.

Once again, we are condemning the owner for doing what is his right--and only his right--to do.  If Jess Jackson wants to run Rachel in a $10000 claimer, that is HIS choice to make.  It is understandable that he would not want to race stablemates together in as prestigious race as the Travers, and Kensei certainly warrants the chance to prove himself against 3 yo males.  But what does Rachel have to prove?  She has beaten 3 year olds, both male and female, and deserves to make history in her own right.  No filly has ever won the Wood, that will change in a couple of weeks.  But to suggest that Jackson owes the public anything i absurd.  If you want to watch his horse run, tune in on Sept 5.  She will not disappoint us. And be glad to be able to see a star of her magnitude run anywhere against anyone.  And when are we ever going to put the RA/Zen question out of our misery?  It's getting so old now, it's growing mold.  Zenyatta will never leave CA or the plastic tracks.  It's a given.  Let her owners glory in what she has accomplished in her respective venue.  And leave Jess Jackson alone.

I am going on record. Quality Road will NOT win the Travers. Then we can squash all this greatness stuff. Because if you guys are saying he is better than Rachel than he better be great.

Mary: Curlin's stud fee is a tell on the economy, not Jess Jackson's altruisism. If they could fill his book with quality mares at $75,001, they would.

Will this still be an argument if QR loses the Travers?

A mile and a quarter will be taken care of soon enough for Rachel, but...then she will have never proven it at 1 1/2!

Personally, I was keeping my fingers crossed that they would enter her in the Pennsylvania Derby. But then again I live only 30 minutes from Philly Park and it would've been my only chance to ever see a horse of Rachel's caliber up close and personal.

But regardless of where she runs, I'll be rooting for her!

Jason, I don't know what these fools are talking about, I heartily agree with you. Obviously, it's INCREDIBLY disappointing because it would have been one of the best races many will see in this lifetime, but sadly many decisions are made nowadays with money in mind and not necessarily the best interest of the sport. Don't get me wrong, it will still be quite a spectacle to see a 3-year-old FILLY run against (admittedly lackluster) older males - an unprecedented task. Nonetheless, we will all get to see another spectacular performance from her, and I can't wait to see what Quality Road can really do!

Mike: Just because Jackson's worth is nine figures doesn't mean he is only out for the sport of it. The Travers is much more prestigious than the Woodward, and, sadly, at 10 furlongs. That's the only reason we won't see Rachel. The Breeders' Cup is on synthetics this year, a surface Rachel has already won on, but it too is at 10 furlongs. That's the only reason she's not headed there. Sadly, the only time we'll see Rachel go a distance of ground is in the van.

Well I dont think it really matters much what race rachel goes into. Either race she probably would have won. Thhe Woodward is obviously a much better spot for her. The competition ismuch more easier. But any of you get the feeling that Mr. Jackson is kind of afraid to run her in certain spots? Dont get me wrong she has accomplished more than most horses ever will. BUt there have been a few ocassions where we all feel he took the easy way out. First, she has already beat boys twice so why not run her in the Travers and show the aorld again that she will run in the toughest races and kick butt? I dont really buy the fact that he wanted his other horse to win the Travers. I think that since Rachel is on top of the world right now that he wants her to stay there so he chose the easier race. Second, we go back to this whole Rachel vs. Zenyatta thing. Seemslike a really lame excuse that he just doesn't want to run her on synthetics. Think again he knows that Rachel is on top of the world and that Zenyatta would be her biggest competition ever. He doesn't want to chance having Zenyatta take her spotlight. I say that everyone knows how good Rachel is which is why everyone picks and chooses what races we feel she should run in. If she were to run on synthetics or in the Travers and not win would anybody really think any differently of her? I don;t think so. So why shy away from better competition?

ABZ- Your opinion of the older horses vs. the younger horses in these races is right on, however, Bullsbay's trainer two weeks ago said he would not run against her, and Macho Again's trainer was thinking about going straight to the JCGC out of the Whitney.  Asiatic Boy and Cool Coal Man do not match up to the other two.  At this point, the Travers is looking tougher than the Woodward. In my opinion anyway.

Ok, can we all please step back and actually look at all aspect of this, please. First off, how many fillies are EVER asked to run 1 1/4 against the best 3yr old colts in the country? Not very many, no matter how good they are, and if the are pitted against them at that distance, many lose. Jackson could very well be waiting until later in the season to run her in the JCGC. That would give her some time to become even more mature, and be even better when she takes on a fit QR. The Woodward is good for many reason, most have been stated, but a couple others is not only would it be historic if she won, but it is probably a test or a prep for the JCGC, to see how dominant she is against older horses, at her, or what many think is her prefered distance.

Another thing is we are not even sure if QR will win. How do we know he would not falter in that extra eighth, in a field that is much better than the one he faced in the FL Derby? You have an improving Our Edge, whose trainer is a master at pulling upsets, you have Kensai, who has won his last two, Warriors Reward, whose trainer say he's finally starting to wake up, then you have the Derby and Belmont winners in MTB and SB. How do we know this horse will win, and if he doesn't then what will people say?

Did we want to see this race, yes, but as an owner you have to see that the Woodward is an all around better spot. It gives her a historic win if she does win, it can be used as a prep for her next race, and plus your not risking everything in the middle of the summer. If JJ waits until the Gold Cup, which could possibly be this years version of the BCC, then RA could still have enough energy, and have that extra maturity, when she is called on to prove her stuff in the JCGC.

From the outside it appears it was the distance that made the choice of not running Rachel in the Travers. The Woodward has been in the past, and will be in the future a classic contest. This year however, Rachel gives it the shine it would have otherwise lacked. Although she is running against older horses, they are not exactly the top stellar representations of their individual three year old generations. (We can thank the rush to the breeding shed for that).

In my viewpoint Kensie is the sop offered in place of Rachel for the Travers. Should he win, it will be a bonus for his connections, should he loose, there is no real loss. However, had Rachel not been able to get the distance, it would have been very damaging.

So, one might wish it were otherwise, and one might not agree, but Rachel's connections made a decision they felt was best for them and their horse. It is as old as racing, it is called picking your spots.  

Mine That bird is ducking the TRavers but should also follow RA to Woodard

What have we been talking about?  Whether the Travers is more worthy for RA than the Woodward would be.  I believe way too much emphasis is being put on what QR might be.  My point being, I do not believe so, and if Rachel wins the Travers with one of the Birds second it would be looked upon as been there, done that, by the detractors we debate.  A 3-year-old filly winning the Woodward, in my humble opinion, would be special and should not be downplayed.  and yes all my sources have names :>)

To steve from st louis:  Ghostzapper is at $125K in this economy and still hauling in takers.  And what has he produced so far?  There are also other "name" horses with higher fees than Curlin who have yet to really prove themselves at stud.

Jackson could've easily asked for (and gotten) Ghostzapper level money but didn't.  He's not selling Curlin's services to middle class customers.  His target consumers can handle much much more than the $75k he's asking.  I seriously doubt Sheik Mohammed and his peers are pinching pennies.      

And again, Jackson is a multi-Billionaire with a B.  He's already made more money than his grandchildren will spend.  The money Kensei may gain in stud fees from a Travis win is a drop in the bucket to him.      

Why doesn't JJ send her to Europe and prep for the ARC against Sea the Stars and all those fantastic 3 yr old Europeons, aren't great horses suppose to be able to run on any surface? This distance thing is a joke if the horse is so great she should be able to win at a mile and a half. Getting a weight allowance is phony , she has a great record, doesn't need pounds against these older ok horses.She won't face  any future Hall of Fame older horses running in the Woodward.Wait till the Europeons come over for the Breeders cup then you'll see real talent.Looks like JJ is just trying to cherry pick the spots to keep her streak alive.Lucky for her the Nicanor is on the sidelines and she won't face him.

It's obvious that RA's people will avoid QR since he's comeback.I stated this a while back and got flack from the pundits.They want no part of running against a quality horse who can match her stride-for-stride,let alone @ 1 1/4miles.They're placing her in races where she'll win and make "history" and not against the Best available.She caught the 3yo males at the right time in the Preakness/Haskell. Why else would they nominate her to everything under the sun?...to pick the easier spot! Come on,it's not like they're going to the BC anyway.All top 3yo's point towards the Travers,but they know their limits.There's a bunch of well-known Stables/Owners that enter multiple horses for a certain race,that should NOT be an excuse.

IMO, the only reason Rachel is not in the Travers and in the Woodward is distance. Not b/c of QR or any other horse, I simply think he would rather run her at 9 panels so she can be ready for 10 in the Gold Cup. That is my opinion

Jason - I agree with every word you wrote... Except - I don't think its the mile & a quarter Jackson is concerned about, its the monster that is Quality Road.

Though I do have to give Jackson credit - he is taking Rachel on a road that no filly has gone before and thus solidifying her place in the history books. I'm actually pretty pumped to see the super filly run against older males. (the race would have MUCH more appeal had it drawn Einstein) But I'm going Rachel - Macho Again - Asiatic Boy. Should she win this one, really we're beholding not only a super filly - we're watching a freak.

JJ is ducking from QR just as he is ducking the BC because of Zenyatta, come on people, quit making excuses for him, my gosh, the Travers would have been the best race for RA. all you know-it-alls are coming up with the most lame opinions here, I agree with Jason, throw it back at them Jason. they know what you say is the truth, it is dissappointing that she isn't going to the Travers.  I believe some of you are somewhere on JJ payroll.

Jess Jackson is a bully- only picks on the weak-WEAKest 3 year olds and weakest older ones

AND AFraid to face zen on zen home track

Jason, I disagree with you.  I want to see Rachel take on older horses, to see that she can do it.  She has destroyed the 3yo crop this season, why continue to beat a dead horse (so to speak)? She's proven she can beat any 3yo in the country. It's time to step up and go against older males.  Next stop ... either the Jockey Club Gold Cup or the Beldame.  Rachel is doing what she needs to do to be Horse of the Year and be uncontested.  By missing the Breeders Cup, she needed to face older horses now.  And really, Mine That Bird has no place in the Travers or any graded stakes race. He is not improving with each race, like the rest of the 3yos are. He was impressive in the Kentucky Derby, but that's the only race he was impressive in.  Also, with just have a surgical procedure done, I don't care how minor it is, a horse needs time to RECOVER and 2 weeks is not recovery. 2 weeks is greed on the parts of his connections. Don't expect MTB, if he runs the Travers, to run a great race. I don't even think he'd be ready by the Pennsylvania Derby, another race, I don't think he belongs in. Bring him back to allowance races, get him winning again and then move him back to graded stakes races. But to continue him in graded stakes, when he has lost 3 in a run and pretty disappointingly at that, is ridiculous. Just like it's ridiculous for Da'Tara to be in the Woodward (another horse who can't seem to win a race since his Belmont win last yar).

The horses running in the Woodward may not be world beaters, but they still have a maturity advantage over Rachel.  Any other year, any other filly, and it would be HUGE that a filly was facing older males in early September.  I can understand that people wanted to see her run in the Travers, but it blows my mind that some people are acting as though the filly is ducking competition by running in the Woodward.  She will be facing older males, something most other fillies never do.  If Asmussen is serious about racing her next year, I don't see the need for her to have to run 1 1/4 this year.

Seems pretty clear to me.  I love Rachel Alexandra but her connections are ducking 1 1/4 miles like your previous president ducked the boot in Iraq. He was pretty spry for a suit but RA's connections are faster and smoother.

Also: "money makes the world go round, the world go round..."  Too bad.  Sportsmanship and having good horses prove themselves against other good horses instead of ducking them would have been nice.

Quack.

(p.s.  Too bad that its too soon for Careless Jewel in either race.)

Phantom, you are right on track, I agree with you 100%, at least you are speaking the truth and not making excuses for JJ.  they come on hard on Zen's connections, but sugar coat RA connections. They know it's the truth ,but just won't admit it.JJ is doing the same thing as Zen's connections are. looks like everyone is ducking!!

At first i was disappointed, but she has beat 3 yr old colts in a Classic at 1 3/16, beat them again at 1 1/8 in a Gr 1, so, to beat older males in any of the classic older male Gr 1 races run at 1 1/8 as a 3 year-old filly, is something hardly any filly has EVER done.

I really do think they made the right historic choice...

In the USA I could only find Busher, who, as a 3 yr old, beat older males at 1 1/4...2x, once on dirt, once on grass. Also at 3, beat older males at 1 1/8.

Anyone find other fillies at 3 beating older males at 1 1/8 or more?

Phantom, so is there something wrong with the owner of the horse cherry picking, again please note the West coast champion Zenyatta's Pride. 12 for 12 and she has run in 2 Grade 1 competition fields. UM, Let me clear my throat, can you say Cream Puff Career.  Please shed some light Jason, does Zenyatta's stellar career record of 12-12 even come close to stacking up to champions of the past or even Rachel's Current season of racing.

And yes until Zenyatta proves herself against Grade 1 fields race in and race out what does her career mean. It means she is a synthetic specialist who comes from behind and beat a great field of dirt horses on a synthetic track in the Ladies Classic last year, and she beat a Ginger Punch who was very early in training for a stern 2008 campaign, thats the ultimate picking spots, Ginger Punch loses to her early in the year and loses to her on her surface, G.P ran 5th or 6th, that was the first time G.P. had finished off the board in her career, and if you look at the 15 or 16 other dirt runners with Grade 1 credentials that ran horribly, how could you ever question it was a bad decision to put the B.C. dirt races on synthetics.

It occurs to me that the assumption you're working with here is that three year old colts who, let us remind ourselves, are still running in restricted races are better animals than those in the older horse division.  This may be the case.  Still, it seems to me like you're still letting the suggestion of talent bias your opinion.  Quality Road may be better than any active dirt older horse in the country, but whether he is or not all he is at the moment is far less exposed than the others who have actually been laying it down on the track.

If they all want her so much, why don't they come out and run in the Woodward, or might they embarrass themselves in unrestricted company and ding their value?

One thing is for sure, the Travers and the Woodward will show some very interesting results, don't you think?

I don't understand Asiatic Boy running away. Conceding a loss certainly devalues this horse. Besides even IF you loose a 2nd place finish in the Woodward is good.

I am sick of the QR smack talk. I love QR and think he is better than RA, but lets face it he can run in the Woodward (and may even be better for him at 1 1/8 mile)why don't we hear any shouts for the QR team to make it a show!!!!!

Jason, I definitely see your point, but I still do feel like RA going in the Woodward is monumental in its own right. While I do think the older male division leaves a lot to be desired this year, it would still be quite the historic event if RA wins.

I know it's also off point here, but I also think Jackson's willingness to do something extraordinary with RA by having her go in the Woodward is in stark contrast to Jerry Moss and his MO with Zenyatta.

I liked her sister Balance and so have always been a Z fan from the very beginning of her career, but to already hear Moss rule her out of the Pacific Classic, it's just frustrating beyond words. The older male division is extremely weak in CA this year, and it would have been interesting to see her try the P'Classic, the Goodwood and then the BC Classic, all on her home tracks. That would stack up quite favorably with RA's Preakness, Haskell and Woodward.

Alas, Z will be handled with kid gloves and so we probably won't see her until the Lady's Secret at Oak Tree.

Meanwhile, will be interesting to see where Jackson spots RA after the Woodward: JCGC or the Beldame. My bet is the latter, assuming she wins the Woodward. At that point, there's nothing left for her to prove (and she likely locks up HOTY in the process) and she can go back to the Beldame at her ideal 9 furlongs.

My head hurts from not knowing where to begin.

I will start with saying it's nice to see horse racing can still stir up raging debates of, "My horse can beat your horse"...even if just from the fan s, where the horses in question aren't really "ours".

But c'mon, ducking Quality Road (who I hapen to REALLY like, and believe might be the only horse of the age division who could give RA a run for her money right now)???

If we "do the math" a little reasonably, and this is JMO, I think it makes more sense that thw two stablemates (RA and Kensei) are ducking each other. From the time Kensei won the Jim Dandy, it was made clear the Travers was is next stop, all things being "a go" in how he came out of the race, blah blah. From that moment on, I knew RA would not be going anywhere near the Travers. I also doubted she'd touch the Alabama, why go against 3yo fillies again? What would that prove, if they're indeed out to prove anything at all? The only other race mentioned (at the time) for RA was the Woodward. Dingdingding, we had a winner, at least that was what my gut instinct told me. That would be where she'd land. Personally, I like the choice.

Factually, if anyone here cares, the Jim Dandy was run  2 days before the Amsterdam was, so I think Kensei's "definitive announcement" of next start prob ably came before Quality Road's did, though anyone who follows racing could have ascvertained all this prior, as both were prepping. If they're not afraid of QR for Kensei, what on Earth makes anyone thing they're afraid of him for Rachel??

Obviously, they think Kensei is more prepared to "break through" in his own division than they think HE'D be okay against older, versus what they think Rachel is capable of at the same point in time.

One can argue weak(er) field all you want (the Woodward), but anytime you set a 3yo FILLY against older males, it is NO guarantee of a win, or even a good showing, and it's a risk that sheer age and experience can beat the girl. Even when the girl is as as sensational as Rachel. If she wins, it IS a coup, it's not only never been done by a female, but a 3yo filly this time of year against older males is an accomplishment. A BIG one.

I've blathered on here long enough, so I will end with the observation that this seems more about disliking connections, than objectively looking at the actual horses, and realistic scenarios of where a year's campaign takes any horse. Rachel is obviously runnin g "b***s to the wall" for HOTY, while oh say...Zenyatta isn 't. That's certainly their call, the Zenyatta camp. Somehow though, I see little or no bitterness towards connection s who kept her in the barn for 9 months after the BC, have run her three times this year, and only against horses who paled greatly next to her. Talk about weak fields and laughable competition.

While I really hate that Jackson is boycotting the BC, at least in the meantime, he's givin g one heck of a show with this filly.

If the BC didn't exist, wouldn't this just be a tremendous, historic an d SPORTING 2009 for a three year old filly?? Food for thought.

the woodward is the right spot because of history and the fact she will only face older males next year.if quality road,mtb,or summer bird really want some then why dont they step up and enter the woodward.i think they should rest her after this race for next year.she is already hoy.and it is obvious zenyatta's people dont want any either.qr,mtb,and sb will all get their chance next year with one being a gelding and the other two not doing enough to be retired to stud.

Good grief you guys squabble!  Jason was making a point and airing his opinion, but who really knows why Rachel in not in the Travers?  Rachel will win the Woodward, easily and Quality Road may not win the Travers.  I am not so sure he has stamped himself great quite yet.  He was my pick for the Derby, one reason was his trainer when it was Jenkins....Rachel in the Travers would have been good, but wasn't it Steve Haskin that suggested the Alabama.  And that may have been really good.  And as "Rodney King" would say "Can we all just get along?" And lets enjoy the races and horses in them.    

I'm not a big fan of Jess Jackson but the endless criticism of him has gotten ridiculous and petty.   He bought Rachel in May and look what he's already done with her.  Why not focus on the positives instead of the constant "but I wanted <insert race name here> instead".  

Remember that if Jackson hadn't bought her we'd still be waiting to see her race the boys at all.  Now we're debating whether the older males or 3YO colts was a better option.  I call that a distinct improvement and believe Jackson should be thanked instead of criticized and second guessed.      

IF your QR owners your not going to seek out RA after winning one race after a layoff there are still alot of unawnsered questions that should be awnsered saturday. Should be a great race and thank god its televised. Tri box, summer bird hold me back and QR to the bank!

Phantom,

    So glad you are back with your astute analysis regarding Mr. Jackson "Cherry picking" his spots for Rachel.  Please!, If she went across the Pond and raced at a mile and a half and faced Sea the Stars, You would still come up with excuses for Rachel and Mr. Jackson...

Rachel wins the Woodward and all HOY discussions come to a screeching halt. The BC is an anticlimax [sorry, SA] and we have just witnessed one of the all time great campaigns of modern times....and one of the great fillies to ever grace the American racing scene.

Actually the blog is about whatever the posters want to blog about.  Or are there set rules that have to be followed. Would that mean that we cannot talk about Quality Road, Mine that Bird, Summer Bird or even BullsBay or Asiatic Boy. Please help me understand.

    Just curious, To everyone that thinks Mr. Jackson is skipping the Travers because of Quality Road being there and no other reason, What will the excuse be if Quality Road happens to not win the Travers?  What will you same people say then?...

Hands down - RA is opting out of the Travers because of the distance. Secondary is the notion that he's ducking QR. No way he wins that race - Pletcher is good but he's not a magician. If MTB were healthy and had no excuses (his surgery) I would take him in the Travers in a heartbeat. I still think he's as good as his Derby victory suggested. If the track turns up sloppy, look out.

Jackson, et al know what they're doing. Rachel isn't comfortable beyond a mile and an eighth. That extra 16th in the Preakness saw her a bit rubber-legged at the end, and she was getting weight from the colts. Just an observation.

Well, I am not disappointed with the choice to run her in the Woodward.

I happen to think it's the right spot at the right time for her.  While I don't think she needs to dodge anyone, I do think asking her to run a mile and a quarter for the first time at this stage of the season, against a fresh and threatening Quality Road (assuming he is as good as people think he is, we'll know after the Travers)is not in her best interest.

It is in the best interest of racing, and more importantly RA, to keep her running big and winning.  Sure the Woodward is a softer spot on paper, but it's still the Woodward and it's still against older horses.  And no filly has ever won it.  All are compelling reasons to put her in it.  Frankly, she's been there done that against 3 year olds this year.  "Yeah yeah yeah but QR is running and she hasn't beat him."  I say she doesn't have to beat him right now.  He has alot to prove that RA doesn't.  When he's proved it, then let all the talk begin about them running together.  

Don't forget, Rachel doesn't have to conquer all in her 3 year old season if there are plans for her to race at 4.  She is a great horse who has done everything she's been asked to do.  I like the Woodward - she's still being asked to do something special in this race.

The Travers is still a good, contentious race that I'm looking very forward to watching even without RA.

QR has enough on his plate going from sprint to 1 1/4 off 5 month layoff. If RA beat him, her detractors would say he wasn't in peak form. She has nothing to prove in the Travers. We will see if she can be older males. Thats a new test in its own right. Then maybe she will go to the JCGC as her next step. As for the queen of plastic ... why not try the Pacific Classic or the Goodwood. Try something new instead of barely beating the same field everytime.

Hope QR has foot issues in the passed...if so QR/MTB...Kensei allthough sharp is step[certainly the distance an issue] below. RA is gone a bridge to far. Jackson is a showman nothing more, looking to get maximum exposure fort he future. There's a reason no filly/mare has even run in the Woodward...big bet vs!

Mary: Don't compare Curlin with Ghostzapper; the latter is a sire with miler speed, so important with breeders. Ghostzapper won the Grade 1 Vosburgh at 6 1/2 furlongs, the Grade 1 Metropolitan at  eight furlongs, the Grade 1 Woodward at nine furlongs and the Grade 1 Breeders Cup at 10 furlongs, setting a new track record. He won nine of 11 lifetime starts with wins at 2,3,4 and 5.

Curlin won 11 of 16 lifetime starts and Grade 1 races at nine furlongs, nine and one-half furlongs and 10 furlongs, obviously not as versatile, only racing at 3 and 4.

In an earlier article, Zenyatta's owner pointed out, correctly, that Zenyatta could not enter races for three-year-olds.  Perhaps entering Rachel in the Woodward is an invitation...

ok first of all im glad rachel is staying fit and unscathed to be racing for our enjoyment she is a thrill to watch no matter where she goes. yes i would have loved to see her go in the travers quality road with the 2 birds would have been a wonderful race but im sure they will get a chance in say maybe the jcgc. to say rachel is a great filly is to repeat what many believe, i love her. to say she is the greatest filly ever well thats something no one can truely answer there were so many good one but you cannot compare her to fillies or any past champions just like you can't compare babe ruth to a rod totally diffrent generations and circumstances. she is the greatest filly i have seen in a long time the greatest horse i have seen in a long time. she will be a hall of famer one day i cry when i see her race she is amazing. i think mr jackson is doing right by his horses i think he always has just like with curlin i respect him. let us see what rachel can really do i think she still has alot more records and hearts to break

PD109, You are brilliant! Jason, pls call the Mosses/Shireffs right way and get Zenyatta on the next plane to the Spa! Then we can all see the showdown we want!

I'm sick of G1 races with one standout and the rest filled with allowance quality fields. This has been going on for the past decade and it needs to stop. Why doesn't track management offer incentives for horses that run in their respective marquee races? Say for the handicap division for instance in NY. Offer bonuses for horses entered in 2 of the 3. Whitney, Woodward, JCGC? Waive entry fees or payoff to horses that run 5th and below. Let's fill these races up so that the RA's of the world don't have to enter in races that are virtually a walkover with these these 4 & 5 horse fields. Let's fill em up and make it interesting. And that goes for the West Coast as well.

Jason, you get my s--t stirring award of the year. Good insight and logical questions bring out the prejudice and the profane of the masses! Can't decide whether to laugh or go outside and stomp snails! I'll settle for some of your readers to just learn what the word "opinion" actually means.

Jason,

I agree with you - the Woodward is the safer, and softer spot for Rachel and won't provide a "race of the century" like the Travers would have had she entered.  

I don't think Jackson or Assmussen are ducking anyone, though.  I think they may feel a mile and 1/8 is her best distance and - when there is so much history and legacy to be gained in the Woodward, even against an average field - why not go there and keep her happy?  If you can take a straight road versus a road with ups and downs and turns - why not take the straight one if they both come out at the same spot?  And that spot is winning a prestigious Grade I in NY.

Dray - I think people have quieted down on the Rachel/Zenyatta match simply because they don't see it happening.  Jackson's been adamant about not running at BC - and the only way I see them changing their minds is if - but some insane chance - she would lose the Woodward.  If Zenyatta remains undefeated and points towards the Classic - Jackson MIGHT feel he has to risk a trip out west to secure HOY.  Because I still think if Zenyatta remains undefeated through and including the Classic - she will be HOY.  As everyone says - voters memories are short- and the BC Classic always hold strong influence on the way the votes go.

I'd love to see Quality Road take her on - he was my original Derby pick before the quarter cracks.  

Back to the Woodward field, however, I had a real "insider" school me a bit that I was making the Woodward a foregone win for Rachel.  He said that it will be tougher than people think, and he felt that Bullsbay - a big, strapping colt with a huge stride - shows he's peaking into great form after that win in the Whitney.  He's by Tiznow-  and if he can mimic his sire's capabilities...well - he will at least make it a horse race!

Quality Road is quite the hype horse of the moment.  I feel like I'm on rewind.  Go back one month and you hear, "She's never run with a horse that has Munnings speed." etc.  

I'll eat my crow if Quality Road wins but this is a lot of hype for a horse by Elusive Quality who still has to prove he can go past 9 furlongs.

Has anyone else read Todd Pletcher's comments regarding QR.  He has admitted he is glad that QR didn't have to face RA in the Travers and pretty much has said in not so many words that QR's not ready.  My guess is that the Travers for QR is an "owner" not a "trainer" decision.

I personally think that the Woodward is a better choice for Rachel than the Travers.  She has already proven herself against this years three-year-old males (minus Quality Road -- I will get to that in a second), and a win against older males will definately put her in the perfect spot to win HOTY.  I would rather see her against Quality Road than Zenyatta, mainly because I don't want to watch either one of these great fillies get beat (if-big if- the Rachel-Zenyatta match does happen, I believe Rachel will run Zenyatta into the ground and I don't want to watch that).  Quality Road is definately the best 3 year old male this year and, believe me, I want to see that race.  I don't know if that will happen though, because Rachel isn't going to the Breeders' Cup and I THINK Quality Road is being pointed to the Classic. How about a Rachel, Zenyatta, Quality Road match-up?

Since I will be attending the Travers, I was hoping Rachel would be in the race so I could have the chance of watching a Superhorse in person, but I completely understand why she is in the Woodward instead. The Woodward is better for her career and legacy. She has already beaten the best 3 year olds in the country, and if Quality Road steps up and wins this race, that would set up a nice showdown in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. Rachel has nothing more to prove in the 3 year old division, so it is time for her to face older horses. If Quality Road is for real, he will get his chance at her down the road, but Rachel in the Woodward was the only real option for this Superhorse. And it also removes one of the many excuses for the owners of Zenyatta. Rachel is now in open competition. If you want to challenge the Queen, come and get her.

Steve from St.louis,

    For racing for four years and only amassing 11 starts is pretty sad, Curlin won that many in two years. Versatility means nothing if you don't have soundness, which Curlin had buckets of. Also what Grade ones did Zapper win as a two and three year old. As far as i know he came out as a four year old, and the year he won the Classic he ran a total of four races that year. Curlin, was thrust into Classic races very early in his first year if racing, against one of the best three year old crops of recent memory, and still never ran out of the money, and he ran a total of nine times that year. As a four year old he only was beaten twice, less than three lengths each time, and both those times were his first time racing on new surfaces. I would not call that, not versitle. Did he race better on dirt, yes, but to say he isn't versitle when he was grade one place in his only dirt start sounds dumb. Zapper was fast, and brilliant. But that brilliance did not last long and took forever to recuperate. At least we got to see Curlin more than four times a year.

Mary-Ellen - My guess is that RA wasn't leg weary from the extra half furlong but rather from the second effort in a three week period after following a schedule in which she hadn't run that often before.  Just a thought.  Maybe she won't win by 6 or 20 lengths but any win is good enough.  

If QR runs BIG in the Travers,RA wins the Woodward[competition already dropping out],Zenyatta opts out of the Beldame and then Jackson says he's running RA in the Beldame and not in the JCGC to face QR[all hypothetical of course] then we could assume he's ducking the competition but not until.  The Woodward could end up like one of the stakes races Citation ran in which no other horse would run against him.  They just brought him to the track and  Eddy Arcaro ran him around the track in front of a packed house and the fans loved it!!  I think it was at Pimlico but not sure.  I hope the Woodward is a little better than that.

Steve, you are SO right.

I'm thinking if she blows the doors off everyone in the Woodward, and has beaten the 3 year-old colts twice before, if me were chief, I'd feel pretty darn good about my chances in the JGC and to heck with the Beldame.

MR. Jackson is not ducking Quality Road.  He is ducking Hold Me Back.

    "“What do you want her to beat?  What more does she have to prove? To say she hasn’t beaten anything would be a knock against racing. She’s beaten the Kentucky Derby winner and the Belmont winner. It makes no sense. You’re knocking the entire industry when you say she hasn’t beaten anything. She is what she is. She does it so easily it may look like she not beating anything. It’s a shame that people have that idea.”

I just read this, and it echo's my thoughts completely, Who is this quote from?  Tim Ice, Trainer of Belmont Winner, Summer Bird...

If RA ran in the Travers rather than the Woodward and won, then we'd hear that QR wasn't at his best. Or that he's not run over a mile in months, or he's coming off hoof issues. It's the excuse d'jour. She's not ducking anybody, she's showed up and beat the best this year. QR is not the best, in fact far from it. Slower Beyer than most entered in the Travers, he's not run or won a TC race. Facts are different than speculation and projection. QR has a long way to go to show he's the best. Sure the Travers would've been more interesting were RA to run, but that doesn't diminish her running in the Woodward and adding to her resume.

Jason,

Off topic, I just wanted to say that I appreciate the time you invest in your blogs.

I realize you can't constantly watch the blog and that you have other assignments and deadlines.

I appreciate that you read and post the comments in a timely fashion and that you stay engaged with the discussion for as long as is reasonable.

THANKS

See, and I thought I wouldn't be able to express my gratitude without ripping the other BLOG hosts from The Blood Horse for not minding their readers and contributors.

I really can be a nice person - if I try.

If I was in marketing, eleven starts at 2,3,4 and 5 vs sixteen starts at 3 and 4 is not a point I would want to mention.  ;)  

HELLO JASON:

I see your points,but I also stated on your blog many weeks ago that I didn't think it would happen RA running in BOTH the Travers and Haskell. My opinion I'm pleased they are pointing her to the Woodward instead.

  The next two Sats look pretty exciting for fans of horseracing. I agree that it makes sense to run Rachel in the Woodward, with the shorter distance and the decision of Kensei in the Travers. I don't see Jess Jackson doing any 'ducking' since he became owner of this brilliant filly. I am going to keep enjoying this awesome ride fans are priviledged to be on with them. Once again, it seems JJackson has helped us to enjoy this-the Travers, then the one I'm really looking forward to now, the Woodward. Looking to see this magnificent filly continue her place in history like none other...She Is One For The Ages...  

i say it would have been easier to face QR now then later when he gets a race or two more under her belt. maybe JA is planning on the JCGC with her after this who knows.

I feel bad for RA if her value can only be accurately assessed after she faces EVERY 3 year old male running in a G1, and think it's silly that some of you seem to believe that QR defeating her in the Travers would seriously impact the scope of her previous accomplishments. So what if he DID beat her in the Travers? An enormously talented, enormously FRESH colt beating a 3 year old filly who's been busting her butt winning major classics ALL SUMMER? What would that really prove, honestly? That the Haskell didn't happen? That the Mother Goose was an optical illusion?

I'm also not fussed if JJ doesn't want to run her at 1 1/4 just now against top males; plenty of time to stretch out next season, if he really does intend to run her. And so what if she maxes out at a shorter distance? It might be a little disappointing, but she's already proven her greatness, as far as I"m concerned.

I for one am excited to see her in the Woodward, and I certainly don't think it's going to be any less of a challenge than the Travers. At this point Rachel has no reason to continue trying to prove herself against other horses, especially if those horses aren't interested in leaving California or are colts trying to come back from quarter cracks so that they can have a decent few races before heading off to stud. Different horses, different career trajectories. Rachel's business right now is to continue editing American turf history regardless of who shows up to accessorize those victories.

Hal Wiggins said RA is more suited for the Belmont distance back in March. I trust this guys opinion. The Preakness fractions were off the chart and she did tire a bit. Now she can rate. One and a quarter is no problem for her now.Being easy on her should not be a sin, the connections are not ducking any particular horse. I don't blame the connections for this decision at all. They will do all the experiments with her next year; Dubai, Turf. She will be stronger next year and this is what the connections want. Look past your own selfish wants naysayers, RA is on a different quest.

Rachel is superb but taking on the mature Bullsbay will not be a pushover!  He loves Saratoga, is improving and is no slouch!  He has a great trainer and hopefully the astute Jeremy Rose will ride him again and he clearly loves The Bull.  Horses respond better to love than the whip!

Rachel and Calvin are a great team but she is not a mature horse yet, has had a tough campaign and her style of racing means she gives everything, everytime.  All laudable and praiseworthy but as with humans likely to cause burn out at some point and i do fear that if she is not carefully raced this year from here onto the end of the year!  Particularly as they plan on keeping her in training at 4 when she will be mature!  I very much hope they do!  And that she remains in such good heart to be fit enough and mentally well enough to take it!

Nijinsky II was a great, great horse but in the end they asked too much of him and his career ended in two heartbreaking defeats!  Do we want the same to happen to Rachel?

The other worrying thing about the Woodward is Da' Tara.  Seeing him so out of love with racing broke my heart last time.  Thank goodness Alan Garcia practically pulled him up but there is no pleasure in seeing a great horse race with such a lack of enthusiasm.  I am not blaming anyone; just feel it is so very sad!

That is more than enough.  Just my opinion folks and we are all entitled to them. I am not asking anyone to agree merely to think about some of the points raised.  For me the horse must come first from the lowliest claimer to the greatest champion!

God Bless

Best wishes

Abbie

I would just like to think the owners of these great horses would listen to their fans sometimes they know what everyone wants to see,where they would like to see their favorite horses race and who for them to face. After all the fans are the ones that keep them in business. If you have a good horse why not run it in the tougher races.Everyone in all walks of life takes chances everyday. You can't treat them like glass that they will break every time they go out.Anything could happen any time. How will you ever know how good a horse is if you never get to see it run?

I think Asiatic Boy's trainer had a good point in ducking RA for the Pacific Classic.  No one wants to spot RA 8 or 9 pounds.  Even Ferdinand and Alysheba lost match races to a lighter horse.  Not to diminish RA but 8 lbs less on the front end is a scary thought.  I'm glad Asiatic Boy is being aimed at Del Mar.  The handicapping ranks are a little thin in CA and I just paid $15.00 to sit down so I want to see a good race.

The Lady's Classic is no longer a 1 1/4 event.  The distance would seem to suit RA perfectly.  Didn't Personal Ensign win one of these New York events against the boys (in the slop) and beat the Kentuky Derby Winner?  

Personally I wanted to see her in the Travers. The mid-summer Derby is THE race for 3 year olds between the Belmont and the Breeders Cup. I really think the 1 1/4 is not what she wants, or what Jess wants FOR her.

For those saying she has nothing to prove? Come on, this is horse racing, they ALWAYS have something to prove. Think not? How many on this very series of blogs have said certain greats of old didn't prove this or that and don't compare to some of the modern day horses? Or certain undefeated horses didn't prove anything?

NO horse is guaranteed unbeatable and that is what the game is ALWAYS about. The next race, what have you done for me lately. Witness the last blog about trainers and how many 'recent, current and newbie' trainers were selected and stellar records mean nothing.

Can't have it both ways depending on whether it's a favorite of many people are speaking of.

Oh where to start....Want to point some fingers perhaps we should look first at NYRA.  Maybe if they weren't busy trying to milk every last dime out of Saratoga (not that I blame them) the Woodward would still be at Belmont.  Who was the last 3YO to win the Woodward???  Holy Bull...who happened to also win the Travers.  Ah..what if tradition had held?

RA won't be beating "anyone" in the Woodward.  Who did Personal Ensign beat in the Whitney.  Two overmatched horses at that distance.  No one knocks her for that.  Who did the 'incomparable' Cigar beat in the BC Classic??  Oh yeah..the not quite immortals L'Carriere and Unaccounted For.  They remember the win..not the opponents the vast majority of the time.

The Travers is more prestigious than the Woodward. Hmmm...Winners of the Woodward this decade include Curlin, Mineshaft, St. Liam, and Ghostzapper.  That would pretty much seem to trump any five Travers winners you want to pick from the decade in a pecking order of horses.

Doesn't want to run her at 1 1/4.  Better take Miesque's plaque down from across the street because she was "only a miler". (BTW..forget even thinking about it Goldikova because you got dusted by Zarkava beyond a mile).

The point is that you could poke holes in most horses resumes.  Just sit back and enjoy greatness...it really isn't that common.

Everyone,

My dad always said "it is what it is"

Rachel makes the Woodward a MUST watch and the Travers will be great(I hope MTB shows).

The season is only halfway over and I have a feeling we will see all the matchups we hope to, except a breeders cup classic for the ages(man that would be great).

Anyway, thats just my humble opinion      

OMG the hostility! I'm kidding. I very much enjoyed reading your article and the comments. Let me say this ... Rachel is the Queen of all things equine. She has no equal. She will devour all who dare challenge her. She will do so without breaking a sweat. She will then proceed to pose for Playboy where her issue will be the most popular in the history of said magazine. She will cause the breakup of Brad and Angelina when Brad realizes Rachel is the most beautiful female on the planet. Oh yes, and she'll leave Brad to have babies with Sea the Stars who Jess Jackson will buy for her as a gift for winning the 2010 Breeders Cup. P.S. Rachel wins the Woodward by at least 5 lengths.

The Travers would have made no sense.   She's allready beaten 3yo males twice.   It was time to either try older Fillies and Mares or older horses.

One problem with choosing where to run Rachel is that no matter where she goes, most of the horses with any kind of record to protect are going to dodge her. Zenyatta is one example. Another is Kiaran McLaughlin, who has basically said he wouldn't put a horse up against her. So we have to give full props to trainers like Ice and Woolley, who continue to sent their horses out in the real spirit of the game.

Otherwise, I think it makes all the sense in the world for Kensei to go to the Travers, especially if (as has been the case before), Jackson and Asmussen know something we do not.

Seems like 'Mr.Flash-in-the-pan' trainer Tim Ice is angling for '3yo colt of the year' regarding MTB with his "PR move",err...sucking-up to RA. Remember,she barely beat him in the Preakness and IF MTB takes the Travers,well...KY Derby/Travers double will usually be enough to garner it.

Have to admit, I would have liked it better with Rachel in the Travers - it would have been the race of the year with her there.  As it stands, it is shaping up nicely but I cannot say it wouldn't be a heck of a lot better with Rachel there.  That said, the Woodward makes sense for her on a number of levels and I have no problem with the decision to place her there.  Keep diversifying the competition and it does make a good case for HOY.  

Rachel's not a 3yo colt.   The owner is looking for new challenges, not beating the same horses over and over.

Not to get into the RA/Z issue again, not the subject of the blog. Just that I think Ron Ellis put it very succinctly and echoed most horsemen on the issue on the Saturday Del Mar TVG segment.

Sorry,I meant Tim Ice & SB(Belmont winner).Not MTB(Woolley)...ooops.

Great topic as seen by the number of opinions. Jason you are so right about the distance issue with Rachael for the Travers. They are waiting until next year to run her at 10 furlongs to let her mature. Im a big Quality Road fan and will be betting him to win the Travers but think as a winner of one grade one race that we are just grabbing at the next "it" horse that may or may not be capable to run 10 furlongs. QR ran 9 furlongs on a cement road so he still needs to prove he is anything but a great sprinter. Rachael ran 9.5 furlongs on two weeks rest that IMO is the reason she tired so badly the last .5 furlong. On 5 weeks rest and the way she is training the 10 furlong test will be passed by her before long. My last opinion is that the very good Zenyatta will lose the ladies classic to the Canadian "Jewel".

Jason;

70's: Woodward-- Prove Out (v.Secretariat), Forego 4 straight, Slew, Affirmed.

Travers -- Holding Pattern, Wajima, Honest Pleasure, Jatski, Alydar, and General Assembly.

I'd take the Woodward winners.

80's Woodward --Bid, Pleasant Colony, Slew O'Gold twice, Precisionist, Alysheba, Easy Goer.

80's Travers --  Temperence Hill, Willow Hour, Play Fellow, Runaway Groom, Carr De Naskra, Chiefs Crown, Wise Times, Java Gold, 49r, Easy Goer.

Hmmm..I'd go Woodward again.

90's -- Woodward:  Down decade--only Holy Bull, Cigar twice, Formal Gold and Skip Away.

Travers -- Corporate Report, Thunder Rumble, Sea Hero, Holy Bull, Thunder Gulch, Wills Way, Deputy Commander, Coronado's Quest and Lemon Drop Kid (winner of the 2000 Woodward btw).

Even in a down decade...I'd go Woodward.

By my count that's the Woodward in the 70's, 80's, 90's and this decade.  Should I go back to Jaipur and Ridan???  Which decade would you pick the Travers' winners over Woodward winners??

MTB has lost his running style since the Preakness Race. If you watch his last two races the MTB starts out in his normal last place spot but starts to move up going down the backstretch. He will not be getting to the winners circle until the jockies can stop his backside speed. No horse can run the last 6 furlongs going above his normal cruising speed.

The media certainly has an obsession with Jess Jackson, as they are always questioning his decisions about where to run his horses. I did not see you guys questioning RA's previous owners when they said they wouldn't run her in the Preakness after romping in the Ky Oaks.

It took someone like Jackson to dig into his pockets for a cool 10 mill, for us to see Rachel's greatness; and the way he & Asmussen have given her the right amount of time between races with the proper spots, is not to be criticized, but to be admired, because they have allowed her to awe us, while keeping her fresh & sound. Thanks to them, we have seen her putting on a show in the Preakness & Haskell, and we will see her facing older horses, something other great fillies never even attempted. Kudos to them!

In view of his quarter crack hiatus and short preparation time Quality Road just needs to win the Travers as a stepping stone towards the JCGC and BCC.  However if he does something crazy again like trample the field in record time you can be sure that rain clouds have begun to gather over JJ's party.  A "quality" thunderstorm that forces him to run for the shelter of the Breeder's Cup would be the best thing for racing this year.  Wishful thinking?

Rachel Alexandra should again delight the fans in the Woodward where Macho Again and Bullsbay could test her mettle (perhaps showing off how she would treat stretch running Zenyatta if there was such a match-up).  The weight allotments, distance and pace scenario makes her a cinch but let's see how the closers fare against her relentless pace and press-button acceleration around the far turn.

Well done scarletandgray, I was going to comment but now I do not need to.  The Woodward is a HUGE race and for a 3-year-old filly to be scaring older males away is mind-boggling.

I have to side with Jason on this one.

In the industry ask what races people would give their first born to win. Unless their first born is a royal pain and you'd give them to win the fifth at Aqueduct on a Friday, it would be the TC races, especially the Derby and then the Travers.

The Woodward is so impressive they moved it and changed the time it's run (something ELSE you guys all screamed about).

I just have a sneaky suspicion that people are so in love with the filly (justified) that had she chosen to run in the Travers, that would have been the greatest race run this year and if/when she won it kudos would have poured out.

QR a bit of an unknown factor but watching him work? Definitely living up to his earlier form.  MTB, wouldn't dodge her if he's okay healthwise and Chip has been out asking for expert opinions, neither would Summer Bird dodge her.

Jason, while I have disagreed with much of what you have said this time ... Great blog, getting this kind of debate in one afternoon is exactly why we all come here.

Jason...not arguing about the prestige of the Travers.  It is a classic in its own right.  If I owned a horse, I wouldn't sneeze at having that trophy in my collection.  

Looking back, however, the Travers gets you a very nice canoe in the Saratoge infield. The Woodward gets you a smaller little trinket across the street.

BTW-- Your boy Dray posted an amusing comment on the Racing Post site story under a story about RA going in the Woodward.  Called her the greatest 3YO ever or something like that.

Lets just say that when we see horses that we want to see run, and I along with many others REALLY wanted to see Rachel run in the Derby (those around the track knew exactly what she was.) want to see them run in what we consider the biggest most important races.

You guys talking on the other blog about the dream of a $100,000 horse?

Chump change to the big owners. Jess' net worth makes his purchase price sort of irrelevant. People as wealthy/wealthier than him pay multi millions for horses that NEVER pan out (The Green Monkey, etc etc). Ask Sheikh Mohammed, Coolmore et al. He tends to buy 'made' horses for a higher price but some will pay that for a prospect.

Since Jason brought up the BC, like Ron said it's a political statement by Jess. They run the BC to decide champions, not the politics of voting for Eclipse awards. They want to 'prove' something? Run her in the races where champions are decided. Don't make others 'chase' her to prove Jess' point.

 When you have a chance of making racing history you go for it and that,s what Rachel has if she can win the Woodward and become the first filly to win that race.With the weight allowance and her likeness for 9 furlongs it looks like the right thing to do at this time.

Rachel entering the Woodward (1-1/8M) seems to be her only realistic chance of defeating older males this year in a major G-1 race and I believe that is why they are skipping the Travers.....Even though no filly/mare has ever won it, it is still her best option.

The only other options Rachel has left this year to defeat older males in a major G-1 race will be at 1-1/4M.

• The Pacific Classic

• The Jockey Club Gold Cup

• The BC Classic

We know for obvious reasons (synthetics) the Pacific and BC Classics are out.  That leaves the Jockey Club Gold Cup…..this in itself an almost impossible task.

• As far as I can determine (I’ve been wrong a lot), the last filly or mare to defeat males in a G-1 race at 1-1/4M  on dirt (not turf) was Princcessnesian (4 y-o) in the 1968 Hollywood Gold Cup when she defeated Racing Room and Quicken Tree in 1.59.4…..that was 41 years ago.  Before that it was won by Two Lea in 1952 as a 6 y-o.

• In 1977 Cascapedia was 2nd to Crystal Waters in the same race.

• It is so difficult that from 1981 (Kilijaro) to 1999 (Life Is Sweet) no filly or mare even tried the Gold Cup.  This is typical for the other four G-1 races at 1-1/4M for males).  They were always intended for males and to ask a filly/mare to compete and win is unrealistic.

• This year Life Is Sweet was a credible third in the HGC, but it took a lot out of her because in her next race, the Clement Hirsch, she was very listless in finishing behind (other than Zen) fillies she would normally have no problem with.

• The last filly I know that tried the BC Classic was Azzeri against Ghostzapper and a very strong field in 2004.  She ran well even though she was already over the top, but it was still an improbable task, especially considering the depth of the field.

• The only other major 1-1/4M G-1 dirt race for older horses was the Suburban.  It was downgraded to a G-2 this year. (Busanda won it as a 4 y-o in 1951.

• The JCGC did not shorten to 1-1/4M until 1990.  I know Shuvee won it twice, but not at the 1-1/4M distance (2-Miles).

Rachel can still run in the Clark (G-2 @ 1-1/8M) and it has been won by a 3 y-o filly before (Surfside in 2000), but the most prestigious opportunities are the two Classics and the JCGC.....To win any of these is a very formidable task for both Zen (BC Classic) and Rachel (JCGC) and if they chose not to participate it should not be construed as ducking the competition.

Jason, I agree it would have been nice to see her in the Travers but I didn't think for one second it would happen. They want her to win a race no filly has won before, beat the older males, not risk a loss to QR and they like the distance better. Lots of reasons. Horse racing becomes more like chess every day.

I totally agree with those of us who believe the Woodward will not be a walk in the park for Rachel against the older males. I also believe QR winning the Travers is not a given. I would like to see both things happen, and odds are they will. But the truth is, anything can happen. Anything.

The Woodward has been a star maker for racing legends all of my lifetime. If Rachel adds that to her resume`she will be in outstanding company as well as adding yet another first to her extraordinary list of accomplishments. That is where I hoped they would show case her next, so I was very happy to hear that is the plan.

It really doesn't matter who else shows up. Heck, I expect her typical field of adversaries to keep dwindling down until there is seldom more than 2 starting with her, and it isn't going to matter what their names are. I predict for the remainder of her career she will be running against time and history more than anything else.

As for Quality Road, I hope he has a great race and his feet hold up so that he doesn't become one of those horses perennially nursing foot issues. I would like to see what he can do, but I am worried about him making the leap from a sprint to 10 furlongs all in one quick jump. If he breaks down it will be another big mess for racing to live down. Please God, don't let that be prophetic.

I can't say that I ever remember an owner getting second guessed and criticized as much as Jess Jackson. Turf writers seem to take it for granted that every other owner/trainer team is quite naturally picking the best spot for their horses, but if Jackson puts his horse first certain writers act like he has somehow ducked or dodged or failed us in some way. Hooey. I can't think of anyone else as quick to throw convention to the wind or to test their own horse just to see what it can do. Who else do you see stepping so far off the beaten path with a 3 yr. old filly? Anyone who isn't thanking this man is not looking at the big picture.

Another point; the more Jackson gets criticized, the more inevitable the comparisons become between how he has conducted Rachel's career and how the Moss' have handled Zenyatta. If anyone should be criticized for not testing their horse it is the owners of the 5 year old mare who has still never yet stepped out of her comfort zone. So if you are trying to boost Zenyatta by minimizing Rachel's inevitable win in the Woodward, this ain't gonna do it.

But for the sake of argument, if it is true that Rachel's people are unwilling to move her up to 10 furlongs at this time, and none of us here knows if that is true or not, don't they have the right to increase the distance she runs when and if they feel she is ready. More than a right, aren't they obligated to meter out extra weight and distance only as they are certain that she is ready for it. She has already had a tough year. Does she have to break through every possible barrier as a 3 year old? Ready or not? Not for me, she doesn't. I was taught that there are two things to be very careful of because they can break a horse down in a second if they are not ready for them, and they are weight and distance. Rachel may be a freak, but she is a flesh and blood freak.

There was one Woodward that trumped all the Travers ever run IMO: 1967.

Well Jason, I consider you to be around the track. You have access and interest in a lot of things at the track, have a lot of connections and hear a lot.

I know others in a lot of corners just jumped on board after she became so prominent and who can blame them? She was spectacular in the Oaks but my thought is she was somewhat invisible to the casual fan, prior to that.

I know you spoke with Hal, a lot of us did. I really don't think it was his call but I bet he did want to see her in it as well.

My point is basically in agreement that we all just LOVE seeing a great/potentially great one run in the super big races like the Travers, Derby, BC etc.

Rachel  would  blow  by  QR  after  rating  behind  him  until  the  top  of  the  stretch. QR  hasn't  run  1 1/4  miles either.  Zenyatta  never  will  go  past  1 1/8   before  being  retired.  

Since no one has yet responded to C Money's post @6:57, I will.  I also feel good about Rachel's ability to run a distance of ground.  Personally, I question QR's prospect to get 10 or more far more than I question her.  We will find out soon in regards to him...I think Summer Bird has a great chance to run him down.  As for her, I believe we will find out pretty soon as well, unless Zenyatta comes East.

Lots of comments pro and con about the Woodward vs the Travers.  And I think everyone agrees, at a miniumum, that RA is incredibly talented.  Sadly however, the Woodward will only be historic because she is running in it;  not because she is facing true G1-caliber older males.  Frankly, none of the other likely runners in this year's Woodward would come within 20 lengths of the great winners of this race in the past. (Perhaps this is because of the trend these days of retiring the best 3yr olds before they reach the age of 4.) I would personally have preferred to see her run in the Travers where we could see how well she could go at 1 1/4 (the classic distance of champions in this country).

The classic distance for fillies is 1 1/8....beating older males at two turn 1 1/8 is HUGE! Absurd to "expect" her to go 1 1/4 v older males...even think the Travers was too much to ask...but they're trying older males! Wish a certain Cali Board Member...the only one NOT to vote for synthetics, would bring his big mare back East, to close out her remarkable carreer in a three race matchup with Rachel! And I DO think The Woodward would be right up Big Z's alley--I wish they'd just follow suit with Jess and go out there!.....One more thing, about whomever was touting Ghostzapper over Curlin...Curlin was a better horse/Curlin will make a better sire.....

This blog makes me kind of sad. Such harsh comments on both sides! Yes, I would have loved to see Rachel in the Travers, though I don't know if I could have even watched the race I'd be so nervous.

In my opinion, the Travers and the Woodward both offer a new challenge. The Travers is distance and the Woodward is open company. I'm not that concerned about Quality Road in that in both races Rachel will be facing Grade 1 winners she has not raced before, so that balances out.

I don't blame anyone for wishing she'd gone in the Travers, but the Woodward will hardly be a walkover.

As to the Travers, well, I'm actually more excited about the race now. The colts can now be showcased without the girl vs. boys angle. If Mine That Bird goes that's 4 colts who have a chance to stamp themselves as the top 3 year old colt with a win.

Now instead of a great Travers and an also-ran Woodward, we get two great races two weekends in a row. And that is enough to be thankful for.

Here's hoping for two great races where all the horses return safe and sound.

I would never have guessed that this article would raise so many passions. I thought everyone was disappointed when RA went the Woodward way. Funny stuff. As a racing fan and bettor, even though I have my favorite, I always want to see the best races and the Travers is far more prestigious, at the classic american distance, and a great match-up. The Woodward, with this field is Okay.

If Quality Road wins the Travers, someone is going to try to get him and Rachel A. in the gate together. The JCGC would be a good one... I would like to see Rachel A. run in the Travers, though. That would be a good one. It could be a truly classic edition of a truly classic race.. should still be pretty good.

AFLEETALEXFOREVER

I have news for you! If you don't think Zenyatta is a "superhorse" then you're kidding yourself. If you knew anything about racing you would realize that 12-0 isn't a walk in the park. In fact,if you read Haskin's blog from last week he states that few horses could have came from behind and won the last race she ran,considering the dynamics. Guess you will say you know more than Haskin,right? lol I can promise you Zenyatta's connections could care less what individuals like yourself think of their superstar. That you can take to the bank! BTW the stupid remark you made about Peppers' Pride is a scream. Guess you don't realize who she being or has been bred to, a horse that's won back to back Breeders' cup. Since you are so brilliant,you probably know of the horse I'm speaking of,right?

Jason, at this point, in my opinion, since Quality Road has been off for so long, he has a lot to prove.  I am a huge fan of Quality Road, I think he's fantastic, but he needs to prove himself, not Rachel.  I agree Rachel needs to run the 10 furlongs, but she's got Horse of the Year locked up having beaten the vast majority of the quality 3yos.  If I Want Revenge comes back, I would love to see Rachel face him, and I would love to see her face Quality Road, but I don't think either of them could beat her, not when she's improving each time she races.  Her speed figures prove that.  Quality Road had a tremendous comeback, but it was only at 6.5 furlongs, he needs to prove he can win at a longer distance still.  

Honestly, what does she need to prove to show that she is the top 3yo in the country and the top horse this season? Who does she have to beat? Her connections are open to facing Zenyatta, just not in California and the Mosses have stated that they won't take Zenyatta out of California, so that faceoff not happening is not due to Rachel's connections not being willing to, but Zenyatta's.  Other than Rachel, Zenyatta is the top horse in the country.  Who else is there?

I don't mean to get your blood boiling, Jason.  I'm just stating my opinion (and you should know by now that I am very opinionated).

Bill Daly

You 1967 Woodward and Travers.....Damascus.....Cool

I know it was won by the same horse several times, but unfortunately the way the Woodward has been shifted I guess we won't be seeing it again any time soon..

Hey Mike Relva:

Get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?.....Anyway, I share your opinion.....This guy just never lets up.  If he wants to build up his horse, fine, but it would be nice if he was a little more diplomatic when talking about the other ones.

Anyway, get a good night's sleep and when you get up, try the other side of the bed.....just kidding.

I'm not impressed with people pulling horses whenever Rachel seems to be leaning in their direction. With Asiatic Boy possibly heading here now that she's joining the Woodward field things aren't looking very interesting at all.

Plus I want to see her handle 1-1/4 miles against other colts (and fillies).

LAZMANNICK

Hey there! No,it's just that he's always looking to start. Enjoy reading your posts,you bring knowledge and are fair. You know how it is by certain people you've called out. This one had it coming! lol

I'm amazed!  It's as if every owner and trainer was not a  careful picker of races th are the best call for their horses! I have heard and read many a compliment of "he was/is just

a wizard at picking the best races for his horses". Today's comments  make it

sound like it's cheating to put

RA in a race that suits her to

a "T".  K. Mclaughlin  immed-

iately looked to Del Mar for

Asiatic Boy. He made no bones

about not wanting to face RA

and said nobody does.

Who can blame him? Or, in fact, anyone who looks for a softer field to run with.  I am

pleased with the Woodward,I

like her in it a lot.  She's done

enough that she has already

earned "Great" from McLaugh

-lin

Did'nt Jackson say he would run RA in the classic on dirt next year. There's your 1 1/4 mile.I hope  Quality Road be there.

The TIZNOW 1-2 punch might be too much for RACHEL ALEXANDRA to handle Come on BULLSBAY and TIZWAY!!!

This is was I wanted to say but this guy said it so much better than I ever could;

"I dont understand this knock on a filly for not running 1 1/4 miles. There are three major stakes for fillies at 1 1/4 miles -- 2 for older fillies. The BC Distaff is 1 1/8 miles, so are Eclipse-making stakes Beldame and Spinster and Lady's Secret. Fillies rarely run 1 1/4 miles. Zenyatta has run 12 times and only three have even been as far as 1 1/8 miles. That is our classic filly distance. Rachel has already won at 1 3/16 miles over males on a track Borel said she didnt care for.

Steve Haskin 25 Aug 2009 12:11 AM"

Jason says to Greg:

Greg: I dont think who wins the Travers changes anyones mind on how they feel before or after the race. Nobody can predict the future.

----------------------------------

Jason,

Your talkin out of both sides of your mouth. Recently, you told us "RA is going to win HOY". I think that's "predicting the future"...wouldn't you say?

I want to see Rachel hook up with Careless Jewel....

What a shame! Run Rachel against older males,those people that own that filly are a bunch a idiots with lots of money,but they don't have a clue on how to manage a nice filly like that.They could keep her running against her own group age for the rest of the year,making lot of money without damaging her confident and risk of injury to her self for trying to hard against older horses,specially male ones. I'm also surprise of her trainer in going alone with that. I hope she still win that race,but I will not be surprise if she didn't even finish third. Young horses knows,and respect older ones.

Has anyone found another 3-yr old filly beside Busher to ever win against older males at 1 1/4 in a Graded Stakes? (I'm still thinking the ultimate game plan is if she whups 'em in the WW at 1 1/8 she'll go to the JGC)

LAZMANNICK, I was thinking the same thing, the great colts that won both the Travers and Woodward (as 3 year olds)...Damascus,  Holy Bull, Easy Goer, Arts and Letters, Buckpasser, Sword Dancer (and all but Holy Bull won the JGC,too) Now there's no chance of sweeping the 3...too bad.

Edward & JS...the Woodward's list of winners is a list of "who's who"...to see RA's name as a winner (at THREE) along side Forego, Spectacular Bid, Alysheba, Affirmed, Seattle Slew, Damascus, Cigar, Skip Away, Kelso, Precisionist, Mineshaft, et al is a huge deal. PS It's YOU guys who have made the Woodward a "lesser" race, not history.

JS: they've screwed around with the Travers, too.

1 3/4 miles 1864 to 1889

1 1/2 miles  1890 to 1892

1 1/4 miles 1893, 1894, 1897 and 1904 to present

1 1/8 miles 1895 and 1901 to 1903

Disappointed that RA will not run in the Travers as I will be there this weekend. The Woodward makes more sense as it is a 1 1/8 as opposed to 1 1/4. Regardless of the race, she will always be highly regarded.

I also think that she will be retired afterwards though I hope I am wrong on this one.

Let us not forget the way the Spa and NYRA rolled out the red carpet for Curlin in last years"s Woodward renewal. I'm sure the memory of Saratoga's streets festooned with burgundy and gold didn't hurt the closing weekend feature's chances as far as JJ was concerned (not to mention the almost unprecedented purse increase for RA's attendance). Assuming she shows up JCGC day at Belmont will, I think, be rewarded with a good crowd rather than the usual paltry attendance.

Jason,

    The reason it is absurd to ask her to go 1 1/4 against older horses, or even the top 3yr olds at this time in the year is simple. Not many have ever won. They seem to win more at longer distances like 1 1/2 plus, like Shuvee did in her 2 gold Cups. The JCGC, is honestly where i think JJ is taking Rachel, and if that is your major goal, why on earth would you risk, everything, including her health and reputation by racing her in the Travers, when you could get just as good, or better of a race in the JCGC. I am not JJ by a long shot, bu if he is planning the Gold Cup, Rachel will be doing something that not many female horses ever do, which is beating older males, plus the top 3yr old in that division, at 1 1/4, all in one race. The Woodward on paper is the better prep, because she gets to go her best distance in her first test against older horses, and as an added bonus if she wins, she becomes the first filly to do so. It would give her a good prep for either a race with Zenyatta if she decides to come east, or for what will probably end up being the east coast BCC, in the JCGC. All everyone needs to do is back off Jackson and be patient.

“I sent an e-mail overseas to talk to the owner and racing officials,” McLaughlin said. “We will nominate (Asiatic Boy) to the Pacific Classic (gr. I), which will be run on the synthetic the day after the Woodward, to give ourselves an option. Nobody really wants to face Rachel Alexandra these days, and to think we have to give her eight pounds is a little tough on us older boys. But we’ll discuss our options and keep them open.”

These words came from McLaughlin and should tell you the whole story.  Nobody wants to face a horse they can't beat and right now there is no horse living and probably none dead right now that can beat Rachel.  I have sat here and read all 168 post on this blog and I am simply amazed at what I am reading.  Rachel is never going to see a 10 horse field again.  She is likely to never see 5 horses face her at any given time. Why? Because right now there is more money in avoiding Rachel.  Why run your very good horse against her when you can avoid her and maybe win a race somewhere else.  Do I want to see Quality Road take on Rachel you bet who doesn't.  But no one including QR wants any piece of Rachel right now.  The horse can fire a 145 any time she wants or needs to and they aren't making many of those types of horse present or past. Some of you want to see her go 1 1/4 ? What for ? So she can win by 25 ?  Rachel has never lost going over a mile and you don't have to be a genius to figure out no one is going to make up 6 to 15 lengths on rachel going another 1/8th of a mile.  But its something for cry babies to hang onto so enjoy yourself.  The Woodward is a perfect spot for her because so far the 3 year old horses have proven to be no match for her.  I want to see how experienced older stakes winners handle the greatest 3 year old ever.  For those of you that want to see her at 1 1/4 watch where she is 200 yards after the race and look where the competition is that will give you some idea.

Just a couple points...

I don't understand why anyone thinks she can't get 1 1/4. Her 1 3/16 race came off two weeks rest out of the 13 hole against boys for the 1st time and she had a barn change. And on a track she alledgedly didn't handle. I dont believe MTB would have gotten her with the extra distance(but that's merely my opinion). I thought it was a great performance and gave me zero indication she can't handle the added distance. I think what's scary is that I believe she is a much better horse today than she was then. Her Haskell was incredibly impressive and I think it's doubful than any horse, let alone another 3 yr old would have beaten her that day. I understand the point about 1 1/4 being what classic horses are judged by however I think in this case, it makes no difference. I highly doubt anyone, including the voters, will care if she continues with her win streak.

I also think the race that people want to see is RA and Zenyatta. Not RA and QR or Rachel in the Travers. That is the race. It isn't going to happen but that's the one everyone wants.

Hold Me Back and Warrior's Reward? Does she have to beat every 3yr old in training? Those two wouldn't be able to see her finish at any distance.

I'm disappointed Rachel won't run in the Travers.  It would have been a great step up in challenging her ability, to see her step up to each new challenge and overcome it is a mark of her greatness.  It would've been a challenge for distance and a challenge from a new, very highly regarded competitor.  Every time she runs it's a thrill and, very selfishly, I wanted her to run because I get to be there to watch.

Seems MTB will not be showing up for the Travers. This did not come as a surprise to me, with the surgery and all that. I think they were always going to look for the easier spot for him.I would have loved to see him in the race, but to be honest I didn't really give him much chance to win. He ran a good derby, but the stars were aligned that day.

I think they made the right choice by racing her in the Woodward I agree she will race against older males right and even though the field may be as interesting as the Travers is she puts in her bid for Horse of the Year beating the older males and no mare or filly has ever won the Woodward so she makes history at the same time.

I am still upset that the Haskell this year was not televised! I go every year and tape it last year I believe was the 1st year it was not televised. I would have thought with the Belmont and Preakness that ESPN would have squeezed in such a nice field of talented horses. I hope if Zenyatta and Rachel race (doubt they will) but I hope that ESPN can fit that race somewhere to help the sport promote greatness in the sport.

Lazmannick, I agree that it is a shame what the NYRA has done to the Woodward.  Actually, with the advent of the Marlboro Cup it began to lose it's distinctive place as THE definitive race for honors as the best horse in New York and the rest of the east coast for that matter. Then NYRA tacked it on to Saratoga's schedule which further diminished the race's importance.  It's still important, no doubt, but not what it was!

They are doing the right thing with MTB. He would have ran his eyeballs out regardless. I wonder if this was happening all along?

Sort of on topic/sort of off: I just had an opportunity to see RA in the August Vogue.  Man, is she a pretty filly.  Also, a pretty BIG filly.

IMO, the colours she chose to wear were way prettier than most of the rest of the stuff in the magazine.

Scarletandgreypimpernel: Travers is the mid-summer Derby, has been for, oh, ever. Woodward was once an important race. No longer. Hasn't been for a while, as the economies of the game force most of the great 3-year-olds to retire to the breeding shed, thus the 3-year-old races are more important to breeders.

Best analogy is college basketball. Its quality has dropped for years as the really good players go directly to the NBA. Option now is for the youngster to compete one year and then move on.

The best thoroughbreds retire at 3, maybe 4 if an owner wants to see them run.

I'm not going back to any past lists of winners of either event, I'm talking about the present.

Woodward is now just another Grade 1 dirt race at nine furlongs for 3 and up, like the Donn, Goodwood, Stephen Foster and Whitney. How many mid-summer Derbies are there? Which would you rather win?

LDP: You make a very good point regarding soundness and it's certainly part of the puzzle the breeders must take into account. And they have. Ghostzapper has a full book (thanks Adena) at $125,000 live foal and Curlin is priced at $75,000. That's how you keep score in this business. Can fees change? Of course. Both horses outran their pedigrees, so they'll stand on their own. Let me know when Curlin throws runners better than Ghostzapper.

With Asiatic Boy probably out and Bullsbay in, I think it makes a better race.  Bullsbay has the same running style as RA and will make for a very exciting stretch run.  Da Tara is worthless and will set the pace, Cool Coal man might try and make a middle move, but it will come down to heart, talent, timing, and a likeness to the track.  I can't wait!

Marcia makes a great point... If Jess didn't buy Rachel we wouldn't be having all this fun here because Hal Wiggins and the owner was of the old school that girls shouldn't compete against the boys...

Can you imagine not being able to witness the type of year Rachel is having because of not wanting to run against the colts?

Which leads me to a question... What is this notion that fillies should not compete against colts?

Something about its too rough for the fillies... getting bounced around... aren't they all over 1,000 pounds or so... what the fillies never bounce around together in their races?

Granted a small 900 pound filly would have it tough with a 1200 pound colt.. but in Rachels case she is as big as most of the boys...

Maybe they don't want to subject a filly to the colts crude paddock humor!

I think if she wins the Woodward its off to the Jockey Club Gold Cup... that would be the next logical raising of the bar to 1 1/4 against older horses...

Everybody could come to that party, Quality Road, Zenyatta, Mine That Bird, Summer Bird, and for Zenyatta the 1 1/4 favors her more than the Beldame at 1 1/8...

The great thing is if Rachel could win the Jockey Gold at 1 1/4 then Jess would have a better idea of what she could do in the Breeders Classic and if she runs and does NOT win.. he could always fall back and say it WAS the plastic...

If Rachel could pull all that off there is space for her likeness on Mt. Rushmore just to the right of Lincoln.

Jason, I agree with your thoughts and this blog 100%.  

I wanted to see her in the Travers because I thought 1 1/4 against 3YO colts would be a bigger test than 1 1/8 against older horses. I truly want to see if there are any limits to this horse.

But, win either one and she reaffirms how clearly exceptional she is. Lose either one and she isn't diminished in my eyes in the least - she's already had a long campaign and done more in seven months than some have done in a career.

da3hoss: The last time they fooled with the Travers was 1904. I think most would agree that was a very long time ago. How long? The Cubs wouldn't nail down their last championship for four more years! And everyone knows how recent the Cubs are (embracing full disclosure, I really am from st louis.)

da3hoss:

I agree with your sentiments about the Woodward.  It is still a prestegious and important race, and should be.....I think what maybe tarnishes it a bit now in terms of importance is the fact that it is the second G-1 race for older horses at 1-1/8M at Saratoga (Whitney).....If there was only the one, the field might be that much tougher.....None of the males slated to go this year compare to many of the greats that have won it in the past.....It should be returned to late Sept. or early Oct.

LDP

You're right about asking a 3 y-o filly to tackle G-1 older males on dirt at 1-1/4M.....It is an improbable task and shouldn't be asked.....I don't know other than Busher many years ago if it has ever been accomplished by a 3 y-o filly.....As I stated in an earlier post, I believe that Princessnesian in 1968 was the last older filly-mare to accomplish it.....Shuvee's back-to-back win in the JCGC were at 2-miles.....a different distance and perhaps different tactics.....for now, the Woodward is an imposing task for Rachel.....hope she does well.

Steve,

    You can't compare runners as of now Curlin just got into stud, and done covering his first mares. Let me know when Zapper actually has another winner. He has had one so far, and one stakes winner in the same horse. Smarty has had more winners than that this year. Curlin will make a better sire and was a better racehorse.

DONT ANYBODY KNOCK WARRIOR'S REWARD.

THAT HORSE BEAT MUNNING AND WAS GIVEN A HIGH BEYER

WE KNOW HE HAS BEEN SUB PAR LATELY but he most likely be ready to bring his A GAME TO THE TRAVERS.

HIS BEST IS TOP OF THE LINE

No surprise at all with MTB.

Knew it the minute the owner opened his mouth.

""""""""""

Even this crap with Mine That Bird.

All the talk of how 'minor' the surgery was, how quickly the surgery was performed, the clean scoping and clean bill of health from the MD, the 'thumbs-up' workout according to Chip,......

But now today this crap about his throat, re-scoping, not commiting to the race.

Does it not seem that ground-work is being laid for a change of plans.

""""""""""

I'm not a Vet/MD so I guess I not supposed to say anything.

What a joke.

Steve from st louis

Wasn't that around the last time the Cubs won the orld Series?

Hey Steve from st louis

I bet you think that I'm not a bb fan especilly after I missed your comment about the Cubs.

the woodward has lost its mojo ? try selling that to someone who is buying. take a look at the winners over the last 35 years ! give me a break ! and now some of you are saying she will not be facing any good g1 winners? huh? just sit back and enjoy the ride to 17 in a row !

Virgil Fox,

    I don't see what the problem is?  Mine that Bird had minor surgery eleven days ago, Horses who have this surgery have been back in a week, some it takes longer to heal, The Vet. exam  revealed a "small spot on the left lateral border of the epiglottis," leading to the decision not to run.  If he isn't perfect, Then why chance it?  You say this is "Crap", I don't see your reasoning at all...

LAZMANNICK.  I think you can add the Santa Anita Handicap to the list of 1 1/4 races never won by a mare.  The year was 1990.  McAnally decides to skip the Santa Margarita in favor of the Santa Anita Handicap with Bayakoa.  This is despite the fact that he very publically announced that the only way ANY mare can win at 1 1/4 against the males is if she has an easy lead (Probably channeling visions of Lady's Secret).  Enter Ruhlmann a very quick horse (I think he may have won the BC Mile at some point), Criminal Type, and the closer Flying Continental.  Despite getting a weight break Bayakoa gets blasted at odds of 4/5 finishing dead last.

What a difference a year makes.  Did we not argue last year that the ONLY way of HOY for Zenyatta was through Curlin at classic distances (1 1/4) despite her running a schedule similar to Azeri's HOY (Leaving CA 2x and NEVER facing males).  

Are we saying that we only give girls HOY if it is a weak year for the males?  I don't remember who Azeri was up against but Lady Secret seemed to handle her foes (Percisionist/Turkoman) on the field.  And we all know who Personal Ensign was up against as far as male competion for HOY.  

Wow.  Condemning a 3 year old filly for running against a field of G1 winning older males?

What exactly has Quality Road done?  He's never run past 9 furlongs, Rachel has and won against males.

First she was condemned for only facing 3 yr olds, now she's condemned for NOT facing only 3 yr olds.

I'm cheering for both Kensei and RA, and feel they both have excellent chances of winning.  

The Beldame is the perfect race for both Rachel & Zenyatta.  Favored distance for both and on an honest track.  But the LAST thing the Mosses want this year is to face Rachel.   They'd rather beat the same modest stakes quality runners over and over again.  

Laz: If you are a Cubs fan, you must have an (one of my favorite horses to compete against Seattle Slew) Iron Constitution. The Cubs just keep spending money (their payroll is more than three times what the Cardinals' is)and breaking North Siders' hearts. Pinella is obviously manic depressive; his highs are too high and his lows are understandable.

We Cardinal fans (now with Smoltz) love our team competing every year. We may not win it all, but we play a hard nine and spend wisely under TLR, Lou's Tampa boyhood friend. My sister lives in Chicago and her whole childhood was based on Cardinal red. Now, she loves the Cubs. Hey, all families have these problems.

Whats going on with Kentucky Derby.

Alotof slow horses are winning the race lately.

AKentucky derby winner ducking a race

SHorten the distance in KD so a faster horse can win

Steve

I think that without a doubt year-after-year St. Louis fans always show up and I believe (I know I'll get some arguments) that St. Louis is baseball grail.  I used to travel to St. Louis alot (work) and was always amazed at the feeling people have towards their Cards.

You also have one of the true stars in the game and I for one think that if anyone can pull off the triple crown at some time it is Albert.  Great aquisition in Holoday.  I know Glaus was injured but it will be interesting to see if he can contribute.  Smoltz was tough in his first start.  Hope he carries on.

Greg J.

OK, OK.

Maybe a bit harsh.

The health of the horse is priority one, of course.

Guess I am just dissapointed, after hearing a number of 'thumbs up' comments from the MTB camp and the vets about:

- how 'minor' the surgery was

- how quickly he seemed to recover

- vet's words after scoping "perfect"

- how good the workout was (from Chip)

- missing one or two days of training not being a big deal (from Chip)

- still on track for the Travers (from Chip)

I'm really not a big fan of Mine That Bird, although I have no reason to dislike him.

Like I said, perhaps I'm just dissapointed, after hearing all of the 'all systems are go' talk, then the 'hint' being dropped by the owner the night prior to the

'scratch', and, wouldn't you know it, less than 24 hours later, all systems are NOT go.

I know stuff happens.

I realize that the horse could have been clear yesterday and presented a symptom/complication today. Happens all the time.

If, in fact, it was their intention to skip the race, so be it.

It's their horse.

They can do what they want.

I'll survive.

Peace

Housebuster:

Yeah.  I should have mentioned the SA Hdcp. Bayakoa again proves the point about degree of difficulty.....Rachel isn't going to have an easy time of it, neither will Zen if she takes on the boys.

Draynay, didn't you just say last week that you guaranteed that QR would scratch out of the Travers and follow RA to the Woodward to get horse of the year honors? YOU DID and now you post that QR is not going to follow because nobody wants to face RA. DUDE pick a path and stick with it quit changing with the Saratoga weather.

Back in 2001 when he was a rookie, Albert Pujols used to come into my retail store in downtown St. Louis with his best bud, Placido Polanco, a long-time friend of mine. Albert was  a great, down to earth guy, who later gave me a game-used bat from his first All-Star game as a rookie.

He was someone I would call a friend, giving me his cellphone number and always entertaining the people who would see him in my store.

After he signed his big contract, three years later, he was a changed guy. His wife, DeDe (Deidre) was very suspicious of those who wanted to get close to Albert and he stopped coming in.

My true fear is that he's no different than the rest of baseball nobility and his name will soon surface as being involved with performance inhancing drugs. I have no evidence, but his career numbers are juust so amazing, just say this observer is skeptical.

Greg J, even though Jason consistently takes your money (LOL) you are right on this one.

Different time frames for healing with people and animals.

Just get someone talking about their knee surgery and you'll hear 50 different war stories from all 50 people.  Then get more than one Doc involved and you get even more variation in the recovery period.

MTB WON THE KENTUCKY DERBY, he has plenty of time to make money for these guys. Not like he's retiring next year, barring injury. Some of the others? Who knows?

According to everything I've heard?

Zenyatta isn't doing ANYTHING re Rachel, until AFTER the BC.

Anna House fiesta and auction tonight, a worthy cause to all of you out there wanting to help the backside workers and their kids.

steve from sl, sorry to hear you have a Cubs fan in the family, maybe an intervention? Like you said, we all have some dysfunctional elements. How bout the Rockies? 2 games out of it after last night (my Rocky Mt high relatives).

steve from st louis, look at it this way. Maybe Pujols is juiced, but probably the pitchers are too. Call it square.

steve from st louis

Interesting about Albert.  I think that deep down, if you're a good, down to earth person that quality always stays with you, even if you change or don't always show it.....One of the problems with BB now is always going to be the stigma or the perceived notion that drugs are involved, that you can't be that good without some kind of enhancement.  Its too bad, but that's the way it is....When MTB won the Derby and with a trainer that not many had ever heard of, one of the first things that came to mind with a lot of people (myself included because I knew MTB) was that something was up and in the back of my mind I started thinking that in two or three days we might possibly have another Derby winner.  I'm glad I was wrong and I think I was irresponsible thinking that way, but that's human nature at times.

Tim: Rockies are going to win that division. Another member of the tribe, Jason Marquis, is tough as nails. Dodger fans like Carlos and others, I apologize. You know we still love Joe.

History may be looking to repeat itself. Could it be? Da Tara wire-wire to take down RA just like she slapped Big Brown all over the track last year. It's gonna be like John Fogerty sang "deja vu all over again"!!

Virgil Fox, if you owned the second leading North American money winner, and he had surgery for his breathing, and you saw something suspicious and had to take him off his meds in order to race, what would you do? What is the absolute right thing to do for the horse?

Seems like just a little while ago another trainer, of the favorite, saw something "suspicious" the morning of the first Saturday in May....and didn't run...thank God.

Virgil Fox,

    No problem, I really think Mine that Bird's connections would have loved to have been in the Travers, I think the race fell right into his style, Too Bad, It maybe would have quieted a few naysayers, but, Now we will have to live with that for a while longer...

Steve from St. Louis,

    I find it funny about Smoltz,  For my Red Sox, He was great the first time through the line up, Then, Second time they hit him lights out.  The Red Sox higher ups couldn't even notice he was tipping his pitches?  Now, We pick up Wagner?, Some bad choices for my Sox, But still have faith this year, Dice K is coming back, Wakefield is Back, The bats are heating up, We will be there at the end, Umm, Would love to see a rematch of 2004 and same outcome :)

Tim G.,

    I will get redemption with "Zensational"....Mark my words, lol...

VIRGIL FOX

You're wrong!

LDP

I totally agree with you. Also,RA does deserve the most respect possible,like Zenyatta.

Geez, Virgil Fox, you sound really venomous about Chip Wooley doing the right thing about Mine That Bird.  He said all along that they were going to scope him today and then decide.  I'm very disappointed he's not running.  I'm driving 7 hours to go to the Travers and MTB was part of the reason but, first and foremost, take care of the horse!!!  He'll be around to run for awhile and if he's not in top shape he shouldn't run.  He's a game little guy and would give his all and come up damaged.  I applaud his connections for taking care of him no matter how disappointing it is for me.  I sure am glad I didn't hear whatever you had to say the morning the scratched I Want Revenge - that was probably really ugly.

Mike Relva

Wrong about what or which part exactly?

That MTB camp intention was to skip the Travers?

Yes, I could very well be incorrect in making that assumption.

Despite all signs from the trainer enthusiastically pointing to a start in the Travers, the thought only entered my mind when, yesterday, the owners mentioned not commiting to the race just yet - before the "spot" appeared or was detected (or reported to the media).

Hey, I'm human.

It would have been nice to have MTB in the field.

I understand that a test was performed and a complication was discovered.

Just seemed off to me that, after a number of encouraging reports, that, the ownership suddenly released what seemed to be an 'escape clause' even before the "spot" was discovered.

Just curious.

Human nature.

Of course I wish them all health and good luck wherever they land.

Rachel Alexander ultimate goal ? Meydan : In 2010 it will become the new home of the Dubai World Cup, and as such, the new global home for elite horseracing. It will attract the best thoroughbreds, owners and racing nobility from around the world.

www.meydan.ae/racecourse

Tiznowbaby: Your so right. It's why no one really cares at all about football juicing. The NFL gets a free pass from the public where baseball is called before Congress.

Greg J, he's betting a 100g's? That's about what you're down to him right? LOL.

Seriously, good start to the pick 4 at the Spa a 16.00 winner in Wildcat Nation, I'm giddy.

Tidy little payoff in all the exotics and the win too.

Virgil is probably checking for bruising about now.

Yes the Rockies are going to win their division. Amazing turnaround after replacing the manager. Now if they can just calm down the Bronco fans. LOL

The UofL and our poor fellow horse owner? Well that's just a sad mess and the library flooded on top of it.

Greg: Dave Duncan is a savant as far as tipping pitches is concerned. Let's face it, poker has become a sport because of all the facial and body language "tells" on which the better plays can pick up. Pitching is no different. Supposedly, A.J. Burnett was e-mailing every pitch the other night. Once someone on the bench or in the video room   picks up on that, that player is toast.

schabelli, I picked da'Tara last year for the Belmont, but no way is he going to beat RA at 1 1/8...

Greg J, yeah poor JS got smacked down hard his first outing with us and it never really got better...I'm glad he's doing well now back in the NL, I thought he was a class guy...Wagner will be fine...he just speaks it like he sees it...can't blame a man for that.

I'm super glad to see TW back...and bummed my tickets to Fishercats vs Seadogs is Sunday and not Saturday when Dice K pitches AA up here in NH...

It is really amusing to watch what RA's sequential successes does to the endless list of "next challenges" people think she must conquor...and to prove what??? Without even knowing what she has left in the tank, RA has accomplished SO MUCH this year that she could take the rest of the year off and not have another horse come close to reaching the bar she has set.  She could even loose one at this point and justifiably have it written off as a bad day.  If any horse ends up coming close to her caliber this year, they are going to have to work very very hard to get there.

fili41: You won't see Rachel Alexandra run in Dubai. Meydan will have an artificial surface, so no dirt. If Jackson won't seen her to the Breeders' Cup on artificial dirt, he won't send her halfway across the world either.

Jason: A good idea for an upcoming blog - the future of artificial dirt on the BC and horse racing in general. Sure the BC will be back on dirt next year, but I have a feeling down the road that all tracks will go to synthetics. Will the "dirt" horse give way to the all-purpose runner who can run as quickly on grass as on synthetic?

Actually, LDP, I don't think Jackson is heading to JCGC with Rachel.  It's too close to the Woodward.  I think he's heading Rachel to the Beldame, which makes much more sense for her, especially if Rachel wins the Woodward against older males.  Take her to the Beldame, face her off against older females and what's left for her to prove this season?  She can have a good few months off after that, come back as a 4yo and work towards the Breeders Cup Classic in 2010 at Churchill.  Either she can have an easy season next year like Zenyatta has done this year, or she can work to break Peppers Pride's win record and become not only one of the top fillies to ever race, but one of the top horses period.  She can face Quality Road next year and any of the 3yos that come back as a 4yo.  I don't think I Want Revenge will be back this season, if he comes back it'll most likely be next year and those are the only top 3yo colts that she hasn't faced this season that she can face next year.  She's beaten the Kentucky Derby winner and the Belmont Stakes winner.  There isn't a lot left in the 3yo division for her. That's why I think she's best suited to go to the Woodward over the Travers, and why she'll head to the Beldame after the Woodward.

I read a comment above where Da'Tara was referred to as "worthless". I find the word incredibly offensive when referring to a beautiful and talented athlete like Da'Tara. I know he's had issues since the Belmont, but please show some respect. There is no need to be insulting to any TB. They're all lovely creatures who give us a lot of pleasure. Poor Da'Tara didn't even get any respect, or press, when he won the Belmont, one of the most difficult races on the planet. Everything was about Big Brown and his issues although God knows he had many. Also, I just read about Mine That Bird not being in the Travers. What's going on? Now I'm worried. First, he's doing great, he'll most probably be racing on Saturday. Now, there's something wrong and he's out of the Travers? OMG I hope he's sound and healthy and it's something really minor like they say. I love my little Bird.

Jason,

To say that the synthetic experiment has been a failure is the understatement of the year.

VIRGIL FOX

Wrong about MTB,that's what! I'm inclined to believe that his scratch is necessary. If you remember he's been one of the most durable horse's all year. Unlike so many favorites that fell by the wayside due to health issues,he's proven himself for soundness. The trainer is on the correct page,he's doing what's best for the horse,not the fans!

Why would anyone try to improve dirt? It is what it is.

I am ALL for the end of the 'synthetics era'!

Well said Jason !  Get rid of that plastic stuff !  Horses are no safer and turns California into the Toledo Mudhens of racing.  Without that plastic stuff more horses would be heading west.

Jason--AND The Moss's can ignite the shut-off switch by going East, and closing out with Rachel.....Amen!

Might as well pile on:...Get Big Z outta Dodge....get a pair like Jess and make a stand, on DIRT, v RACHEL....they're a nose away from being irrelevant, really, lose to Rachel is you're gonna lose....and DIRT.....Jackson/Moss's can help shut down synthetics....

Early Bluue Ribbon Stone Cold Mortal Lock PARLAY!!!.....Summer Bird in Travers....BIG....AllIcansayiswow in the Del Mar Mile, Gr II tough field gonna take a filly.....

Rechelle,

    The Beldame and JCGC are on the same day, so how do you get that the JCGC is too close? An end in the JCGC, would be just his style, if she won the Woodward. He is doing this race as a prep for either IMO. To get her ready for the Beldame would be if Zenyatta raced in it, and the Gold Cup is like this years Classic in the east. We know she likes Belmont, her previous connections thought she could get the distance, and i have no reason to think otherwise, so why not cap off a season with a race in the Gold Cup. A loss would not diminish her in any way, but a win would push her into the stratousphere. Going in the Beldame w/o Zenyatta would prove nothing, if she wins the Wood. Why would you go against older males, only to drop down a step? A loss in the Beldame, would do her less good in the HOTY campaign, then a loss in the Gold Cup. The Gold Cup offers, from where i stand a better reward and even less of a blow if she loses. The Gold Cup would be my choice if i were JJ, if i truely wanted HOTY.

Ida Lee, in a graded stakes race, Da'Tara is a worthless runner.  Look at his record.  Since the Belmont, he has run the Jim Dandy (came in 7th), he has run the Travers (came in 5th), he has run the Jerome (came in 6th) and he ran an optional allowance claiming race and came in 3rd.  Before his Belmont win, his record was no better.  His only other win was his maiden race.  Then he ran an allowance race (came in 3rd); he ran the Florida Derby (came in 9th); he ran the Derby Trial (came in 5th) and he ran the Barbaro Stakes and came in 2nd.  This horse has no reason to still be running.  He has the pedigree that he should be in a breeding shed, hoping to pass on his sire's brilliance.  The best thing to do for this horse, who is a gorgeous horse but does not have the heart of a RACEHORSE, is to retire him.  He doesn't want to run, he's made that obvious.  It's cruel to keep forcing him to do something he doesn't want to do.

    First of all, don't discount the chances of Hold Me Back this weekend.  I agree Quality Road is the horse to beat, but if he's short on conditioning for whatever reason, I think HMB has the best shot to beat him.

    Anyway, I don't think it's a stretch to say more people would rather see QR vs. RA than Zenyatta vs. RA.  In a lot of ways, I think it would be more interesting to see QR vs. RA because of their similar running styles.  To see 2 top class horses battling the whole way around the track would be not only interesting, but enjoyable to see.  The strategy would be interesting to see how it unfolds.  Who would move 1st, who could sustain their run the longest, etc.  With Zenyatta vs. RA, it would pretty much come down to would RA be taxed enough on the front end for Zenyatta to close on her the last 1/8 of a mile.  Their strategies would be cut and dry and there wouldn't be any suprises as to how the race would unfold.  The only interesting part of the race barring any unforseen circumstances (bad break, traffic, etc.) would be the last 1/8 of a mile.  That's my opinion anyway.

Rachel Alexandra has beat one of the weakest crop of 3yr old colts on record.

When you are beating the fourth place finisher in the Sunland Derby ("Mine that Bird"), your not beating "anybody".

This colt "Mine That Bird" will go down in history as another "Giacomo". He won't win another race.

A quote from Leonard Black (co-owner of "Mine That Bird") after winning the Kentucky Derby:

"This was not on our list," Black said, "until they called us and told us we were eligible."

Black said they had targeted the Lone Star Derby at Lone Star Park in Texas before Churchill Downs called to point out that they had enough graded stakes earnings to qualify in a 20-horse field and ask if they were coming.

This quote really sums up what the connections thought of the colt after finishing fourth in the Sunland Derby in New Mexico.

The triple crown was won by 3 different thoroughbreds.

Jess is "strategically" placing Rachel Alexandra against inferior colts. He wants no part of Quality Road and no part of Zenyatta in the Breeders Cup.

Jason's outspoken comments are the stuff of interesting blogs future: (1) the synthetic experiment is a failure and tracks will begin to revert back to dirt. You'd think he'd been paling around with Jess Jackson and come under his influence except he also mused to the blogger that felt the stud fees for Curlin demonstrated that Jess Jackson was motivated purely - or, maybe better, primarily - by sportsmanship and not profit (2) "BTW, Why isn't Curlin still racing ? Hmm ..."  Jason's his own man. He's much younger than Steve Haskins, whose blog responses are fewer and more circumspect, and much more likely to interact with his bloggers who try to bait him into responses,  particularly Draynay who likes to stir up a little controversy to make things interesting by eliciting retorts from Bloodhorse correspondents and blog contributors as he did in this blog with his comment about fan preference for RA's competition, i.e., Quality Road over Zenyatta. Jason does keep it interesting with his columns. As for RA, what sportsman there is in Jackson -and he does stand out among today's crop of profit-driven businessmen more concerned with the breeding stall than the track as an owner of some exception to the norm -he wants to test her against older males to gain her HOTY honors and an unparalleled racing legacy for a filly. RA has already beaten the best 3 year old colts, and Quality Road is still untested at a 1 1/4 and thus somewhat an unknown, unproven entity. It's safer to begin the older male experiment at a distance she's proven at, a 1 1/8, where she gets weight from the older males. From her effort there Jackson and Asmussen can gauge whether the filly is up to a 1 1/4 test against the older males in the Jockey Gold Cup or should instead turn her sights to the Beldame with the hopes of luring Zenyatta east into the fray. Either way Jackson has cultivated the image of a sportsman interested primarily in testing his filly on the track to gain a true measure of her greatness. With Curlin he tried the Man of War before he decided on the Arc so why not test the waters with the Woodward before putting the filly to the test at a 1 1/4 against the older males - the distance which will truly prove her greatness. If RA is not up to that, there will be the chance of luring Zenyatta to the Beldame or maybe even the 1 1/8 Clark at Churchill in November which will include older males as well. Such a November match up would take some of the sting and disappointment out of not seeing RA against the older males this year at a 1 1/4 in the Jockey Gold Cup and still possibly garner for her HOTY honors. There's plenty of time next year to try an older, more fully developed Rachel at a 1 1/4 against the males culminating with the BC Classic test at Churchill Downs. Maybe will even see her on the grass if Jackson wants to demonstrate her versatility and add more luster and renown to Rachel's racing legacy. Just my .02 cents worth and, boy, has there been been plenty of that is this blog. Keep up keeping it interesting, Jason !

It's so interesting to know that somene has the inside information on what Jess Jackson thinks.

Landaluce, you comments are complete nonsense.

Jason, I am taking QR for the win and Capt. Candy in the Bishop with a Big Drama exacta box.

And in the Woodward Rachel wins by 8.

Landaluce, with a lot of affection for you, one thing about Giacomo and MTB, they did win the KD and no one else did their year!

MTB is the leading money earning male of all ages in North America right now (not counting Well Armed, who earned his in Dubai), and, he has the best record of 2009 for TC races (1-2-3), and, the horses that beat MTB in Sunland beat the 2008 Canadian 2 yr-old winner of 4/6 Champion...

You wouldn't want to own him?

PS Giacomo won San Diego Handicap (Gr II) in 2006. He retired with a record of: 16:3-2-5 $2,537,613

You would never have been a fan of Forego or John Henry at this stage of their 3 year-old year, and at this point in a 3 year old campaign in 2000 you'd have probably LOL at the suggestion a horse named Tiznow would win HOY. ;-)

I really don't know what Rachel Alexandra has to do to convince the people who keep saying she's beat "nobody" and is just an ordinary horse who couldn't even come close to Zenyatta or whomever their hero might be.  How Jackson wants no part of Zenyatta or Quality Road.  First off, Zenyatta is an incredible horse there is no denying that but she has her naysayers too.  How soft her campaign has been and beating up on the same horses, maybe so but she is still undefeated.  Zenyatta has never faced a horse that can go as fast as RA at 1 1/8 miles.  Never.  It is not a "foregone conclusion" that Z would when.  That's why we run races.  Quality Road...another brilliant horse but he has never gone beyond a mile and 1/8.  Why is everyone so sure this horse is a classic distance horse?  He runs like RA.  Think again.  The only time RA has been challenged was in the Preakness, coming out of the 13 hole and running incredibly fast fractions from there on.  She was sent to the front to get of out harm's way.

She doesn't need the lead to win, she can sit off the pace.  I really don't think we've seen the best of her yet. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, of course, but to not give credit to this brilliant filly is ridiculous.

Oh, but of course, she has beat nobody and the TC was won by 3 different horses.  RA has not lost this year.  She has shown brilliance every time she steps on the track.  She broke a stakes record while being eased the last 100 yards.  If she has such weak competition then she has accomplished plenty against the clock.  She's fast and that cannot be denied.  Everyone who hates her, hates her because of her connections and that's sad.  They just can't appreciate her and that's just too bad because it's not RA's loss but theirs.

Draynay

For once I agree with you.....Landaluce's comments are complete nonesense.....I always thought that Mine that Bird was a pretty good horse......a somebody, not a nobody.....

Way to go Dray.....

Monica I'm not sure anyone has said they 'hate' Rachel.  I didn't get that at all. She just isn't the end all and be all for some. We all have our favorites. Personally I appreciate what she's done as a race horse and think she's a beautiful animal. Does she have the flare and personality of some others? Probably not, but that's just like human beings. Some humans have ZERO personality.

There are others who get FAR less respect and 'love' than she does. Horses that are actually called names and to me THAT is hate. No true fan or horseman could ever hate a horse. They're Gods creatures and even though we many not like the fact that they bite or don't seem to have any 'try' or heart, no horseman HATES them, just dislike some of their habits. If you get to where you can no longer tolerate their behavior, you geld them if they're a stud or sell/give them to someone who 'clicks' better with them.

As an owner, most of us develop a connection and love for the horses. Those who see it as strictly a business don't survive in it for very long.

LANDALUCE:  GIACOMO DIDN'T FINISH SECOND BY 1 LENGTH TO A WONDER FILLY IN THE PREAKNESS. MTB HAS GOTTEN CLOSER TO HER THEN ANY HORSE SO FAR. THAT BEING SAID, THE CONNECTIONS OF MTB JUST FLINCHED. I THINK THE SARATOGA FRESH AIR, HANGING OUT WITH ALL THOSE SWELLS AND THE CONSTANT MEDIA PROMOTING OF QUALITY ROAD AS THE NEXT MONSTER SCARED THEM OFF. THE THROAT SURGERY IF FAIRLY COMMON AND CERTAINLY A CONSIDERATION BUT THOSE FOLKS JUST DUG THEMSELVES A DEEP HOLE.THE TRAVERS SET UP PERFECTLY FOR MTB. SMALL FIELD, HOT PACE AND A MILE AND A QUARTER. THE TRAINER SOUNDED LIKE HE WANTED TO RUN BUT THE OWNERS REMINDED ME A LTTLE LIKE TODD PLETCHER WITH THE HORSES WELFARE SPEECH  AFTER THE FLORIDA DERBY AND THE GREY COLT NEEDED TO RACE LEADING UP TO THE KY DERBY. TRAVELLING TO NEW MEXICO FOR A PARTY IS PROBABLY MORE STRESSFUL ON THE HORSE THEN RACING IN THE TRAVERS. GOING INTO THE GOODWOOD MTB WILL HAVE HAD 1 RACE IF 4 MONTHS. WITHOUT THE TRAVERS HE NEEDS ANOTHER RACE BEFORE THE GOODWOOD. I SUSPECT THE OWNERS ARE NOW TRAINING MTB.  

LAZMANNICK,

     Wow, Could Draynay actually be standing up for Mine that Bird?  I doubt it, He will come back and say he was talking about "Landaluce's" last line, "Jess is strategically placing Rachel Alexandra against inferior colts. He wants no part of Quality Road and no part of Zenyatta in the Breeders Cup." He will agree with the first part of the comment, lol.  Just watch!  Even though I think "Landaluce's" whole comment was nonsense...

Tim G,

You'll have to forgive me for my outburst, so to speak.  I just don't get not giving this horse credit for what she has accomplished.  Maybe hate was too strong a word but for goodness sakes,  RA has done a lot this year!  It isn't as though she hasn't won but even her winning doesn't mean anything to some.

I've been around horse racing for over 40 years and I've seen a lot of horses but there are always stand outs and RA is one of them as is Zenyatta.  We are blest to witess their talent and ability.

THE PROBLEM FOR RA IN NOT RA. THE HORSE IS A MARVEL. HER PROBLEM IS HER CONNECTIONS AND MTB JUST DEVELOPED THE SAME PROBLEM. USUALLY WHEN HORSES HAVE PROBLEMS THERE ARE SOME HUMANS LURKING ABOUT.

Landaluce, agree with what others are saying. Plus dear, it's BLACH. If you know him you know he's low key and understated, sort of the perfect foil for Mark Allen, the more flamboyant and off the top of his head type.

Trust me you DON'T buy a horse for $400,000 run them in the BC and not even think about running them in the Derby.

You don't just 'run' them in the Derby on a whim, the fees aren't cheap. It costs $25,000 to enter and another $25,000 to start. If you nominated them before Jan 24th it was $600. from Jan24-Mar 28 it jumps to $6,000. After March 28th it cost $200,000 to supplement and be eligible for all three TC races, before the Derby. After the Derby it's $100,000 to supplement and be eligible for the remaining 2 TC races.

Doc isn't in the same echelon as the Sheikhs, the Coolmore group etc. So I'll state that there was a brainstorming session (his and Chip's brain and Mark's storming JUST KIDDING) Chip said he devised a new running plan after watching hours of film and I'm sure they discussed it. Granted they figured they'd give it a shot, chase the dream but this wasn't a back yard horse and they KNEW he was better than that finish in the Sunland Park Derby showed.

But isn't that what horse racing is all about? Chasing the dream?

My bet is they'd be as/more thrilled with the All American Futurity and a shot at winning the QH TC, THE MOST difficult feat in sports.

(Also, Landaluce? You do that filly an injustice. Also her trainer, the most ETERNALLY optimistic human being I've ever known).

Cowboy(lol)Bob. Wrong. Doc and Mark just flew into Saratoga the other day.

My friend in NM said they were on the news there and Mark was saying he didn't want to take any chances and HE was leaning towards NOT running him, but they were heading back there and would talk it over with Chip.

Doc is after all a DOC. This little gelding has a long future ahead of him and why be silly?

I KNOW for a fact that all living beings have different recuperative powers, it's my job to be aware of that. Something was a little off and WHY take a chance? One never knows what comorbidity can develop and what even minor complications can turn into.

This IS THEIR horse after all. THEY pay the bills and trainers are employees (albeit friends in some cases as well).

Most owners take a more active role in ownership, it's too much money involved NOT to. Add to that the emotional involvement and you have your answer.

COWBOY BOB

MTB's connections aren't afraid of anyone,period!

Greg J

I know.  Zebras don't change their stripes.....the thing is, we don't know whether they are black with white stripes or white with black stripes.....our little frined has a way of twisting words whichever way he wants to slant them.....however, sometimes it's fun playing like those entertainment reporters and just picking things out of context.

Rechelle,

You are so right about Da'Tara.  How he won the Belmont I don't know, but I do know that that was 15 months ago and now he appears to have soured on racing.  I can't believe they want to face Rachel Alexandra.  Could it be just a matter of coaxing by NYRA to fill out the field??  I think I would retire him instead.

Jackson made the Right call - Rachel has beaten up on all the boys except Quality Road. Now she can be the First in history to beat older males in the Woodward!

The great filly Ladies Secret came in 2nd in the Woodward in 1986!  No other filly has attempted it since, so let Rachel once again make history!

greg, his entire post was nonsense. I have no desire to kick a horse when he is down. surgery or any type of injury is a shame and I hope he gets better and they find a good spot to bring him back !

MIKE RELVA: I HOPE YOU ARE RIGHT. BUT IF THEY WERE THAT CONCERNED THEY WOULDN'T BE SHIPPING HIM TO NEW MEXICO ON A WING DING. WHATEVER THE PROBLEM THEY HAVE AN  UPHILL CLIMB. TIM G: YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE THERE TO TRAIN A HORSE. PLETCHER, ASMUSSEN AND SOME OF THOSE OTHER WHIZ BANG TRAINERS NEVER SEE MOST OF THE HORSES THEY TRAIN. [CELL PHONE-EMAIL AND SO FORTH]. SOMETIMES NOT HAVING EYES AND HANDS ON EVERY DAY IS A DISADVANTAGE. WE WILL NEVER KNOW BUT THERE IS SOMETHING AMISS IN THE MTB BARN AND I THINK ITS MORE THEN A SORE THROAT. I HOPE NOT BECAUSE I WANT THE LITTLE HORSE    TO BE HOTY.

Does anyone really take Draynay,or draynay seriously with his bi-polar  diatribes?...anyways,Landaluce: Spot-on.

anne.  I think Ladies Secret's fractions in the 1986 Breeder's Cup Distaff at 1 1/4 are from another world!  Yes that's right, the Distaff was originally

1 1/4. Probably one of the top 10 Horse races between the 1970's and current.  The Woodward distance certainly was within her reach as she could run all day.  Must have been a very special boy to have beaten her.  

THERE GO THE  HORSEMAN AT GULFSTREAM AGAIN CHANGING THE DISTANCE FOR THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH BACK TO 9 FURLONGS. NO HORSE can go 9 fur at that timeof year. just trying to stop fastest horseagain and give everyone achance to win. this helps the big better because he can afford to put junk in his ticket to grab pick 3 or pick 6 or super

SOME CRAPPY HORSE who can go distance but not run very fast will win that race

FOLKS: NOT TRYING TO BE REDUNDANT BUT I BELIEVE THE NOT RACING  RAMIFICATIONS ARE FAR MORE SERIOUS THEN THE THROAT LAYUP. PARTICULARLY WITH THIS NEW MEXICO BOONDOGGLE. TIME WILL TELL. THE HORSE IS PROBABLY GOING TO BE MORE CONFUSED THEN I AM.

The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) madates synthetics.  Pehaps we can have an on-line discussion with one of the board memebers (BO DEREK bderekchrb@verizon.net, unfortunately Dudley Moore has passed) and an equine researcher from the University of California Davis.  

Bob, take a breath.

You know those trainers you're talking about? I know that Todd is in touch with his stables every single day, just like HIS boss was back in the day. No they aren't right there, but virtual communication, yes they are. THEY are the TRAINERS, owners have varying degrees of interest and input, particularly when mapping out their future races. But you start trying to override the trainer on a day to day basis? LOL

Not ALL are like Jackson and think they should be responsible for planning out a horses every move. Most don't have that much savvy or TIME, WHY would I or any owner pay a trainer???

I know Leonard, have for many years. Not the type to run the day to day but the very important things? Yes he, like all owners want some kind of input and being a vet he knows just a wee bit more than most.

The horse is obviously an easy shipper, note the way Chip has hauled him all over the place. Personally? I think it's great for them to take him back to NM and show the appreciation to the fans and racing community there. They have really gotten behind the little guy and Doc especially has spoken of all the support he's gotten. I got copies of the main paper from a friend there and the gelding made the FRONT PAGE of a paper in their biggest city. The

sports page did a day by day tracking through the Triple Crown and everything he does is on the evening news.

When all is said and done, NM is their home and home track. The All American is a BIG deal to them. Plus Ruidoso is just a hop and a skip from their homes in Roswell. (not to mention that a major playe in RD Hubbard owns the joint).  

How fan friendly is this? I always admire those who remember where they came from. Doc has/had a number of studs standing at his place in Roswell and a lot of loyal people have bred their mares to them.

Wow, Ann Margaret just ran in the last race. Looks great and ran well for someone her age! (LOL)

Golly, Luce an endorsement from Carlos, LOL. What ya think Jason?

Jason, yes you want to meet Bo in person. Definitely a 10, STILL.

Get with Wayne or Mandella.

Oh Bob? It's THAN. I don't think the horse is or will be confused at all. How many trips has he made?

Plus it's beautiful in Ruidoso and a little high altitude hyberbaric style training and rejuvenation. He has been on a hectic schedule. Plus the cowboys are real and they actually wear cowboy hats all the time. live on ranches and KNOW how to ride a horse.

Maybe YOU should make the trip? A little treatment for your confusion, R&R?

IS BO DEREK A PETA CLOSET MEMBER ?

WISE RIVER RUNNING AT WOODBINE THIS SAT-time to show if track records mean anything

TIM G: THEN-THAN SO SORRY. THE CONFUSION ISN'T ABOUT SHIPPING TO NEW MEXICO. THE CONFUSION IS ABOUT NOT RACING. THE HORSE KNOWS THEY HAVE BEEN BUILDING TOWARDS A RACE AND WHEN IT DOESN'I HAPPEN I BELIEVE YOU PAY A PRICE.  LETS WAIT AND SEE HOW IT SHAKES OUT. I DON'T NEED TO MAKE THE TRIP, I LIVE CLOSE BY, OWN ANY NUMBER OF HATS, QUITE A FEW HORESES AND RIDE ENOUGH TO KNOW HOW.

The bottom line is, they picked an easier spot for RA. IMO she needed to win the Travers to seal up HOY. She's a freaky good filly and has beat up on the weak 3yo filly division and the weaker part of the 3yo colts (which is what someone as good as her should do). and so far, has avoided the better part of the 3yr olds. she had an opportunity to solidify her dominance of ALL 3 yr olds by running in the Travers at a classic distance. i STILL say, to BE the best, you have to BEAT the best. and she has NOT done that.

Bob

This "wing-ding" or "Boondaggle" or "party"  was planned and announced after the Belmont.  It was announced in the papers and evening news here.  It's thier way of thanking all the Fans who supported the horse.  I just wish I didn't have to work that day.  I'd drive the 2 1/2 hrs down to see him in person.  The connections are very Fan Friendly.  I don't believe the Winner of the Kentucky Derby connections have EVER given out the roses after the race to ordinary fans before.  Maybe that should become a tradition??  New Mexico is very proud of "our" Kenducky Derby Winner!!

Raybird:  good points. I'm on Mike Relva 'mode'. Bare with me. lol

Well, Rachel is Mr. Jackson's horse and if she were mine I would be forced to make the same tough decisions and spend the money, he has every right to run her a: where he wants and b:what they feel is the best distance for her at 3 yrs. old. I adore her and only hope its on live TV since I can't get there.  Admit I really felt at the time that if the Preakmess was a little longer she might have been caught by MTB so I think on the distance part they are doing what's best everyone.  She is almost everyone's darling and I think only the smallest minority wants to see her hurt or pushed beyond what she can do.  Go Big Rachel!

That is the worst part of this sport by far.  It's such a high risk career for jockeys.  Very very sad.  I hope the surgery goes well for Michael.

How very True, My thoughts go out to Michael Straight and his family...

R.I.P. "Im No Gentleman"...

I agree that Jackson picked an infinitely easier spot for RA.  I wanted to see her go against Quality Road, but I don't think that would have been Pletcher's preference because he doesn't seem certain that QR is fully cranked up yet, having just had one race and a sprint at that.  Yet, I think he's the only other horse in training that has been setting records this year...in his last two starts...and the only one potentially her equal. I hope that someday we will see RA and QR in a race together (not a match race, just in the same field).  I think we will then see what each of them is made of. I had hoped to see that in the Travers, but if it happens down the road, that's fine with me.  I just hope it happens.

Jason:  Arlington Park seems to have a dark,ominous cloud hanging over it this season.With the tragic incidents involving the young Michael Straight and the well-liked veteran Rene Douglas(snoopy),a few months ago,who's paralyzed from the neck-down. Hearts and Thoughts!!

Pam, honestly I don't know why Da' Tara is still racing.  He soured on it last year after the Belmont.  He's never run a good race since then.  I don't know, maybe if they put him in a sprint, he could pull off a win, but a stakes race for him is insanity.  He has the pedigree, he needs to be retired to stud.  There's no reason for him to be racing, it borders on cruel.

LDP, my mistake.  For some reason, I thought they were about a week apart.  Isn't the JCGC normally at the end of September and the Beldame a week later?  You're right, if the JCGC is on the same day, he may well aim her there.  I can still see her going to the Beldame though, depending on the field at the JCGC.  If Rachel wins the Woodward (which she will), she's going to have a hard time finding competition.  She already is, with Asiatic Boy being pulled from the Woodward.

Too true Jason. The young man and his brother are from the Saratoga area caught the racing bug at the Spa, apparently a very nice youngster.

Certainly he is in our thoughts and prayers.

Very concerning that this is the second such injury on the Poly at Arlington in a short time frame.

Sadly I see similar too frequently.

The comments are a little distraction from reality and my motivation for a little jovial back and forth, teasing people.

Bob, not really true. Otherwise how do you ever layup a horse? What happens when you have to scratch one? When they KNOW you're running them is when you take their feed away, when you take them to the detention barn, walk them up to the paddock.

Hey, I can send my friend over and you guys can rope some, do a little team roping? He wouldn't mind a little help shipping cattle either and the ranch is not too far from Roswell, it's kind of fun.

COWBOY BOB

I can see some of your points,thanks!

LDP, I've been saying for a while I thought the Woodward was a logical race to:

1. See if she can beat the older boys at her optimal distance of 1 1/8

2. If she can beat them easily...

3. then go take them all on in the JGC at 1 1/4!

That's how I would do it, and make history, too!

Thanks Jason for mentioning MS...so, so sad.

I can't wait 'til we start talking BC overall...just love Informed Decision.

I agree that the bickering seems pointless especially after hearing about Michael Straight--hope his surgery and all treatment is a success.

steve s---I don't see how Bo Derek could be a PETA member, closet or otherwise, since she was on Larry King specifically to debate a PETA leader a few years ago. I think it was during the uproar after the Barbaro injury.

Secretariatfan---Yeah, the Futurity post parade for MTB was announced quite a while ago. We are considering trying to make the ~550 mile drive from the D/FW area to see him as well. The connections do seem to be very fan friendly!

SERRETARIATFAN: MTB IS A RACEHORSE FIRST. FANS ARE DISAPPOINTED HE WILL NOT RUN IN THE TRAVERS.  I UNDERSTAND THE FANS ARE PROUD OF HIM IN NEW MEXICO BUT HE HAS FANS EVERYWHERE. THE TRAVERS WAS ON THE SCHEDULE LONG BEFORE THE NEW MEXICO TRIP. THINGS CHANGE ALL THE TIME. DEFEND IT ALL YOU WANT. IT LOOKS LIKE THEIR DUCKING THE RACE WITH A NOTE FROM THE NURSE BUT STLL WANT TO GO ON THE CLASS TRIP. IF HE REGAINS HIS DERBY/PREAKNESS FORM IT WILL BE SOMETHING TO SEE. YOU BUILD TOWARDS THE BREEDERS CUP WITH CONSISTENT TRAINING AND RACING. DO YOU THINK LUCIEN LAUREN WOULD HAVE SHIPPED SECRETARIAT BACK TO VIRGINIA WHILE IN SERIOUS TRAINING AFTER A MEDICAL SETBACK FOR FAN APPRECIATION DAY. GET SERIOUS MAN THIS WAS A POOR PLAN RIGHT FROM THE START. IT WOULD HAVE MORE MEANING NEXT YEAR AFTER MTB TAKES CARE OF ALL THE 3 YEAR BUSINESS AND MAYBE WINS THE CLASSIC. THIS IS NOT A FORWARD MOVE. IT WILL HURT THE HORSE.

In defense of Arlington Park, the first tragedy involved horses clipping heals.  This most recent accident had a horse suffer a heart attack and die.  I don't see the surface being the problem.  I do, however, personally hate "plastics."

Raybird

Well said.....Nothing against Rachel.  She is taking a big step as it is, but there is always going to be the stigma of Quality Road until she faces him.....Also the stigma of not running in a good 1-1/4M race although she can do that next year.....I think QR would be good enough to win the Woodward and probably Summer Bird and maybe even Kensei.....Winning the Woodward is a big step for Rachel, but if she loses then it is back to the drawing board.

Ted from LA

If I remember correctly, AP had a lot of problems with breakdowns when they first installed the new synthetic surface.....I haven't heard nearly as much about breakdowns lately, but I don't think that figures are made available.....It would be interesting if there was a report for it and all the synthetic tracks.....the only really good thing about the new surface is it eliminates off tracks, but there are many consistency changes based on weather and temperature.

TIM G: I LOVE YOUR COWBOY LINGO. HATE TO THINK WHERE YOU ARE FROM. SORRY I DON'T TEAM ROPE. THAT IS AN ARENA SPORT FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T MAKE A LIVING A HORSEBACK AND SWING A ROPE ON A DAILY BASIS. ALSO ON SHIPPING DAYS WE GENERALLY DON'T DO ANY ROPING BUT WE DO HAVE A BIG FEED WHICH IS WHAT YOU COULD PARTICIPATE IN. IN CONCLUSION,  ALL OF THE POINTS YOU MADE IN YOUR FIRST PARAGRAPH ARE TOTALLY WRONG. BEEN THERE DONE THAT. THE BETTER THE HORSE, THE MORE SENSITIVE THEY ARE TO THE SMALLIST CHANGES. THEY ARE WAY MORE SENSITIVE THEN PEOPLE. LIKE ALL SPECIES WHO RUN THEY NEED TO STAY FOCUSED ON THEIR TASKS WITH SHORT RECREATIONAL BREAKS. NOT A SIDE TRIP TO THE GRAND CANYON, CHANGING ALOT OF CONSISTENT ROUTINES THAT MAKE RACE HORSES COMFORTABLE.IS NOT ADVISED. NOTHING POSITIVE, EXCEPT MAKING THE FANS HAPPY WILL HAPPEN OUT OF THIS PR JUNKETT. THERE IS ALSO A FAIR AMOUNT OF RISK WITHOUT ANY GAIN. DON'T  WANT TO SOUND UNFRIENDLY SO IF YOU AND YOUR FRIEND WANT TO VISIT MY OUTFIT SOUTHWEST OF THE MTB FESTIVAL ON THE BORDER WE HAVE HORSES, ROPES, COWS, THE APPROPRIATE HEAD GEAR AND IF YOU DON'T HAVE A GUN WE'LL EVEN LEND YOU ONE. YEHAA

Such terrible news about the young jockey Michael Straight.  Here's hoping his surgery has the best possible outcome.

I was going to say something about a dark cloud over the Arlington meet, but Carlos in Cali beat me to it.  It's a shame, the tragic accidents will be what people remember about the meet.  (And right, Ted from LA, surface not to blame.)

LANDALUCE

I agree with DRAYNAY,you have zero reason in kicking a horse when he's down. MTB will win more races before he's done. You must be in a coma!

DRAYNAY

Thank you for what you said cause I know MTB has been a bone of contention for you,I REALLY APPRECIATE IT,THANKS!

rachel in the woodward is the best move(safest)for her.she seems suspect over 1 1/8mile probably her limit.no one should fault her for picking her g1 races that appears to look soft after all its girl against the older boys.but speaking about great dont forget rags to riches dispose of eventual hoty curlin in the race of champions the 1 1/2mile belmont stakes which touted one of the most quality fields seen in awhile so put a hold on the accolades for now end

The rush to synthetics and the subsequent experimentation reminds me of baseball's ill-thought designated hitter (dh) rule. Half use it, half don't. And it tilts the game off level. Same with synthetics. Let's go back to old-time hockey, err, horseracing. Ben Jones. Oats, hay, water. I'm tired.

The trip to NM and the Travers are irrelevant to each other. The Travers is this weekend, the AA is 9/7, what's the conflict?

My understanding is the plan was to take him back to NM after the Travers in preparation for the BC and the lead up to that. Seems like it's a little closer to go from NM to Santa Anita than to ship/travel from CD to SA. NM IS the horse, trainer etc home base and uh, I think he can train there they have 5 race tracks soon to be six, especially if he's going on to the race in California, prior to the BC. This conspiracy theory is a little odd.

Chip liked it at Churchill, but eventually he was heading West with MTB.

I think the horse deserves a bit of a break. How many of your race horses have had surgery to correct an entrapped epiglotis and run a week to 10 days later? I know some have done it but that all depends on the horse and their recovery time and any possible complications.

Get real, that's like every single HUMAN patient expected to be up and around in the same length of time with NO variables.

Jason:

Agree with choice in "King's Bishop"

Da3hoss,

    If you go back, almost right after the Haskell, i actually said the Wood would be my choice for her. I was among the first if not first to mention it. I think i was in that post puting togeather the campaign i would run her and i stated that the Wood, for many of the reasons you stated and, then the JCGC. It give a person a type of satisfaction, when you can guess something from that far out. I agree with what steve says on his blog, plus with the addition of Bullsbay and Macho Again, this race is not going to be a cake walk. It is an experiment for JJ, nothing more. I have said before, JJ looks at the risks and rewards of each race before deciding, and either way this race is better than any others. There was no real gain in racing her against fillies, again, or in a weaker older mare division. The Travers, if she happened to lose would be far more damaging to her, especially since she'd be losing to some of the horses she's beaten already, and the reward if she wins is about equal to that, but in the good direction. If she wins the Wood though, she has that added bonus of being added as the first filly to the names of racings very best, and becoming the first 3yr old in 15 years to win the race, and if she does lose, it doesn't make a huge dent, because of the fact it was her first time against older males and no other filly has ever won. This and Kensei, are why JJ chose the Wood, not because he is ducking.

Mike if you remember I was no huge fan of Colonel John last year but after a injury he came back to win a nice race on turf and you can't help but cheer on a horse that comes back from injury and wins.  I am no fan of MTB but if he can come back from injury and wins anything is possible.

After Justenuff and Capt. Candy man make me some money this weekend and Rachel romps in the Woodward I will have a Special Comment for Mr. Jackson and Rachel Alexandra.

Hey Steve from st louis: even old time hockey isn't old time anymore!

I'm still upset about having teams playing in Arizona and named after Disney movies.

Maybe that's why its 40+ years and counting for the Leafs...they're upset too.

(And I like the half and half DH because it's so much fund watching AL pitchers try to hit and run.  I still remember Stotlemeyer (I think) trying to steal a base in one of the World Series games -- he slid in and bumped his chin and I think he got called out but boy! it was fun to watch the disaster happening.)

If any of you remember the real GREATEST - Dahlia, she regularly beat the best of the  boys over distances from 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 from the age 3 to 6 years in about 6 different Countries (if I remember rightly!) Then she became a truly great broodmare.  Rachel has a long way to go...

I am not knocking Rachel - she is lovely and very talented but am not convinced that she is the best ever!

MTB's connections are putting his welfare first - good on them!!!!!

Shame Da Tara's are not doing the same.  Hate seeing him race nowadays!  It is such a sad sight!

It is tragic about Mike Straight.   Will be praying!  Although it sounds more like a tragic accident than anything to do with the surface!

The horses and jockeys put their lives at risk all the time and it is horrid when either gets hurt or killed.  The jockeys at least have a choice!  Horses mostly love to race so have no problem with them doing so but have massive problems with people who show them no love or respect and expect them to entertain them without even considering the price they often have to pay!  They are living, sentient beings not disposable machines!

I think some of you lot appear to forget this! It may be a wrong impression but denigrating certain horses is way off colour!

I would never criticize anyone for putting the horse's welfare first!  I strongly criticize those who do not and those who do not care that they do not!

The HORSE's welfare must come first!  After all without them we have no horse racing!

More needs to be done to make racing safer and better for all those involved including especially the work riders/hot walkers/grooms etc!  Who get little monetary reward and little praise for their very hard work, in most cases!

I wish Rachel, Bullsbay, Tizway, Quality Road and co and all the horses a safe trip and every blessing!  And to all the good people involved with them too!  To the exploiters etc I hope your concience pricks you - if you have one - and that you learn to treat all horses with love, kindness and respect.

Best wishes

Abbie

I keep reading on how good of sportsmanship gesture on part of Mr Jackson in running Rachel against older male horses,well maybe makes him feel good for all the attention he's getting,but I can assure you all, that is not going to help Rachel on her future races,and she may never be the same filly again.  

NO TRAINER OR OWNERS HAS EVER SHIPPED A MAJOR HORSE IN TRAINING SOMEPLACE THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO GO. SHIPPING MTB TO NEW MEXICO FOR SOME DOG AND PONY SHOW HAS NO BENEFIT FOR A HORSE WANTING TO WIN THE BREEDERS CUP CLASSIC. DUCK THE TRAVERS IF YOU MUST BUT STAY PUT AND CONTINUE TO LOOK AFTER THE HORSE.

Kensai will beat QR on Saturday; They know what they are doing with their horses; if he couldnt compete they would have put him in the Pennsylvania Derby for a cool mil. Mark my works Kensai will run very big!

Agree with Draynay on Landaluce's comments.  Also agree with Draynay's predictions for Travers, King's Bishop and Woodward.  Wow, did I just write that.

MZ

I remember Stotlemeyer's bleeding chin.

The Leaf's winning the cup is a distant memory.....Did they ever win the cup???

I don't know Cowboy Bob, but didn't they barnstorm Seabiscuit around the country in the 30's?

I think that taking your champ "back home" to let the folks see him is a very good idea for racing.  Especially since he's on down time anyways while the throat thing heals.

I am disappointed, however, that he's not in the Travers.  (Still waiting to see the real Hold Me Back show up)

Hey Lazmannick, are you calling them FLUKES???

Can't we call them the Cup Slush Winners?

Bob, yep, if you KNEW where I was from originally you'd feel foolish and REALLY hate to know it. I've dropped a hint or two in other blog comments.

My cowboy lingo? Probably more original and realistic than your own. Although I didn't really notice anything of that nature in my response.

Being ranch raised I know dozens of ranchers all over the TX, NM, OK, CO areas and most if not all of them have at least one family member who rodeos in some way shape or form. True they own their own outfits and don't just cowboy for a living as a hired hand. Plus no rancher I know would have the time to answer blog comments.

The team roping/shipping comments weren't interrelated.

Question, do you own race horses?

Why would Chip stay here on the East Coast when his horse is probably not running here again until after the Breeders Cup or next year?

He shipped the horse back from CD to Baltimore and then to the Belmont, trainers (at least ours) do that routinely. Ship from their home base.

Why did Chip unnecessarily ship back to CD? That wasn't his base. Why didn't he just ship on up to Elmont from Maryland?

Is it because it's NM that makes THAT different?

Most trainers who ship regularly have it set up to where the horse has the same situation no matter WHERE they are. I'm sure the horse will be flown back to NM and from there is apparently going to California for the Goodwood.

Think of it as a layover, similar to the one at Lone Star when Chip hauled him to CD. Bet they trailer him from NM to Cal.

This ISN'T the FIRST horse to be 'trotted out' for fan appreciation while still in training. Wasn't it Casino Drive and Lava Man who had works in the middle of the races?

Reading your stuff? I'll eat your hat (one of the many) if you're from NM, ranch or even LIKE the horse. The 'duck the Travers' sort of spelled it all out.

But, mention where you ranch, I'm sure amongst the dozens of ranchers, cattle brokers, auctioneers I know someone who will know you.

It does not make sense to run both Kensei and Rachel in the same race and Jackson has made a good choice.  The Woodward will be watched because of Rachel.  What keeps Zenyatta out of the Woodward?

   Great news regarding Michael Straight's Surgery going as well as could be expected, Thoughts and Prayers go out to him and his family...

FOR SHANE

ALL THE PAINKILLERS IN THE WORLD WONT HELP KENSAI BEAT WARRIOR'S REWARD THIS TIME

"Jackson did not want to run Rachel at 1 1/4 miles. I think he would rather keep her in her comfort zone at 1 1/8 and do so against a pretty average field."

It's pretty obvious after The Preakness. If she showed up for The Travers, I think everyone would have wanted to take a shot at her since she is a question mark at 10 panels. These 3 year old colts are still improving.

Once again, the horse industry has snatched defeat from the jaws of victory by -- and arguably, fairly so -- making a decision with anyone but the spectators and public in mind.  Sure it's fair for to keep Rachel A at 1 1/8, I'm all for keeping what is still just a 3 yr old, in their physical comfort zone, and yes, I agree that a win by Kensei will improve his stud fee price.  But from a publicity stand point at a time when racing could really use ye olde 'shot in the arm' it's biting your nose to spite your face.  A couple of owners or syndicates will make out well providing everything goes according to plan, and meanwhile, seats will remain empty in grandstands, televised coverage will continue to drop, and overall interest in racing will remain tepid b/c we didnt recognize the bigger oppty of capturing the public's imagination and putting Rachel A in the Travers.  And let's not blither about the argument of oh, it's saving the filly, b/c the blunt truth remains that Rachel, and any of them (can someone say 'Ferdinand" pls?) remain disposable to this industry once a few yrs have passed.  At least if we could capture the public again, and regain more support for racing and its four-legged celebrities, we'd not only give the industry a boost but maybe create a trickle down effect of better lives/retirements for the horses that got us there.  Rachel in the Travers would have been a chance at grabbing that promotional brass ring.  Instead, it will be an afterthought for anyone but the most stalwart racing aficionado.  We need to make more decisions with the public's appeal in mind.

Cowboy Bob, The plan for MTB to lead the post parade in the Quarter Horse Futurity in NM has been in place for at least 3 weeks, long before MTB's entrapped epiglottis. His connections have a strong alliance with the NM racetracks & I don't think they would ever go back on their word. Besides that, MTB is a statewide hero in NM, from what I understand & there are many, many people out in the NM area going to Ruidoso Downs on Sept. 7 just to see MTB.

Then, there is the issue of MTB's surgery. Yes, it is a simple, quick surgery. So is a tonsillectomy. I doubt any of us would feel inclined to race even around the corner 8 days after having our tonsils out. The post op discomfort is similar between both surgeries. Also, postoperatively, after any surgery, the area could look great & then put stress on the operative area & it "flares up" ,ie.: become inflamed and irritated. The reason why a scope was done after MTB breezed was to see if the "stress" of racing would cause that still not completely healed area to "flare up". It did & that was the bulge noted by the vet. Haven't you ever been sick or injured & while recuperating you think you are better than you actually are & don't realize it until you are up & active & then, start hurting or feel sick again?

Chip W. said all along that if MTB was not 100%, he would not race. He also said he would not race even if 95%. He is always first & foremost for the horse. He is also protecting the horse's long term career. Being a gelding, this will not be his only racing season like most of the 3 yr. old colts running today. He will have plenty of G1 races in his future.

ColetteMarie

Summer Bird, Kensei, Charitable Man for My Trifecta, And I am sticking to it!  I don't think Quality Road is ready for the distance quite yet. Rain and in the 60's is the forecast, Which will throw another monkey wrench into the equation!  Summer Bird is primed for this distance...

Great Posts all. Couple opinions:

- Jess Jackson is a great sportsman.  Curling racing at 4, Rachel in the Preakness, can't fault him for the woodward.  At least he tries . he is what the sports needs more of.

- Even though we are not the owner, we have every 'right' to challenge Jess decsions.  That is what sports debates are all about.  We don't own the yankees, but we all have an opinion as to whether vertain players to be signed etc.  It's fun.  It's still his horse, but that what keeps us interested.

Zenyatta is a monster, and they are hiding more out there than Jess is here (Jess is not hiding, I think he would love to take on Zenyatta).

There needs to be less big races, where these horses can't duck each other, or pick other spots.  There should be designated races that you must race in for horse of the year.

If I was MTBird owner, and it was my only real horse, and a gelding, I would race him in easier spots.  so many money races that are light but have great purse...no need to get in the history books with this one.  Nice horse, and should make more money.  No need to be on the biggest stage.  Purses with a gelding would be more important.

Don't underestimate Summer Bird.  tough horse...His race in the haskell was pretty good.  Surprisingly near the pace, and held on well.  Can only get better.  I saw him at Monmouth, and impressive looking horse (I thought nicer looking than Rachel).  (Of course, Rachel did come with her 'tude...was great to see)  Summer bird has heart, and will be heard from.

thanks all.  

(I think RA heads to Cali in search of Zenyatta).  

LDP, how can you call the older mare field weak?  We've still got Unbridled Belle, Cocoa Beach & Music Note running, and those are 3 very talented mares.  If we could get Zenyatta out east, that'd be 4 very talented mares.  But I agree with you now, seeing that the JCGC was moved a week later, I suspect that is where Rachel will make her next start (and most likely final start of the season).

DRAYNAY

I understand,you and I were a fan last yr. of the same horse. Good luck on your weekend selections,hope it goes well.

JR,

I agree. There are too many stakes designated as G1. Just too many. Keep the classic G1 races and cut the rest. Then it may force the issue of the best running against the best.

These comments are like we are trying to start WW3. This is horse racing folks. No guarantees. Please stop confusing your favorites with "knowledge"

The horses belong to the owners and the choices are up to them and their crew.

An added note - each horse should run in their best spot. How would the wonderful Pepper's Pride have done back east? Obviously, Zenyatta's people don't want to move her around. Let's give JJ a break - RA is trying to give us all a thrill. Let's sit back and enjoy.

Greg J wrote: Dray,

   More people want to see Rachel vs. Quality Road rather then Zenyatta vs. Rachel???  Are you feeling OK???

*********************

Uh-oh, maybe I should call my doctor.  I'd rather see Rachel face Quality Road.  Three year-old versus three year-old.  Speed aganst speed.  And if Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra ever get in the gate together, I'd have to choose sides.  

LOL, fact is it's a requirement.

I argue more about others horses than I do my own. Who can I rag on with them, myself?

Potato Chip, you're cracked. Stop the double dipping.

The Arkansas Derby is a G2, the Sunland Derby isn't even graded and look what has come out of it the last year.

The committee is stingy with their gradings and not always on target IMHO.

Jason.  Bo Derek usually makes opening day at Del Mar...sometimes with Arnold.  Perhaps we can get Bo and Jerome "Zenyatta" Moss (another CHRB board member) the same day.  Your right about the money.  We are  lucky to have any Cal racing synthetic or dirt.  The State of California owns Del Mar which grants the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club 20 year leases.  Its lease is up this year. Its beach front view in on the list of possible state sales along with San Quentin Prison.  Hollywood Park will soon be a pile of rocks much like Bay Meadows and I'm not sure what the status of Santa Anita's Chapter 11 is. Pretty soon we will be racing our horses up and down the Interstate 5.  

I've not had a chance to review all of the comments so I hope to be forgiven if I repeat what has already been said (maybe 100 times); I love Rachel Alexandra and I love Quality Road.  I'd love to see QR prove he would have been a contender in the classics and I'd love to see RA do something no filly has ever done.  I think JJ has made the right choice and I am convinced no matter the perceived quality of the field RA faces in the Woodward, if she beats older males she is HOY even if she doesn't run again this year and no matter what any other contender does the rest of the year.

Now that the Travers has been run does anyone still think Rachel had more to prove running in the Travers than in the Woodward?

CARLOS IN CALIF.

Your remark regarding calling Tim Ice a "flash in the pan". Tell me,how's that working out for you now after his horse won the Travers? lol

very quiet on here now. Well do we still have to worry about QR diminishing RA's greatness?Pletcher is not Jimmy Jerkins....Jerkins made that horse get 1 1/8 not pletcher. Pletcher has a string of stakes horses but when has he consistently won a classic or breeders cup race without him having 5 horses in the race and that is usually because the owners switch horses that are already stakes horses to him and they dont do any better actually they usually even off or go down in my opinion. which aint worth much lol.

Rechelle,

    UB, just finished last today, and prior to the Ballarina, MN had lost her only race this year. I didn't see CB rac but, out of her last two she had won once. MN also beat Indian Blessing, who i do feel is good, but is not in good form and is a sprinter. Zenyatta is the only horse who has had any real success this year. Now after today if you want add Icon Project into the mix, fine, but the other three still have a lot of catching up to do.

LDP, I saw that Unbridled Belle came in last, what happened in her race??? Music Note ran a great race earned a decent speed figure.  Cocoa Beach came in 4th, but I don't understand the desire to switch her to turf.  If Sara Louise enters the Beldame, if NYRA can get Zenyatta out there and Music Note runs, as well as Icon Project runs, it could be a good race.  Right now, Rachel has nothing to prove, certainly not against Quality Road.  Quality Road didn't answer the questions asked in a very impressive style.  He was tired by the mile pole and got third on class alone.  I don't think he is a classic distance horse.  He seems to be an explosive sprinter.  But I don't think a race over a mile suits him.  I look forward to seeing Rachel run next weekend and winning.  I saw that Summer Bird is heading to the JCGC. That might shape up into a good race and a win there or the Beldame would be a nice way to close out her season.

i guess this post is not very relevant this week.summer bird dusts the travers field btw he is much more than just a nice horse..i hope this win shows that jackson did indeed make the right choice..some will say that the woodward isn't tough..look out for that macho again horse he has a really funny way of showing up when ya least expect it.

Rechelle,

    I think QR is good up to 9 furlongs, possibly the Preakness distance, but thats it. I know his sire has a rep for siring very fast horses that can get the distance, but i don't think QR can beat the best at 1 1/4. He is very talented, but IWR i think, could've beaten him at ten panels. Your question on UB, she just isn't the same horse she was a couple years ago. CB, she won a, i believe grade one on turf, at the end of last year, and i thought had run on turf a few times prior to that. Also form seems to transition better onto synthetics than dirt does. If RA wins the Woodward, then goes on to win the Beldame, she has beaten every age group, which, IMO means a lock for HOTY.