The race will be Broadcast on MSG PLUS

Let me start off by talking briefly about Colonel John.  I was very critical of the horse last year but his brilliant win coming off a serious illness was spectacular.  If he moves forward he should dominate the Pacific and is my pick to win the Breeders Cup. Go John go !  Jason, I have to say I am almost at a loss for words why some are calling this a weak field or average field heading into the Woodward.  THE FACTS do not support that claim at all.  Take a look at the 2004 and 2007 Woodward Stakes if you want to see weak fields.  THE FACTS are this, you have 3 horses with G1 wins coming into this race within the last 60 days.  You can check but how often has that EVER happend in the 55 year old race? Secondly, you have PAST THE POINT coming into the race with a 105 Beyer, Asiatic Boy with a 106, Macho Again with a 106, Cool Coal Man with a 107, Bullsbay with a 108, and Rachel with a 116.  Those are the highest Beyers EVER coming into the Woodward.  Last, for the first time in Stakes history you have 3 horses coming off wins AT Saratoga to face Rachel Alexandra.  The facts show there is nothing average about this field at all.  My pick is Rachel for the win and I will box Bullsbay, Macho Again, and Past The Point for the tri.  After this race she will leave little doubt who the best 3 year old of all time really is.

    Well, Should be a great long weekend of some challenging races.  The weather at Saratoga is going to be perfect tomorrow.  I will be there probably witnessing history being made, But, I will take Bullsbay, Macho Again, and Rachel as my top three(Yes, Chalk), With It;s a Bird as my longshot!  GO Bullsbay...

     In the Forego, Peace Chant, Pyro, and Riley Tucker.  In the Del Mar derby, Why not, Gretsky and Meteore as my crazy exacta, lol.  In the Pacific Classic, Einstein and Tres Borrachos...

      And, Of course, The lock of this great Labor Day weekend, ZENSATIONAL in the Pat O'brien, With Big Bad Leroy Brown about three lengths back :)

Good Luck Everyone, Hope they all return safely...

Now, Back to trying to choose my Pick Six at Saratoga today...

I don't want HOY wrapped up this soon, so I'll be hoping she somehow gets beat. I know, I'm selfish and stupid. That's what happens when emotions overtake rational thought. Unless they pinball her, and they name Angel Cordero to ride Pass the Point, there is no chance she loses to this group.

Oops, this wasn't up when I posted on the other blog.

Was saying that Rachel looks more imposing and bigger than she did at the Oaks and Preakness. As I said she seems edgier than she did then as well. Particularly more so than in the paddock at the Oaks.

The longshots are really mixing it up here and the carryover for today is huge. Definitely worth a big shot but it's a tough card to handicap so may carryover to Saturday.

Rachel wims impressively as usual, and I like your take on Past the Points...but I think Macho Again will get 2nd.  The rest I am hoping for Einsten in the Pacific Classic....heck I may just go to see him run!  Have a great Labor Day to all!!

Asiatic Boy is the biggestthreat to her by a mile!  I hope she crushes but he is the one horse whom in the past that has run races that can contest her.

One thing I want to point out is the move Prado made on Big Brown trying to box him in early with Riley Tucker in last years Preakness.  Prado will be on the outside again with a horse with some speed.  Look for Prado to rush up and place Rachel between himself and D'Tara  forcing Calvin to make a decision as early as possible.  Will Calvin go on with her or be patient and ride between horses ?  Calvin be careful Prado is going to do everything he can to make it as hard as possible on you and Rachel.  Consider yourself warned !

Its a big weekend for us race fans, big weekend in NYC to , Caribbean day parade and all.

I agree with Draynay that the field is not a weak or dreadful as everyone has been saying. It came up a pretty good race if u ask me. The Old boys may not be as consistent as Rachael, but on there day each one can put in a big race and win this thing. All that said I won't go against Rachael.

I am also happy to see pyro, i will be looking forward to that race. thought he ran big last time out, i'm hoping he moves forward from that race.

I have to agree with Draynay again with regard to  Colonel John, I think he is the best horse on the west coast rite now , and I'm picking him the win the pacific classic. He is also my early pick for the breeders cup classic.

MSG+ has been having Saturdays at Saratoga all Summer. Still very disappointing that a mainstream network isn't carrying The Woodward. Will be interesting to see if she ups the attendance more that Curlin did last year, much to the disappointment of the NYRA.

Oh, by the way, good luck to the MTB co-owner as he goes for a first ever double with an attempt at an All American winner in Winners Cartel and the 1 million dollar guarantee after having the KY Derby winner. (who Chip says is training well and he's all for the high altitude training, colt will go to Roswell then on to Cal).

Amazing, a Favorite Trick, Favorite Cartel recent interest purchased by Dee Hubbard is in the race.

Jason,

Is Horse of the Year given to the best horse or the horse that accomplishes the most in a given year?

I am a little surprised at Draynay,

Not that he loves playing in Rachels sand box, but I always thought true handicappers like Mike Battaglia love to shop for price.

ps

 careful some cat has not left a

surprise in that sandbox!  

have to disagree[respectfully] Jason with your roundtable discussion where it was implied there is no early pace to keep RA busy...Zito ain't got an entry in here to look at the Elms...IMO It's a Bird runs best when pressing, and Past the Point should be shaken up early to get in the race from the #8 post...with that said I see Asiatic Boy sitting in the 2nd flight and getting first run and "upsetting" the Alexandra cart.[and don't toss Darley runner to complete an overlay exacta.]

I'd secretly hoped that the Casners' might have changed their minds last minute and sent Col. John to the Woodward - but it was just a dream.

I keep feeling it is a done deal and she will win - but I've had so many tell me that this is a tougher race than I think...and I like Bullsbay - he's tough and consistent.  He doesn't have her brilliant speed, but he's tough and will just keep coming if he's on his "A" game.

Ohhhhh, Dray  - you have such a big old crush on Rachel that you are tossing out history and facts in proclaiming her the greatest 3-yr-old ever.  No surprise -your flights of foolish fancy (good name for a race horse, that) are legendary on the blog.

I'd say she's definitely the best 3-yr-old filly in modern time (post 1980) and she has earned her label of greatness with every win.

But I (and the rest of the reasoning world)know that she cannot wear the mantle of overall best 3-yr-old regardless of gender.

If she runs a mile 1/8 in 145.2, sets about 5 track or world records, runs a mile 1/2 and wins by 31 and wins on turf in track record time - then you have a leg to stand on.

But they aren't making a movie about Rachel.  They are making one about the greatest 3-yr-old of all time (and greatest overall, IMO.)

But don't feel bad - she'd have been a nice consort for Big Red had they lived at the same time!  :)

Dray, do you honestly think Calvin is going to be reading this blog and seeking riding advice from you?

My goodness - but you are just full of...yourself!

No worries - I trust Calvin to know how to ride a horse.

I don't care What the reasons are -ESPN could certainly fit in a 2 minute race!! The horse racing fans are just cheated on big race events. That said, here's hoping Rachel can Do It and Win Big!

Cgriff, that horse youre talking about that won by 31 lengths going 1 1/2... how did he do in the Woodward?

Draynay is right...not only Prado, but all the jockeys will be up to shenanigans. If Borel keeps his cool we will see greatness, if he doesn't I am thinking about Cool Coal Man as the main threat.  He is rounding into peak form and looks to improve greatly in this race.

Where can i get 4-1 locked on slam dunk winner Rail Trip in PACIFIC

Racheal Alex looks like Slam dunk but i take Past the point and Asiatic BOY .most likely past the point is a Rabbit for Asiatic boy

forego

PLAY PYRO AT 6-1 but likely get stuck with Peace CHant

SAPLING

NY bred Come from Behind

PAT OBRIEN

I never like betting  John Sadler but i take Noble Court

Ooops... sorry Cgriff I hear his Woodward wasn't very good.  Well... how about his performance in the Wood or the Whitney ?

I think there will be some serious race riding going on tomorrow, and the bullseye on Rachel's rump should be visible from space (not to mention on TV). No one is going to let Calvin have an "easy" lead, even though he may still just quarterhorse her to the front and never look back. It will be a really great race to watch, whomever wins it, and I plan to box Rachel, Macho, and Past the Point in exacta land. Safe journey to all.

Don't see it as shenanigans. See it as race riding to win a race. The stewards are pretty no nonsense up here (note Alan's suspension), so doubt they'll put up with anything that isn't just pure clean race riding.

I'm going to take a shot and beat Rachel and hope that a pretty tough campaign, first time against older horses, Saratoga being the Graveyard of favorites, and the other horses in their with tactical speed as she possesses to pester her early and beyond. As a fan of the sport, I hope she does win. She's really amazing to watch on tv. Luckily enough I'm close enough to watch Zenyatta where ever she races on the West Coast. But watching Rachel on tv is the next best thing. Too bad I won't be able to catch her for the BC this year. But anyway, as a handicapper, I see short price favorite who should not be bet down as heavily as she will be tomorrow and I'm going to look for value. I'm considering some different scenarios. Either place her 2nd n 3rd in a Tri where I have the rest of the field covered for $30 bucks a piece, or put 2 other contenders on top and wheel them to the rest of the field and hope she runs off the board. For $60, I think its worth the gamble.

Jason, let's say that you're trying to beat Rachel in this race...of the scenarios that I've given, which one would choose? Or Anyone out there for that matter.

Calvin has lost his nerve RA WILL be taking the a wide trip

PTP is speed enough and coupled with Da'Tara i wouldn't think that Calvin would want the lead. If i were him i'd want a good break, that way she won't be as likely to possibly get slammed by Bullsbay and Cool Coal Man coming out of the gate. Once clear i would let PTP and Da'Tara take over, and move her to the outside, to make sure she doesn't get boxed. She can handle a fast pace, she proved that in the Preakness and the Haskell, and the fact she is getting 8 lbs and going 1 1/8 will help. Jason, you are right though, this will not be a walkover for her.

Steve S,

That's a great point. Seeing as how Past the Point & Asiatic Boy are owned by the Royal Brothers of Dubai. Interesting scenario.... Maybe Past the Point will go out. Got me thinking.

Well, I just received an email from a handicapper who's consistent and had a good amount of success - and after asking if he thought anyone could possibly beat Rachel, he said, "It shouldn't happen.  If it does, it's because Borel makes a mistake or because Asiatic Boy, who possibly still hasn't shown his best form in the U.S., steps up and runs the race of his life."

I think that pretty much foretells the tale!  It's her race to lose unless something really freaky happens.

Not betting the race. Plenty of other opportunities to consider. I do hope RA wins and makes history. Have a good long weekend everyone.

THE HOST IS VERY WRONG ON PACE OF RACE.SHE WILL HAVE TO COME FROM BEHIND.

However she can

I just wish I could witness history I am in the no mans land of the midwest.! I would love to go to my nearest OTB but alas they closed it last year and nearest now is two states away. So the only racing I will be seeing is stupid nascar. To top it all off none of the cable or sat networks carry TVG or HRTV. At least I will be able to see the video after the fact. It RA race to lose and I think its tougher race than any one expects I look for MA and PTP to be right behind.

Point well taken Jason...I didn't see anywhere in my post where I said how long Zito entry stays with RA...I know you know of Hedevar, so I'll put a finer point on it...imo RA is pressed to the 3/8's and then the race is on. I know her "turn times" are good, but if they can hang with her to the top of the stretch, Calvin will not be waving to the fans with 1/16 th to go.

what a smart race choice by JJ.  she is nearly impossible to beat at 9 furlongs anyway,  much less being spotted 8 pounds.  

She only looks beatable at 1 1/4.  

I like how everyone is jumping the gun and delcaring rachel not only a great filly ( she is good ) but the greatest of all time ... Give me a break ! ... Personal Ensign went not only undefeated, but beat OLDER males in the Whitney, and won the Breeder's Cup too and wasn't even HOY... To be considered great in my book a horse has to win at a variety of distances and a variety of surfaces.

As a side note, I agree with the notion of why the race isn't televized NATIONALLY ... Espn is owned by ABC and can be showned during the football game as a special half-time presentation... Racing wants more fans, than they need to reach out to fans however they can.

Steve S.,

     I agree with Pyro and Peace Chant, BUT, If not taking Zensational, Well, Just sit back and enjoy the Speed Freak :)

NICE ARTICLE!!!

Good point about the NFL.

I hate football !!!!!

Only a fool would try to discredit Secretariat's record as a racehorse. Next thing you know, he would try to bad-mouth an undefeated horse's record as full of blemishes. Oh, wait, he's done that, too. What's next? An expose on how corn flakes and milk aren't appropriate for breakfast?  Spare us, Jason. There is enough to discuss the Sport of Kings without featuring a court jester.

RA will sit off Datara because zito wants him in front and if he even dares to try and slow it down...RA will take over and crush them from the 1/2 mile on home......

The Pacific Classic is the race of the weekend.  Colonel John is making his second start after a long layoff.  Sounds like Quality Road last weekend and I am looking for the same result.  I am glad that Einstein showed up to take some bets away from my pick who is Rail Trip.

"greatest three year-old of all time" for RA, huh?

I will just let that statement simmer in the stupidity that produced it.

CGRIFF:

Remember that Rachel hasn't been pressed in ANY of her races and has still set or nearly set records while floating across the wire.  I have no doubt more records would have fallen had she simply been asked to do it.  But when you are ahead by 7, 8, 19 and 20 lengths, why bother?

ALSO Bullsbay and macho again ran at CD the same day as Rachel.....and looking at the speed figures in those race she would have smashed them that day also...and she was open galloping home not even pressed. They have no chance Saturday

Oh, and we are all die hard racing fans here, just realize that on the opening day of college football the filly, win or lose, will be lucky to get a mention on the ESPN bottom line... Why? Because 90% of the sporting public doesn't care and probably doesn't remember RA's name, it is sad to say, but even with all of the Zenyatta-RA hype, if it happens, Oct. 3 will also show how little sports fans care about racing... And FYI, other than the BC and Triple Crown, racing has to pay to get onto television, ESPN doens't produce anything related to racing, the company that does pays them for the privelage of being broadcast

And I hope this is her last race of the year....therefore Borel can show us what she is made off..let her loose. If lawyer ron (rip) can run a 1:45 there......I think she can do better. I hope he gets down into her. that would be fun to see

Yes ! I am going with Pyro to finally get his much deserved G1 win.

steve, do we really have to start with the 1 1/4 nonsense ?  Let a horse ANY horse finish within 5 lengths of her going a 1 1/8th before saying crazy stuff like she can't go another 200 yards when she clearly can. It's really not a valid argument.  Diehard Fan you just don't get it do you? Rachel has won at mile, 1 1/16th, 1 1/8th, and at 9.5 furlongs.  She has dominated EVERY race and no males can stay with her.  I think you better watch her Mother Goose again and watch her run a 146 while being eased more than 100 yards before the wire.  After she crushes G1 winning older males what will you say ?  I have never seen a better 3 year old in my life.  Affirmed and The Bid were the best two I ever saw and Rachel is better.

Rowner:  I live in the midwest too.  Dish Network carries both TVG & HRTV but you have to buy one of their most expensive packages to get both channels.  I think TVG only is available in one of their cheaper packages.  And I think DirecTV carries TVG only, too, in one of their upgrade packages.  

I don't know how I'm betting the Woodward yet but I'm going to try to beat Rachel.  If she's ever going to get beat at 9 furlongs it's in this race, for all the reasons The Rock mentioned.

As for the other races, I think Zensational is vulnerable in the Pat O'Brien. I know he's won @ 7f's, but Hollywood is more condusive to speed types like him. If you watch the Bing Crosby, he seemed to struggle ever so slightly on the Poly as the competition was getting to him late. You can't blitz like he did on the Poly going 7/8th's the way he did going 6f's. And he is that run-off type of horse as he has yet to learn to settle. I'm gonna try to beat him with Noble Court. He's a stone cold closer in a paceless race, but if Zensational gets crazy headstrong, he might be able to nail him late.

Forego: Larry Jones has been pointing Kodiak Kowboy for this race as he does his best @ 7f's. No disgrace in running third to Fab Strike last time out. Peace Chant could be a danger as he's run lights out on the dirt the last two times. But I'm hoping KK runs em down.

Del Mar Derby: I like Afleet Eagle. Haven't looked at the PP's yet but I think there's a lack of speed in that race and I think he'll take them all the way.

Arlington Stakes: I think the favorites in the Juvenile races take it but in that 1 3/16th's race I'd stay away from the West Coast horses. I'm surprised they're that low on the m/l. Big play against.

Spinaway: Ice cold exa Hot Dixie Chick - Beautician. Unload!!! Small reverse.

I love Rachel and really think she is the fastest horse in this race.  However, I will have to look at the "will-pays" prior to post to decide if I will place an exacta bet keeping Rachel out.  The odds are playing to a huge bet-against win.  However if there are more people going with that same strategy I will probably key her in a Tri bet.  

As for Colonel John, who is my favorite horse, I do not believe he has earned being favored in the Pac. Classic.  He has had one race this year and it was on turf at 1 mile.  He has not won on the Del Mar Poly ever, and will bet against him in this race.  I will have Rail Trip and Informed with Einstein, Colonel John, RT, and Informed in my exacta.

Never say never.  If Arson Squad can be back on the Santa Anita "plastics", then I say ANYTHING can happen.  Nice weather at Saratoga, so RA will not get the benefit of the slop.  I see the race setting up like so:  Due to drawing the #3 post and the likelihood of being boxed in on the rail and/or jostled around by Bullsbay if she runs just off the pace, Calvin goes to the lead right out of the gate, where RA will be pressed but probably be able to hang on and win on the lead.  Asiatic Boy is a seasoned pro who has been all around the world, and I think he might have a shot in here considering Kiarin chose the Woodward over Pacific Classic.  Personally, I'm hoping little Da'Tara pulls off another upset, not likely though.  Good luck to all the horses and jockeys this weekend, safe trips to all.

Rachel is faster on a dry track....both of her 20 length wins came on a dry surface...and she was geared down in both....

Draynay:

In the Woodward, a race that his stable was training stablemate Riva Ridge for, Secretariat lost to a fine older horse that happened to run the 1.5 miles that day in 2:25 and change.  That time would have been faster than any Belmont Stakes other than Secretariat's.  Secretariat was only run in the Woodward because it was a sloppy track and Riva Ridge hated the slop.  Secretariat was not pointing to the race or being trained for it.  Please try to find out facts about things before making completely asinine statements.  Whether or not you think Rachel is a better horse than Secretariat is fine, but don't downgrade Secretariat to get a rise out of people or to try and make your point.  It just makes you look stupid and takes away from any valid argument you may have.

Draynay aside, in my opinion, win or lose on Saturday, Rachel has already established herself as a truly great horse.  I will go on record as saying that I believe we have not seen such a great horse since The Bid hung up his bridle. I am not saying that she was better than The Bid, Slew, Forego or Secretariat, just that she merits consideration when talking of all time greats.

Draynay- I love Rachel but she has not dominated every race as you say.  MTB almost ran her down at Pimlico.  I want her to win, but somehow I smell an upset.

Hey steve from SL. Are you still a sportswriter? I like your style.

Forgot to mention that I am still a "Pyromaniac".

I want everyone to have some money to bet on Rachel for the Woodward so I am going to be nice and give you the first DD at Saratoga so you have some money to begin your day.

In the 1st go with BASE COMMANDER he is coming in 3rd off a layoff and should be primed for a win.  In the 2nd El Primero is coming back after only 7 days rest.  I doubt Gary would be doing that unless the horse is ready for a big run.  Good luck tomorrow and remember to thank me for the DD.

So, what are Darley's rooting interests here?

If Rachel wins she locks up a HOY for Medaglia D'Oro.

If Past the Point wins, they get a GI for him.

Suprised they entered him at all.

Draynay's Quote:

   "For those of you that want handicapping advice I am going with A. P. Elegance for the upset in the first at Saratoga on Friday.  AP is an expensive horse and I think Steve would not be bringing him back to make him look bad in this race and the jockey stays.  All good signs."

A.P. Elegance came in last place, I feel bad for her, She got the Dray curse, lol...

Ya, what's with the talk of dry/sloppy track. She can run on either, lol. I like the comment, "So RA will not get the benefit of the slop", classic.

Pyro wins, Rachel gets beat.

I'm going to take a long hard look at all the longshots in the Pacific, but for now my value play is Misremembered.

My value play in the Woodward is Cool Coal Man.  

Tim G: No more ink on these  fingertips. I loved my time at Pro Football Weekly, the Daily Racing Form and the Sun-Times. It was  great, it was like working in the toy department. Now, I'm creative with equities, not words, working as a money manager with Wells Fargo. Jason can forward my address to you if you need some investment advice for that pick six win headed your way.

Every time RA's race comes up, I forget how really great she has become.  So this time, I will probably play a trifecta key with RA, over Macho Uno, Bullsbay, and Past The Point.

I use to be a big fan of Pro Football.  Not anymore.  When the teams stop signing criminals I'll be back.  As if that will ever happen,

Not all horses are mudders, clearly Rachel is, hence advantage Rachel in the slop.  Understand now?

everybody is forgeting that Da'tara upset big brown last year in the belmont what if he does it again wire to wire, you know was even great is that there is no going to rain so the will have no excuse after they lose. for the real race i can wait to see Pyro finaly winning his first great 1, even though i will like to see him in a classic distance.

Yes Greg in the first I had the three biggest prices on the board in the first believing the favorites had no chance for the win and hoping for a big upset for a big DD.  I took a shot and all 3 got whipped. The only thing I got right was the favorite didn't have a chance.

I sincerely hope tomorrow's Woodward belongs to Rachel, and this is the first time I'll be rooting for her against the fellas.

"Run Like A Girl" has Rachel's name on it, for sure.  

Go Rachel Alexandra!  Love ya!

I spoke with two people at Saratoga yesterday...the head clocker at the Oklahoma Training track (and an old co-worker before we retired a few years ago) and "The Wizard" Michael K., a professional handicapper. Both said Rachel is just about as sure a thing as you will find in horse racing. Bob the clocker said "if there is a cinch ever in a race...this is it" Went on to say you can tell she isn't asked for much at all, yet turning in the fastest times in the workouts vs up to 30 other horses. She just glides.

That all being said, this is the toughest field she has faced so far. These are G-1 winning older horses with fine recent Beyer numbers. My guess is Rachel by 3 lengths, Macho Again, Bullsbay, and Past the point underneath in the Tri's.P

steve, I'll keep that in mind. My portfolio took some hits last year so a good pick 6 will make up for some. Things have gone okay so far, especially in the 3rd, nice.

Got my tickets in my pocket already.

You know Gavin or Joe?

Greg how right you are! The worst thing about that comment? "I think Steve would not be bringing him back to make him look bad in this race.  All good signs"

Considering SHE is a FILLY not a good sign at all. Not even Steve could get a colt in a filly/mare race. HE wants US to take him on in a handicapping match or others to listen to him??? He obviously has gender identification problems.

It is a big deal to me that it isn't being televised. I live in Atlanta, no HRTV or TVG on cable and no racetracks for hundreds of miles. I still think it is embarassing that horse racing is in such a poor state that they can't generate enough enthusiam for a national television outlet to carry it.

RA is a great horse, dont get me wrong. but if zenyatta were to remain undefeated this year and win the bc classic over males, i would give her hoy. shes never lost a race in her career. now, if RA-Zenyatta were to match up in the beldame, i think whoever would win that, if it happens, would get the edge. first off though, RA needs to win impressively tomorrow in the woodward. zenyatta needs to keep winning out there in CA and hopefully, win the classic. thats the only tihng that bothers me about jess jackson not sending RA out there for the breeders cup. we cant see how versatile she really is.

whatever happens happens..i wish both girls luck in their future races. both will definitley get an eclipse award.

AP was the 6th longest shot on the board and I think she's still running. One of the much longer shots was running on the outside rail, all over the place tossing her head and still beat AP by 18+ lengths. NOW he chooses to bet the longshot, sheesh.

Only Borel can get Rachel beat against these. He'll be closer to the outside fence than the rail. Macho Again 2nd.

I am a die hard pyro fan and hope he can win it all his fairgrounds run last year was amazing! RA is the truth and wont lose good point dray regarding trying to throw RA off her game  should be a great race!

Draynay I would not call the 04' Woodward field weak at all two horses of the year went 1-2 in that race and the FASTEST horse since Specatcular Bid, probably fastest since Dr. Fager, won the race.  Remember I said fastest horse.  Ghostzapper was a freak, no doubt in my mind one of the all-time greats. Look it up, Woodward of 04' was AMAZING.  Ghostzapper 04' horse of the year, Saint Liam 05' horse of the year, Newfoundland multiple stakes winner, Midway Road multiple stakes winner 2nd in Preakness also NTR keeneland for 1 1/8, o yeah lets not forget Bowman's Band who won over 1 mil in his career stakes winner, and Seek Gold who is a stakes winner.  VERY TOUGH FIELD.

I like the way 2:24 put it, both for Secretariat and for Rachel.

I still think that there are many horses since the Bid that would have raced well against her, especially in races with strong, deep fields, the overall depth of which she hasn't competed in yet.....Where would she have finished in the Sunday Silence-Easy Goer Preakness.....How would she have fared in the Alysheba-Ferdinand BC Classic.....Where would she have been in Awesome Again's extremely deep BC Classic.....How would her speed hold up against Gostzapper's Woodward (1.46.2) or Dispersal's (1.45.4) or Presinionist's (1.46) when Lady's Secret was a close second.....I know all these examples might seem like I'm trying to split hairs, but as good as Rachel is, there have been many, many horses even since the Bid that would have competed well with her.

I know you-know-who is going to come back and defend this year's Woodward as being strong with all those G-1 wins, but please.....I doubt if one of those horses would have even been less than 15-1 or 20-1 in any of the races I just mentioned.

Still, I think that they will gang up on her a bit like they did with Smarty Jones.  I can see her pressed at various points throughout the race and if she doesn’t get a breather this should take its toll.  There is a reason why 3 y-o fillies don’t beat older males in a G-1 dirt race at a distance and, in fact, why they have rarely even try.

I think Macho Again and Bullsbay will close as a team and pass her late and she will finish third.

I think she is a great 3 yr old filly but she is NOT A GREAT HORSE.

Great horses are those that run for awhile and beat the best. She has only beaten 3 yr olds and this Woodward field is mediocre at best.

Now if she does the same thing as a 4 year old with a couple of wins in 1 1/4 G1, then you got something. Until then stop tossing GREAT like 10 cent candy bars. SHE IS NOT!

Fish,

    CJ, we already know can handle 1 1/4, he has not been rushed back in 4 weeks like QR was, plus he is not coming into the race off a 6.5 furlong race. CJ is coming into this race in better physical condition the QR did in the Travers.

Draynay actually said something intelligent for once (pun intended) in his first comment posted. I have to totally agree with you dray. I also like Bullsbay and Uno. I love rachel but i would only play her in boxes if i was betting for this race. She has made all of her races look easy except the Haskel...she was a very tired horse. Jess Jackson has even commented that she is a "tired horse of sorts" I would love to see her make history though. How long can she keep going before she regresses?

Regardless of what other sports ESPN choses to show, horseracing is still a sport and they are the "sport" channel.  There should be room in there somewhere.  Considering how much time they spend yacking and rehashing the same stuff over and over again, there should be a spare couple minutes somewhere for this magnificent, history making filly.  And if NTRA has to pay them to show it, they should do it.  How else will a new fan base ever be built?  And another question, what about BRAVO - didn't they show the Kentucky Oaks?

Football yuck! Boring...zzz. I have a great idea! Probably never happen though. But it could be very profitable. Have a Rachel halftime show lol. Plus maybe all those viewers could see her. It could really benefit horse racing. Horse race 2min of football watchers time. I would rather watch a horse race than a commercial any day. Just some ideas. that way no one would have to change a channel and they get the best of both worlds.

Rachel Alexandra is untouchable under the conditions of weight allotment and at her pet distance of 9 furlongs.  Therefore prepare for another dazzling display except that the margin of victory may be less than four lengths due to a very fast finishing Macho Again.  Even if Rachel were to come from well off the pace there is no horse in the race to match her turn of foot at these weights.  It should still be an action packed Woodward.  Winning it over this formidable bunch of older horses will stamp her as one of the best ever FILLIES, nothing more, whilst the 10 Furlongs classic distance test is not on her resume.

Steve from st louis,

at the risk of sounding dense, please explain just how RA gets closer to the outside fence than the rail, as you put it.  Are the jocks just going to let her?  "Ladies first, go right ahead Rachel and take the outside position from the #3 post."  That seems very unlikely.  They will have her in a neat little box if she doesn't take the lead.

Jason

What comment of Shesfast is in the minority.....football.....or Rachel's Haskell not being easy....or both?

Yes, big weekend of racing in Ruidoso.  Get to see the derby winner plus great two and three-yr-olds.  Might get to see the all time money earner, Stolis Winner, might get to see Derby/All-American double.  Good luck to all fans east, west, and SW!

I just could not leave Linda out of my pick 6 with Alan riding in the 6th? Hate that favorite but sometimes you have to bite the bullet.

Jason, you'd rather watch a commercial than a horse race?

Lots of us think ESPN bid on racing to try and wrest away the Derby from NBC, gain the upper hand. They cut the pre Derby shows, the draw, the Oaks, the Road to The BC and basically are only interested in having a monopoly not showing the races.

#1 big mistake, not getting in on TV when they were wanting to broadcast anything. #2? EVER getting hooked up with ESPN, who'd much rather show a repeat of a soccer game, a lumberjack contest or ANYTHING.

After seeing Rachel up close yesterday? NO WAY that filly should be getting the weight advantage she is, even based on gender. MONSTER.

Jason,

I don't see him very often...but I'll pass on your regards.

For all you racing fans. I don't mean to change the subject, but here's a video of the legendary 1962 Travers, called one of the greatest races ever. The late, great Freddy Caposella, who called races in NY for 37 years, said it was the best race he ever called. Jaipur and Ridan head to head for an entire 10 furlongs. Enjoy.

www.youtube.com/watch

    I'll play a $1 exacta wheel, All/RA and then box the field together leaving Rachel out.  That's only $36.  If it hits, I'll most certainly at least get my money back.  Of course the chances of it hitting are slim to none, but I've done dumber things with $36 before.  Regardless, I figure I'm a winner either way.  If I hit the ticket, then I'll get paid a little or a lot depending on how it hits and if not, then I will have just seen something never done before in the long, illustrious history of horse racing.

Hellsbells,

Summer Bird ran pretty good in the slop in the Travers.  I don't think the surface favored RA over him at all that day.

Oh wait...if only he had another 1/8 of a mile..............

Tim G.,

     I was wondering how long it would take for someone to notice Dray picked a "him" that was actually a filly!  

     "Leamington" just did me in in pick 6 at Saratoga!  I was three deep and she wasn't one of them!  Oh, well, Fun while it lasted...

LAZMANNICK,

     Good call, That is my scenario, Bullsbay and Macho Again passing Rachel at the end!  Great minds think alike, lol...(Even though Rachel will probably win by three), But if she gets boxed in, or Calvin somehow screws it up, It is possible...

Past the Point is a decent tip.  I like coming to this blog before race days to read through the posts because there are often good tips on a horse I overlooked or an angle I hadn't thought of.  

Unfortunately, its usually peppered with Draynay's childish posts and today is no exception.  I really think this person is an attention starved juvenile and if we all just ignore him he'll go away.  With that said, I won't respond to his ignorant posts or mention him again and I encourage everyone else who is sick to death of him to do the same.  

It would really help if there was an "ignore" feature on this blog because smacking him down is always a temptation.

Helsbelles: Borel knows he has the fastest horse and he'll steer her wide to keep her off the rail and out of any traffic jams. Don't worry, with some lurking on this site, there is no way anyone else could possibly seem dense.

LOL Jason, figured with a little kid you have the toddler TV syndrome.

Ever notice they stop dead to watch the commercials (all of mine did) then go back to playing as soon as the show comes back on? Even my dog does that.

Course the kids think the toys really fly on their own, shoot flames and burn the neighbors house down. Truth in advertising.

uh Linda Rice AGAIN with ALAN......

a couple of longer odds winners early still have the Pick 6 alive with a decent payoff.

Haven't read all the responses but I'm sure this has been said- if she gets beat tomorrow, she'll be beaten by the ride- either an inferior one by CB or a superior one by someone else.  She is clearly the best horse in the race, and every jock there knows it.

Saratoga A.J.:Thanks for the link. That's the first time I have ever heard Capposella call a race and I have to say I was disappointed. His style was bare-bones to say the least. I know he was much loved and one race doesn't a career make (or break), but I don't think he would be so successful these days. He made that great race sound like the 3rd at Naragansett. Also, there was a bit scene in there of Leroy Jolley, spoiled brat son of Moody. What a jerk he was! I interviewed him after Spectacular Bid beat General Assembly in the Laurel Futurity and he was the poorest of sports. That's why I always loved Forego so much, because Jolley thought he had the Marlboro won with Honest Pleasure, getting 19 pounds, before the big guy came and got him on a sloppy track Forego utterly detested.  

Pyro wins, Rachel gets beat.

Ted from LA 04 Sep 2009 3:22 PM

You gotta love the FOB people that make it over to real horse talk.  What a joke!  And I agree, very weak comment

GO RACHEL!!!

I am betting (not money) on Rachael. I hope that she does not get hurt in any.

She is such a powerful horse and doesn't seem to mind the run at all. She doesn't even seem tired after a race.

How crude. She is Great!

Jamesb:  Just like Rachel, Birdstones are mudders as demonstrated by Mine That Bird in the Kentucky Derby and Summer Bird in the Travers.  So, we don't disagree.  Obviously though, not all horses like to run in the mud.  How do you think Summer Bird would fair against RA in the slop at 1 1/2 miles?

This will be interesting to see if Calvin can get Rachel to the outside, a more preferable position, using her tactical speed right out of the gate.  Otherwise, he might be blamed for getting her beat.  Anyway, good luck to all.

With all this talk about the whole football thing. I just wanted to say I'm a huge college and pro football fan and also a huge horse racing fan. I'll be watching football tomorrow but I'll be sure to make time to watch RA's race on HPI TV here in Toronto, Canada.

HELLO JASON

RA for the win. Wanted to say thanks for twice recently making reference regarding Steve A. violations. I haven't an ounce of respect for him.

My prediction of the Woodward:  Looking at the PP of the Woodward, obviously this is not a top class race. I think RA is the only Grade 1 animal for her class. However, saying that, i believe she will finish out of the money all together.  AND Mr. Jackson will rest her the remainder of the year after this outcome.  Be PREPARED that this easily could be RA last race of the year.

DRAYNAY

Good luck to you this weekend.

Rooting for her, betting against her. Its that or pass the race.

Speedball, I think you better watch the Preakness again.  Notice how the last HALF of the race she is running alone all by herself.  Does in really matter that at the wire MTB got within a length ?  Is that close to you ? A length ?

Last, Mary I don't know what got you so upset but what childish post are you talking about?  What did I say that has you so angry?

Oh and steve from st louis get off your high horse and quit crying to Jason for help.  I am not trashing any horse.  I have seen Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, and The Bid all run at 3 and I can say without a doubt Rachel is better.  Its my opinion and last time I checked I am allowed to have my own opinion. And robert if you're going to post that the Woodward field is back it up with some facts because based on G1 wins and speed figures it is one of the toughest ever.  THOSE are the FACTS.  Oh... and Vic S why don't you name all the stakes races Saint Liam won heading into the Woodward vs. Ghostzapper... I'll wait....

Lazmannick - enjoyed your post and I too would wonder how she would fare against those great horses.  Sunday Silence and Easy Goer were both personal favorites.  (Going to go watch a replay of the 89 BC Classic now).  I have great respect for all the horses you named.  My thinking that Rachel could one up them is only meant to show how great I think she is.

I'm rooting for RA to win, however I have to agree that some serious interference might go on to keep her from winning. If all the jockeys ride the race to win, it will be a fair race. Over the years, it has been shown where the "other emotion" to put it mildly, will manifest itself for a dirty and unfair race. The public never does hear all the bull***t that jocks yell, and things they do to each other in a race on the parts of the track where the camera has no clear view. Race clean, race fair, and we just might see history being made.

Jason, as for Nascar..meaningless? I'm a fan of both sports, and there is nothing meaningless about it. Actually horseracing and car racing are parallel to each other. Both jockey and driver need to be in the moment, with balance, patience, anticipation, excellent peripheral vision and in tune with the horse/car by the feel of their hands. And they both turn left. The addiction a jockey has for riding, is the same a driver has for racing, handling all that horsepower. (My brother was a racer).

Now if the horse industry would hire the PR dept. that Nascar car did, they would be in the clover, and on espn and the major channels. At one time it was a dying sport. Now look at it. (My favorite was Dale Earnhardt #3, RIP). If the horse industry really wanted to it can be done.

Rachel Alexandra..race to win!!!  

Jason:

You have come across as talking down to those of us who are concerned about the lack of television coverage for the Woodward and Pacific Classic. I doubt that you intended this. Most of us are not naive fans who fail to understand the "realities" and economics of this issue. In fact, I think most of us understand all too well where this trend is leading.

Rachel is NOT gonna be on TV.....Zenyatta will be on NATIONAL TV in the Breeders Cup....Does Jess know this??? (Mr Pub Hound...)...Anyway, go Rachel/Go Beavers of Oregon St....

Rachel will wire them easy! And no, Lady's Secret was not that close to Precisionist in Woodward (several lengths)...and no, there are no Precisionists in this year's Woodward field to battle Rachel...The horse I WISH were in this years field is Big Z---I wish the Moss's would've gone East for a two or three race battle with Rachel, but they did not...the Classic will be a tougher field than Rachel will have ever faced, but I'm not too sure Big Z will win that one...all in all, it's too bad they won't ever get together...all we can do is wonder...I'm taking a straight Rachel/Its A Bird exacta, and go Rachel!

Haven't yet seen the pps but on Sunday I'm going with a "Nakatani knock-a-homer" parlay!!...First, Afleet Eagle in Derby--easy!...then, Global Hunter in Pac Classic! Horses tend to need a race on Del Mar Main, and he's just sittin' pretty for a boxcar bertha shocker! Think Colonel John is best horse, but very tough to go 1 1/4 off one turf prep...also Draynay, if Rachel's better than Bid, she'd be going in the Classic vs the big boys! Rachel is a filly--there are NO fillies in my top ten (at 1 1/4)...even at 1 1/8 she doesn't beat Bid, I mean if she's THAT good, they'd try Zenyatta!....Right? After all, she HAS raced on plastic...

The only thing about it Jason is that MOST of us who are racing fans are sports fans period.

I've started to find ESPN boring and their talking heads on mute, more and more. Where are their good broadcasters? Kaput.

NASCAR is actually starting to falter as well. Several teams have disbanded and a couple have filed for bankruptcy. People probably watch to see the wrecks or all the infighting that goes on.

Guess we could get Todd Pletcher to beat Bill Mott over the head with a chair or have Kent pull Alan off a horse and pummel him for 'cutting him off'?

If the Triple Crown could some way translate to other races we could make a go of it, maybe.

Many more baseball steroid positives, NFL players murdering people, same for NBA. The debacle like the Oregon game last night? People may stop watching sports altogether.

Jason:

Thanks. There's the problem in a nutshell. For so many of us, we can't take the emotion out of horse racing ...

Rachel is a fabulous race horse, one of the best fillies of all time, we all know that. But to say that this is a strong field facing her is just plain ludicrious. The same loud mouth comments come from the same person on these blogs time after time. This Woodward features some nice horses, but c'mom man, look at some of the previous runnings and you will see some really outstanding horses who have run in this race. Outside of Rachel, this field is very subpar at best. Rachel will win because she is a great horse, not because she is beating anything special. Do you all really think Jess Jackson would have put her in this race if say Curlin was running or Invasor, Bernardini or even Ghostzapper. This is the perfect time in history for a filly to win the Woodward. I am pulling for her, she is special..........

Thanks Steve, Dish network seems the best  of the Sat. networks had direct tv for awhile and their service was deplorable I was always losing signal on a regular basis for hours at a time. I finally had to shut it down it wasn't worth the time. I not convinced Dish network will be much better even after I spend the xtra money on their best package. I still think ESPN could fit 2min on one of their many networks.  

Macho Again wins.  And remember, I'm the poster who gave you all Hold Me Back across the board last week.  Curlin1, what's your problem?  I called Rachel to get beat.  I think that takes more guts than cheer leading with Dray.  "Go Rachel!"  Did your skirt come up when you jumped up and down shouting that?  You can have your chalk.  I'll bet a big win bet and Macho Again and exacta box him with RA... just in case.

Saratoga claimed the two best thoroughbreds to race in North America in the 20th century,Man.O War and Secretariat,will Rachel join them in the 21st century? We will soon find out.Win or lose this is the proper race for Rachel as she has a chance to make history

as the only member of her sex ever to win the Woodward.

Deacon... thanks for the comments but the FACTS are this.  Based on speed figures and 3 G1 winners in the last 60 days showing up along with the fact that 3 horses coming into the race to face Rachel won on the Saratoga track in their last race suggest this is a very good field.  The FACTS don't support anyone calling this an average field.  Try to find another Woodward in the last 30 years with higher speed figures coming into the race... I'll wait.

Bullsbay 108

Cool Coal Man 107

Pass The Point 105

All three of them won their last race at Saratoga.  Calling this field average is just plain nonsense.

I only keep dish because of tvg and hrtv.  commercial free music is a bonus.  I can watch all-american weekend, too.  Can't wait to watch rachel tomorrow.

Draynay I love ya! You always go for the grand salami! Big Red and Bid! I'll give ya Rachel takes Secretariat in Whitney & Wood.....But Dray, BOOBIE!!!....The Derby, Preakness, Belmont, Arlington Special, Marlboro Cup, Man O War, E P Taylor...yeahhhelloooo!! I love Rachel/ love ya too!

Ted Rachel wire to wire--and (last week) I gave you Summer Bird-- easy/AllIcansayis Wow parlay (2nd, 10-1) in Dmr mile....also thought Hold Me Back was the only other horse besides Mine That Bird who had an entirely inside trip (beneficial) in Ky Derby...he closed on a tiring track in Travers/ don't think he'll be a top tier dirt horse, but maybe he'll be a big factor in the Breeders Cup. ya know?...on pro ride....

Thoughts on the Debutante?  To me, Mi Sueno will be a blessing as an odds on favorite, as I feel Necessary Evil is still the best of the two year old fillies.

Hold Me Back is at the very top of my BC Classic list.  He's a great specimen, period.  He clearly PREFERS synthetics, but isn't limited to them.  And most importantly, he got rid of Desormeaux after two absolutely awful rides in the KD AND WVD.  How do you take a horse whose previous two races were the Blue Grass and the Lane's End, where he made ultra-impressive three-furlong moves, and give him the rides Desormeaux did in his next 2?  Absolutely terrible jockeying.

Draynay - He didnt win any major stakes heading into the Wood. Does that really matter? He pushed the greatest horse of the past 25 years to his limits in the Wood. It still doesn't matter he was competing at the highest levels in his second year of racing and lost to the best horse in decades.  This is like saying Alydar isn't as solid as Affirmed due to not winning any Triple Crown races.  Alydar pushed the great Affirmed to his limits.  There is such a thing as second-itis.

RA tires and fades coming down the stretch.  I like Hold Me Back too, Matthew W.  We'll see where he goes next.  Dray, are you a school teacher?

I've been around this sport long enough to know things...When Rachel won the way she did at Monmouth, and they were gonna go for the Woodward....They should've made a decision to go East with Zenyatta.....they needed vision, and they had none....this was bigger than any Breeders Cup/and a chance make a clarion statement about synthetics!...Most of all, this was about Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra, and the chance to dirt her once again, they lacked vision/they lacked confidence in a mare who made up 15 lengths into a soft pace to win by five, in her one and only race she'll ever have run on dirt---Too bad!

This weekend is all about BULLSBAY and COLONEL JOHN. I can hardly wait. And I hope INFORMED completes the exacta in the Pacific Classic. I can hope that DA' TARA finishes at least 3rd...but that's asking for the moon and the sky, isn't it? The TIZNOW 2 year old fillies, TIZ MIZ SUE and SCREEN LEGEND are ready to rock in the Arlingon Lassie, while IT TIZ goes for an upset win in the Del Mar Debutante. And TIZDEJAVU should complete a great weekend, on Monday, at Arlington.

What a great time to be a TIZNOW fan.

First: Jason, I don't post much, but I have tried to explain the business side of the television situation... Horseracing, aside from the Triple Crown and the Breeders' Cup has to buy its way onto television, simply because 90% of hardcore (or casual, for that matter) sports fans care less about racing (ask one who won last year's Derby, just to see if they remember who Big Brown was)... Racing cannot market its way down people's throats in the current situation, it has to offer the general sports public something it wants to see, and build (forward and backward) from there, mostly by focusing on wagering, because it is the only sport that can be legally wagered on in the USA, but hey, let's just get mad because a network will not televise a race of no interest to people who do not want to want to watch it, simply because all of the marketing gurus on this board think RA can "save" racing... Secondly, to suggest that RA would belong on the same continent with Secretatiat is simply moronic, but I am so glad these people bet, we need more of them (she is good, but maybe not even the best filly since 1980, at the least)... Third, Tim? Name me a current NFL or NBA player that has been charged with murder (save Ray Lewis, a reach by the DA), and tell me why a sucker punch by a punk from Eugene will turn people off of sports... you need to race with blinkers off... Lastly, my boy Macho takes this race, this may not be the '94 Woodward, but it certainly isn't the '09 Mother Goose or Fairgrounds Oaks, this 3 yo crop blows the whole way around, and it will start to show now against the older horses on dirt and the Eurotrash on the turf and synths

I agree with everyone that says the only way Rachel gets beat is by a bad ride (Saratoga AJ and Swale). It's hers to lose. But as Goldie said, she will have a target on her backside the size of Texas.

MJ, Direct TV has horse racing on in Atlanta. Channel 602.

"Fuzeball," as Kathy Bates said in The Waterboy, is here to stay. Yes, it's the big money maker. With poster boys such as Michael Vick, it still leaves something to be desired. At least the powers that be in figure skating had the decency to throw Tonya Harding out permanently.

Ghostzapper the greatest horse in the last 25 years ?  He won 9 races in 3 years.  Rachel will win that many THIS year !!! Please.

Rooting for Rachel and think she is the most talented. However, nothing's shocking.

Laz: I've always placed Rachel's greatness in the context of other female racehorses. As good as Personal Ensign, Lady's Secret, and Bayakoa were in the 80s, they were about 3-5 lengths inferior to Alysheba, Precisionist, Easy Goer, Sunday Silence, or John Henry. In the 90s, there was Go For Wand, and Paseana, Serena's Song, Dance Smartly,Inside Information, etc, and they were about 3-5 lengths inferior to Cigar, Skip Away, Holy Bull, Silver Charm and the best males of the deacde. The same was true in the 70s, and as brilliant as Ruffian was, she would not have fared well against Secretariat, The Bid, Slew, Forego, Affirmed and the top males.  

In the Bloodhorse Top 100, the HIGHEST ranked female, Ruffian, was at #35, BEHIND Cigar, John Henry, Sunday Silence, Skip Away, and Easy Goer. If Rachel were to win the Woodward, I would have no problem declaring her the best female of the last 20, 30, or 40 years, maybe ever. However, to answer your question, I think she might be overmatched against a Cigar, Skip Away, or Sunday Silence. Unless she runs a 125 Beyer in the Woodward, I wouldn't say she is the best overall horse since the Bid, but then again, few serious horsemen/writers have suggested that. Most have placed Rachel in the context of being a great FEMALE racehorse.  

Dray: Best Beyers entering a Woodward? In 97' Formal Gold came in off a 126 in the Whitney and 124 in the Iselin, Will's Way a 126 in the Whitney, and Skip Away figs of 125, 122, 118, and 115.

In 98' Skip Away came in with Beyers of 114(under 131 lbs), 117, 121(under 130 lbs), and 118(under 128 lbs).  Gentlemen had been running 111-114 while 3rd in the Hollywood Gold Cup and 2nd in the Pacific Classic, Free House had just won the Pacific Classic with a 117, and Coronado's Quest had won both the Haskell and Travers with Beyers of 110 and 108.

Jason:

College Football? Well, I will be at the University of Michigan's home opener vs. Western Michigan along with 110,000 others. One of my friends couldn't make the game, so I got the ticket free, after having season tix 7 of the previous 9 years.

An exciting weekend in American RAcing.  Just as exciting in Europe.  As Sea the Stars will take on another 4 from Aidan O´Brien´s stable, most notable are Fame and Glory and Mastercraftsman.  Sea The Stars should be able to do it, but its a question mark on the ground for today, and also the racing tactics that Ballydoyle will employ.  All in all it should be a great one. Heres for Rachel Alexandra to make her own history and to hopefully battle The top three from the Irish Champions at this years Breeders Cup.  That would be an even more historic event.  I Invite you all to watch the Champions Stakes,itll be early for some of you over there, but it will be worth it.

If RA is beat, I will take Asiatic Boy and or Bullsbay to do it.

SCREW ESPN...LONG LIVE THE KING!!!...

DAMN GOOD STUFF...THANKS...GRAHAM IS MY MAN!!!...

Hey 2;24

Got up really early today in anticapation of the big race and the other races too.

I second your thoughts about Rachel.  I think on a good day she might have won  some of those races and lost some.  But you are right.....she deserves to be talked about and held in the highest regard.

Have a great day today.....

Mathew W

You're right.....Precionist defeated Lady's Secret by a little over 4 lengths in their Woodward, but only after Lady's secret ran a mile in 1.33.4.....She finishd a tired second but more than five lengths ahead of the third horse and it was clear that the jock knowing that she had second locked up and wasn't going to win didn't push her (what's the difference between being second by a head or by 5 lengths when it is clear you aren't going to win)?

My point is, without my challenging Rachel's overall class or trying to diminish her accomplishments, what would she do if she ran a mile in 1.33.4 and actually had a horse that was capable of challenging her at that point, especially an older male.....would she dig in and go on or would she back of.....

Please.....

You want to cheer for Rachel and say she's the best ever.....that's your prerogative.....but don't think we're that naive when it comes to the quality of this year's Woodward, especially when comparing it to past Woodwards……You trash the 2004 Woodward (1.46.1) by saying that St. Liam, who finished second, wasn’t much coming into the race…..He sure ran a heck of a race didn’t he…..and he would not only win next year’s Woodward and BC Classic, but also be named HOY…..I don’t see any of the horses that Rachel is racing against having HOY potential in any year…..And as far as this crap about Beyers, true G-1 horses usually have better Beyers than those listed by you….all this and you still insist that Rachel is better than Affirmed, the Bid and Secretariat……pretty intelligent observations and conclusions on your part…..in spite of your ridiculous comments I hope that Rachel wins, not just for her sake, but for your sake as well because it will keep you on this blog…..As long as you continue to post I know that I will never be the dumbest person on here.

Vic S

I agree with you regarding Ghostzapper.....I have always been a big fan of his and believe that if his career would have spanned say 20 or 25 races and he continued to keep his form, he would be considered in the top five or six of all time.....It amazes me how little respect he gets when it comes to his greatnes.....I believe that if he would be in this year's Woodward, we wouldn't be seeing Rachel.....as good as she is, Ghostzapper was a freak that could win at any distance, short or long, and he would have dominated her.

Hels,

RA vs SB at 1 1/2.  In the slop.  I take RA.

I take RA at any distance against any 3yo running except for two.  Zensational and QR.  I still think QR is one hell of a serious race horse.

As great as RA is, win or lose this race I hope JJ doesn't put her away for the year.  There are still races out there for her.

If the Beldame draws Icon Project, Careless Jewel, and Music Note, she HAS to run that race!

One comment about this field...it is tough.  Possibly appears tougher because after RA, it gets tough to separate them.  At the same time though....if there were an Invasor, Curlin, or Ghostzapper in this race she would have entered the Travers or 'Bama (roll Tide!).  It would have been a no-brainer.

RA, tiring at 1 1/8? Ted, how do you get that? She has run blistering fractions in her last two at that distance and still didn't tire, what makes you think she will this time?

Does anyone know if there is even live radio coverage with a caller?  If so, say where---thanks and I am devastated that there is not available TV for all.

lotta thought went in to the RA decision to run here, none more so than another runner they wanted to test who they thought should be tested[Kensai...ridden by Mr. Prado]...now he be on Past the Point who I feel is a contender in here...hmmm. If you call this field mediocre in one breath, and then say RA wins it because she's great?...exactly what logic course did you attend...there is a reason they call it the "art" of handicapping, and not the "science"...beyer figs..if it were that simple we would have no math people in the biz world, they would be all at the track...aside can anybody explain how you can box 6 runners in an exacta play[$1] and spend 30 bucks!

Those of you betting on the Hopeful should take Dublin all the way to the bank.  That horse is for real, in my opinion.  It is going to be nice to see D. Wayne back on the Derby Trail next year with a legit horse.

Dray: I don't need anything from Jason, other than to offer interesting subjects on which to comment. Your needs, however, are a totally different story.

Racing fans are attracted to the site to discuss the blooded horse and the beauty of the sport. You, however, come to pick a fight with everyone. You're stuck here making outlandish statements, pie in the sky predictions and totally undefensable comparisons with no rational. Who says so? 99% of the posters.

I don't know you, but judging by your on-line personality, you have a problem playing with and respecting others. That's why no one respects you. You say you're 6'4", as if that makes you a big man. You couldn't act smaller if you tried.

Your thoughts on the sport? No one else really, truly cares. I was brought up to learn what I don't know from others. You offer nothing. How sad.  

I understand why the national outlets don't cover this race. It's  meaningless to folks who don't follow horse racing.

But still, it's pretty depressing to have to go to the OTB, where the clientele often boos or cheers (depending on where their money is) when a horse breaks down, to see these great horses run. I certainly can't take my kids there.

Thank God for the YouTube replays.

As far as Rachael, win or lose, she's had HoY locked up since the Preakness because of  her  squeaker  over Mine That Bird and the filly angle, so no mystery there.

And if this race isn't total cake for her, Steve Asmussen will have a lot to answer for, that's for sure.

It's still a must see race though, as Jess Jackson is making noises about pulling her from competition for the rest of the year in make sure HoY is locked in and while he says she will run next year, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

I wouldn't be so quick to hand over Secretariat to RA in the Woodward, Matthew.

Unless I'm mistaken (and I may well be), Secretariat was coming off a HUGE win in the Marlboro Stakes just two week before, and the Woodward back then was run at a mile and a half.

Rachael is certainly a great horse, but no one can seriously suggest she's capable of that kind of effort(no horse today is).

If she was, they would have run her in the Belmont.

Off topic, I know, but...

Sea the Stars is just wow!

There are no givens in horse racing. Remember Big Brown?  Good horse, bad luck and ride in the Belmont.

That being said, if RA runs another 1:33 mile like she did in the MG, she'll be able to moonwalk across the finish line in front.

My Grandma turns 76 today and she wants a RA win for her birthday, so I'm rooting extra hard for her!

DO NOT forget Da' Tara in the Belmont 140. Rachel has had a long campaign and may-just may-be needing a break. I would not be at all surprised if she won, but I am hoping for Da' Tara. Wouldn't it be horrible for Draynay if Da'Tara beat BOTH his favorites?!

although I believe RA to certainly be an exceptional racing athlete...I'm not so sure what it really proves...It is well known fact that the male handicap division is average at best and a win by RA means she beat an average

field of horses. The best horses running right now in the US happen

to be all of the female gender anyway...the only reason this is history making is that in the US it

is NOT common to see fillies/mares

run against males.In Europe it's frequently done. As we also know that on any given race day a GREAT

racehorse can be beaten on any given day...therefore only having beaten or matched up against certain rivals ONCE does not necessarily prove who is actually the best racehorse...I believe it

takes aminimum of 3 meetings to prove superiority.

Looks like it'll be a full house today.

Ted, heaven forbid!

Think a college degree is still required. At least my relative has a Masters and her State certification. I really think she'd be HIGHLY insulted.

Is it just me or do some of you get the feeling that 'someone' who keeps hyping the rest of the field after talking about how they couldn't even be a pony horse for Rachel, is preparing in advance for any excuses if she loses?

The 'excellent' field which just a short time ago was dodging the greatest 3 year old (his words, not mine)? The 'only' way she'll lose is if she gets a bad ride or other jockeys box her in or try to ride dirty against her?

Man, this just leaves me shaking my head.

Jut in case.....

My 4:56 post was directed at you-know-who.

Draynay

In answer to your question on another blog.....who was the last 3 y-o to win five consecutive G-1 races including one against older horses.....Sea of Stars just won another today and his last three were against older horses.

Races are run because, short of a "walk over", nothing is a sure thing.  Saying that, I think Rachel is as close to a sure thing as we're likley to see and I believe she will once again prove her superiority over anything they throw at her today.  Responding to a few comments: to snow: Usually the best horse accomplishes the most and (logically) HOY follows.  Robert: Do you consider Secretariat a great horse?, Ruffian?, how about Man 'O War?  None of them raced past 3. groomebear: If RA wins 2day there isn't another horse running who can match her record this year.  The voters will be comparing records and accommplishments during 2009. Even if Zenyatta closes out the year undefeated and wins on BC day, her 2009 can't compete with RA. jamesb: RA was still pulling away from SB in the Haskell; can't see how another 200 yards would have got him any closer.

Thanks for the opportunity to express my comments.

After watching on TV this morning Sea The Stars win the Irish Champion Stakes (a win & you're in race), I don't think we have a horse, male or female, that can beat him.

Sea The Stars once again, The best horse in the World, destroying the best fron Ballydoyle.  Just plain Superiority.

I bet if RA wasn't running in the Woodward, but the same 7 horses showed up the people claiming they aren't weak would be saying what a mediocre field. Most of them can't even put up back to back wins. For some horses they're best races/wins was months or over a year ago. I honestly believe people are only saying it's a deep field because RA is in there and it looks better for her legacy to say she beat really good older horses instead of the so-so field that is the reality.

As far as the comments about Da'Tara beating Big Brown in the Belmont - he may have come in under the wire ahead of Big Brown, but it wasn't because he beat him. Big Brown beat Big Brown. Whether it was lack of training, a very bad ride from Kent Desourmeaux, the starter walking in the track or a shoe being pulled off, or all of it put together, Big Brown was not himself and that's why he lost. Heck, his jockey wouldn't even let him finish the race. So it was NOT like he gave his best effort and was beaten. As you can see from Da'Tara's record before and after, he just got lucky.

"Try to find another Woodward in the last 30 years with higher speed figures coming into the race... I'll wait."

Just off the top of my head 94' Woodward when Holy Bull beat an all star field including Devil His Due, Colonial Affair, Betrando, Go for Gin and 98 when Skip Away beat the likes of Free House, Gentlemen, Coronados Quest. Those are the just the ones I can recall off memory, are you honestly suggesting that 2009 is the best Woodward field in the last 30 years. Insane!

To me, Ghostzapper was more of a potentially great horse rather than a great horse simply because of the infrequent and total low number of starts.  It seems he was one of the brilliant but fragile ones, like so many others these days.  Rachel, on the other hand, is no delicate flower.  Apparently she is sound enough to be considered a throwback, and here's hoping that her durability as well as her talent carry her to another win today.  They should.

As far as the noises made about not running her any more this year, I can't argue with that idea.  She has only ever had, what, a month and a half break in her career?  But sometimes I am not sure if Jess Jackson's comments should be taken at face value or not.

I think all the insistence that Rachel will run next year and contend in the 2010 Breeders' Cup is fine and certainly that can be the goal, but it is really hard to stay on top for such a long period of time, even given Rachel's obvious sturdiness.  Azeri, Silverbulletday, Indian Blessing, they just weren't/aren't so dominant in that third year.

I am glad to know that I am not the only person in the US that thinks Nascar is meaningless! They are machines, driven by men in full roll cages. Horses are flesh and blood with heart and a will to win. What could possibly be better?

I remember Big Brown, Lil Darlin, but I also remember that there were issues with drugs in his case that have never been resolved, so in terms of "greatness", Big brown is tainted.

Unless Steve Asmussen doesn't have her properly prepared, the Woodward will be cake for RA... the only mystery is how big a slice.

We need to remember, she's not only the top American dirt horse in training today, but the other horses are giving up 8 pounds to her, and she's as big and strong as any of them.

There's simply no way she can lose.

Actually, Robinm, RA might have still been pulling away in the Haskell, but would Calvin Borel been so "energetic" with the whip if he didn't think SB could not still have taken her down?

I LOVE NASCAR,(I love racing more though) and that's something coming from a Guy that lives in the UK.

This may be on a seprate note, but did any of you Sea The Stars today?????

www.youtube.com/watch

Just brilliant. Now on to RA. I really can't wait to stay up late (10.56 PM in England) and watch her (Hopefully make history) but i do think this could well be her toughest test yet and Asiatic Boy is a big threat for me. He is Group 1 standard, believe me.

Also, what do you think of the Return of our Jockey Kieren Fallon??? Have you had any cases like it??

Go Rachel, but after today's performance, Sea The Stars is still ahead of you, win or not.

She should blow this field away considering she gets weight and this is her optimum distance. She is a 9-furlong specialist getting a weight allowance. What more could you ask for? She's an overlay at 4-5. However, push one more furlong on her and you've got yourself a horse race.

Just as Zenyatta will stick to one surface, Rachel Alexandra will stick to one distance. Ho-hum....

This Woodward field is a solid group of Grade 1 standard horses.  Many of them (Macho Again, Bullsbay, Cool Coal Man, Asiatic Boy and Its A Bird) are in the best form of their careers and still improving, having already run decent Beyer speed figures.  Therefore no one should attempt to belittle Rachel's performance after this is all done.  In fact I believe that those vanquished ones will later on show how brilliant she really is a-la-Summer Bird.

Our Vic: Wow! Sea The Stars was a force of nature in that one. Can he make any of the running or does he have to be covered? There's nothing here to compete with that. I hope they're happy enough with the Arc.

Chris: Insane? Get used to it. But, wait, it'll get better.

To Our Vic:  I saw Sea The Stars latest race on TV today.  I am so impressed with that horse I really hope he races over here.  Would love to see him in person.  

I'm not sure what you mean about Kieren Fallon, the race fixing allegations or the drugs?  Jockeys with drug problems are commonplace over here.  One of our top current jockeys, Garrett Gomez, is a recovering addict.  He served a little time in jail in 2003 for possession of a controlled substance.  Chris Antley rode Charismatic to win 2 out of our 3 Triple Crown races in 1999.  Antley then died in 2000.  The coroner found four different drugs in his system and ruled the death was the result of "multiple drug intoxication".  And there are many, many other cases of US jockeys with serious substance abuse problems.  

I'm not going to comment on the race fixing because to my knowledge nothing was ever actually proven against Fallon.

He travels very nicely, but he likes to be covered =) He doesn't stalk like RA does, or sit off as far back as Zenytta, monster mars that they are. If he was to turn up to the BCC.

Rainbow View, last years Champion 2 year old filly in Europe, is back in good form after winning the Matron Stakes, and her trainer John Gosden just stated he just might bringer to the Breeders Cup to take on Zenyatta.  No fear, lads, simply No Fear in the man, last year he took down Curlin now he wants Zenyatta.

Just watched Pyro:

Finally JR made a good come-from-behind effort in a big race.  

Hats off to Pyro.....good time and a win well deserved.

Don't kid yourself.....Ghostzapper was a GREAT horse.....It's just too bad we didn't get to see how much greater he could have been.....you can downplay the low number of races all you want, but the numbers don't lie.....In a world that seems to be infatuated with Beyer speed numbers, his numbers were lights out.

Wow:

Put her away for the year....She was sensational but she has also topped out....Her time was not indicative of how great she is and with a horse like Macho Again getting that close with the lsow time, it's time to stop for the year....Macho had every chance to go by her and didn't.....I didn't like the ride Calvin gave her and he was hitting her all through the stretch......I also watched Sea The Stars race and I think, all things considered, she impressed me more because she ran the entire race.....However you have to feel that if it was STS coming at her and not Macho he woulod have went by....Congrats  

MAGNIFICENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a horse. One for the ages. Rachel Alexandra the Great!!!! This was a race that settles HOTY for me. Fast opening split and she held off one of the best older horses at the end. She dug in and held on.

I will be rewatching this one all night.

Congrats to Pyro. Really happy to see that too.

Sea of the Stars is also one for the ages. An incredible run by him. Thanks for the video link.

breaking news! Rachel Alexandra has won the Woodward!

Hey Guys , Rachael is the BEST, she is on her own plain as far as I'm concerned.

STEVE S

You still think Calvin "lost his nerve" ?  You people kill me!

I had it like painted like a Monet...excpt the queen showed not only her physical ability, but her heart is the size of the Grand Canyon...God Speed to Rachel...the owners are one very lucky group to have her!

Happy about Rachel Alexandra winning. Happier still about Pyro coming home at 4-1. Am I the only one who thinks we have witnessed Rachel's last race?

Wow, that Woodward was the best race that I ever did see!. C'mon,a 1:35 mile and digging in like she did. That truly is greatness in my book.

On topic,

Rachel Alexandra is just wow.

WOW!  What a race! Rachel is awesome! That was a great race! Some fast fractions she set and still won! And where did those who were running with her in the beginning finish?  WOW!  And "weak" field some said....a combined 28 stakes wins and 8 million in earnings!  First filly to EVER win that race!  And I don't think any 3 year old colts from the triple crown have even faced older horses yet this year.  WOW AGAIN!

In case anybody missed it, Rachel won in a squeaker.  I hope they race her again this year, at least once provided she's healthy.  And anybody else wish they'd retire poor Da' Tara?    

Of course Sea the Stars would be Rachel on his surface (turf). And probably on synthetic turf (synthetics). But on dirt? Rachel Alexandra all the way!

Gritty tough race today! The best 3 finished 1-2-3 and they made her earn it every step of the way. I hope that if she is a tired horse, as she has every right to be, they put her away for the year. If she's still got spark, I'm sure the Beldame will be next!

I also love all the posts from the last few days preparing in advance their belittlement of Rachel. "Well it is the worst Woodward field ever so even if she wins it's not that great." What makes great horses great is they beat all the other average to better than average horses ALL the time!

Rachel Alexandra is one for the ages and if you can't appreciate that, well, there's no saving you.

YAHOO!!!!!! Rachel wins again!!!

One for the girls!!  YAY!!

Just watched the Woodward and I realized how Rachel can be defeated. Next race She will have to run backwards carrying Calvin Borel and another jockey. I said Curlin was one of racings all time greats. And it appears that he's the 2nd best horse Steve Asmussen ever trained. Rachel is the best racehorse I've ever seen and probably the best most of you have seen. I think she'll run in the Beldame. The only thing she hasn't beaten yet are older fillies and mares. But even Zenyatta and Icon Project won't be any match. RACHEL ALEXANDRA= HORSE OF THE YEAR, HORSE OF THE DECADE AND MAYBE HORSE OF THE CENTURY.

Just seen the fantastic video....wire to wire! Amazing filly and a excellent ride by Borel, smart way to keep any "weird things" from happening.

Go Rachel!! To all the naysayers who will say She almost didn't do at the closing..... SHE WON!

Rachel Alexandra, now did she finally prove how GREAT she is....what a filly....

Jason and Pam W. If you had ever had the opportunity to sit in a pure muscle car, fire up a engine ranging from a 350 to a 484, all 8 cylinders popping and the one or two 4 barrel carbs chuffing away along with the racing tranny vibrating under your hand ready to explode, and handling all that power going at 2oo mph......of course you will think it is meaningless and garbage. Exactly the same way people football is inane, with everyone trying to push each other back and forth across the field. If you don't understand it, don't knock it. ( By the way, I like football).

RACHEL BY THE NUMBERS:

1 - Time she has beat OLDER horses

2 - Times in a row she has beat the boys.

3 - Number of Grade I winners she beats in the Woodward, and the number of stakes records she has set

4 - The number of stakes or track records she has come close to beating.  

5 - Grade 1 wins in a row

6 - Number of states she has won in

7 - Different tracks she has won on THIS YEAR and 7 Graded stakes wins overall

8 - Wins this years, and 8 stakes wins overall

9 - Wins in a row!

10- How damn perfect she is!

Oh. My. God.

Macho Again was coming on like an absolute freight train... He was the one I was most worried about...

BUT SHE DID IT!

We are so lucky to be able to say that we have watched one of the greatest fillies of all time, and we are even luckier that she's not done yet!

steve from st louis, you think coming on here to trash me makes you original ?  If you have nothing to say do us all a favor and post on a site that cares about your opinions.

So Chris, that's what you got ? 2 races more than a decade ago ?  Thanks for making my point.  Rachel just beat a very good field being pressed by D' Tara first then by Prado on the outside and then notice how the Red Sea parted for Macho Again to come roaring through.  She held him off for a very impressive win and achieved something many of the greatest never did... A WOODWARD WIN !!! Wow!  PS... thanks Pyro !!!!

By the way Lazmannick I was talking about American racing not some little grass racers in Europe.  Do you still have an answer ?

da'tara is the next sarava period!!!

Vic S-RE the post on Bullsbay and Macho again.  Hope you had the tri.

Very insightful forecast but she just would not let them pass. Amazing girl and they are very fine too.

Love ya, Rachel, so much.

All I can say is: WOW!!! 'Thought once she made the outside into the backstretch, Calvin DIDN'T have to move her so soon! He almost blew it, one more jump...But that is why I DON'T have to see fillies go up against older males---Not even the top-tier types can give an all-time great filly a scare like that! Like I said, she doesn't beat Bid (c'mon) BUT she fits, right up there, on his level of greatness! NO DOUBT!

What a weekend! First, Sea The Stars looked AWESOME!! Didn't change leads right away/was caught in traffic for 1/16, then GONE!....Second was Rachel, and boy did she put out!!.....Third is tom at Del Mar, a real nice race or three, maybe we can find a horse or two that can warm up Sea The Stars in the Classic---That will be hard to do!!!

Thanks to a comment by Lance S. on the Final Turn blog, I saw the Woodward Stakes in real time on SportSouth, which aired the TVG programming of the race. Rachel Alexandra. Indescribable.

It is comical to go back and read these comments now that the race is over and 'The Lady' won it!!! Macho came in second and i cannot even get a video of the race on my computer.The one and only cable company where i live is closing for business and A crying shame that it was not televised nationally. i love NFL and College football, but Saratoga Races come but once a year. And Rachel's

but once in a lifetime. How about Mi Sueno? Watch the video of how she caught up and passed everyone else. She digs in with both hind legs and pushes mightily forward almost touching her front hooves. She is one powerful filly.

But today Rachel Rules and should for a long time. Hail also to Mine That Bird back in his home state of New Mexico. I love Horse Racing and the people and all that goes with it, eventho the upsets are surprising, the injuries are devastating and the illnesses and sudden deaths of perfectly healthy horses is hard for me to understand. But Horse Racing must go on. And i haven't forgotten Zenyatta either, she is in the mix too. And so far for me, best blogg name is "Zippy Potato Chippy"!!! Rachel Alexandra Wins, way to go! Hope they all came back sound with no chips,tears or quarter cracks showing up later.

To answer the primary blog question here......... YUP, Rachel just MADE history, fellas, so live with it! You can compare, analyze, debate, question, complain, denigrate, downplay, inflate or simply crow, but win she did....with determination and a fair bit of class. Unless the original Pegasus rises from the dead, I THINK Rachel is deservedly gonna be Horse of the Year...but don't quote me on that..I might be wrong (that happened once before!) and am willing to accept that possibility. But REALLY, can anyone argue with the history she made today?  Oh, hell, WHY on Earth did I have to go and ask THAT question???

Personally, I'm loving the face of racing right now. With all the warts and blemishes and problems racing has shown the world, Rachel AND Zenyatta have drawn the folks in and breathed some life into a flagging industry, and I absolutely LOVE the little girls who ask Rachel to "run like a girl". Thirteen cheers for both these lovely horses, and my hat is off to Rachel...she certainly made a believer out of me!

Cheers and safe trips.

Rachel Alexandra.

Don't let the braids fool ya'.

All hail Rachel Alexandra.  Not only is she beautiful, she's as tough as nails.  

We may have seen the last of her for a while, but then again, she does seem to bounce back well.

Steve, regarding the unfortunate Da'Tara,  YES!!

Actually Dray, take the advice you gave to steve.

He is at least a fan of the horses and not just ONE horse.

"So Chris, that's what you got ? 2 races more than a decade ago ?  Thanks for making my point."

You're not the brightest star in the sky, but let me quote again "Try to find another Woodward in the last 30 years with higher speed figures coming into the race... I'll wait."

I pulled two from memory because the winners happen to be my favorite horses and I recall the hype for those races, one from 15 years another from 11 years, pretty simple math that 11 and 15 are within a 30 year range. Your point was not proved.

Dray: I don't post here to get a rise out of seeing see my  thoughts published. I've made a good living selling my opinions,first as a newspaper columnist in the third biggest market in the United States and now as a money manager in the equities market. You finally  exposed your motivation for cackling like a bully 8-year-old on this site when you chide me for not being original in my posts. You, however, have nothing to worry about. You are truly original in yours. Are you entitled to your opinion? Absolutely! But sadly for you the rest of us gain little from it.

Dray: BTW, I don't come on here to trash you. I come on here to discuss racing respectfully with others who share my passion for the game. You are the one who comes here to trash anything not Rachel. It got old long ago.

TO mike Relva

SO you think that was a great ride when she should have won by daylight

If she were mine i retire her or get a new jockey

Iguess tim G(he says he smartest horse player) was not impressed seeing she got big wgt break

IF Calvin has not lost his nerve than he stupid

I think RA will hold on to just beat Macho Again.

Take off those rose colored Rachel sunglasses folks. She is good but not great. The top 3 year old colts were injured before the Triple Crown.

The Woodward field is the weakest ever. Seriously, DeTara racing in G1 race! laughable. Only 2 grade 1 wins this year from this mediocre older males. ONLY 2! I remember when the Woodward would not only have mulitple grade 1 winners in the current year but most of them would have won a multiple grade 1 races in the same year. The better older males were in the Pacific Classic. Oh and listen to that Borel. 'She does need to be whip because Rachel wouldn't run any faster' WHAT? Then why whip her over 20 times. Truth is, Rachel connections wants to keep the hype going. Trying to project an image that she is better than she really is. This poor filly was taken to the very limit of her ability against ok horses. She deserves all the credit and run with a big heart and deserves HOTY but to say she is one of the greats is a way bit of a stretch.