Rachel Alexandra won that race in spite of Borel.  Calvin didn't make up for his early ride at the end, Rachel made him look good.

Food for thought: If Zenyatta were to have come out for the Woodward,(and that fast pace)...does she run Rachel down today?...Methinks so...If Rachel were to come out to Del Mar to face off with Zenyatta,(and that slow pace)... does she win easy?...Methinks so.....

Do either or those fillies beat Sea The Stars at 1 1/4? Methinks NO--unless he cannot dirt--but no way on pro ride.....

Unbelievable race. Rachel Alexandra took it to them, and she earned this race. She showed her class and unearthly talent, and she proved that she belongs in the same class as the immortal Ruffian. 8 for 8 with 5 straight grade 1's, Rachel has assembled one of the greatest 3 year old seasons of all-time, colt or filly. She has clinched Horse of the Year, and I feel privileged to have watched her run in her career, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next. Rachel Alexandra is one for the ages.

Rachel would make a sumo jockey look good. She is the most amazing thoroughbred I have ever known. What a thrill to watch her run!  

Thank you Mr. Jackson for sharing the talents of such a great filly with racing fans. You are a true sportsman. That was the BEST race I ever saw and I always love to see a girl beat the boys. RA is a super star.

Twice now, RA has been compromised by race shape.  In both the Preakness and today in the Woodward, she has taken all the heat, the horses who attended the pace are nowhere to be found at the finish, yet she still wins.  When the pace is to her liking, she crushes G1 horses like soda cans. She is the greatest 3yo dirt filly ever. period.

Is she better than Sea the Stars?

We'll most likely never find out, even if they do race. There would always be the question of surface, distance, etc. If RA could beat STS at 10 furlongs on firm turf, she would be definitively better. If STS could beat RA at 9 furlongs on dirt, he would be definitively better. But I don't think there's such a huge talent gap between the two that either of those victories is likely. The chance of them meeting is already low, since STS is 99.9% certainly going to be sent to stud (I do hope he isn't though, and that his owner-breeders, who are rich enough, decide to race him another year in the memory of the late great Urban Sea).

That said, I would love to see RA v STS in the Prix and then the Breeder's Cup next year, and then bred to each other. =p No idea if that's a good cross, but would be cool. I don't think Curlin deserves Rachel. =p

btw, Jason, how long is your "modern era"? By which I mean, Ruffian included?

At this point, depending on what's more important to you, sheer speed or actual accomplishments, a case could be made for either Ruffian or Rachel.

Perfection is something we all try to achieve in sports.  And showing up big every time and winning as a 3 year old male or female is nearly impossible.  Young horses rise and fall like the Stock Market but Rachel has been perfection each and every time.  The part that makes it even more amazing is this horse is a FILLY.  I am not sure how important it is to compare her to horses of the past.  I believe its done so we can put the whole experience in perspective.  Secretariat was a great 3 year old and so was Affirmed and The Bid was amazing too but none of them were perfect at 3.  Yes, all of them won big races and set records but none of them were able to show up EVERY time and win.  What makes her the greatest 3 year old ever for me is the fact that she refuses to lose.  Few horses past and present could have done what she did today.  If Zenyatta is crazy enough to come east I would love to see it but I think we have a better shot of GunBow being brief than we do seeing that happen in the Beldame.  Rachel Alexandra is HOY and I was there to cheer her on since March.  What a wonderful year we had as fans and if you are anything like me you are counting down the days until the meet opens at Gulfstream a few days after the New Year.  You can believe I will be there in the sunshine ready for Rachel to take the stage as a 4 year old and just 8 races away from 17 in a row.  Go Rachel !!!

I too wish that poor Da' Tara would be retired now.  It's a cryng shame that a Classic winner was used like that.

HI JASON:

Great read as usual. They should put her away until next year unless a race with Zenyatta is in the future. I think she's earned a rest.

Zenyatta needs to come east and take on Rachael-I think she's a better closer than Macho Again and may have won. These two need to meet. And yes, she would have won the derby.

"Is she the best filly in the modern era? "

American DIRT horse, for sure, but could she have beaten Zarkava last year on turf? Not likely.

Yes, Jess Jackson should put her on ice for the rest of the season. Nothing more to prove,

Did I like to see Borel whip her the way he did? Not hardly.

Will she be as good next year? Dunno. Curlin had a great start but out of gas come the Breeders Cup- time.

Finally, could she have beaten Curlin in his prime? Haven't heard anyone talk about THAT.

It stuns me that the protectors of the past CAN'T let go of Ruffian.  Let it go people Rachel has accomplished so much more it's time to put the whole Ruffian thing to bed.  Rachel has topped Ruffian and we all know its not Ruffian's fault but come on folks.  Rachel's 3 year old season is up there with all of the greats.

Calvin gave her her head out of the gate, but got her back around the clubhouse turn--OK right there, but why did he go to the lead once he got her outside?...And boy did he hit her in the stretch---I think they'll put her away and let Zenyatta get man handled by Sea the Stars in the Classic...Yes, I also think Rachel will get 1 1/4...you can see it in her race today...What I DON'T think she can do is turn a 12 sec extra 1/8 AFTER going fast--I could see THAT in her race today...She's HOY but if Sea The Stars/Zenyatta/Gio Ponti go in the Classic--THAT looks to be the Race Of The Year!

I still see no need for Rachel and Zenyatta to meet. These are two great horses that I enjoy watching. They are both good for racing. Call me selfish, but I don't want either of them to lose.

she's a little better than Macho Again at 9F and 8 lbs. She came home in just under 38 secs. not that good, but she did go fast early.  Macho gets her at 10F or less weight. There are a few other older horses that could take her on...Einstein, Col. John. but only a few, and that says much about how good she is.  My guess is she's done for the year, HOY debate over, with two exceptions...Gio Ponti wins the Classic or Turf, and/or Zenyatta wins the Classic.  She her next year at Gulfstream for the Donn.

tvnewsbadge, maybe you missed it but Curlin didn't do very well against fillies.  He got beat by Rags to Riches so I doubt he would want to meet Rachel who ran more than a full second faster than him today in the Woodward.

Jason, Cat Thief's comment about Macho Again getting her at 10 furlongs is also absurd. Rachel rebroke after the wire and galloped out about a mile ahead of him. If you listen to Albarado after the race he said "I was NEVER going by that filly."

BTW the weight comment is also absurd. The race was weight for age.

Cat Thief - Macho Again couldn't get past a horse coming home in 12.8.  Rachel had an "excuse" for that time.  This race set up perfectly for a closer.  What is his excuse?  

I think they may take her to the Beldame if Z shows.  IF they think she is up for it.  I doubt if Z will show though.  Otherwise a long rest.  I hope they take her to JJ's farm so she can really let her hair down.

IMHO, she is HOY.  Even if Gio Ponti wins the Classic (which I doubt), she wins because of her exceptional campaign in the context of being a filly.

When's the last time a filly won the Classic,...ah never. If Z manages that after an unbeaten year, she's in the debate.  1 1/8 is a nice distance but it aint 1 1/4...RAs sire couldn't do it, ok maybe once, but she's vulnerable and Jackson knows it.

BTW, Ginger Punch at Oaklawn got to see Z at 1 1/8 on dirt, Zero chance? I'd take that bet and give 3 lbs, I'd want 2-1 maybe 3-2...but we aint ever gonna see it.

Rachel has captured the racing world's imagination.  However, its just the end of summer and way to premature to crown her Horse of the Year with so much more racing left in the year.  If Sea the Stars runs in the Breeders' Cup Classic and is defeated by either Zenyatta or Summer Bird then let's have a debate but let's wait until then before we proclaim her Horse of the Year.

What an honor it has been to watch Rachel Alexandra run this year. One electrifying performance after another. Although I would love to see her in the Beldame if she comes out of this race in tip-top shape, I would also be completely fine with her being done for the year. She's been running since February and five Grade 1 wins in a row, doing things no other filly has done. Let us all hope and pray she comes back bigger and badder next year.

I think if Rachel had had the chance to race in the Derby, won and gone on to Pimlico and Elmont, well...there has never been a filly to win the colt Triple Crown. What would your opinions be on that?

I'm still speechless. I hope Rachel gets a well deserved rest.

What a thrilling race, and while I feel strongly that it showcased again what an amazing filly she is, it also made her look beatable by Zenyatta, at least to my eyes. Do I think she can WIN at 1 1/4? Of course she can. But I also think she can get BEAT at a 1 1/4 (whereas she looks *very* hard to beat at 1 1/8 and less) She almost got beat today after such a wicked pace, and I don't think it's crazy to think that if we had that exact same pace set up with Zenyatta in the race, Zen could probably run her down.

To be fair, RA is probably tired after such an ambitious and terrific campaign and it's hard to say how that affected her margin of victory.  

RA dumping Calvin in the post parade only worried me in the sense that I hoped she didn't hurt herself, as she did look very awkward falling back on her haunches like that. But she looked fine after that and settled down.

I think unless Zenyatta shows up at the Beldame, they will almost certainly shut her down for the year. That was a tough race she just ran and that's the 8th start this year in top class competition. I don't think they will push such a talented and special filly unless there's a really good reason--i.e. a chance to run against Zenyatta, who, after all, will retire next year and the Beldame may be the only chance. Unless Zenyatta's team agree to race her once more after the BC, just to meet Rachel.

I find it hard to compare our horses with the Euros because the races are run so differently (galloping along with a sprint at the end), and on turf. And you never know, Sea The Stars could come to the BC and hate the synth. What kind of comparison would that be?

Am thrilled that we get to see RA race as a four year old (as long as she stays healthy). If she improves as a four year old, then that truly scary!

Wabstat I could not have said it better! In Preakness and Woodward she made all the running into a torrid pace--AND WON---Nuff said!

I didn't see Rachel dump Borel in the post-parade but it would be interesting to see her that frisky.

Great race today.  There is no other horse out there right now as consistent as she is.  

I was definitely concerned at the 1/2 fraction point but she hung on.

I say she rests for the remainder of the year, she has had the toughest schedule and competition of all the 3-year olds and frankly blew them away.  

It was an awsome race. But I think she would have done better if calvin was able to keep her off the lead. Rachel does better when she comes from off the pace. But still great race and a great effort out of rachel

Oh, I also wanted to comment on the race not being on TV. I can definitely understand why it was not shown on TV, but I cannot understand why it was not broadcast live via the internet. Or why when I google "Rachel Alexandra", news articles are the first hits. If horse racing wants to be taken seriously, it needs to capitalize on its stars.

I seriously what a Rachel Alexandra t-shirt and at best I could find only one place is selling them (and not very good ones at that). NYRA at least has the Rachel's Sandbox website/blog, but it's a little sparse, lacking much personal flair. The NTRA has to be much more nimble in marketing and promotion since their stars are gone in a flash. What a disappointment in how this superstar has been handled by them.

I wish they'd retire Da'Tara.  They're embarrassing him now and for no good reason.  To see a Belmont winner reduced to this just bothers me.  I usually think a race horse owner's decisions are not my business, but what they're doing with Da'Tara is disgusting to me.    

I initially thought Borel's getting dumped was a bad omen, but when they showed the replay of it before the race it didn't look like anything to worry about.

I think Rachel can get 10 furlongs.  I had my doubts before this race but IMO she showed significant stamina today.  

I think Jackson will give her a well earned vacation now.  

We should all be mad at the goof balls who decided to introduce "plastic surfaces" to our beloved race tracks.

Its a fake surface, and who knows, maybe Zenyatta would turn out to be a cheap claimer, if it were not for plastics?

Doubt it, but it leaves you to wonder.

Rachel is by far one of the greats. Has anyone looked at her pedigree, and tried to determine if the X-Factor is at play here? I wonder who big her heart is???

The greatest 3-year old filly season ever if she had won the Kentucky Derby, yes. The greatest 3-Year old season period?  No.  Secretariat holds that distinction, rightfullly so. But, others merit consideration along with Rachel, such as Affirmed and  Spectacular Bid.

This was her best race and Borel's best race aboard her. If you think he pushed her hard too early, then you also have to give him credit with keeping her together when Macho Again, who didn't participate in the first 3/4 of the race, ran at her inside the furlong pole. She won on class and Borel rode her with class, rationing out her speed perfectly. A great horse would have run her down. Fortunately, she was the only great horse in the race. She proved more in winning by a neck today than she did when she aired in the Haskell.

I was privileged to be at the historic Spa and witness history today. It was one Hell of a race. I have never seen the crowd at Saratoga as animated as it was today. Rachel Alexandra did make history. She opened at 1/9 then dropped to 1/5, went off at 1/4...and all I could do was keep thinking that the betters were way too caught up in the frenzy. This was going to be the toughest race of her life...didn't they realize this was a 3 yr old filly  racing against some of the best older males in the country?

Let's get this straight...Rachel won this race on heart at the end. You could tell she was one tired girl as she left the track to a thunderous applause.

I believe this was her last race of the year. 8 for 8 all in stakes races, 5 G-1 wins in a row, against the best  fillies, 3yr old colts, and now 4 and up colts. There is nothing left to prove, and she deserves a nice long rest before her 4 yr old campaign.

And Jess Jackson's comment after the race concerning next year? "I've got an instinct to try and put another hurdle up to see if she can achieve it," he said.

Dubai? Grass and Europe? Stay tuned.

On a personal note, I have finally seen a filly who I can say is the equal of Ruffian. In my close to 50 years of going to the races, and following the sport we all love, Rachel Alexandra is right up there with the very best of my lifetime. Let us all enjoy her...because it will be a long, long time before you will see anything like this again.  

Two races where RA is really working to keep the lead- Preakness and Woodward.  I THOUGHT I saw Macho Again in front about two strides after the finish line.  I think she will be put up for the year.  No, I don't think she could have won the Kentucky Derby.  I still think she has distance limitations.  I'll hear it about that but that's my opinion.  Since people on this board were putting down the field in the Woodward that RA faced, she should have put them away by lengths, not by a squeaker. Calvin was really, really working her over.

Greatest three year old ever?  No.  Lest people forget, Man O' War was undefeated at three.  He won a race after falling to his knees at the start and still ran head-to-head the whole way with John P. Grier.  There are still  contenders to try RA. MOW caused others to flee the races he was in and in some cases, only sportsmanship caused a horse to be entered against him.  He did defeat one older horse,he ran under restraint most of the time winning by large margins and setting records even so.  And he didn't get an eight pound advantage, not hardly!  

Kudos to RA today for a gritty race.  She's good, very very good.  But I don't think she's the best three year old ever.

Jason, just for fun, does RA get HOY if Mine That Bird or Summer Bird win the BC, should they be entered?

I don't mean to harp on about Cat thief's comments, but the point about Rachel being just a little better than Macho Again is crazy. Put it this way: What do you think would happen if Rachel went against Macho head to head? He gets beat double digit lengths that's what would happen. If racing were a head to head sport like boxing or tennis it would not be as interesting, because the way a race sets up give horses who are not necessarily that great a chance to achieve great things. It's the only way Exceller could beat Slew and the only way Macho Again could have gotten close today. In boxing terms, Macho watched Rachel fight the first seven rounds against Pass The Point, Da Tara and Cool Coal Man. Then both he and Bullsbay got into the ring for the last two rounds and still couldn't knock Rachel out. Don't you find it amazing that the horses who went with her early were all way at the back of the pack at the wire.

In my quiet little Dog Track OTB in Wisconsin, I have never screamed so loudly than I did in Rachel Alexandra's stretch run today. So many stares I didn't even care. Stop comparing her to anyone. She is in a league of her own.

As for Da' Tara, I have no idea why he is even racing still, much less in stakes races.  The horse has shown no desire to race effectively and has shown that time & again since his Belmont win.  He hasn't won a thing since.  They either need to retire him, or try him at sprinting.  He can't run the 9 or 10 furlong races.  He won the Belmont because Big Brown ... ran poorly.  Had BB been on top of his game and not had his shoe torn off, a different result may have happened.  Da' Tara didn't win the Belmont because of talent, it was because of an injured BB and a poor group of 3yos at that time.  

For Rachel ... unless Zenyatta comes to Belmont for the Beldame (and TVG stated it was a second choice for Zenyatta, so it is a possibility), I think she's done for the season.  I think this race took more out of her than any other race has.  I saw Calvin get off her in the post parade, but she was frisky, and it looked like she got a little tangled with the pony horse.  I think Calvin willingly went off to get her to settle.  She didn't run off once she felt him off her and she waited for him to get back on.  Once she galloped out in the backstretch before the race, she settled in.  That horse is all professional.  I don't think Calvin did anything horrible in the race, but I think he was under tremendous pressure to win that race.  He knows almost better than anyone else does what she is capable of and they wouldn't have wanted Past The Points or Bullsbay to get ahead of her too far, so he rode a bit more aggressively than he did in other races.  Regardless, it doesn't matter, he got the job done, they made history & she is the first filly to win the Woodward.  We don't know what instructions Asumssen gave Calvin before the race, so we can't say if he did it right or not.  The final result is what matters and that is that she won the race and cemented herself as the best filly of the ages.  As great as Ruffian was, she never beat the boys, much less older boys.  Rachel has beaten everything thrown at her since Calvin became her jockey.  Like or dislike Calvin, Rachel trusts him and does whatever he asks.  He is her perfect jockey, no one could ride her as well as he does.

Rachel is a truly amazing racehorse and I am so happy that we will see her back in 2010.  Like or dislike Jess Jackson, he does what the fans want AND what is in the best interest of the horse.  He could retire Rachel now, put her in a breeding shed next season and have a foal that he'll make a ton of money with, but instead is bringing her back.  Give the man kudos for that, as well as for bringing Curlin back as a 4yo and making history with him.  I can't fault Jackson for not taking her to Santa Anita for the Breeders Cup, not knowing that a lot of the great dirt horses won't be there.  

Does anyone think that Rachel will break Peppers Pride's undefeated race record?  I sure hope so, she is a horse that deserves that distinction as well.  

I think that what RA did today was fantastic, shes got the guts and the heart to beat the boys. She's one of the few horses that we really get to see the depth of the heart that these horses have. To compare her to Ruffian I think doesn't really do fairness to either filly. Different times, different class of horses - what I mean by that is the class of horse that is bred today is different from the class of horse that was bred back then. Both these fillies are great end of story. As for the Zenyatta vs RA race - I'm glad that Mr.Jackson is sticking to his guns and not forcing the issue. We know that RA will be racing for sure next year - has there been anything that says that Zenayatta won't be racing next year either? I ask this question because I can't remember. Why everyone wants the race to happen right this minute boggles my mind. These two fillies are both great and I would hate for them to be exhausted to the point where one or both get injured because everyone wants to see a match race. Match races don't seem to have the greatest endings for the great ones.  It would be great if they ever did race against each other but really what would it prove? Both sides would come up with excuses as to why their horse didn't win thereby taking away the win from the other horse. So I say enjoy both the fillies while we can and while they are still racing. Horses like RA and Zenayatta are far and few between especially because they are fillies. As for the way Calvin handled the race - he's human - he makes errors in judgement just like the rest of us - did I like the way he was whipping her in the homestretch? No. Its just like I don't think that we should take anything away from the other horses that were in the race today against RA - they too ran a heck of a race and its something for them to say that they got beat by RA. Maybe this is showing a trend as to how horse racing should be going back to the joy of the sport rather than the payday.Of breeding a superior sound horse that can run big races rather than being a couple race wonder that fades into the background never to be heard from again. Just a thought.

Wow! What a filly!  I didn't get to see the race, but I will as soon as I have access to youtube. My computer won't download macromedia, so I am out of luck with this computer. Will go to the library and use one of their computers. Have been following Rachel Alexandra all year. Mind you, I have never been to any track all my life. Most likely to go to Oaklawn next spring because it is the most major track closest to where I live where I can see some really good ones. My late husband taught himself handicapping to put himself through college on the ponies.

Zarkava would inhale Rachel.

I completely agree with jshandler. Horse of the Year was just sealed up today. Rachel is 8 for 8 with 5 grade 1's. Zenyatta is 3 for 3. When is she going to make up the races? And why does everyone think she will run in the classic? If she ducks Rachel in the Beldame, then you know the owners only care about the record, and there is NO WAY they send her into the classic with an undefeated record against the best males in the world. Zero chance they would let her exit her career with a loss. Remember, it is all about the perfect record, otherwise, she would be on the first flight to New York to take on Beldame. And Draynay, do a little research on Ruffian. A horse that was 10 for 10 and set a record in EVERY race is not a horse to be forgotten. Ruffian is a legend.

Rachel has distance limitations, that is apparent. She ran a gutsy race but 50 ft more and she was a goner. Not sure where you were watching from Gobin, but she was all out and Macho passed her right after the wire. Face it, not every horse can get a distance and she seems to be one.

She looked tired after the race today, lots were commenting on it. She IS without a doubt the best 3 year old filly of all time at a 1 1/8.

As I looked around, the little girls who were there? Maybe 1 in 25 of them will be long term fans. I didn't see one of the pre-teens placing a bet and the travesty of it all was no national TV.

Was it great for racing? We were patting ourselves on the back an awful lot.

Well to those in Saratoga and surrounding areas, to those of us IN racing, to the die hard fans on here a resounding yes.

To the rest of the country? Rachel Who? Called a friend and colleague in another state, asked if he saw Rachel run?

His answer? No, I was watching the ball game. Is that the horse that won a big race? The realization was disheartening.

I was around to watch the likes of Secretariat, Alydar, Affirmed, Seattle Slew, Winning Colors, Dr Fager, Northern Dancer and Swaps was my earliest memory of a great horse.

I'll tell you when Secretariat ran? The whole COUNTRY stopped to watch him.

But then again I could never envision Lucien being guilty of multiple drug violations, with one hanging over his head (something else a friend, who is a racing neophyte, mentioned about Asmussen et al).

and tried to determine if the X-Factor is at play here? I wonder who big her heart is???

Fire Slam, I've been thinking about that all year. The X factor heart has to go with excellent conformation, constitution, and will to win (all of which it appears Rachel Alexandra has). When I look at her pedigree, I am wondering who is the carrier. I know how it can and cannot be passed down, but wondering where the influence might be coming from if she has an X-factor heart.

Could someone please stick a fork in the HOTY race. It's done people.

Rachel at 3yo has accomplished what Zenyatta at 5 has not even attempted. In fact I think Gio Ponti will receive more consideration than Zenyatta and Rachel will still win by a landslide.

If I were the Jackson's I think I would give Rachel a well-deserved rest. I think that even though she is doing a bang up job on some of the best colts in the U.S. anyway, she is tired. If it had been earlier in the season, she would have won by more than a head.

Louisville Larry, Zarkava???.....at 1 1/8 dirt???.....Inhale seems to be the right verbiage for you!!!

HorseFirst if you thought you saw Macho Again in front any time after the line you saw wrong. Go listen to Robby talk about the race.

Rechelle, Rachel cannot beat the unbeaten record of Peppers Pride or Zenyatta, she has 3 losses.

Cindi, basically Boo jumped off her, the outrider lost the lead.

The Beldame is Oct 3 I doubt Zenyatta goes ANYWHERE until after the BC. By then my bet is Rachel will be done for the year. Or period.

Citation, Citation, Citation.  He won 19 of 20 as a three year old.  He beat older horses before he won the triple crown.  He won sprinting, and he won at a mile and a half (maybe longer, if he won the Gold Cup).  Secretariat  lost three times as a three year old.  Not as dominant as Citation.  Sure, his times were faster, but the breed had become much more speed oriented by that point, probably because of the greater prevalence of Phalaris-line blood.  As a model of consistency, I don't think there's another three year old that has had that kind of season.  He's rated #3, right behind Man O' War and Secretariat, on the Blood Horse's list of 20th Century American greats.

Jordan S...???...No way thry're gonna exit her (Zenyatta's) career with a loss???...They are gonna try the Classic, out West..that is their plan.....They have stuck with their plan...don't trip on them, they have got the $$$$ every time, from dead last every time...Why does anybody have ill will towards EITHER of these fillies??!!

Yes Jason, but she ran a heck of a race in the Preakness and didn't look tired.

Guess the trainers who said that and who by the way LOVE her, were talking out of their ears.

Gobin, HorseFirst is correct, Macho passed her right after the wire. I saw it live, recorded it.

Jason, you are right, HOY debate is over, even if Zenyatta wins the Ladies Classic on Friday and the Classic on Saturday.

Steve, you are also right, Da'Tara should be retired.

Everyone hailing Rachel the Superfilly is right as well.  I feel like I am seeing Ruffian race on as if she hadn't died.  Or maybe something greater.

I think Rachel's season is over.  Next year, no one knows, but we can all be grateful for the memories.

Gobin Robby is trying to "protect" Jess (He was the rider of Curlin)...Of corse she loses in ONE MORE JUMP! Macho Again made up a length in the last three strides, C'mon! The point is, the best horse, by far, won! But DON'T embellish it by saying she could have gone around again---You're dreaming!

Let us just admire Rachel for what she has done up to today. Ruffian was great in her own right and unfortunately didnt have a chance to add to her lofty resume. Its not fair to say who is better since they will never race against each other.

Finally, I agree, give D'Tara a break...he doesnt belong in this league!

Oh, and Jason? What was it your teacher told you about IF?

IF depends on more than just Calvin. Unless there's no other horses in the race.

Why do people think Rachel can't handle the classic distance? Her sire was proven at 1 1/4 miles and beyond. If Rachel had to go that distance, she surely would rate like she did in the Mother Goose and just wait a little longer before inhaling the competition. It is also interesting that people can't take in all this filly has accomplished and just enjoy it, but feel the need to criticize and bash her at any chance. She has done all that has been asked of her and then some, and has proven herself as one of the horse racing greats.

It was truly amazing that she won after having run so fast in the first part of the race and I heard the race commentators say that she broke again after the wire and wouldn't be passed.  It isn't just her physical ability, it's her heart.  She has what only the greatest horses all had.  When running all out and tiring, they reach down deep and find something more...courage and refusal to be beat.  Not every horse has that.  Oh, there will be those who will say she didn't beat anything and she hasn't gone 10 furlongs, she hasn't gone 12 furlongs, she hasn't raced on grass, she hasn't raced on synthetics this year and she's not going to the BC and if Zenyatta wins the classic, she's HOY.  First of all, they won't even race Z in the Pacific Classic which I think she could win easily.  If they won't run her there, do you really think she will run in the BC classic?  No, their goal is to keep her undefeated, the classic is too big a risk.  Secondly, who else has 8 straight wins in 2009?  Anyone?  Rachel's resume this year is astounding for a 3 year old.  She's only 3!  Yet people are saying she hasn't done enough to get HOY.  Why does Z only have to race 4 or 5 times but Rachel has to race 9 or 10?  I don't get it.

Quite frankly, I think she's done more than anyone and should be put away for the year.  JJ said that if Z goes to the Beldame, R would go too.  I don't think that will happen.  Too close to the BC Ladies classic.  Does anyone not realize that Rachel is amazing?

Matthew W, why do you think they will try Zenyatta in the Classic if she has an undefeated record? Don't you see, they are protecting her record. They do not want to see her with a loss. Why else would they run against the same overmatched competition instead of trying males in the Hollywood Gold Cup or Pacific Classic. Jerry Moss was in attendance at the 1988 Breeders Cup and witnesses Personal Ensigns breathtaking victory against Winning Colors in the Distaff. I can absolutely guarantee you that if Zenyatta is 13 for 13, Jerry Moss will put her in the Distaff so she can retire undefeated. Come on. Why else has her schedule been so soft?

Jason, who knows from now to next year and her maturity, growth etc. I'll wait to see first if she even comes back.

That's two years in a row HOY was over before the Breeders Cup!!!....

Rachel IS a great filly

but greatest 3 year old season?

I think a triple crown trumps what she has done,

have you forgotten Secretariat and his defeats over older horses (and on grass), And how about Citation? His 3 year old season was amazing ans included a triple crown.

Then there was a colt called Affirmed, remember Him? he had to face another triple crown winner called Seattle Slew who had a pretty good season. Yes She is great but hardly the best 3 year old season ever.

Jason 10 furlongs on dirt?...lets see, JC Gold or Classic??? Are they the only remaining classic distance races left on dirt for older horses?...I'll bet neither filly wins the Classic, this year or next...

Omens are only for the superstitious. As Calvin said, Alexandra the Great - it's time now for an official name change - was a little fresh having 5 weeks off since her last race, was prancing around, and did a little bucking causing Borel to lose his balance. Some say the crowd spooked her, but that's not what Calvin said. Alexandra is unflappable. As for the ride, Jason is right. Borel was smart to send her out aggressively. If he lays back and Da' Tara, Zito's sacrificial lamb, goes to the lead from the rail, then outside of her Prado on Past the Point and Velasquez on Cool Coal Man can pin Rachel against the rail and box her in. Wisely, Borel wanted to avoid that. Calvin fanned PTP and CCM wide in the first turn while content to give an overmatched Da' Tara  the rail and remained in control of his destiny by a piece of bold race riding. The fast early fraction was a product of his strategy and his confidence in his filly - not a little panic on Borel's part for he cooly slowed the pace the second quarter and then gave Alexandra the Great a little breather on the far turn. A truly superb ride from a great race rider who rode two races today - the first against the three speed horses in the opening quarters and the second against the two closers, Bullsbay and Macho Again, the one-two duo from the Whitney, in the stretch in a race that set up perfectly for these two horses closing off fast early fractions. A truly remarkable effort for a three year old filly.  As for the Run for the Roses, if Rachel had been in Stoneside Stables, she wins the Derby for without Calvin in the irons MTB does not get that superb rail trip that catapulted him to victory. He would need that to get to Rachel, but as Calvin has said when they eyeball her, as Macho Uno did today, she won't let them by her. Indeed, she rebroke after the wire when the gray came to her and left him 5 lengths behind. Rachel responds more to another horse coming to her than Calvin going to the whip 19 times. If Jackson the sportsmen, who always likes to up the ante to gain a true measure of a horse' greatness, had been the ring master, Rachel wins the Triple Crown and goes on to have the greatest 3 year old campaign ever. Now, if Jackson had just left Curlin in training, we could have seen the two go at it in the Woodward, the Jockey Gold Cup, and the Clark, and what a spectacle that would have been. Jackson should race her in the JGC because she needs to prove herself at 10 furlongs against older males. Jackson said after the race that his instinct is to put another hurdle in front of her to prove her greatness, and she isn't going to the Classic, the Arc, or the Japan Dirt Cup. That leaves only the 1 1/4 Jockey Gold Cup as it's unlikely she'll see the California-based Zenyatta in the Beldame. Hopefully, she's not through for the year. For a truly iron filly, the JGC and the Clark are well within her capabilities.

Correction, the only remaining 10 furlong race on dirt is JC Gold Cup. The Classic at Santa Anita is run on rubber bands and used tires. It's too bad the Breeders Cup blew it again this year with the rubber tracks because it would have been fun to watch Rachel compete in the Breeders Cup. At least they got it right next year and put the dirt races on dirt.

Well, your opinion.

But if I had one that was all out the way she was, had a horse come up on her like Macho did? I'd keep them at the distance they seem to like the best. Nothing wrong with that at all.

If, providing, etc just what I said.

Matthew W I never said she could have gone around again. Where did I say that? I didn't even imply it. I find it funny that after she won the Preakness everyone is saying if only MTB had two more jumps and now we hear this crap about if only Macho had two or three more jumps. Now when she wins at 10 furlongs we will hear if only this horse had this amount of jumps after the wire. How stupid. Doesn't the race at at the finish line anymore? As far as I know the distance of the race is determined before hand. Its no secret. If you can't get the job done in the distance that is allotted then tough luck. Tim G could you please show your recording. It could have been the angle right after the wire that either of us were standing. All I know is she galloped out in front of Macho Again. True or False? So by this silly argument, if the race were 9 furlongs and 6 more jumps she would have won again. Because even if he were in front briefly after the wire, the fact remains that she did pass him again during the gallop out. I hope we all see how stupid this argument is. THE RACE ENDS AT THE WIRE. THAT'S WHY IT'S CALLED THE FINISH LINE. THE RACE IS FINISHED.

RA ran like the wind today. She is a fabulous filly. Didn't like the way Calvin kept whipping her on the way home. I was under the impression he didn't like to whip her. Maybe too much pressure was put on both of them today. Sure hope she came out of this race safe and sound. She certainly put her heart out there today. Hopefully someone will give us a report on her condition tomorrow.

I personally would like to see her given a lot of rest until her 2010 season. She has nothing else to prove. She's done it all. I hope Mr Jackson will reconsider the remarks he made after this race. She's given him her all. Why not treat her with respect and let her rest. That's what he should do if he REALLY puts his horses first.

Will be watching to see how Einstein handles Colonor John tomorrow and if Zensatioal wins his race.

Everyone have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend.

Jordan S I have my little birdies....actually one's a hawk, who would "kill" me if I quoted him---Let's just say they're gonna try them in Classic--and if they DO NOT, then I would bet against her in Ladies Classic cuz that would "tell" me somethings wrong!

Plus Jason, wasn't it you and several others who said she was winning for fun? 20 lengths, cruising etc? If THAT was true then why did her 9 races take a toll on her.

I'm saying she's amazing. I'm just saying she IS NOT the greatest ever.

Hey, I like Macho Again, I think he's top 7 or so older horse at a route. He ran the same as he did in the Whitney with 7 more lbs. pretty good. RA didn't back up like Commentator and won...but all she was carrying was 118 today.

Best 3 yr old season ever? I like Secretariet's 3 track records in the triple crown...but a filly who wins Preakness, Haskell, and vs. older males in a G1 is pretty good, don't forget Sunday Silence, and maybe Risen Star, Point Given, Tiznow, Curlin (I won't comment on horses before 1970). That's some good company to be named with.

Medaglia was second twice to Pleasantly Perfect, and once to Candy Ride, and Volponi at 1 1/4 that I can remember, also to Sarava at 1 1/2.

See her next year in the Donn, Stephen Foster, Whitney, Woodward, Classic. Taking notes Jess?

Go Col. John, catch Rail Trip and Tres Borrachos

Super Filly YES! Best at 1 1/8 dirt. Saw her Mother Goose,  Awesome spectical, could not stop screaming for her. She KNOWS how to win, BUT with a better ride by M.Smith, MTB beats her in the Preakness. She IS vulnerable at

1 1/4.  Just a gut. MTB wins the BCC.  

Tim I guess you know more than Borel and Albarado because they both said Macho couldn't get by her not even AFTER the wire.  Read the interviews before coming on here and spouting nonsense.  We ALL saw the race we are not blind.

JASON,

Rachel Alexandra is one of the greatest fillies to ever look through a bridle.  Calvin Borel rode her brilliantly, given the obvious intention of her competitors to gang up on her.  The first quarter was punishing but she handled the whole trip like a true champion, always digging in and finding more when challenged.  She tops Personal Ensign and Ruffian and compares favourably with the likes of Secretariat, Spectacular Bid, Holy Bull, Affirmed, Alydar, Seattle Slew, Easy Goer and Sunday Silence as an elite 3YO of the last 40 years(except for not having competed at the classic distance of 10 furlongs, which features on the resumes of all the aforementioned champions).

Her marvellous victory in the Woodward showed the stuff of true champions (reminiscent of Holy Bull's 1994 Travers victory over Concern ... at 10 Furlongs).  Being a filly always makes her eligible for a sex allowance at the weights against colts therefore as Steve Haskins has intimated in a previous column, perhaps we should also extend to her that allowance in the all time greats analysis, in terms of the 10 furlongs distance criterion.  My personal opinion is that she can also dominate males at 10 furlongs (with very few exceptions ...a fit and ready Quality Road,the new and improved Summer Bird, Macho Again and the european phenomenon,Sea The Stars) as her relentless pace would be quite punishing for her rivals.  However until it is done it gives some leverage to her sceptics/critics.

There is no doubt now that she will not be eclipsed for the 2009 HOTY title even though Sea The Stars, in the event of an impressive win in the Breeder's Cup Classic (in view of his all conquering European exploits this year) should be a legitimate contender IMO, especially if he is able to claim the prime "scalps" that Rachel also vanquished on her rampaging climb to the top.

It may be asking too much for her to show up in the JCGC after a really gruelling campaign in which she has sparkled up every time.  But if she has one more race in her legs, a win there would certainly put her over the top as a 3YO talent (male or female) and answer the 10 Furlongs question once and for all.  If that were to occurr I would certainly advocate her retirement to stud (to be covered by Birdstone, Candy Ride or the great Holy Bull?), rather than expose her to a potential lowering of her brilliant colours if she should regress as a 4YO, which happens many times to top class horses.  

This is a wonderful year of racing and promises good things to come in 2010. If only the legs of the thoroughbreds were not so frail (I Want Revenge and The Pamplemousse would also enter the fray)...perhaps then, they would not be such fast and graceful animals.  Ah well ...

Also Jason, I was one who initially thought she would have won the Derby if she had run in it. After today, I've re-thought that.

For Tim G and Matthew W here is the first paragraph of the Bloodhorse Article in the handicap section. It addresses the gallop out.

Rachel makes history in Woodward

"Stonestreet Stables and Harold McCormick's RACHEL ALEXANDRA (Medaglia d'Oro), a filly of destiny, earned a historic victory in Saturday's $750,000 Woodward S. (G1) at Saratoga, becoming the first female of any age to win the prestigious 1 1/8-mile event in its 56-year history. More importantly, she possibly clinched Horse of the Year honors in defeating the East Coast's leading older males under weight-for-age conditions. It was far from an easy win, however, as the filly was forced into setting punishing fractions and barely held off a near-winning surge by Macho Again (Macho Uno) in the final yards to last by a head. Encouragingly, the filly re-broke after the wire and galloped out ahead of her nearest competitor, who enhanced his own Eclipse Award credentials with the near miss."

I say again to Tim G please post your video. If you don't know how to I will walk you through it. Isn't this sad that we are talking about what happened after the race instead of what happened during the actual race. This is sad. It really is. I'd still like to see your vid though.

RA's Woodward was indeed special, she overcame a very average ride by her jockey and took on older males and won despite being pushed every step of the way. (Bonus for RA: she won at Saratoga, the graveyard of Champions.) Anyone that enjoys this great sport of ours should realize what they witnessed today and feel fortunate to have seen it.  She is indeed (sorry Jason) the front runner for Horse Of The Year, but i respectfully disagree that she is a lock.  If Sea The Stars, Mine That Bird and Summer Bird line up in the  Classic with Zenyatta too, and Zenyatta wins, how could Zenyatta not be HOY? A victory over Sea The Stars would be Zenyatta's crowning moment as many Europeans say he is the best they have ever had.  Even leaving See The Stars out (it is an admitted long shot he will come), if Zenyatta wins the Classic, she will have done something as historic as RA: that being the first filly or mare to win the Breeder's Cup Classic, and next year RA will be the second female to win it.  And what if Zenyatta comes to the Beldame (which i am willing to wager is more than a 50/50 chance) and she beats RA and then wins the Classic, does that not give her Horse Of The Year?  Mr. Shandler, we are hitting the home stretch of the racing calendar and RA has accomplished some amazing feats, but it is far from over and Zenyatta has a few challenges ahead that can help her case for Horse Of The Year.  Mr. Shandler, since these are all possibilities (and some probabilities) then you must leave some room that Zenyatta can put her connections on the podium to receive the Horse Of The Year trophy.

A few other comments:

-Why couldn't both Zenyatta and RA get the title of Horse Of The Year?  They are both more than deserving.

-If the Breeder's Cup is the Championship event of our sport (much like the Super Bowl, World Series, ect.) if the contenders for Championship honors choose not to come to it, should they still be the Champions?  The Zenyatta camp did not avoid the dirt at Oaklawn or not attempt to run on dirt by going to Churchill Downs (Shirreffs rightly scratched because of the sealed CD surface on Oaks Day.)  Mr. Jackson is avoiding the Breeder's Cup because of the surface, but the Zenyatta camp would not be avoiding dirt if it were at Churchill, Belmont or Gulfstream.  Why do we patronize Jackson?  Why shouldn't he need to bring a contending Champion to the Championship event if RA is healthy.  The same would apply to Zenyatta is the roles were reversed.  I can't see Baseball or Football giving their overall championship to a team that won their division, but didn't want to play in the championship event.

-Remember, as of this moment, only one of these two great horses has the ability to retire undefeated.  Zenyatta has never lost, RA has.  That is something that no matter how much RA wins, she can never change.

-Does Zenyatta's carrying 129 not ever rate a mention as a great feat this year?  Other than the Fall Highweight H when has a runner carried so much weight and won in recent memory, especially a filly or mare?

-The word absurd was used in some postings earlier and i think that who ever said that Zenyatta might be a claimer if it was not for the synthetic tracks is just trying to be unkind about her and her record, please see the Apple Blossom H. (G1) on dirt against Ginger Punch.  

-RA (or See The Stars) has ever faced a competitor that can come home as fast as Zenyatta.  In a match race, Zenyatta would be very tactically disadvantaged and would be defeated by RA, but in a fairly run race, with a decent, not even suicidal pace like the Woodward, Zenyatta would come at her like no competitor she has ever faced (no disrespect to Macho Again.) Zenyatta coming home in 22.2 at Del Mar on a synthetic track that favored speed and handicapped closers is one of the visual highlights of the racing year.

-Mr. Shandler, IF RA and Zenyatta ever race at 9f, i will be willing to wager ANY amount that Zenyatta could and would defeat RA.

-We should all blame the synthetics and the people that mandated them for not getting to see the Zenyatta and RA match up.

Rachel Alexandra is a great horse whose name will be mentioned along with Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Spectacular Bid, and Ruffian as some of the greatest ever.

Da'Tara should be retired; his heart's not in it.

I saw Rachel before the race "dump" Calvin. I wasn't too nervous about it because she seemed fiesty, not miserable. When a horse seems like they don't want to be there, that's when I worry.

Rachel ran a race for the ages and she ran the last leg on pure heart. Just magnificent. She is a truly great, one for the ages horse, not just filly. This is probably the last we will see of her this year. I would give her a nice long rest if I owned her, Beldame or not. She has HOTY slam dunk. I don't care who wins the BCC.

About the discussion of 10F. I agree with Tim G and Horse First, while she can certainly win at 10F, I also think she can be beat at 10F, unlike the other distances where she is totally dominant. I think she really has to gut it out at longer distances. That takes absolutely nothing away from her. But give her another year and maybe the 10F won't be such a stretch. I can't wait to see her next year. She has been pure joy.

The Moss's know that HOTY isn't going to happen and I am not sure they care. I agree with Monica, they are looking for the win streak for Zenyatta.

A race between Rachel and Zenyatta at a longer distance would be interesting. But it's not going to happen.

I agree with Tammy. The Triple Crown trumps everything because it is the single most difficult accomplishment in all of sports and the horses that have won it are totally in a class by themselves.

Another problem with Rachel's season is that except for the Preakness, her victories are pretty much aimed at a "niche" audience, the general public need not apply.

And she's skipped some of the most challenging as in the Belmont and apparently the Breeders Cup Classic.

Add to that the fact that since she only competes in a sub-set of the sport, she's not necessarily taking on the best of the best overall so is it fair to compare her season  to the seasons of the  champions of the past who proved themselves on all surfaces at all distances and against all comers?

She's certainly an extraordinary animal, the best American dirt horse in training today, but to say she had the 'best three year old season ever" is a bit far fetched.

It's too bad that Rachel discussions always degrade into an argument about who's the greatest and whether or not she can get 10f.  Who cares anymore?  She had a fantastic season and a fantastic race today.

I've been around long enough to have seen Secretariat, Slew, Affirmed, Alydar & Ruffian and now Rachel race in "real time".  I'm just thrilled that we finally have a horse that in my opinion belongs in the same category as the great horses from that era.  It's been more than 30 years and I was sick of waiting.  Could she be an omen that a truly great colt is on the way, too?  I sure hope so.

Nobody alive today had ever seen a 3-year-old filly beat older males in a G1 route race on dirt.  Savor the moment.

How many times have we all seen a race where a horse appeared beaten with a 1/16th to go only to see it fight back and pull away again?

If you combine that with the fact that Robby said he wasn't ever going by, then how can some people be SO sure that Macho Again would definitely fly past and that Rachel would be hopelessly beaten at 10F?

We cannot assume anything in racing.

Also, I don't want to step on any toes, but the power of legend has a lot do with comments I'm reading. Given the vast amount of variables in racing, it's impossible to say how the absolute greats of each era would actually match up. Seretariat gets my vote as greatest, but of course, totally legitimate arguments could be made for others horses.

Legend is a powerful thing to overcome for a modern horse. Legend is certainly earned, no doubt, and no doubt Rachel Alexandra earned her legend today.

That is why she has to be Horse of the Year. No matter what happens for the rest of the season, no other horse can possible boast a campaign as exciting or record-breaking as Rachel Alexandra.

Thank you Jess Jackson. Today was a great day.

I listened to the race online via the Horse Racing Radio Network. When I heard about the fractions at the quarter and half mile points, I cringed-- blistering! Then the connection cut out just as the horses hit the top of the stretch! I was... saddened, to say the least.

Thankfully, it came back on in time for me to hear "Rachel Alexandra, Macho Again, they're coming down to the finish... It's going to be desperately close! Here's the wire... Rachel won!"

What an amazing filly... I feel privileged to share a name with her (well, the "Rachel" part of it anyway)! :)

RA was tested in the Woodward and showed she's a fighter. So far she's the best dirt 3 year old of either sex in 2009 and already a great race-mare.

Unless Zenyatta comes to Belmont, the next test is 10f. As others on this blog have noted RA was dominant except in the Preakness and Woodward when Borel wanted to get and keep the lead at any price. I hope Macho Again threw a scare into Borel and Asmussen so they consider ways to avoid unfavorable pace scenarios at 10f instead of just demanding that RA step up.

Zenyatta is undefeated and RA isn't. Zenyatta has won on dirt demolishing Ginger Punch when GP was at the top of her game. Zenyatta has a Breeders Cup win. Until she is beaten she is number one. End of story. I live on the East Coast but I know the best when I see him/her. The best is Zenyatta and she gets to call the shots. Beating hand picked fields is what RA does while Zenyatta's campaign is planned at the beginning of the season and her connections stick to it no matter who shows up to face her. If RA goes out West and runs in one of the races on Zenyatta's itinerary then they will face each other if not then we will be forced to watch another year of races chosen at the last second for RA so Jackson and company can find the easiest spots for her. So what if she went fast early. You can do that against second rate older males especially when the weights aren't equal. Hopefully this is the last we see of Ra because she will never be thrown to the wolves to show if she is any where close to Zenyatta. Forget the speed figures because they are very biased.

Rachel,Rachel,Rachel.....best filly ever,period.Come on guys !Only filly to win the Woodward ! Only filly to beat the 3,4,5......year olds ! There is NO but.....nothing ! She is what she is....the best ever.

Coco

No, I'm right with you, Jason, as far as best three year old season---HOY is for best season, not "who would win at 10 fur"....This is a PERFECT season....charmed, at that....if Well Armed isn't hurt Colonel John is in Woodward instead of Pac Classic....Seems the Beyers are askew on Dmr Turf, I mean Col John goes 1:32 and change, wide both turns, the third horse wins a 300K Gr II next out...he gets a 101.....am gonna play Afleet Eagle in the Del Mar Derby, I love this guy, three races around two turns, three wire to wire wins...Del Mar Derby

one of the great races (the last of...) remaining in the West...Del Mar is an odd turf corse, love that he won for fun only time he raced there.... In Classic--Gonna throw Col John in an exacta box with two other boxcar berthas: Global Hunter and Richards Kid, a stone cold closer, in Baffert Barn...off layoff has run two races within 11 days--on grass (his first time) then the Del Mar Plastic (first time plastic) and he ran lights out and has worked very well for this (30-1 at least)...I'll box Zensational with Nikki'sgoldensteed in a very weak 300K sprint called the Pat o Brien, named for the actor who played the Priest in "Angels with Dirty Faces", with Cagney, Bogart and the Bowrey Boys--Needless to say, that movie is better than this race!

I need to watch the replay, but wanted to read all the comments first. Poor me was working all day:(

She is indeed one of the greats and I can not wait to see her in 2010.  I will not blame Mr. Jackson if he lets her rest either, she deserves it. Now I much replay over and over againg.  Go Rachel!!!!

I couldnt agree with you more Jason about she will get 10 furlongs next year. Any horse that runs those fractions and still wins against older males is special. She also ran crazy fractions at 9.5f in the Preakness on 2 weeks rest and still won. Im concerned that Borel doesnt rate her in these hot paced races. She would win easily if he would do that. All the speed in both of Rachaels hot paced races fell apart as it always does. Well except for the filly because she just is over coming these things that make other very good horses lose races. The older males baited her in a speed duel and she took the bait. She had every reason to lose this race but still won. With her long stride a 10 furlong race will be easy for her if Borel will just rate her a little.

Rachel the greatest?  I'm still not quite a believer.  Yes, she runs a heck of a race, but look at the weight they're giving her?  Look at the weight Zenyatta has been carrying.  I think if Macho had been carrying the same weight, he'd have caught and passed Rachel by a length and a half.  Yes, she is a sensation...but...   She deserves time off, as one racetrack observer above said, she was one tired filly when she came to the winner's circle.

Rachel showed the heart of a true champion today. Incredible effort and display of courage today. I'm not sure we will ever see her likes again. Rarely does a horse have such immense raw talent and the heart to match. You can't say enough about this filly and I am grateful to be around to witness her efforts.

Borel can flat out ride. This guy has a bullseye on his back everytime he rides RA. It is foolish to criticize his ride today. She needed to be handled down the stretch today. Borel went to the stick today because he had to.

Jess Jackson deserves a hell of a lot of credit. He ducks no one, and when he gets a great one he takes them to uncharted territory. I wouldn't run a horse on the plastics either. Real horse racing takes place on the dirt and turf and always has. Synthetic tracks compromise the authenticity of the sport.

Lastly, Rachel can get any distance. Period the end. To think otherwise is absurd. She has nothing left to prove at this point. Congrats to her and the connections on HOY.

Jason,

Its ridiculous to say the season has taken a toll on the filly.  The filly just wins thats all she does.  To me its ridiculous not to continue running her.  This is one of the best seasons a filly or mare has had in America since Ladys Secret, who won 10 out of 15 races, and all in the money, 8 G1 wins, winning out her last 4 starts and carrying well over 130 LBs. She beat the colts, the best of that generation.  Rachel Alexandra is a 3 year old, but she could reel in wins in the Ruffian, Beldame and a crack at the Breeders Cup, still.  Thats not asking much of her, she can do it.  Shes one of our best shots to beat the Euros at the Breeders Cup, its a shame to think she wont be there.  I dont think shes a tired filly, to me she survived a terrible trip from Borel today, and still won.  The great ones find a way to win, they wont be denied.  She is already in the history books, nobody is going to get her out of there anymore.  Horse of the Year is a meaningless award, driven by politics and favoritism, its a popularity contest, not really a competition, that being said, she pretty much has it won, but in the end, why leave any doubt, go against the best, and prove to the world what a marvel she is. She can do it, I dont know why anybody doubts that.  Shes not done yet, at least not to me.

I just want to add something about some past Belmont winners.  Horses like Da´tara, Commendable, Sarava,  are most likely at their best at distances from a mile and quarter and beyond, they have a steady long stride, if you force a horse to run shorter and faster earlier than he or she wants to pace, the horse wont last a race.  You dont see marathoners  taking on Sprinters in Track and field do you.  Thats what I dont understand about trainers.  Datara is fine, he should be pointed to the Dirt Marathon not these short route races.  Let me point out a little history, Princequillo was a loser of a horse until Horatio Luro claimed him.  What Luro knew and nobody else knew was that Princequillo barely got his groove going until after a mile, the horse was running last in sprint races for an obvious reason, he wanted distance. Had Luro not done that, then the world would not have the Princequillo influence that it has today, and alot of great horses wouldnt have been born.  The breed needs more stamina,the speed will always be there.

I was Amazed how fast that first quarter went. I would not be surprised if Calvin knew how fast he was going. I did not think it was a bad omen that Calvin came off of Rachel...Everything was under control fast, and she was feeling good... plus having the electricity that was in the air...It must of been unreal to be their and feel the excitement of everyones energy!

I CAN SUM UP RACHEL IN THREE WORDS.....HEART!  POWER!  BEAUTY!

Zevida,

Horse hats has nice RA tees w/"She runs like a girl" and silhouette of

her running.

I had a hard knot of fear in my gut that she might lose. Down the stretch I was yelling "Do it! Do it",and she did.  It took three horses running themselves into the dirt to get one up to her neck. No relaxing

down the back stretch,hitting the wire on guts and heart.  What a girl!

Jason, according to Women of the Year published by TBH, the filly Moccasin won HOY in 1965 at age two.  So Rachel isn't the first filly to win.  All Along, Lady's Secret, and Azeri were older when they won.  Great company for Rachel who, I agree, locked up HOY for 2009 today. Tim G, nice to read of another Swaps fan.

SHE IS ONE OF THE BOYS...

Rachel can take her break, so well deserved!!!  For the O mighty and scary allowance beatin Zenyada out there in cali its on to the lady's secret and then the ladies classic!!!  So what if Careless jewel ends up in that race, no one's talkin about her!!!  Blame Mr. Moss, Zenyada is good but he kept her from being great!!!!!

cat thief, you said that if Zenyatta won the classic she should be up for consideration for HOY.  How do you figure that when she never once raced outside of California? The one time she was out of Cali, for a race on the Kentucky Oaks card (or was it the Kentucky Derby, one of the two), they scratched her because they thought it was going to be an off day.  Yet the track ended up being fast.  She's run all of 3 races so far this season, two of them being G1's, whereas Rachel has run 8 races so far this season, 5 of them being grade 1's and 3 of them being against the boys.  I love Zenyatta, I think she's a great horse, but she isn't in the same class as Rachel has shown to be in.  There is no horse racing right now in North America who is in the same class as Rachel.  Zenyatta has done NOTHING to be considered for Horse of the Year.  She will not be a consideration for HOY honors.  Summer Bird has a better shot at being considered for HOY than Zenyatta does.  There is no horse running this season who will get HOY over Rachel.  Rachel has done as a 3yo what no other filly has, she's run against the boys 3 times, all of them grade 1 races, has won all 3 times and once against the older males.  Had Jackson owned Rachel before the Kentucky Derby, and if she'd been entered in the Kentucky Derby instead of the Oaks, she would have won the Derby because Mine That Bird would not have had the only reason he won that race on his back.  

The only way that Zenyatta could even be considered a contender for HOY this year is if she ships out east for the Beldame and by some unforeseen miracle beat Rachel Alexandra, then maybe she'd get consideration.  But even if she does ship east, she won't beat Rachel.  There is not a horse running this season who can (you can't really compare Sea the Stars just because STS is a turf horse and RA is a dirt horse).  Zenyatta is a great horse, had she had a more aggressive campaign, she might have beat the undefeated streak by Peppers Pride, but the fact is, they have only entered her in 3 races so far this season and they were all carefully planned so that they were races she was unlikely to lose.  However, she did nearly lose in the Clement Hirsch and I honestly believe she'll get beat in the Breeders Cup.  She's hit and passed her peak.  It's time for her to retire and became a broodmare.  It's time for you to face reality, and realize that as great as Zenyatta is, she is not HOY this year.  Period.

All...Firt Calvin had a hammer lock on the filly...but he always said he would not fight her, EVER. She was very keen today and it showed in the first half mile. Also watch A. Garcia on DaTara, he was pushing his horse after the half mile to keep up, then Past the Point started pushing, and all the while Calvin was sitting chilly. Dont play down his ride he rode great and let her show her heart. He let her go out there and she said come and get me boys! IF YOU CAN....lol

Rachel turned in an amazing display of speed, brilliance, but most of all, HEART. She is a wonderfully gifted athlete with a heart as big as any horse. The result of this combination of talent and heart is a runner for the ages.

To be honest, at the beginning of this year, and even after the Oaks, I would have believed it was just about inconceivable that a 3 year old filly could win the Preakness, Haskell, and Woodward. There were many creditable racing scribes who believed that even if Rachel won the Preakness, the performance would basically knock her out the rest of the season. Well, she is now 3-0 against males, all in grade 1s, and one against older males. Historic.

How did the other pace horses in the Woodward fare? Past the Point finished 6th, beaten 18 lengths, Cool Coal Man 7th beaten 20, and Da Tara was eased. Even It's A Bird, who rated about 5 lengths off the early pace, faded to run 5th, 11 lengths behind Rachel.

Macho Again and Bullsbay proved themselves legit gr.1 older males in the Woodward. I was somewhat dubious of both prior to the race, at least as eilte horses, but both have now run a number of strong races this year, and both turned in sharp races in the Woodward. Of course, the early pace set up absolutely perfect for both of them, but Rachel's greatness proved a little too much. First, Bullsbay came with a striking run on the far turn, moving up alongside Rachel with a serious rush, yet she was able to find more and brush him aside. Then, Macho Again came with a final "show me what you got" run at Rachel, making her dig down even further. Yet, she again responded, finishing a head in front at the wire before galloping out all by herself. I, for one, never saw Macho Again get a head in front past the wire, and a sixteenth of a mile after the finish Rachel was galloping out very strongly and energetically, and all by her lonesome. But in the end, who really cares about gallop-outs, or whether Macho Again ever put his head infront past the wire; all the matters is SCOREBOARD, and the scoreboard is RACHEL WINS THE WOODWARD.

Horse of the Year: Absolutely OVER. It belongs to Rachel.

Greatest 3 year old filly(dirt) ever? Yes.

Greatest female(dirt) ever? If she isn't, she's right near the top of the list.

Greatest 3 year old ever? No.

Best horse since the Bid? Well, if one takes into account Rachel is doing all this as a 3 year old filly, maybe. However, in a mythical race with Rachel, Cigar, John Henry, Sunday Silence, Skip Away, and Easy Goer, I would not make Rachel the favorite.

Would I like to see Rachel in either the Jockey Club Gold Cup or Beldame and then the Breeders Cup? Sure. But Rachel doesn't owe me anything. She has provided me with moments I really never thought I would see. She was already a very good horse when she had won the Golden Rod by 4.75 lengths in stakes record times, the Martha Washington by 8 in what I believe was stakes record time, the Fair Ground Oaks by almost 2 after Calvin Borel fooled around the final sixteenth, and the Fantasy by almost 9. But then she goes out and wins the Oaks by over 20 in a time one-fifth off the stakes record on a track that was not particularly fast? And after that she goes out and becomes the first filly since 1924 to win the Preakness? Then she wins the mother Goose by a stakes record 19+ lengths in a stakes record 1:46 and change? Then she defeats the Belmont and future Travers winner by 6 in the gr. 1 Haskell in a time one-fifth off the stakes record? And now she defeats older males in the Woodward? 3 year old fillies simply do not beat older males in grade 1 races on dirt over a mile. Since the grading system came into existence, no 3 year old filly had. And even if we look at "grade 1 equivalents" for the years before 1973, the instances of a 3 year old filly defeating older males around two turns on dirt are few and far between. Even Busher, the previous standard for a 3 year old filly beating the boys, and older males in particular, did lose 2 of her 6 races against males during her Horse of the Year campaign in 1945.

Finally, the greatness of Rachel, Sea the Stars, and Zenyatta are not zero-sum. Declaring one great does not make the other two less great. The fact Rachel will be North America's Horse of the Year will not stop Sea the Stars from winning Europe's Cartier Horse of the Year, and being considered one of the greatest horses in that continent's history. Nor does Rachel having sewn up Horse of the Year take away from Zenyatta's place in history among the greatest fillies and mares of all-time. Should Zenyatta retire undefeated, she may not win the Horse of the Year, but her place alongside Personal Ensign in the Hall of Fame would be secure(and Personal Ensign did not win a Horse of the Year either).

Unfortunately, Rachel's win in the Woodward has received little attention from the larger sports media, or at least ESPN. I've watched about 3 loops of SportsCenter, and the Woodward has yet to be mentioned. However, World Cup qualifying has been (US over El Salvador, Brazil over Argentina, Mexico over Costa Rica, and Denmark drawing with Portugal). The ESPN News channel spent 30 seconds on it, showing the very end of the race. For ESPN, the Woodward was nothing compared to Sam Bradford injurying his shoulder in Oklahoma's surprising loss to BYU.

Draynay

Thanks again for informing all of us about Rachel.....Without your expertise we would never have known......Go stand on a balcony somewhere and take a bow.....

I want to congratulate Rachel for her accomplishments and how she dug in.....this truly is her moment.

I will say one thing, not to diminish Rachel.....but I wish that ZENYATTA was in that race because all things considered I think you would have seen how great she is too.....

I haven't read all the comments and i don't want to cause a stir but I was at L'town yesterday to see Sea the Stars. I'm a young racing fan and it was a day I will never, ever forget. I think Sea the Stars is better than Rachel but that is just my opinion; I LOVE Rachel and I think she is amazing too.

I actually met an American lady yesterday who showed me pictures of Rachel and she is beautiful and I loved her run yesterday. i'm going to really enjoy her next year as sadly, Sea the Stars will be retired after this season.

RA showed great heart and determination today, and Borel rode her how he needed to. Jess Jackson even remarked how small and young RA looked standing next to these older colts. It was clear they shook her up a little in the post parade, but RA is a pro and Calvin kept her out front, to the outside, and out of trouble, exactly how Asmussen and Jackson wanted him to.

The pace was pretty fast, but c'mon, Big Brown set faster fractions last year in the 9f Florida Derby and still came home in the same 12.8 seconds. BB beat older horses the first time out at 9 furlongs as well. Again setting similar fractions for the half and three-quarters on turf, and still held off the closers in the stretch running a 12.1 final furlong. If everyone (save Dray) wasn't so busy bashing BB and his connections, maybe that would have been stressed last year and BB would be given credit for his gutsy win on turf.

When BB won like RA did today, he was "overrated" and not that good.

RA does the same thing, and she is "gutsy" and the "greatest ever". Think maybe there is a bias?

I think RA has earned the "great" title, as a filly, and I do think she is now more accomplished than Ruffian (although I do not know if she was as fast or not)...She is not a great HORSE until she beats a great HORSE without a significant weight advantage. Period. She had a 3 or 4 length head start today and she held off MA. Impressive. But GREAT? No. Do it again carrying the same weight as MA, maybe you have my attention.

8 pounds at 1 mile equals 4-5 lengths (approx)...

A filly that has repeatedly beaten boys at grade 1 races does not need the weight advantage. In fact, any continued weight break from this point on is an abuse of discretion because once a filly has won against open fields of males at grade 1, the rules call for the horse to be handicapped for weight based on performance, not gender. In other words, performance trumps gender. And I realize RA had 5 of those 8 lbs taken off due to age. I agree with that, because she is not fully developed. But her gender weight advantage (3 lbs) was a joke.

The gender weight gift is biased and assumes RA will lose if carrying the same weight. So, despite this nonsense, racing stewards assign her every break they can find for her. Why? She already had the age weight break.

If I am the world's fastest woman sprinter and I race Hussein Bolt and I get a 3 length head start and beat him by a head nod, am I truly better or faster than he is?

No. I am the beneficiary of rules used to give me a fair shot to beat Bolt. To be faster than Bolt in fact, I must start at the same place he starts at, with no advantages. If Bolt is racing me with 8 lbs weights on his ankles and I win, so what? It proves nothing, but makes the race easier to HANDICAP as Bolt is compromised by the extra weight. And that, dear friends, is the rub...

As for saying Rachel is as great or better than the likes of The Bid, Seattle Slew or Secretariat...you have got to be kidding, right? You cannot even make that argument because RA or any filly against the males is the affirmative action of horse racing. She is carrying less weight in her races against the boys, and 5 lbs less here because of her age. Her 8 lb advantage equals approximately 4 lengths. In other words, she is given a head start.

The Bid set a world record at 10 furlongs that RA could not touch with a 10 foot pole. He carried significantly more weight than RA has ever carried. To say RA is the best ever is so funny because he has been the beneficiary of weight rules that presume she would lose if forced to carry the same weight as the boys.

Anyone care to argue she would have held off MA if they carried the same weight? MA spotted her four lengths. It used to be in the old days horse players and handicappers KNEW this axiom. Fillies can run with the males because they are given a weight break.

RA, IMO, may be the greatest 3 year old filly of all time. But 3 year old fillies are the minor leauges compared to the older males. Otherwise, they would all race at the same weight.

In the Woodward, RA did not have to make any weight. She was assigned 8 lbs less than the boys. Nothing prevented RA to carry a extra few pounds, like when Coa could not make weight on Big Drama in the WV Derby. The fact is, if RA is truly "better and faster" than these mediocre older males, the only "sporting thing" for Jackson to do is to bring RA in at the same weight as the boys.

Then we can see how she first truly stacks up on a level playing field against this generation. IF she can still win carrying the assigned male weight, then fine, then the discussion can start about where she stacks up against the best males ever. And weight assignments are very important to speed horses like RA. The less weight, the further her speed carries. Let her beat the boys carrying the same weight.

Until that happens, its racing's form of affirmative action. My guess is she will never carry the same weight as the boys, and we will never TRULY know for a fact if she could carry the same weight and run with the boys (i.e., if she is as fast as the boys carrying the same weight).

Note: If weight were not vital, handicap assignments would not be as crucial as they are, an angle every handicapper is painfully aware of. But until RA carries the same weight as the males she is beating, ranking her among male greats is pure conjecture.

I don't know if anyone agrees with me, but the way Calvin was getting into her all through the stretch he wasn't just riding to get the win, he was riding to keep the mount.....I didn't like the race strategy at all.  They didn't need to lead and this bit about possibly being boxed in if they laid off IMO is bull.....He should have laid off and then came on.  I didn't count the number of times he whipped her and he put a lot of muscle into his whips.....She was absolutely spent.....a real G-1 horse probably would have taken her down becuae she had nothing left at the end.....she let it all hang out.....put her away for the year.

Please, Jason, the best 3YO season EVER? Not until she breaks the record in the Derby, Preakness (unofficial) and Belmont, winning by 31 lengths AND sets a turf record (Secretariat); not until she goes undefeated and is NEVER headed (Ruffian); not until she beats the undefeated champion (Zenyatta). Your comment on her winning the Kentucky Derby is speculative at best. Two more jumps and Macho Again had her. Colonel John's connections must be kicking themselves today. Colt or filly, she's obviously very good, but 'greatness' requires something else.

Rachel ran as fine a race as could be asked for. Personally I think she is done. There really isn't anything left to prove. She has met and exceeded any goals or tests that were there to be had. Zenyatta is content to ride on synthetics against fillies. Had she been entered in the Pacific Classic, then I would be interested in her. Unfortunately, they are not destined to meet this year.

Da Tara's performance remninds me of Funny Cide's several years back in the Woodward. Thankfully Barclay Tagg found him that stakes at Finger Lakes so he was able to retire on a winning note. Perhaps they will do the same for Da Tara.

Had a similar thought about D'Tara.  You gotta wonder.  As for Z and RA, I'm of the camp that says--I don't want to see either of them lose!

RA is an outstanding filly and by far the best, but she was really struggling in this race.  Same as with the Preakness...she won but it took everything she had, I believe that if you continue to run this filly hard there will be nothing left.  RA has proved that she is #1 and better than the boys...so back off of her and just let her be a filly, she really has nothing else to prove.  I can only see one more race that would top off her career and its the World Cup, but if she were mine I think I would just turn her out, she looks tired .

the assumption of the her having the best 3 year old seasons ever has more to do with her going undefeated than anything else,however, seattle slew,spectacular bid, affirmed, secretariat,citation all got beat at three, thats saying a lot for the great super filly.

Zevida, on horsehats.com you can get the Rachel Alexandra..runs like a girl t-shirt and the hat Calvin put on after the race.

Boo jumped off Rachel, he didn't get tossed.

Draynay, OMG, pinch me, for once I agree with you re: Rachel vs. Ruffian. You can't exclude Rachel from being the greatest filly ever because of the ghost of Ruffian. Ruffian may not have had the chance to prove herself more, but there is a horse right now that is doing it.

Calvin may have done a fast first quarter, I think he may have been listening to all the rumors about "boxing her in"..but he backed her down. I agree with Jason

about her distance ability. She ran NINE races this year...she deserves a vacation which I think she will get.

And is anyone else tired of certain announcers saying Rachel Alexander?

That was a test!  She passed with flying colors.  I don't know what more she can do to prove her greatness.  I really liked Bullsbay at 13 or 14 to 1 and Jeremy rode him perfectly, but obviously he was overmatched.  Kudos to Macho Again, too.  There's nothing more I can say about Rachel that hasn't already been said.  She is simply sensational.  DaTara needs to retire now. Rachel should take the rest of the year off.  No point in racing anymore this year.  I agree that it was one of the best races I have seen this year.  Saratoga has had some memorable finishes this year.  They'll talk about this one for a long time.

The way Mine That Bird closed in the Derby, there isn't a 3 y-o racing this year that would have beaten him on that day.....that finish coming from so far out of it and passing all those horses like they were standing still was, along with Zenyatta's close in the Hirsch and Rachel's determination in the Woodward, the three best finishes in important races this year.....If MTB had gotten the same ride in the Preakness that he got in the Derby, he would have won.

4 WORDS: HORSE OF THE YEAR!!!

Rachel is best filly since Ruffian, past Lakeway who set 3 grade-1 stakes records which still stand, and ran 2nd fastest in Ky Oaks. RA was pressured all the race and was hit with whip 30 times in the stretch  and still won. HoY is hers and need not run anymore this year. can't wait to follow her next year, hopefully 1 1/4 mile races

I hope Rachel gets a well deserved  rest now, but I will not be surprised if the owners keep on pushing until she be so tired that wouldn't outrun a fat pig.She won the Woodward because her class alone carried her,Borel keep on hitting(25 times) that the stewards should fine him for abusing her.I bet anything if Zenyatta was in the race she win  by 5 lengs.

Great blog post.

When the opening quarter was 22.80, I said oh no.  I can't believe she held on.  Awesome.  Awesome.  In my opinion, the greatest filly of all time.  Also, she is up there with the 3 year old greats in my opinion.  I am so happy to be able to see and really appreciate this type of horse.

I think you are right Jason, she is done for the year unless Zenyatta comes for the Beldame and that aint happening.  I think the Zenyatta folks are realists and don't want to see there horse get trounced.

As for Sea the Stars, he is great.  At 1 1/8th to 1 1/4 miles, I'm giving the nod to Rachel though.  She would run him into the ground, I think.

Greatest tribute was from Macho's jockey.  I watched the video several times and I thought he would catch her---but the jock knew he wouldn't he says.  So great is Rachel. I wonder if she knows she won and that beating she took down the stretch was part of her destiny.  I wonder how she is today---I so hope she knows how special she is. Hope to hear from her people just how she is.  She gives so much---

great race! filly ran times very close to what she has run earlier in the year and fractions are close as well. the horse that stepped up was macho again who ran his fastest 1 1/8.

both horses showed great heart.

congrats!

Rachel was sensational. I saw the race and was worried they sent the rabbit Da'Tara out to sprint and wear her down. I was worried when Calvin sent her up to the front and dueled Da'Tara; I am not sure what the strategy was there. Knowing Da'Tara is a rabbit and he has not won anything since the Belmont, why would you think he can out run Rachel? He ended up right where he should of; at the end. Running Rachel at the front tired her out and Macho almost had her. Macho is not the caliber of horse she is and it would have been a shame to have gotten her beat. Calvin did a good job slowing her down for a little but he should have kept her off the pace; she could have out run all of them. She had to lay her belly down as they say because she ran against a rabbit and still had to run the distance. Calvin could have done better by her.

Despite the huge pressure and less than brilliant riding, Rachel overcame all of this. She is a champion in every sense of the word. She has speed, grit, endurance and above all, heart.

Is there anything else to prove? I think not. Let her rest for the year. Horse of the Year, for sure.

Rachel is PERFECTION - simply stated and so greatly earned.

Rachel gave it everything she had yesterday.  What a horse.  We all know she is extraordinary and of rarified air, no matter where you put her in the lineup of Greats. Her post parade behavior is telling, however:  She could not handle the event for a few minutes, whether Borel jumped off or was thrown.  She needs a rest, emotionally.  Every great athlete will give more than he or she is capable of sustaining, and Rachel did this in the Woodward. Her 2009 campaign is over. She hung on to the wire, and I wonder about the effect of the sustained whip on her.  Borel got it done, that is his job.  Yet this is not my point. After the race, she looked utterly spent.  Was this race was a good experience for her?  Time will tell.  The greats ones are great in part because they understand the game so well.  They know far more than we give them credit for. Only a blind fool would talk about another race this year for that filly.  Could you not see that she left everything on the track this time? There is nothing left in that heart, no matter what the size.  She is cooked, folks.  Whether she thinks of racing differently after that race, how her brain will make sense of that very pressurized experience - the perspective she will have - a long rest will let us know. I believe something crossed over in Rachel this time. She got it done, but I think she felt vulnerable, felt the pressure, and she felt it before the race ever started. We want immortality on our great horses, and we just keep asking until there is nothing left.  We don't know when to stop. Rachel felt this at her Woodward, and though I suspect she was simply tired from a long campaign, she delivered, went beyond what even Rachel herself thought she could do, in that particular circumstance.  No one could have predicted the closeness of that home stretch drive, yet I for one say that I do not wish to see her whipped again like that in order to prove her greatness, and I am sure no one else does, either.  She left her heart on that racetrack last night. That is enough for me.                

Racing people have such a wonderful array of stars around the world  with Rachel being the most heralded one in the USA. What I find really disturbing about all this is "Why can't racings' publicists, journalists, media people, etc. use these horses to show to the world that TB horse racing is still the greatest sport of all?"

A short list includes:

Rachel Alexandra

Sea the Stars

Zenyatta,

Goldikova (sp?)

the 2 Birdstone colts

Add your own, all exciting stories.

Wow, Calvin really got after her in the stretch! Great race, but she looked tired. Give her a rest, so we can enjoy her next year.

I was a little worried at the beginning when she got ansy. I knew she would win, I hope that JJ retires her for 09 so she can get a well deserved break until she comes back next year. I think she has done enough for this sport for 09, let her rest now. Also, I don't think Calvin needs to hit her so much, she is already past all the rest by multiple lengths.I hope she doesn't race Zenyatta this year,RA has already had enough strenuating races so far and Zen will be a much fresher horse. I am a big fan of both girls anyway, I just feel like RA has done enough  for us this year.A race against Zen right now is going to be strenuating on RA, especially, since she has worked so hard already this year.

RA's race was amazing!  This is the one we've been waiting for folks!  It has been an awesome season - one for the ages - TC winners excluded.

I thought Calvin needed to invest in some velcro if he can't stay on that filly with that tiny little jog sideways she did before the race!  And, no, he should not have been hitting her non-stop through the stretch - though I can hardly blame him for getting antsy about the line coming up.  I'm not a huge Calvin fan when it comes her RA - I think a trained chimp could ride her and win handily.

He early fractions were brutal - but this track was producing fast times beforehand.  I was't surprised to see a 46-ish half.  If she wasn't who she is, she would have been wagging her tail down the stretch and following Da'Tara in at a crawl.  She held on and it was a thing of beauty.  Macho Again was not going to get by her - even if they went around again.

Retire Da'Tara, please!  What are they thinking?  He does not belong in a G1 race like this after what he's been doing (nothing) this past year.

Rachel is HOTY.  Zenyatta has no chance at this point.  To say Sea the Stars might win HOTY is ridiculous!  I think they need to change the rules and say that horses have to have more than 1 race in America to be eligible to win!  So what if he wins the BC Classic?  He's Europe's HOTY.  Let's honor our heros at home!

I don't think they will send RA to the Beldame.  She needs a rest.  Even if RA and Z met, the excuses would fly on either side.  Someone's got to lose.  I think it would be interesting to see both of them in the Donn next year!  Ain't gonna happen, but it would be fantastic.  I understand why Z has been managed the way she has been and her record is Hall of Fame worthy.  She would be at a disadvantage with RA's speed going anything under 10 furlongs.  Let them be co-HOTY winners for all I care!  

I think Jess has some interesting plans for Rachel next year and I'm excited to see them play out.  Wouldn't be surprised to see her on grass, certainly, or even running overseas.  You know what he wanted to do with Curlin.  Now, I don't think she'd have a chance in the Arc or anything, but there are some fantastic races out there.  Dubai probably won't happen with the new surface over there.  It should be interesting!   I can't wait.

Go Rachel!!!

Come on J. Jackson. Take her to the Breeders Cup and run against real Race horses not Nick Zito's field fillers

Rachel is Horse of the Year, lf course.

But say that Zenyatta does with the Ladies Secret and the Distaff and retired undefeated, setting the modern record for most undefeated starts.

In ten years, which will be remembered as the greater accomplishment and the better horse? I know a few months ago I read an article arguing that Zenyatta retiring undefeated would be remembered more than if Zenyatta was Horse of the Year. But I think these last few months Rachel Alexandra has shown us what is possible and we've been dazzled. A conservative campaign like Zenyatta's will have an asterisk and when compared to what Rachel Alexandra did this year, there will be no question Rachel is held in higher esteem.

3 cheers for Rachel, a job well done...a long rest is in order...pace makes the race Jason... a tenet in racing forever[long before Beyer Figs,sheets etc.]...the arguement whether she gets 10f. is ridiculous...can we just enjoy her effort in the Woodward for just that, and not have to include HOY in the conversation. In my mind this sport can not afford to put a ribbon on this package in September. They called Winfield [rightly or wrongly] Mr. May...let's just enjoy her performance without all these subjective attachments.And Jason, you have my e mail address.I afterall love a wager, and if you "season" the bet appropriately I am willing to put down a "bob or two"! Maybe even a little side wager that she will never run a 10f. event period!

At first it looked as if MA put his head in front a few jumps after the wire. After viewing a replay of the race it doesn't look as if he did, and she galloped out forever. What an amazing filly.

I've heard race commentators refer to Rachel's stride as "daisy cutter" and the effectiveness of this stride on turf.  Could she, like Secretariat, be dominating on dirt but evn better on turf?  Barbaro had a similar stride and many agreed he was probably even better on turf.

Coming to my point, I think Jackson is going to test her affinity for turf next year and attempt what he wanted to attempt with Curlin - cross the big pond and take a shot at the Arc.  Put her on the shelf, because she's going to have a very ambitious 4 year old campaign next year, capped with the BC Classic at Churchill.

WOW!  What a race! Rachel is awesome! That was a great race! Some fast fractions she set and still won - I was worried when I saw the half mile time! And where did those who were running with her in the beginning end up finishing?  WOW!  And "weak" field some said....a combined 28 stakes wins and 8 million in earnings!  That race has a long history and she is the first filly to EVER win it!  And I don't think any of the 3 year old colts from the triple crown have even faced older horses yet this year.  WOW AGAIN!  I'm not sure why people are saying she can't get 10 furlongs...? I guess it's because of two narrow wins - but people are not considering that in a longer race she wouldn't be running a 46 half. And - it does NOT matter who is in front AFTER the wire - she already knows the race is over. For those who saw the gallop out and listened to the commentators you know that she took off again and was far ahead of Macho Again when finally stopped.  Her pedigree has horses who have won at 10 and 12... But - the same thing has been said about a number of horses in the past and was proven wrong so I guess we'll see. I think she'll only race again this year against Zenyatta and I hope that is the case - she has done enough! On TVG yesterday they said they just talked to John Sheriffs and it sounded to me like the Beldame is a real possibility...?  I think she not only would have won the Derby but could have been the first filly triple crown winner! She is HOTY to me no matter what any of the rest do in the next couple months. I also think she will definitely end up ranking as one of the all time greats but that is an evaluation of an overall career when it is over.  No real way to compare her to Sea The Stars since she is a dirt horse and he is a grass horse and they would each have a huge advantage on their surface. They both appear great to me!  WOW what a great time to be watching horse racing huh?!  And lastly, I wish they would not put D'Tara in any more grade 1's.

She's a wonderful filly... what a privelage it is to see her run and hats off to Jess Jackson for being such a sportsman.  But, I sincerely hope they give her some time off now and look toward 2010.  In my opinion it would be a terrible error to run her again this year.  My gut tells me that to shoot for the moon once more with her this year will amount to Seattle Slew being sent to Hollywood Park in 1977.  She has nothing more to accomplish or prove this year andno matter how good she may come out of the Woodward it's time to put her up for the year.  A possible faceoff with Zenyatta this year?  It wasn't going to happen anyway but at this point, after watching her beat older males yesterday, facing Zenyatta is totally superfluous.

All i can say is when Rachel saw Macho Again after the wire she rebroke and was 5 lengths in front before you could blink. Enough said.

I think she is an incredible animal and a national treasure. I was worried that in the stretch run because of her giant heart she might extend herself too much and get hurt. Thank goodness she came out sound. If I had a say I would shut her down for the remainder of the season. She has done enough as 3 years old and certainly deserves a layoff.

Jason,

 A little off topic but I really enjoyed seeing Pyro run the way he did yesterday. It will be interesting to see where he races next time out.

There is no doubt that we saw an amazing race horse yesterday.  I say racehorse not filly because she proved to me anyhow that she was all horse.  Let us not let the gender thing get in the way.  If you are good at something(and she is) it really doesnt matter what sex you are.  That said, I for one would not want to see Rachel and Zenyatta hook up.  One of them would have to lose. And who wants to see that.  Let them both bask in the limelight and keep bringing in fans to this sport that we all love.  When I saw Calvin becomne dismounted in post parade it was deja vu all over after watching Careless Jewel do that to Rob Landry before the Alabama.  Both riders did a good job of holding on to their fillies and then going omn and winning.  I for one wouldnt mind seeing Rachel being retired for the rest of the year if it means that we will have her back next year.  She has done everything asked of her and then some.  She has made people ask "Rachel who?"  That may not be a big thing but at least they are asking, and it is up to the people in the know to inform them on what she has done.  Please Mr. Jackson bring her back and let us enjoy a wonderful filly next year.

What a shame this superstar fell into Jackson's greedy little hands! He'll ruin her for sure!

Zenyatta is 2 yrs older than rachel...lets see at next years Breeders Cup how good Rachel is....IMO she will be far better than Zenyatta ever will be.

Great race - phenom filly - best since 1980, no doubt.

Jason - woulda, coulda, shoulda re: the Derby question.  She didn't run - so the debate is moot.  Even if she had - a 20 horse field might have thrown a roadblock her way that would have taken her out of her game.  She has never been bumped or blocked throughout her career.  So who knows?

I read a great article that quoted Any Beyer as saying - on paper - Rachel's accomplishments exceeds Ruffian's - but regarding talent and speed - Rachel doesn't touch Ruffian.  And numbers - like facts -  don't lie.  

Can you ever fairly compare the two when Ruffian was never given the chance - by her connections and then finally by cruel fate - to compete against males?  I don't think so.  She broke down in her only race against a male - and she was in front right up to that terrible moment.  Those too young to remember her are  quick to replace her - but those who remember can fully appreciate Rachel while still recognizing Ruffian as an otherworldly talent.

And speaking of facts and numbers - I'd caution anyone (hello, Draynay) to throw around the hyperbole that Rachel is the greatest 3-yr-old ever.  

Man O War was undefeated at 3 and carrying weigh enough to stop a train and still winning by 100 lengths.  Secretariat still holds track and world records and won from 6 furlongs to a mile and 1/2 on dirt and turf.

Rachel has shown that - other than with an ideal trip - she is most comfortable at a mile and 1/8th max, and Jackson won't run her on synthetic and she'd never run on turf.  

I LOVE RACHEL - she has proven she is great every step of the way.  But let's enjoy her in her own era of greatness without trying to spin wild tales that she has skipped to the peak of the immortal pantheon.  It's bad form and bad luck, as well. So let's not put any bad karma on Rachel - let's just enjoy her in her own niche of history.  She's earned it.

Now - here's the real question:  If Zenyata wins again, stays out west and then runs in the Classic and wins, beating Sea The Stars - what then?  

I totally understand that people feel Rachel has run a HOY campaign - and I'd agree totally if this were November.  But what if an undefeatd, very popular mare goes out and beats a colt that most are considering the best in the world?  

That's no small feat - and I just wonder if it would upset the Rachel apple cart in year end votes. Especially because Rachel will run another year and Zenyatta will not?

I know - that's a lot o "what ifs" - but it is a possible scenario - and I'd be surprised if it didn't create the most contentious HOY vote in a long time.

Two things.  One, regarding Pyro above, anybody who bet Godolphin at Saratoga this summer made a killing.  Regarding Rachel, I think, based on accomplishments, she's the best filly ever.  Winning the Woodward against older males is without precedent.  As a betting man, though, I think I'd be lining up against her at a mile and a quarter.  Ironically, I think Macho Again flattened out yesterday and wasn't getting to her at all, but I think a Summer Bird or a Mine that Bird could conceivably do it.  It'll be interesting going forward to see if Jackson/Asmussen keep her at distances like 1 1/8 and 1 1/16th as opposed to ten panels...

One of the criticisms about Rachel is (sorry was) was that she had never been tested...

Usually in her races she accelerates at the top of the stretch and then dusts the other horses by 20 lengths for other fillies or at least by a few lengths for 3 year old colts...

This time the older horses tested her throughout the race...  its similar to a boxer like Tyson in the early days when he was getting all 1st round knockouts... the criticism was "yeah well lets see what happens when HE gets hit, or he is up against an experienced boxer.... so she passed a huge test in this race....

A wise (?)old horse player told me some horse racing lore...  "Good horses have one good move when you ask them to run... great horses have multiple moves". He mentioned Seattle Slew as a good example of this...

...meaning they can respond with more effort each time the jockey hits the gas pedal...

The real story for me is coming around the far turn Calvin Borel asked her for speed ... stepping on the gas so to speak.. and she responded as she always does...

the early rivals were cooked and these 2 beasts were flying up from the back to challenge... the first one (Bulls Bay) got within a half a length and Calvin asked again and she responded with a slight burst of more acceleration...

That was it for Bulls Bay... the second one Macho Again came like a wild banchee and as he got close you can see she responded again...

Macho Again came one last time and again Rachel responded...

So she squashed the horses that tried to keep up with her early and was able to hold off the horses that had conserved energy early and had challenged her in the stretch..

For me as a Rachel fan this race showcased her true greatness.. It had everything... speed, close challengers and a stretch drive where she was repeatedly challenged and each time she responded showing she has the ability to make "multiple moves"...  

My wise old horse player friend now long gone would have said "Son, remember what you saw today because today you saw a great, great racehorse...

It sort of reminded me of a Seal and Crofts song from the seventies....

"We may never pass this way again"

Maybe not never ,... but for a good long time...

Simply put Rachel is an Alpha Female who does not like other horses in front or beside her. she will run the others into the ground. If you watch her workouts they are by herself and when she does light gallops, if a horse comes up on the inside she tries to outrun them and usually catches up before she calms down. Those workouts or gallops were very telling of her heart.

Regardin D'Tara - it's almost criminal to run this horse if he obviously either has no desire or something is wrong with him that is undetected.

I think a change in trainers is sorely needed - and if not that - retire him to be a riding horse or at Old Friends. One Belmont win won't get him a stallion career of much worth - but if he were gelded - he might be a great sport horse.

Either way -it is painful to see a wonderful horse so badly used.

GeeGee, my comment about the Rachel Who was that I POINT BLANK asked someone who is a casual fan at very best (watches the Derby) and he had basically no clue who she was. To ME, being involved in racing, that was very disheartening.

My whole point was, she's sensational at the 1 1/8 at least right now. She faced a serious test in the Preakness and yesterday as well. Macho hung a splt second when he and Bullsbay came up against each other.

I just know if she were one of mine, and I do have a few, that I would be doing the same thing Jess is doing. Testing her with the males, older males but add to that a test at a distance with her maturity level as a 3 year old?

Question.

If Zenyatta runs in the B.C. Classic and wins, who is Horse of the Year? Let the voting begin.  

We were all spoiled watching Rachel win her races by open lengths, but the mark of a true champion is staring down another horse and still prevailing in the stretch. Her win in the Woodward reminded me of Holy Bull in the Travers and Cigar in the Dubai World Cup, races that defined their tremendous careers. Like those two champions, Rachel Alexandra's victory in the Woodward will almost certainly go down as the win that defines her remarkable career.

I am a die-hard Ruffian fan, but I have to admit, RA is at least as good, probably better.  She has now beaten males three times.  As far as this race making her look beatable against Zenyatta, what about Z's last race?  She barely got up in time to stick her nose in front.  I think this makes Zenyatta's connections perhaps a little more confident that she may be able to beat RA, although I think RA would probably win.  RA has put together an incredible 8 race win streak.  I want to thank Mr. Jackson again for running her against the boys for the third time in four races. Most owners of such great fillies may do it once just so they can say that their filly beat the boys, but Mr. Jackson has done it because the best racehorses do deserve to run against each other.  I have thoroughly enjoyed watching RA run, and hope that all goes well so we may see her run again next year.  I think if Zenyatta comes east we will probably see RA run again, but even then I am not totally convinced that they won't run her again.  At the same time I think she has done just about everything she needed to do to prove how great she is.

The only fault I have with Calvin is he hit her 14 Times!! Then he said he didn't Need to hit her as she won't let a horse past her! Give her a rest now - she's HOY in my opinion. Also, how Awful that the TV audience were not allowed to see this great race.

"Maybe" she's better than Ruffian but we'll never know for sure. Ruffian will always be in my heart.

Ok, my answers.

The fast early pace concerned me, but I knew Rachel could run them off their feet and keep on going.  However, I knew Macho Again would be flying in the end.  That is why I picked the RA/MA exacta.  It was chalk, but easy coin.

I saw Calvin get off of Rachel.  He didn't really get dumped.  She was definately on her toes, she got excited and her head came up and it looks like she caught Calvin on the forehead and he hopped off.  BUT, oh yeah it was a bad omen to me!  She has been the consumate professional in all aspects, and she was a bit edgy in the post parade.  Perhaps why she gunned out those early fractions.

What is next for Rachel?  IF she comes out of this race in good order, like she has been, I'm not sure she won't start again this year.  Sure,she is a lock for horse of the year, but I would not be surprised to see her in the Beldame, with or without Zenyatta. Zenyatta's connections have NOT ruled out the Beldame.  They are waiting to see how the SA surface looks, then will make a decision independent of whether or not RA shows up.  That is just a side note... One thing I think is certain, we will not see RA take on boys again this year.  If anything, she takes on older females.

Is she the best 3 year old modern era filly.  YES.  History and sentiment say Ruffian is the best.  However, I do really believe that RA has put this argument to rest. Ruffian was a great and incredible filly.  It has taken over 35 years to find her equal.  We have found her.  Even if she is not as great as Ruffian in everyones eyes, she is GREAT.  And I find it disappointing that she still has detractors who want to say she can't run the classic distance, hasn't set enough records and hasn't beaten anyone.  We wait in this sport to witness what we are seeing now.  And it is something we may never see again in our lifetime: true greatness in a racehorse.  We should be revelling in it and living every moment of it like it's our last because we don't know when, or if, we will ever see it again.  ENJOY THE MOMENT.

Yes, she can win at 10 panels.  Maybe not on the lead with a 46 half, but she can rate.  I don't worry about this.

Is she better than Sea The Stars?  Irrelevant question.  He is a European grass horse.  Why don't we just compare Rachel to Gio Ponti then?  Who is going to make the consession on what surface they run on to settle the question? Or even in what country?  Neither party.

Rachel's 3 year old season ranks up there as one of the BEST of all time, certainly in the modern era.  But it's hard to deny Secretariat his Triple Crown season, setting records that still stand today in the Derby and the Belmont.  Winning on the grass and setting another track record that continues to stand.  Winning the Marlboro against a fantastic field of older horses, in world record time.  Nah, nothing will ever come close to duplicating that one remarkable, incredible year that Big Red had.  

What an amazing performance from Rachel Alexandra! I was far less impressed with Borel's. He certainly is whip happy. RA's owner and trainer ned to have a serious talk with him about his propensity to beat this wonderful filly with the whip. Distressing to watch. I don't understand why race fans aren't enjoying this wonderful animal. Why all the criticism and comparisons to other horses? We all hope for a horse like this and now that she is here an racing, we still aren't satisfied. Ruffian was another era. Yes, she left us tragically and far too soon, but let her rest in peace. Rachel is here and now. Enjoy her while you can. She will be gone too quickly - probably off to the breeding shed. And for those who continue to criticize her - you absolutely do not know what you are talking about.

Nobody here can deny what a great horse Zenyatta is.  Praising Rachel in no way diminishes Zenyatta and yes, Z is undefeated and HOY is based on this year and RA is undefeated this year.  One poster commented on the "soft spots" RA has raced this year while Z carried 129 lbs.  Z has raced 3 times against the same horses.  She has never taken on males.  Why has she only raced 3 times?  She only has 2 races left for the year.  How can that possibly lead to HOY?  It's amazing to me that someone could downplay RA's accomplishments. After winning 8 straight this year, 5 grade1 races, she can't be HOY because she won't go to the BC?

How ridiculous is that?  How many other horses this year have won that many races? 3 against 8.  No contest.

I have waited 34 years, to see another horse that I would  consider even close to the great Ruffian.well yesterday I witnessed it. We'll never know how great Ruffian could've been, but we do know how great Rachel is. Ruffian was her own worst enemy, too fast, too big all on feet that were hardly bigger than that of a yearling.So after all these years I'm going to do what Dray said, to give in to the fact that I have seen greatness at least twice in my lifetime.Rachel won yesterday on heart and heart alone, she was one tired filly which was quite evident. I'm pretty sure it will put her on the shelf for the rest of this year, and hopefully make the transition to come back next year and give racing many more exciting moments and add to her resume. Of all the 150 comments that I have read I have to make note that the one posted by Teaser is probably the stupidest.

I find it mind boggling that some sour grapes bloggers above still think Zenyatta is better and deserves HOTY. Sour grapes or incredibly stupid. Just about every handicapper in the country says Rachel is the better horse.

Zenyatta has run but ONLY THREE TIMES this year, against allowance level mares, totally unimpressively may I add. Certainly not up to her performances of last year. Raced outside California on a dirt surface ONCE in her entire career? Sad.

And one thing remains constant, she has never faced colts...and that is the real test of a filly/mare's greatness. End of discussion.

All hail Rachel Alexandra the Great...2009 Horse Of The Year in an absolute landslide...probably unanimously. She is truly  "one for the ages". And no matter how much you die hard Zenyatta supporters whine, you can't change the facts.

Dear TimG Iwasnt refering to your comments at all I have had people who know that I am in the industry ask me who this filly is and I have told them. Please dont take this the wrong way but again I wasnt refering to your comments just the ones of everday people who I have run across

Rachael proved her heart yesterday and a deserved win.  Time to let the gal have some time off for the rest of the year.  I am wondering when she races next year will Calvin be her jockey because I remember reading sometime ago that JJ and SA had only given him the mount for this year.  Should be interesting to see what comes of that.

"It stuns me that the protectors of the past CAN'T let go of Ruffian" They can't let go of Sea The Stars either who is a European horse on turf and has nothing to do with Rachel as Rachel is a NA horse. If he wants to come anr ace her on dirt fine but otherwise "shut up" She is HORSE OF THE YEAR no doubt. and Draynay I think she will love to meet Curlin in the breeding shed. I tried to bet against her which in hindsight was totally ridiculous on my part. GREAT FILLY, HOTY

ESPN again (sorry but I have to say it)--As the "sports authority channel despite the exciting college football season could have made room for the greatest 2009 American athlete-half hour-45 min.for the post parade, the race and a little of the after stuff. Of course they are in business to make money and I buy into that but she was too fine to ignore---No room at the Inn?

The problem for the new fan is..to put it bluntly,the old fan. There are too many blogs with the, "there will never be another ___", "never going to be as good as_____", etc. You can fill in the blanks with a great legend they can only see on YouTube. I remember Ruffian, Secretariat...a lot of us lived those times.

But let Rachel take her place right there in history where she belongs. Smile as Zenyatta prances her way to another anxiety ridden victory (she can't choose what races she runs), root for Einstein today, and Smarty Joneses' son Backtalk in the Hopeful.

I know a young girl who is just into racing,,,and lists among her favorites Man O War and Big Brown (she keeps apologizing for Big Brown)...I said never apologize, everyone has to start somewhere. At least she is interested.

I think RUFFIAN was faster, and slightly better, but RACHEL ALEXANDRA has me convinced she is a great one. I don't toss out "great" easily, but I think she deserves that title. However, ZENYATTA is certainly great as well, and I think ZENYATTA would handle RACHEL ALEXANDRA at 9 furlongs. And I'm not putting down RACHEL, she's superb, it's just that ZENYATTA is some kind of amazing, unbeatable amazon. I think RACHEL ALEXANDRA deserves to be Horse of the Year.

Poor DA' TARA, I don't know what in the world is wrong with him. It's sad to see him running two races in a row where he cannot keep up. He's actually starting to imitate BIG BROWN's Belmont run very well.

Great race....greater accomplishment.

After going through all those well versed comments, I'd thought I toss in some.

Ten years from now no one will know or care who finished second.  We know Personal Ensign won the Whitney.  Do we care it was against two colts running out of their element?  

For all intents and purpose HOY is over.  Zenyatta has a punchers chance if she wins the Classic.  Holy Bull finished his 3YO campaign in the Woodward and then Concern validated "The Bull's" resume with a win in that year's Classic.  Rachel's resume is probably stronger although I doubt any of her foes wins the Classic if any of the 'big' Euros come over.

Distance limitations?  Should be vote Miesque out of the Hall of Fame because she was a "miler"?  This whole distance hang-up is why so many great sprinters aren't in the HOF.  Every horses best distance may be measured by a yardstick...but their greatness shouldn't.

Best 3YO filly ever??  She is getting close to Ruffian, but I don't think she's better than Zarkava.  The deciding factor--Zarkava dusted Goldikova at a mile.  A filly that won the Arc at 12F beat one of the possibly ten best milers of all-time at that distance.  (Okay, sometimes it is good to remember who someone beat..lol).  I don't see anything like that on RA's impressive resume.

RA, Zenyatta, and STS are all great horses.  We should just sit back and enjoy the fact that we are privileged to witness their feats.  Time, tide and historians will do the ranking long after emotion is hopefully removed from the equation.

Someone on here said that it's necessary for a filly to face colts in order to prove that she's great. That's not true at all. SUSAN'S GIRL was great, and she never beat the colts, although she did try about 4 or 5 times. She was great, and that's all there is to it.

The greatest horse of all time is such an impossible question to answer.  I think a better question is greatest horse of a generation.  I imagine that those who saw Man O'War run will never concede that Secretariat may have been equal or better.  Man O War was the greatest of his generation, Secretariat was the greatest of his generation, and if she keeps this up next year, Rachel will define early 21st century horse racing 50 years from now.

What a joy to see Rachel win the Woodward, best race I have ever seen ...what a Great filly . Rachel it seems, should be given a vacation after this racing season and it should start today...loving the wonderful Zenyatta.

WHAT A YEAR.....

WHAT A RACE HORSE..

RACHEL ALEXANDRA......ENJOY BEING THE, "HORSE OF THE YEAR"....  

  WOW, what a race, what an amazing filly. Thank You, Rachel Alexandra for your courage, talent and heart. A 3 year old filly is Horse of the Year.

  Draynay, Saratoga AJ, Jordan S, Monica V, I enjoyed your posts very much. This is the time to celebrate horseracing's greatest star, this blog is the place to be celebrating this historic win.

   I have loved Calvin Borel on Rachel and thought them a perfect team. I tried to ignore his ride thru the stretch as I watched the replay. I agree with the several others who commented on this. I hated to see Calvin use the whip like that, I'm sure he felt pressure to win but this filly doesn't deserve that. I hope he never does that again.

Someone said they went the last 3/8 in 38. Given that I would have to say MA hung a little at the end. Also to the poster who said MA had a much easier trip...Huh? He drops back into last taking all the dirt in the face and then has to sprint the last 5/8 while splitting horses etc. If they ran slower fraction he would have been closer with less to do at the end.Either way he wasnt catching her but IMO was not an easy trip for him.

Well, that I didn't have a heart attack yesterday watching Rachel is a miracle. First, she starts acting up and flips Calvin. I didn't know what was wrong but didn't want to see her using up any excess enery before the race. Then, she was going against all these speed demons, older, bigger and more experienced and out of the third spot. THEN, everyone takes off like a bat out of hell and I start screaming, OMG SLOW DOWN. THEN I see Macho Again (one of my favorites at any other time) fire and take off like a rocket after my Rachel who I just knew must be exhausted by the time she hits the top of the stretch. I could not believe my eyes when Calvin started with the whip. That was quite upsetting. That this incredible Filly found the strength to stay ahead of the locomotive known as Macho Man to win is stunning. HOTY? They can't give her the award fast enough for me. I think Borel rode her well by going to the front out of the gate. The last thing we needed was for Rachel to be trapped behind a bunch of giants. This was her best race and showed that she is indeed the best Filly of our time and quite possibly the best Thoroughbred of our time. This was certainly the most exciting race since the Rags-Curlin spectacular in the Belmoint. I think Rachel should be given the rest of the year off and be fresh for next year. What else does she have to prove? Can she beat Sea the Stars? Only if they race and he tries to pass her!!! Could she have won the triple crown? Yes, I suspected it after she made mincemeat out of our best 3-year-olds in the Preakness. I knew it for sure when she chewed up the rest of the 3-year-old males in the Haskell. Long live the Queen!!! P.S. I agree with those who think Da'Tara should be retired. I can't stand to see him lose anymore. Another P.S. Pyro was great yesterday. I was so glad to see him winning again.

You know whats funny? People who try to hypothesize ways Rachel Alexandra can be beaten. Thats how you know she's great. She'll probably never race against Zarkava or Sea the Stars and quite frankly she doesn't need to. She's the Horse of the Year and has proven it in every race this year.  And 10 furlongs? Seriously...she did 1 3/16 on two weeks rest. Mine that bird never got by her. She wasnt going to be caught in the Haskell and yesterday Macho Again never ever got by her. So 10F isn't at all out of the question for her. And I hardly believe she's tired. She had to work in 2 races. The Preakness and the Woodward. Let the Beldame be the real BC Ladies Classic and pit Rachel vs. Zenyatta. And for the non-believers that still remain...If the Eclipse awards were handed out today:

3yo filly would be: Rachel Alexandra.

3yo Colt would be: Summer Bird because Rachel is a filly, even though she spanked him in the Haskell.

Older Horse: Macho Again/Bullsbay...both were beaten by Rachel.

My point...there is simply no animal on 4 legs greater. And in all honesty...I don't think surface matters. She's probably win the BC classic this year. Steve Asmussen said Curlin would be hard to replace....apparently not that hard.

Oh and Why so much talk about Da'Tara? He's a claiming horse who got lucky and had one helluva day last year.

GunBow:

Tell me this and it is only hypothetical because it will probably never come to this.....If Zenyatta should go in the BC Classic and be undefeated and win what should be an extremely tough race considering that there will be some good Europeans.....Where would you place her on your list of great distaffers.....I say this because IMO I firmly believe that if Zenyatta was in the Woodward yesterday she would have won it.

Gunbow, the last paragraph of your last post was brilliant and shows the heart of a true horseman and a fine person. You are so right, horse racing is not a zero sum game and the acievements of all these horses stand on their own. They are all brilliant horses. How lucky are we??!!

I will agree that the super fast opening quarter didn't leave anything but heart at the end of the race for Rachel. I agree Calvin was worried about getting boxed in, so he took off like a rocket. I still don't think she would like 10F and would have to use all her reserves to dominate. It is certainly doable because as someone said, truly great horses find that extra move to get the race won and she IS truly a great horse. But it would be dicier. Next year will tell us more about the 10F question. I would absolutely end her season now. I would not burn her out. Most of us agree she is one tired horse.

Zenyatta could win the BCC against Sea of the Stars and the second coming of Secretariat, but Rachel is still HOTY. Zenyatta's season has not been comaparable in any respect to Rachel's. It's a moot point. Zenyatta is also a magnificent horse and her accomplishments stand on their own, but we are talking apples and oranges.

However, while Rachel has had one of the greatest seasons for a 3 year old, she isn't Man O'War, Secretariat (sorry Draynay) and  Citation. Not yet. But she is in the conversation of greatest 3 year old seasons.

Was thrilled to see Pyro win. That gladdened my heart. he showed such promise. Really like him.

Da'Tara should be retired to a nice horse farm for older horses. It is cruel to keep running him. It seems like there might be something not right with his condition.

The only TRUE, unbiased test of how great RA is will come when the new International Federation of Horseracing Authorities world rankings are published.

That's the gold standard, bigger than the American version of HoY, because they show how horses all over the world compare, regardless of sex and surface, and without the emotion that always colors a fans perspective.

RA should move up nicely in the new rankings and may even be or near top dog, at least until the Euros crush the American entries in the BC Classic again.

One thing for sure, Rachel will be leaving Zenyatta in the dust in the next edtion.

rachel alexandra was awesome yesterday, she fought hard,and won, and was beautiful. she deserves some rnr. and as far as horse of the year, why not?

Rachel came out of the race better than the Preakness--it's not *too* much shorter than the Preakness distance and she had so much pressure. Calvin let her get out and set up a speed duel and it wasn't until the middle that he could finally pull her back. I don't think the ride was bad, just average and a little too hasty. Rachel, with her experience and maturing, could go classic distance next year if they'd just LET her. And so what if she almost got caught? She didn't. Yes, I think weight allowances are unfair, but I don't think it would have made a difference. She really held on and focused. You could see how driven she was.

Forget about whether or not she's as great as Ruffian or Shuvee or Secretariat or Holy Bull or Kelso. She's a talented, well-bred horse and she's a great for what she did.

Now she needs to go home, run around and play, and get ready for her four-year-old year.

Let's try and keep it real here. Yes she is really good, but a lot of this is SMOKE n MIRRORS..... the 3 yr old fillies she beat are grade 3 types AT BEST. In the Haskel she caught slop that she loves on a SPEED favoring oval, In the Preakness she was all out to hold off a 15 hands 50-1 Derby winner.....

Yesterday she beat a VERY average Macho again who does not run monster figs and a bunch  other horses that would all be 20-1+ in the BCUP Classic, most 50-1!!!

Admire her, but to say the greatest this and that, pleeeeze. NO! I too think Zenyatta would have gobbled her up yesterday, her stride is much better than Macho's.

Rachel vs Sea the Stars.....lolol come on now, she can't beat that horse at any distance past a mile. NOOO WAYYYY!

You have to honestly look at the facts and they are that she has really beat NO ONE.... Summer Bird?, ok he may turn out to be a nice horse, but he was a MAIDEN this spring.....  the Illusion of the Oaks etc make us think she is more than she is. Great horses used to go through 1:10 n change and win at 10F!!!!!  Sunday Silence would demolish her, Ghostzapper, Cigar, Skip Away....

Just see it for what it is.

I will admit that I did not think that this filly was special until I saw her win the Kentucky Oaks, but I didnt think we would ever know how good she was because we were told that she would only be racing against the girls.  

This is why I must say that I think Jess Jackson did racing a favor by buying this filly and giving her the chance to show how truly great she is.  If not for Jess Jackson we may have never found out.  She showed her true class in the woodward and nothing can take it away.  She did something no race horse has ever done before and that says alot. HOY end of story.................

I didn't even know Da'Tara was running still.

Lazmannick, Zenyatta is a beast and maybe she could beat Rachel at 10F. No way to know. But it's a moot point because of where she has been run. I think the Moss's have another agenda and it is a worthy one. I will be thrilled if she is retired unbeaten.

tvnewsbadge:

Let's get one thing straight, there is one, and only one reason the European horses have a shot in this year's BC Classic...it's called a synthetic track, which races more like turf than dirt. After this year, it's back to the real world...and as always, the Europeans will not win the BC Classic.  

Beyers for the Woodward are out, and Rachel hit the board again.

2009 Top Beyers on dirt over one mile:

Rachel Alexandra 02 Aug 1 1/8M 116

Icon Project 30 Aug 1 1/4M 114

I Want Revenge 07 Mar 1 1/16M 113

Jessica Is Back 25 Jul 1 1/16M 111

Quality Road 28 Mar 1 1/8M 111

Rachel Alexandra 27 Jun 1 1/8M 111

Rail Trip 11 Jul 1 1/4M 111

Solar Flare 24 May 1 1/16M 111

Summer Bird 29 Aug 1 1/4M 110

Jonesboro 27 Jun 1 1/8M 109

Macho Again 05 Sep 1 1/8M 109

Rachel Alexandra 05 Sep 1 1/8M 109

Dunkirk 28 Mar 1 1/8M 108

Rachel Alexandra 01 May 1 1/8M 108

Rachel Alexandra 16 May 1 3/16M 108

Ball Four       09 May 1 1/16M 107

Bullsbay 08 Aug 1 1/8M 107

Chirac          22 Aug 1 1/8M 107

Cool Coal Man 10 Aug 1 1/8M 107

It's a Bird 24 Jan 1 1/8M 107

It's a Bird 25 May 1 1/16M 107

It's a Bird 04 Apr 1 1/8M 107

Liv,

    Did you see the Woodward entries? Da'Tara was one of them, and has been running in minor races all year, up until the Woodward.

It's a shame that ppl use the close win by RA just to upgrade another horse, meaning Zenyatta. People, come on, she has been beating up on fillies that are of an allowence class. She has never tried males and tried dirt once. You ppl also forget that when you talk about Zen beating RA, that it would take a suicidal pace, which is what yesterday was to do it. If each race comfortably, where they like, the truth is Zenyatta would be left in RA's wake.

RA is THE queen! she's not princess anymore. =)she reminds me of ruffian. she just proves herself time and again. she has nothing more to prove.

Sea The stars will most likly never race Rachel. She doesn't race on synthetic. Who thinks Sea teh Stars will like the synthetic? people are getting over their heads with this horse. Sythetic races and rides like the equivelance of a soft turf track. Sea the Stars doesn't like even the least softest ground. it has to be rock hard. (his breeding also says complete turf). Like SA's turf oval. he'd be better off turf racing in teh BC.

Brigette and others that question Calvin's aggressive tactics... it seems really obvious to me that when the inside post (#3) was drawn, Calvin's hand was forced.  None of us want to see a 3-year-old filly be roughed-up running inside a pack of colts.  Calvin had no choice but to go wire to wire.  His race strategy would have been different had she drawn an outside post, then she would have rated just off the pace.  That's my strongly held opinion.  Monday morning quarterbacking:  Zenyatta should have been shipped last minute to Saratoga... she would have finished what Macho Again was unable to -- that would have silenced some folks on these blogs.  

And I agree with people, we don't know if she will hold her form as a 4-year-old, or if she will even be brought back next year, so many things can happen and changes can occur between now and then.  I do wish people would hold off on mailing out the HOTY trophy to Mr. Jackson till the end of the racing season, since there are several significant races yet to be run, despite the fact they likely will not center around Rachel.  It sends the wrong message.

Several people have mentioned that Zenyatta should run in the Pacific Classic.  I strongly disagree with that.  After the 2008 Clement Hirsch, John Shirreffs said that you will never see Zenyatta run at Del Mar again.  Clearly he went against his own best judgement and we did see her in the 2009 version.  Also, I heard an interview with Doug O'Neill in which he said that while he is supportive of Del Mar, the track is in dire need of adjustment.  Aside from the many fatalities, there are (as he put it) "injuries that have never been seen before".  I wouldn't want Zenyatta to run there again, and let's pray that everything goes smoothly until the close of the 2009 Del Mar season.

Question:  What is happening to the colts of late?  It seems that the fillies/mares have overtaken them in the last two years.  Have breeding tactics weakened the males somehow?  

I had to watch the replay on Blood-Horse.com yesterday.  Not seeing the post parade, but reading about how she dumped Calvin, my guess is that Rachel was really fresh and got away from Calvin in the first quarter.  It looked like he settled her down in the second quarter and gave her a little breather.  That's all she needed.  She fought the hardest she's ever had to and came through like a champion.  Frankly, I don't want to see her and Zenyatta battle it out this year, it's great for horse racing and it keeps the suspense and chatter up about the sport.  I think they will race her once more this year only because Mr. Jackson will think it good for the sport.  Then next year, when Rachel's 4, she and Zenyatta should hook up and not in a match race either.  I think it should be an honest to goodness stakes race with other contenders where Rachel sits off the lead and Zenyatta can come from 20 lengths back.  Then whoever wins, will be the better horse.  Frankly, I think it will be a photo finish and they will dead heat!

To Gobin:  Macho Again got about a head in front of Rachel after the wire BUT Borel was standing up in the irons and celebrating at the time and not even facing forward (I have it recorded).  Then Rachel rebroke when she noticed they were in danger of being passed.  She did it of her own volition and was not fully passed.  I thought that was the most impressive part of the race.

I can't post my recording because the recording is a feature of my satellite dish and I can't get it off the box.  

To be clear, I'm agreeing with you.  My recording shows that Macho Again got a little in front when Calvin was celebrating but Rachel rebroke before being fully passed.  

You certainly have gotten a lot of response.  It is tough for any filly (especially a 3 year old) to beat older males.  As we all know, males are bigger, stronger, etc. etc.  With that being said, I am a female so don't think I'm bashing women.  Its just a fact.  

I love RA.  I think she is the "bomb".  It is so beautiful to watch such an amazing athlete.  And, she is a girl!  I would love to see her go to Dubai next year.  

Regarding Sea of the Stars.  He has had an awesome year.  Don't disregard him because he has run overseas.  He is an awesome horse and may very well be the best horse in the world.  I am hoping he will come to Santa Anita to show us what he's got in the Classic.  Because of this, I hope Zenyatta runs in the ladies classic cause I am skeptical she can beat him.  I would love to see her try and do it but as I stated earlier, males are usually larger and naturally stonger.  I don't think either Zenyatta or RA can beat him.  I don't want to see either of them beat.

Does that mean either of these beautiful fillies are overrated?  NO, I repeat, NO.  They are exceptional.  It has been a few years that we have seen an exceptional horse and to have both of them be ladies, is remarkable.  I so enjoy both of them.  They are absolutely beautiful.

I believe that both have encouraged and excited fans.  That my friends is Great for the sport.  

Hail, hail to the ladies.  May they stay safe and sound and give us many babies to watch and wonder about!

Was up early, with a copy of "Champions."  Marveled at the race careers of Busher and Twilight Tear, and Kelso and Forego running every two weeks, dirt to grass, 7 furlongs to 2 miles.  A different time.  Now Rachel has sealed HOY, no debate-a great campaign.  She has earned a rest, and we'll welcome her back as a 4-year old, Churchill in her sights.  

Will W - thanks for the commentary on how the race set up (Calvin riding two races), it is exactly the insight I come to this forum for.

Victor81 - I agree that Borel's ride was actually a very good one.  Both RA and Borel had to really work for this race and that, frankly, is a good thing.  You can see Borel is trying to relax her as much as possible on the backstretch, then at the top of the stretch he really has to work.  This one did not come easy for either of them.

I think with a period of rest RA can get the 10F distance - she has proven she can run just off the pace - but she, like all horses, also needs a good trip for that distance.  There are so many factors to consider as the distance increases that it also means she would be more vulnerable at longer distances.  I think her schedule recently has been more grueling than any other contending 3 year old even with the shorter distances.  And she keeps winning.  The only other horse who comes close (in grueling schedule) at any point this year is Mine That Bird in his TC bid (okay I think Flying Private also ran all three but he didn't win any of the TC races).  Summer Bird has also had a tough schedule since the Belmont, but, he too, was beaten solidly by Rachel. My point being Rachel has had a tough schedule, increasingly difficult competition to balance out a lack of 10F distance and she keeps on winning everytime the bar rises. No other horse this year has done that, period. She's it for me for HOY.

I think that Rachel may be one of the best ever at up to a mile and 1/8.  Beyond that everything is going to set up perfectly for her to go the extra 1/8.  That includes a slower pace, not a super group of closers in the field, and favorable weights.  Macho Again was closing with 8 more pounds.  Yes she is a filly and a 3 year old to boot, but with the perceived difference between her and the older males, Macho Again showed a tremendous race giving a filly of her caliber 8 pounds.  

A thought to those who seem convinced Zenyatta would have won the Woodward yesterday.....do you really think Calvin would have let Rachel run those early fractions if she were there?  No way! I believe Zenyatta is awesome and a better closer than Macho Again so he would have saved more for the end.  It is amazing to me how people look at a race and decide that if different horses were there or if it were longer - she would not win.  The ride is adjusted for the circumstances of the race!  And people - get off the weight allowance thing! That is the way it is - as it should be!  Even colts get weight allowances in these types of races - including the Breeders Cup. I didn't hear one complaint last year about the weight advantages of Raven's Pass or Henrythenavigator over Curlin! It's like asking a girl (or boy) to run against a woman (or man) - the advantage is obvious and the allowance is only to try to equalize that!  It in no way diminishes the accomplishment of the winner and should NOT be used as an excuse for the loser! If Rachel and Zenyatta run in the Beldame - Rachel will get a weight allowance - boy I can hear the excuses if Rachel wins already!

Da'Tara is not still running.  She's jogging.  She should be pulling fat people through Central Park in a carriage.  Again, I out handicap Jason.  I called three bets yesterday.  Pyro to win, Macho Again to win, and a big Macho Again and RA exacta box... just in case.  I missed hitting all three of them by a neck.  Champions show up on championship day, and that day is Breeders' Cup day in our sport.  I don't care if they are running it on tomatoes.  They all have to run on whatever surface Breeders' Cup in being run on...  RA would have won the Triple Crown had she raced in all three races.  No doubt about it.

Mr. Shandler,

I applaud you for taking this topic international, a valiant effort in your part.  But be real, Rachel Alexandra is a gallant filly, but dont compare her to Sea The Stars.  Like I said before, and its my humble opinion, She and Zenyatta dont measure up to Goldikova, Stacelita, Sariska, and maybe even now Rainbow View. I am so sorry that the American Racing fan has been a victim of the closemindedness of American horse owners and trainers, by their reluctance to run their fillies against the colts.  In Europe and the rest of the world this is a common practice.  Fillies race the colts and beat them every year here, its no big deal, we dont glorify a filly or mare everytime she does it.  For gods sake, Europeans have put the example to you Americans, by taking fillies to the Breeders Cup racing them against the boys and win.  Back to the point, Goldikova demolishes her male rivals, she takes their heart out, eats it then spits it out, she is a true femme fatale. Unlike Rachel Alexandra who twice has had to hang on for dear life. Stacelita is undefeated and threatens to be the biggest challenge to Sea the Stars in the Arc.  Sariska and Rainbow View are just as formidable and are on track to the Breeders Cup.  And what more is there to say about Sea the Stars, he is the horse of the World right now, can he beat Stacelita in the Arc, that is a clash everybody awaits, if he does and then goes on to win the Breeders Cup Classic, Then he will stamp himself as the Greatest horse since Nijinsky and quite possibly Ribot, and accomplish something that has never been done before, win the Arc and the Classic.  Stacelita at least shes taking on the challenge, why doesnt Rachel Alexandras people man up and show up on her country´s championship day.

Rachel is Horse of the Year this year no matter what anyone else does.  No other horse has the resume she has this year.  Even if Zenyatta faces her in the Beldame and wins and runs in the BC Classic and wins, Rachel's resume is still more impressive.  I love Zenyatta and am a huge fan of her but after what Rachel did yesterday, she deserves to be Horse of the Year.  I would still love to see Rachel vs Zenyatta but it may be time for some rest for Rachel - she sure deserves it.  We'll see in a few days how she came out of the race.  I would like to see Rachel on the turf next year and see what she can do.  She sure has the pedigree for it.  She just may be the Arc horse that Jess Jackson wants.  I also think she could win the Dubai World Cup but I have heard that will be on synthetic starting in 2010 so I guess that is out of the question.  Anyway, Rachel is truly a great racehorse, maybe one of the greats of all time.  GO RACHEL!      

Saratoga AJ,

As regarding the BC and the synthetic track issue. I agree, that's one reason the Euros will crush the Americans  again this year.

But so what, there will still be a crushing and it will have an effect on the world rankings.

Even more so since no American dirt horse, with the exception of Rachel, has put together a compelling string of victories in major venues.

As far as "real world" racing, on the REAL world stage, many consider dirt to the inferior venue, so who's to say?  

That's what makes the IFHA rankings so valuable. They cut through all this regional bias and determine  who the top horses really are, grass,dirt, or otherwise.

One other thought.  How many of you are sure that she will come back "a race horse" after a 3-4 month break in a pasture?  Many fillies lose their interest in racing about that time.  Is she really that different?  After all, she is an early foal (late Jan) and nature does have a way of intervening.

Saratoga AJ Another way to say it is next year, on dirt, the Euros WON'T be sending their FIRST STRING to run on dirt, so at least in THAT respect the Breeders Cup is somewhat more intriguing out West---As well as no off track--EVEN if it were to rain, which is the ONLY positive thing I can say about synthetics!...Indeed, if I owned Zenyatta I would've gone East as a "protest vote" against the stuff, inagine, the two biggest US Stars boycotting synthetics/boycotting the Breeders Cup!

Read the following DRIBBLE and then lambaste me:

Should Rachel win HOY.....Certainly…..She not only deserves it.....she really earned it.

However, before anyone starts getting caught up in the GREATEST EVER whirlwind there is much to consider…..The group she defeated yesterday, in spite of what a lot of people are saying, might be salty but it is not a G-1 group.....If it is, than American racing really is in trouble.....It seemed like half of them were either pulled up or distanced or staggering…..Macho Again should have ran past her.  I thought that at the 1/16th pole he was going to and that is when he showed that he is not a true G-1 horse.  A true G-1 horse with all his momentum and the stress that Rachel had endured for the previous 100 seconds would have eaten her up.

I think we saw the fallacy of Rachel and 1.33 and change miles.....If another sets that pace and she can run at it she is very tough, but she is not capable of doing it and drawing off and winning a sub 1.48, 1-1/8M race against top competition.....that is a pretty tall order for any horse and only the super freaky good are capable of it, especially on a regular basis….yesterday’s mile was in 1.35 and change and she barely hung on.

Still, she is one sensational filly any way you look at it and she is climbing up the GREATNESS LADDER, but there is still a way to go and she will definitely get the chance to prove it.....When you accomplish what she has accomplished, all the good ones are going to want a shot at you sooner or later so there won't be many easy races for her from here on in.

Hurdles to overcome:

• She will lose her 3 y-o filly allowance (8 lb. breaks will be a thing of the past.

• Many of the good 3 y-o will be around at four (several good ones she hasn’t faced yet).

• Dirt will be the primary surface to race on because of the 2010 BC. This should mean deeper fields because many will stay away from synthetics at least in the latter part of the year when top races must be won. (would she have even raced yesterday if say Einstein and Rail Trip were in the race?).

• She will definitely have to compete in at least one and probably more 1-1/4M races…..Will she get 1-1/4M?.....Absolutely, but her running style is definitely going to have to change…..To me, she should always be a horse that lays 3rd or 4th and no more than 4-5 lengths off the lead…..she can be rated and doesn’t need to control the pace.

I don’t think she should race any more this year…..that race yesterday took a lot out of her.  When the jock whips you very hard 19 times almost in rapid succession and you strain every ounce of energy you have, no matter how tough you are, it will take a long time to recuperate…..some horses, after a tough race like that, are never the same again.

My final comment, for anyone who should happen to read this dribble…..If Zenyatta was in that race yesterday I believe she would have won it…..my reasoning is not necessarily that Zenyatta is better…..it is based on the strategy of how the race was run…..If Rachel was running at a fairly quick pace she would be much tougher than trying to go all the way on the front end with quick fractions and then try to last……Yesterday, with the way the race was run, she wouldn’t have been able to hold off Zen because any way you slice it, Zen is a true G-1 horse…..Her race in last year’s Apple Blossom translated to a 14 length gain when she started running……it was on dirt, which may even be her preferred surface.

The reason why I consider all this dribble…..WE’RE TALKING ABOUT A 3 YEAR-OLD FILLY…… Unheard of.

great victory by RA, very close too, but until i don't see her win at 1 1/4 i won't believe that she can handle the distance. she was very lucky yesterday but it a little hard for her to win with some horse that some of you were putting down in the previous blog.

Cgriff, thank you for your well thought out comments.

RA is a very good filly, very good.  But when people proclaim her the best three year old ever, one of the greatest ever, etc., that's the problem.  It's not proven yet.

A very gutsy, determined, heart as big as a freeway filly- no doubt.  I love her. But I'm not one to crown her just yet.  

Looking at the stretch drive, Calvin was tap dancing all over her hide.  Albarado was on Macho Again too, but not that much.  Macho hung or was bumped slightly by Bullsbay, you can see that in the video.  Without that interruption in momentum, he would probably have won.

I am more concerned with a few strides after the wire than I am the ride out after.  Kudos that she took off again, what heart.  Realistically though, once that jockey stands up, don't some of these horses, especially the older ones, know it's time to wind down?  A lot is made of the ride out but I think it's a credit to those horses that continue on, AND those who know when to back off and save it for another race.  It's a different matter if the jock is still asking, like maybe they are prepping the horse a bit for a longer race.  But I'm skeptical about the ride out as a measure of how capable the horse would have been to go on.  Determined- that's not the issue and RA deserves respect for that.

RA is placed in her races.  Jackson is very savvy where to put her for her best distance and the most promotional opportunities.  If he wanted to cover over the questions about distance, then offset that with a first filly win in the Woodward in a field that many on this board said was literally second rate.  If they were second rate, at the pace set, she should have left them 10-20 lengths behind, even the closers, especially at the weight advantage.  As posted before, the weight IS an issue.  When she is compared as as good as or better than horses like Secretariat and Citation, then she needs to run at the weights the greats carried and the distances they ran, as often as they ran.

I like RA a lot.  Best 3 year old filly this year, no doubt.  Best 3 year old- maybe.  HOY- no.

Jason said:

Fact is, if Calvin rates her, as he did in the Haskell, she can get 10F easily. She already got 9 1/2f while breaking from post 13 and setting a brutal pace. I look forward to the races next year when she proves people wrong who say she cant get 10f. That is why I wanted her to run in the Travers."

Well, if Jackson was to really lay to rest the idea that RA can't get 1-1/4, he should have run her in the Travers, you said it yourself. As I said earlier, Jackson is shrewd and saw a record setting opportunity that was a fit for her style instead of taking on the Traver's runners.  I said on another blog that it was extremely unlikely he'd run RA against a proven winner at that distance in MIB (Who did not end up running) and what appears to be an improving Summer Bird.  I also speculated that if both the Birds missed the Travers, then he'd have taken on Quality Road because QR wasn't ready for that distance and it would have been the best tactical time to take him on and the 1-1/4, then avoid him and that distance thereafter.

A lot of us don't believe that she's invincible beyond 1-1/8.  A lot has been made that if rated, she'll do it and that MIB could not have beaten her in the Kentucky Derby without Borel.  Not fair.  RA has to have a rated race to win yet MIB is not given the same consideration for his style? Granted, Borel can't ride both horses but theoretically if he could, then MIB runs her down in the Derby.  A better ride in the Preakness and he'd have run her down.

Watch this replay and pause it at  4:45 in, 4:47 in:

www.youtube.com/watch

 The angle is slight and I think should have favored RA and it doesn't.  More to the point, the position of the horses heads, saddle cloths and jockeys are relevant.

You can see RA getting mad about Macho heading her- wonderful filly.  Could she have held Macho Again off another sixteenth?  Macho was closing on her every stride.

RA won the race.  That's not the argument. Like a lot of other horses, Macho Again ran out of ground.  Is RA invincible beyond 1-1/8?  Don't think so.  Does she need to get beyond that consistently to be "greatest?"  Well, yes.  Great specialist at 1-1/8, no doubt.  Just like there are great sprinters, turf horses, etc. Champions at what they do. But an overall greatest?  Not yet.

Jason, you were right.  The place to put her was in the Travers.  History making Woodward aside, the Travers was where she would have made the most impact, had she won.

Our newspaper did not include Rachel Alexandra run in the Woodward, so very disappointing...

She deserves Horse of the Year... If she were mine, I would put her away for a well deserved rest... she has nothing else to prove and I don't think that running against Zenyetta will prove anything for either filly/mare.

Anyway Jess is gonna go through withdrawls if he puts Rachel away (like he should)....he have to throw some press conferences, or they can set up a live feed to his easy chair on Breeders Cup Day, watching him read the paper in his disinterest! Or he can say "I'd love to breed to Sea The Stars someday with Rachel"!!...As a true believer of this sport since 72, I can see Rachel Alexandra is held in the esteem that only Ruffian has achieved---If Zenyatta ran in the East, on dirt which she probably prefers...and that presense which makes you view her in a sorta slow motion....I think she'd be right up there, too.....reccomend seeing her up close, before it's too late.....

GIVE HER THE REST OF THE YEAR OFF. WHAT ELSE HAS SHE TO PROVE? LETS NOT RUIN ANOTHER ONE OF OUR HORSE RACING GREATS! LUCAS, BAFFERT, TRAINING WAYS (RUN-EM) TILL THEY BREAK DOWN IS NOT WHAT THIS SUPER STAR DESERVES!!!

What an incredible filly.  I want to admire her for what she has accomplished so far this year.  No what ifs she raced against who or when or what abouts.  She has proven herself time and again. Glad I have been able to see her run.  Thank you Jackson connection. Thank you Rachel!

Is RA good? Oh yeah. The best ever not sure. Ruffian was never beaten until she broke down in the match race. She also set a lot of track and stakes records. Nobody ever really knew how fast she could go and was lost tragically as they just didn't have the technology at that time to save her.

Let's face it American horses just don't race like the ones do in Europe. Our tracks are flat no long up hill climb to the finish. RA is just three and still has a lot of growing to do. On dirt RA is impressive but how will she do on turf? Of course she gets a break in the weights as she is still growing and racing against stronger colts. She has raced more then Zenyatta but I would still like to see the two of them together in a race carrying the same weight before I decide who is the better horse. Doubt that is going to happen though.

RA is by far the best filly to grace a racetrack in the past decade.  Best racehorse? Open for debate given the likes of battlers such as Tiznow and Giants Causeway. As much as I love Zenyatta, in a head to head with RA she gets trounced.  RA has nothing to prove finishing off the year in NA.  Perhaps JJ breezes her on the turf to decide for a shot at the Arc (not a good idea. She is no Zarkava). More than likely he aims for the first Dubai World Cup at Meydan City racecourse, a race a filly/mare has never won.

We have been witness to greatness.  She has nothing to prove and there is no need to run against Zenyatta. (She's great too) I would hate to see either of them diminished by losing to the other. But then is is about Rachel and she's the best!

It amazes me how many people come on these boards with zero horseracing knowledge!

Anyone who watched that race knows Zenyatta would run down Rachael @1 1/4

Macho Again is not a top 4 year old and a few more feet would have ended all the RA talk.

As for Mr Moss avoiding RA thats a joke in the horse racing circles. everyone knows Jess Jackson wants no part of Zenyatta, he will shut her down for the year and hope Zenyatta loses, but thats going to be his mistake no horse in the world or maybe history closes with the speed of Zenyatta, look at her times!

I hope the matchup happens and Zenyatta shuts up the east coast!!!

Poor Da'Tara. Not only does he get his butt kicked by a girl, but some people think he is a girl. If Seabiscuit, Secretariat and Affirmed came back from the dead, and Cigar and Curlin came back to racing as 3-year olds, and Rachel beat them by 30 lengths in the Belmont, I'm sure there are those who would find fault with her performance. And Lazmannick, excuse me, but what race were you watching? Let me explain, Rachel

Alexandra was the drop-dead gorgeous 3-year-old Filly running in the Woodward yesterday who ran her heart out and won a race no other 3-year-old Filly has ever won. She will be HOTY because no other TB this year has run better than she has in all her races. It's really quite simple. Instead of nitpicking, let us all rejoice in the knowledge that we can witness the spectacular talent of this beautiful and one-of-a-kind racing Queen.

Racingfan:

Do you honestly believe Calvin altered his strategy because Zenyatta was not in the race.....Macho Again and Bullybay are both stone closers and he only won by a desperate head.....He should have altered his strategy anyway because he was asking her to do too much tryng to win like she did.

zenyatta is the best female.. and quality road is going to bounce back and win his prep and the classic and take horse of the year

It seems to me that a lot of you folks are so starved for a first class horse that you go overboard the first time you see one. Rachel is by far the best 3yo filly we've had for a good few years and superior to the colts in her generation. But she has a few more questions to answer before she reaches immortality and that a result of the way she has been campaigned. Her connections let pass 4 opportunities to run her at the classic distance of 10f - the CCA Oaks, the Alabama, the Travers and the Personal Ensign. Instead, she runs again and again at the extended miler distance of 9f. This makes me to think they believe that she might be vulnerable at 10f. Until I see her take that one more step, I'll be content to regard her as one of the more gifted milers we've seen for a while, possibly the best since Dr. Fager.

By the way, 3yo fillies beating male elders is by no means unprecedented. Just last year, Zarkava won the Arc, the most important turf race in the world. Not to mention Sunline, who won Australia's top mile race conceding actual weight to some of the older guys, as a 3yo. Back when I was a newby, a 3yo filly named Dahlia won TWO important G1 races in open fields - the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S, England's biggest wfa; and the Washington, DC, International, the race whose place was taken by the BC Turf. And she wasn't even the best 3yo filly of her crop; Allez France beat her every time they met. I even remember watching a 3yo filly take on older males in MAY, in the Meteor H at Hollywood, and leaving them gasping - she was Crimson Saint, the dam of Terlingua, the dam of Storm Cat.

Here is another question.  Do you think that it would have been possible that RA might have been a triple crown winner? In the past we have had great horses not compete in all of the three classics that left us wondering what would have occurred "if" they had. I do believe that if Calvin had not ridden Mine That Bird in the Derby that the horse may have lost. However we all know horse racing and nothing is a sure thing.

HorseFirst what on earth are you talking about.  Secretariat lost 3 times.  Twice carrying the same weight as everyone else and once getting a 7lbs. advantage.  Secondly, thinking Rachel would have gotten more credit for beating 3 year old horses for a 3rd time is nonsense.  Winning the Woodward and taking on G1 winning older males at Saratoga is much more important and history will treat it that way.  In short, your long winded post stunk.

Not going to argue against Zen: we'll never know unless they can meet in a way that's fair to both. D'Tara in the race to try to set up Rachel to be beat by his closer: that's Zito's trick, used many times to beat better horses than his. Did not work on Rachel because she has the greatness and heart to not let Macho by.Not Jackson's fault the Classic is at SA two years in a row. How stupid can the BC people be? Move the Classic NOW and let us find out who is the best in the world this year. I bet on Rachel.

Lazmannick... what a waste of space.  Zenyatta would have won ?  How many males has she beaten in her whole career ?  Rachel has beaten more G1 winners THIS YEAR than Z has in her entire career.  

Rachel has a big strong body, competitive spirit and a pretty, feminine face.  Girl power!  Yayyy!I would love to see her and Rock Hard Ten mate.  Talk about a super horse.  This was a wonderful exciting race and I am so proud of her.  

If anyone's mad enough to think that Zenyatta might not have been able to win that race yesterday then they are deluded. Rachel Alexandra decelerated throughout the whole race, and I know one thing for sure, Zenyatta's a lot better than Macho Again is.

And this business about her running 22, 46 etc, who's fault is that? Borel's. His ride was a disgrace with how he beat her so many times with the whip.

If Calvin doesn't go with the leaders they trap her on the rail. He did try to slow the pace a little after the half but still: of course she was tired! Still won. Best three year old season? Can't say that since she didn't run in Derby or Belmont, although she HAS trounced both those winners, don't forget. Very sad she had no chance at the TC.Ruffian never had a chance to show how much better could have become and hopefully RA will.

I think Curlin very much deserves RA. I can't wait to see the result.  I would love to see (but never will), Rachael vs Curlin.  I also believe that had RA run in the whole triple crown this year, she would have taken all three.  

Euro real running is done on the dirt.  Little ponies run on the grass.  Sea the Stars is a champion turf horse but don't think for a moment he would have any better luck against Rachel than any other horse has.

Jason

When your name is Kobe it's Dribble.

Timber:

They would not carry the same weight unless they raced one another next year when RA turns 4. 3 yr olds always get a weight allowance when racing 4 and ups...the earlier in the year, the more allowance they get. Right now it's 5 lbs, soon it will be down to 3 lbs.

Last Nov. while standing on the rail at Churchill before the Goldenrod when the horses were walking over I noticed this beautiful blaze coming towards me. When she passed I was awe struck. I thought man look how confident this filly is. I looked at the program and said "ooh, I really like that name!" About twenty minutes later I thought "wow" even more. Little did I know that day what she would go on to do. I am so grateful I got to see her the day she started this winning streak.

1. After the quarter posted, my jaw clinched. I knew it would be quick because I knew Calvin wanted her close to the front. After the half posted, my heart skipped but I was a little relieved it wasn't 45 and change. Needless to say, very concerned but still believing in her.

2. Da'Tara needs to drop down to an allowance race and see if he can first of all can even beat that group. If so, come back in stakes company and see if the confidence booster did anything. If not, thanks for lighting up the tote in the Belmont and let him just be a horse on a beautiful farm.

3. I thought the break was the most important part of the race. I figured if she got bottled up and bumped around by the big boys that it would compromise her and intimidate her (not real sure at this point if she can be intimidated). So yes, I think Calvin was smart to get her to the lead. I don't think it was his intention to set the pace, he went wide and left plenty of room to let Da'Tara take it. But I thought she was on the edge of being rank. I think if he would have held her, we would have seen her throwing her head a bit. So I think he did the smart thing and sent her.

4. I was concerned when he jumped off because obviously she has never lost her cool. She looked a little warm, then I saw a couple other horses and they looked like they were washing out a bit. Then I wasn't worried at all.

5.  My gut says Zenyatta's camp will say they are running in the Beldame to try to force Jackson's hand. I think the Woodward took a lot out of her and I don't think there is enough time between races for her to be ready. Hope the Moss' wouldn't play that game knowing that Jackson would maybe bite and they could race Rachel at less than 100%. There is a great little race here at Churchill in Nov. called the Clark Handicap (fingers crossed) where they could meet. That is my thinking, if Zenyatta won the BC "Grassic", that Jackson will run her one more time against older males, to leave no doubts!

6. Best filly in modern era? I have seen vids of Ruffian as I wasn't even born yet, but I think Rachel has passed her. People talk about this subpar group of older males, but bottom line, the times tell the story. She shouldn't have won this race. She has never really been asked against the females since last November and still smashed them and could have probably set track records if asked which of course would have been dumb.

7. Anyone that argues with the 10f doesn't understand pace scenarios. Of course Calvin would ride her different. Jason already pointed out the most obvious reasons to justify this.

8. Better than Sea the Stars? I honestly don't have a concrete opinion. Too many different variables at play with surfaces, euro race styles etc.. Just have to hope to maybe see some day. We'll probably never know.

9. Would she have won the Derby? Again, only guessing. My instinct says yes, because she always breaks well and that is so important in the Derby. She could have avoided that crazy traffic in the first turn even from a bad post because of her early speed if needed. And if she would have won, yes a great 3yo campaign but without her winning the Belmont which would have made her a triple crown winner, I would say no. Very very very impressive but there is still that 3yo year by a horse named Man O'War and another named Secretariat. Even without the derby though, she is right behind them with all she has done. In the paper today they had a great shot of her eyeballing Macho Again as he came to her. Her eye told the story, she is great and will not be intimidated and will lay it all on the line every time. We did witness greatness.

tvnewsbadge:

"Crush" the American horses? We'll see about that.

And the Euros have at times entered their best in the BC Classic even when it's on dirt. Two that did  well that come to mind were Swain and Giant's Causeway, 3rd and second, respectively.

One last general comment. It seems there are people on this and other blogs who are debating if Rachel is the best 3 yr old ever. I myself won't touch that topic...she is after all a FILLY. You can't really compare a great filly with the greatest colts of all time. It's apples and oranges.

Suffice to say that to even suggest that she matches up somewhat with the likes of Man O'War, Citation, Secretariat, Slew, Bid etc. speaks volumes of her talent.

However, versus all the great fillies/mares of the past....she is right up there with the immortal Ruffian.  

i love you calvin and rachel you have brought horseracing to the people friends who have never even watched a race are now interested in rachel and calvin watch her on trv and follow her and calvin and are also following mine that bird you are the best publicity for horse racing for a long time all eyes are on you and rachel is our  queen and calvin and bird are for the common people everyone loves all    

I'm selfish but in my older years am starting to be more practical:  my "selfish" horse racing fan self says "I hope Zenyatta comes east for the Beldame and Rachel runs, too."  My more mature and practical side says, "It's time to rest this great filly for a campaign next year."  

I'm leaning towards the latter.

Please, Mr. Jackson, please do the right thing for your wonderful gal and don't bend to the pressure to continue with her:  sendher to the farm.  We've ALL wanted so-and-so race horse to match up with thus-and-so race horse for OUR viewing/betting pleasure.  But this girl is too precious and she has had a long and grueling 3 YO season, even by colt standards.

Thank you, Mr. Jackson, for sharing this freak of nature with us, but please, sir, TURN HER OUT.  We'll look forward to her in 2010!

Euro,

    Then lets see your champions come over to next years classic when it's on dirt, instead of going on pro ride. If that is what it takes for your horses to beat our best on dirt that is a shame.

Drayway

The only wasted space I know is you know where and there appears to be lots of it.

Oh Yeah Draynay:

Zenyatta can't beat 1.48 remember.

Spida...

No, it amazes me how little YOU know about racing.

Rachel Alexander would bury Zenyatta just on the pace scenario alone. She would fall a couple of dozen lengths behind if she runs her typical race. NEVER would make that much up. On the other hand, if she's hustled to stay closer to Rachel's fast pace, there goes her closing kick.

And Jackson is a joke in "horse racing circles"? What planet are you from? The joke is the "mighty" Zenyatta has run only THREE races this year against the same over matched allowance level mares on the same tracks in one state. They ship her all the way to Kentucky in May and then  end up scratching her because they were afraid the "mighty" Zenyatta may not run well on an off track. In her whole career, she raced ONCE outside California on a real dirt track. ONCE. She has NEVER raced against males..the real test for a filly or mare's greatness. And you call Jackson's ambitious scheduling of Rachel a joke. The only joke is your naive comments.  

Quit with the sour grapes. Rachel Alexandra is HOTY of the entire country, including the People's Republic of California! LOL

Fabio - What is the evidence that says Zenyatta is currently better than Macho Again?  I'm inclined to agree with you, but on all objective ways of measuring talent (times, speed figures), he actually appears to be a better horse.  Please correct me if I'm wrong.

With her win in the Woodward Stakes against top tier older males, Rachel Alexandra rendered the Breeder's Cup completely irrelevant as far as determining Horse of the Year. The BC had already made itself somewhat irrelevant by holding this prestigious event on a synthetic track that plays more like grass than dirt, leaving many dirt horses without a true venue. Dirt horses should be tested and evaluated on dirt tracks. Duh. Seems basic but apparently some don't get it.

And with her win in the Woodward Stakes against top tier older males, Rachel Alexandra rendered a date with Zenyatta irrelevant as far as determining Horse of the Year.

The race was well ridden. Those blistering early fractions served a purpose; they kept her from being forced wide around the first turn as she was in the Preakness, and they kept her from being put in a box that would force her to go wide at some point. Thanks Calvin. Great, great, great job.

Ultimately, she fought off at least four successive waves of older males in her toughest challenge to date. And THAT is why Da'Tara was in the race as he was the first half of Zito's 1-2 punch to try to knock her off her game.Da'Tara forced that murderous opening quarter, only to be followed by the second wave including Past the Point and Da’ Tara’s stablemate, Cool Coal Man. I knew that was going to happen when Zito's response to being asked about having two entries was "We are going to try to beat her." Personally, I doubt he even cared if Da'Tara finished the race as long as he softened up Rachel Alexandra.

Her one-length lead after running six furlongs in 1:10.54 was in certain danger due to those sizzling early fractions setting the closers up perfectly just as they were intended to. Bullsbay stepped up to take his shot at the top of the stretch and Rachel had to hit another gear to repel him, and that was immediately followed by the Stephen Foster winner Macho Again's big move on her in the final sixteenth. That would be the same Macho Again that sat last during that tank draining first half.

That last 30 yards was Rachel Alexandra's stiffest test to date. The fact that a 3-yr-old filly could find anything with which to hold him off by any margin after the race unfolded as it had is what defines something new about Rachel Alexandra. Guts. And heart. Heart to burn.  Greatness forever redefined. As the winner of the Woodward, her name will be right there with Forego, Spectacular Bid, Alysheba, Affirmed, Seattle Slew, Damascus, Cigar, Skip Away, Kelso, Precisionist, Mineshaft and Curlin. Thank you Mr. Jackson. Thank you.

Those that want to quibble about the individuial quality of the field that Racehl defeated in the Woodward are missing the bigger point which is that the way they tag teamed her she had to run down their accumulative best efforts which certainly does compare with any horse, anywhere, in any time.

We know that Jess Jackson puts his horse's well being first no matter what. No worries there. In light of the fact that Summer Bird looks to be having a good year, I hope Jackson does consider another race or two for RA this year - if she can safely do it - to keep her earnings at or near the top for the year. No, he doesn't need the money, but it is another 'first' that she could reach for. ButI do hope they let her finish growing up before asking her to carry more weight or go longer.

Whether her 3-yr-old season is already at or near the greatest of any 3-yr-old, another victory or two would leave no room to quibble about it. Maybe just take on her own sex and age group at least one more time if nothing else just to underline the difference between her and normal, not that there will be many 3 yr. old fillies who will take her on. Zenyatta is a no show. I guess Zenyatta's people know best what she can and can't do.

I have yet to drink the cool aid as far as Sea The Stars is concerned. He's a good horse for sure but his final time is never impressive. His winning move is never impressive. His winning margin is never impressive. In the end, he just has a lot of 1s next to his name. To my mind, you have to do some one thing impressively at some point in your career. I think STS is much more vulnerable than people think he is.

Anyone that believes that RA would have won the TC, consider this: Just before the Preakness, Jess Jackson said that if she came out of the Preakness in good order, they are going to the Belmont. They won they Preakness, and came out of it in good order. Yet they didn't proceed to the Belmont. Then again, MTB almost got to RA at that shorter distance. Do you think the two things are conincidence? I don't.

Mr. Nay,

on any surface 1 mile, 1 1/8, I wont even say longer than that cause yout filly cant go longer, Stacelita or Goldikova would shatter your dreams Nay and even wink at you when they pass Rachel Alexandra in the stretch. They are just better horses, Sea the Stars is in another galaxy way above her, if shes that great than become her press agent and convince Jackson to show up at the Breeders Cup.

Jason,  Well written!  Rachel Alexandra has completed an amazing year.  The greatest by a filly in the modern era.  She deserves every complement we can place on her.  I was lucky enough to be there in person yesterday and I will never forget the experience.  Thank you Rachel!

I love Zenyatta and think she is a wonderful racehorse, but... how many grade I winners has she beaten? How many graded stakes winners has she beaten? How many Classic winners has she beaten? RA has now beaten the KY Derby winner and two Belmont winners (granted, Da' Tara's Belmont win seems more and more fluky). How many horses has Zenyatta beaten who won graded races in subsequent starts? Summer Bird won the Travers easily (in the slop), but RA dusted him in the Haskell (in the slop).

Granted, Zenyatta is unbeaten, but she didn't race as a 2yo. All of RA's losses came as a 2yo, but she was also a graded stakes winner as a 2yo.

Then again, maybe we should stop arguing and enjoy a vintage year for racing here and abroad: Sea The Stars, Goldikova, RA, Zenyatta, Stacelita, even Gio Ponti.

Wow, I must have hit a nerve.  Draynay, I don't come on this board and bash people or their posts.  I gave my opinion and I'm entitled to it.  I said nothing about Secretariat in that post so I don't know what you were reading.  

And for this:

"Secondly, thinking Rachel would have gotten more credit for beating 3 year old horses for a 3rd time is nonsense.  Winning the Woodward and taking on G1 winning older males at Saratoga is much more important and history will treat it that way.  In short, your long winded post stunk."

You have drunk the Kool-aid just as I speculated in the post.  Beating a bunch of horses most on this blog were saying were second rate, and barely doing it, is not as important as the Travers would have been.  You make my point spectacularly about Jackson's ability to pick RA's spots.  She gets lots of kudos for her race, don't get me wrong there.  But just listen to people carry on about beating older horses instead of the fact she runs time and time again AT THE SAME DISTANCE.  Jackson is very, very smart.  Yes, she made the record books in the Woodward and she's a great filly.  But she's not in the same class as the Man O' War's, Secretariat's and Citation's.  A little over-the-top race calling combined in a time where objective journalism is nowhere to be found and people are proclaiming her a horse for the ages.  

Yes, RA does have to run at something besides "her" distance and neither she nor you can run (um..guess I'll have to use that pun) away from it.

But you go ahead and frame the debate at so and so G1 wins and making the record books because she did a "first" because that's the only way you can win the debate is by carefully setting its parameters.  

The greats run at all weights and distances.  And even if they lose a few, their versatility and ability to come back and dominate is what makes them what they are.  Secretariat ran within two weeks and not prepped, ran when he was sick and they didn't know it.  Man O' War lost a race by bad race riding.  Both set records.  

The debate is not about her ability at 1-1/8. It's about her ability to stretch it out in good company.  

RA is very, very good.  But she's got a lot to prove yet.

Lazmannick - I would be very surprised if Calvin does not know that Zenyatta is better than Macho Again and Bullsbay.  So, yes I believe he would have altered his strategy if she were in the race.  We all "know" what would have needed to be done and since he is the professional - I can't imagine he wouldn't know!  LOL  Don't know why there is so much discussion about European grass horses here - there is really no way to compare them.  And for those tooting their horns about how much "better" they are - take a look at the pedigrees of the most recent stars.  Raven's Pass and Henrythenavigator were bred in the USA and both trace in male line to Native Dancer. Rainbow View was also bred in the US and traces to Native Dancer and Northern Dancer (bred in Canada but grandson of Native Dancer). New Approach traces in male line to Northern Dancer and Native Dancer on sire's side.  Zarkava traces to Native Dancer in male line and Northern Dancer on the female side.  Sea the Stars traces in male line to Northern Dancer and Native Dancer in the female line. Goldikova traces to Northern Dancer on both sides.  Sariska traces to Northern Dancer in the male line and has both Native Dancer and Northern Dancer in the female line.  And as for Stacelita, there are still many US bred horses appearing on her female side-including 3 lines to Native Dancer.  See a pattern here?  (Native Dancer is still clearly AWESOME!) If you are trying to claim bragging rights that European horses are better, I would say - find some to brag about that aren't full of the blood of the great North American bred horses.

Draynay

I’m not trying to put Rachel down, I’m actually trying to praise her, but unlike you, I refuse to belittle other great horses and history to try and make a point.….What you’re saying doesn’t make sense.  Zen has raced against the winner of more G-1 races than Rachel.  I already explained that a while back in another post.  If you don’t think that is true then prove it to me.

In answer to your drivel about G-1 winners, yesterday’s Woodward, except for Rachel, wasn’t what I would call a G-1 race.  Besides Rachel the total G-1 wins by her competition was three:

• Bullsbay (1) Whitney

• Macho Again (1) Stephan Foster

• Da’ Tara (1)Belmont

This in a $750K G-1 Race with the standards of the Woodward…..amazing…..I think Zen would have competed magnificently against this field and I still think the way it unfolded she would have been the winner.

Your biggest problem now is finding another horse.  I just read that they are probably going to pack it in for the year with Rachel.....and Col. John sure disappointed in the Pacific Classic.....sometimes life is tough.

Oh boy oh boy, is Rachel ever good! I still do not believe she would have won the Derby had she ran with the conditions the way they were!  That race was just one for Mine That Bird!  I love both of these horses a lot!

I went up to Saratoga to see "history" happen. The crowd loved Rachel - even at times when it wasn't her! Sam played the "call to the Post" and then a short playing of Billy Joel's "Always A Woman". I kinda felt sad for the guys, they where just the "other horses" in the field. As they trotted by the Grandstand, a few people started to  cheer for Rachel, when she was done  by the clubhouse with Calvin off of her! But the most interesting thing was to hear the "moan" of the crowd when her first quarter was called - Yes Jason I agree, that a lot of us where very scared of that number!

Rachel won the race and much like Seattle Slew - she beat who was in the race! We can't control who is going to play - so enjoy what came!

Go Rachel and win like a girl!!!

Mr. Nay,

After today does this mean that Richards Kid will be your horse now instead of Colonel John?

EmilioP,

Einstein? Rail Trip? What now poor boy?

RacingFan,

Your 2 blogs late with your topics, go back 2 blogs you´ll find your answers there.

- As for Rachel winning at a classic distance:

Isn't the Preakness a "classic race"? Isn't it run at a "classic" distance? Didn't Rachel win the Preakness?

In any event, does anyone have any doubt that Rachel would have won the gr.1 Coaching Club American Oaks at 10 furlongs? Funny Moon won that race in an ugly blanket finish with an 87 Beyer. Instead of beating up on three year old fillies in the CCA Oaks, Rachel ran in the gr. 1 Haskell and beat the Belmont winner, a multiple graded stakes winning miler, the Arkansas Derby winner, the Iowa Derby winner, and other 3 year old MALES by 6. By the way, the CCA Oaks was the ONLY race Ruffian won beyond 9 furlongs. I simply do not understand the reasoning that had Rachel run in and won the Coaching Club American Oaks she would be a more "proven" "classic" horse. In my opinion, a win in the Preakness proved Rachel's ability at a "classic" distance many, many times more than a win in the CCA Oaks would have.

-As for Sea the Stars winning the Eclipse award as Horse of the Year:

Eclipse awards, particularly the Horse of the Year, reflect accomplishments in North America. Sea the Stars would not deserve the NORTH AMERICAN Horse of the Year if he were to win just ONE race in North America, even if that one race was the Breeders Cup Classic.  A win for Sea the Stars would guarantee him the Cartier European Horse of the Year and would cement his place as one of the world's greatest racehorses ever. However, that one race in North America would not offset Rachel's 8 North American wins(and maybe 9 depending on whether she runs again).  In the event of a Sea the Stars Breeders Cup Classic win, Eclipse voters may go as far as voting him champion older male just like Conduit and other Europeans have won divisonal Eclipse awards off just one North American start. However, the Horse of the Year (Eclipse) award is reserved for horses that raced and won (multiple times) in North Amerca. No horse has ever won the Eclipse award for Horse of the Year with just one North American start, and it's not going to happen this year given there is a North American 3 year old filly doing things that have never been done before.

As for Zenyatta winning the Eclipse award as Horse of the Year:

Zenyaata is a remarkable mare, and her place in the Hall of Fame is secure. However, she has only raced 3 times this year, and will most likely make just 5 starts the entire year. Should she repeat what she did last year and win the Ladies Secret and Breeders Cup Distaff(which will be no easy feat with Carless Jewel, Music Note, Cocoa Beach, Icon Project, and Sara Louise all possible for the race) she will most certainly win the Eclipse for Older Filly or Mare, and retire with an undefeated 14 for 14 record that would be completely worthy of a place alongside Personal Ensign. Yet, these two victories(which are still Ifs) would only give her five total wins and 4 grade 1 wins, and leave her well behind Rachel with 8 wins and 5 grade 1s(including an unprecedented 3 grade 1 wins over males). As others have emphasized, the Horse of the Year is a season, as opposed to a career, title; Zenyatta retiring undefeated would be an amazing CAREER achievement, but her accomplishments for THIS YEAR would come up short vis-a-vis Rachel. If Zenyatta's season in 2008, when she won 7 stakes races, was not good enough for Horse of the Year, there is no way her 2009 season will be good enough, particularly since Rachel is having a stronger season than did Curlin. Such a scenario would be similar to 1988, when Personal Ensign's dramatic BC Distaff victory capped off an historic career achievement(going 13 for 13), but Alysheba's accomplishments for that year earned him Horse of the Year.

In my opinion, it does appear that Jerry Moss and John Sheriffs are more concerned with the career achievement of retiring undefeated than they are with winning this year's Horse of the Year Eclipse. And there really isn't anything wrong with this. Either way, Zenyatta would secure a place among the all-time greats. If Moss and Sheriffs truly placed greater emphasis on the HoY, we should see Zenyatta in either the Beldame(with or without Rachel) or the Goodwood(a gr.1 race against older males with a field that would be comparable to the Woodward), and then the Breeders Cup Classic. Assuming Zenyatta were to win the BC Classic, and that's a BIG IF, it would certainly make the HoY competition closer and open up fierce debate.

Laz, to answer your question, if Zenyatta wins the Breeder's Cup Classic, I think I would have to rate her AHEAD of Personal Ensign. And, since Personal Ensign was the #4 ranked female by the Bloodhorse Top 100, that would put Zenyatta up with Ruffian, Busher, Gallorette, and now Rachel. In comparing these 5 great fillies and mares, one must acknowledge that Ruffian never defeated males or even older females(I know it's not her fault), Busher lost 2 of her 6 races against males and in her signature win over older males in the Washington Park Cap' she beat an Armed that had won only one stakes race (to that time) and was receiving 5 lbs from him, and that Gallorette LOST 51 of her 72 career starts and was only 9 for 42 against males.  

I think one could make a good argument that a victory by Zenyatta in the Breeders Cup Classic(even though she would be getting a weight break according to scale) would be the single greatest win by a North American female racehorse EVER. A Breeders Cup Classic would certainly trump Personal Ensign's win in the 3 horse 88' Whitney, Lady's Secret win in the 86' Whitney over Ends Well and Fuzzy(Lady's Secret's only win in 6 starts vs. males), and even the Derby triumphs by Regret, Genuine Risk and Winning Colors given the Derby is restricted to just 3 year olds.  Additionally, a Breeder's Cup Classic would stand above any one of Rachel's 3 wins against males. Yet, even with the history behind a win in the BC Classic, that single race would not be enough for Zenyatta to offset the combined power of Rachel's THREE gr.1 wins over older males as it concerns Horse of the Year.

-As it concerns weight allowances and the scale weight system:

How many folks emphasize that in Man O' War's only win over an older horse, Sir Barton, in their famed 1920 match race in the Kenilworth Gold Cup, Man O' War RECEIVED 6 lbs from his older rival (Man O' War carried 120 to Sir Barton's 126)?  

How many folks emphasize that in the 1973' Marlboro Gold Cup Secretariat RECEIVED 3 lbs from runner-up Riva Ridge and 2 lbs from 3rd-place runner Cougar?  How many folks emphasize that when Prove Out beat Secretariat by 4.5 lengths in the Woodward, Prove Out actually carried 7 lbs MORE than Secretariat(126 to Secretariat's 119)?  How many folks emphasize that in Secretariat's victory in the Man O' War Stakes he RECEIVED 5 lbs from runner-up Tentam, or that in Secretariat's victory in the Canadian International he RECEIVED 9 lbs from runner-up Big Spruce?

How many folks emphasize that in Citation's victory over older horses in the 48' Jockey Club Gold Cup he RECEIVED 7 lbs from runner-up Phalanx or that in Citation's victory in Belmont's Gold Cup, he again RECEIVED 7 lbs from Phalanx(Citation won by 2)?

How many folks emphaisze that Gallorette RECEIVED 10 lbs from runner-up Pavot in her 0.75 length win in the 45' Empire City, or that she RECEIVED 14 lbs from the runner-up when winning the 46' Met Mile by a nose, or that she RECEIVED 10 lbs from runner-up Stymie when winning the 46' Brooklyn by a neck, or that she RECEIVED 9 lbs from runner-up Stymie when she won the 47' Queen's County by a neck, or that she RECEIVED 10 lbs from runner-up Rippey when she won the 48' Carter by a head?

Had Ruffian won her Match Race against Foolish Pleasure, how many would have emphasized that she carried 5 lbs less than her male rival?

And, how many folks emphasize that Zarkava RECEIVED 11 lbs from runner-up Youmzain when winning last year's Arc by 2 lengths? Under the allowance weight for age/sex scale, 3 year old fillies carry 120 lbs, 3 year old colts carry 123 lbs, and older males carry 131 lbs in the Arc.

Ultimately, all that matters is SCOREBOARD. We remember these great horses beacause they WON.

LDP,

Euros show up every year win or lose, at any surface at the Breeders Cup.  Its sad some of your best dont and play it safe, may I remind you Mineshaft? Holy Bull? now Rachel Alexandra.

History shows that only one other

3 year old filly attempted to win the Woodward before Rachel and that

was Summer Guest way back in 1972 who ran a respectable race to finish second to her high class stablemate Key To The Mint only to be disqualified and placed third.Makes you wonder though with the good weight allowance that 3 year old fillies receive in this race why some owners down through the years have never ran their high class fillies in the Woodward .Let us hope with the success of Rachel that is about to change.Enough has been written about Rachel on this blog so let,s have a closer look at the second place finisher Macho Again.As he was giving the filly 8 pounds and the ratio is one length

per pound that means he was giving Rachel an 8 length start and as he was 15 lengts behind at one point I

thought he ran an outstanding race

and am looking forward to seeing what he can do for the rest of the season.

I think it's possible that Rachel decided herself that she wanted to run with Da'Tara regardless of what Borel wanted.  She did not want to be behind anyone.  No matter how good or bad Borel is, I think it would take a terrible jockey to lose on Rachel.

Racingfan:

I’m sure good old Calvin knows what he is doing too…..I would be surprised if the strategy they used in the race was only his…..I’m sure he was given some instructions as to what they wanted…..Macho closed from about 15 lengths back, probably about what Zen would have done……He made up all but a head of that ground…..I believe Zen would have made up more…..However, I don’t think they would have altered their plans based on that.  I think they were more concerned about getting boxed in and intimidated…..However, Rachel has good tactical speed.  She could have found a way out, especially with a relatively short field…..by running hard the entire race like she did, she left herself very vulnerable at the end…..The race was so taxing she also virtually took herself out of the remainder of the year, not that they weren’t already planning it.

As far as the Europeans, you’re right.  What it really is-is America coming back to haunt us…..That’s what happens when you sell off many of your best stallion prospects and when many of your good horses are purchased at auction.

Have a good day

Dear old Einstein is a bit like Silver Charm in that he only does as much as he thinks he needs to in order to be in front at the wire; crushing a field is not his style. So if a horse is not where he can see it (Touch Gold, Richard's Kid), he's not going to give that extra effort until it's too late. Good call on Rendezvous; I had him in the La Jolla for the Public Handicapper contest, one race too soon.

My question is that, yes RA is the best 3 year old but dose her owners even care about her own wellfare: “As we did with Curlin , history is always on our mind. Every time she passes one of the hurdles we’ve given her we go on to the next. It’s all about defining her greatness.” Its sounds as if they only care about making history and not caring about there horses. I dont see Borel being dumped a bad omen. RA almost got beat and that happens, horses have the bad days and for all you know she could have kicked up her heels inside her stall(she young, they love to do that, my filly dose!). Never say never with Zenyatta, her owners might just give in and race her east. Alot more fans want that to happen now!!! Well she almost got beat so I'm thinking that Jess is going to call the season because he dosen't want to jeprodize her winning streak and HOY with that very close call.

Euro

You're a load of laughs.  It's time you tell us where you are from.  You stated earlier you would.  I'm willing to bet you're just another version of you-know-who and are actually an American trying to stir up the pot.....Probably a Pirates fan as well so need something to cheer about.

Jason, sweet young, Jason,

I was being ironic with regards to Da'Tara's gender.  Get it?  I was at Belmont when he ruined my day.  I also called Pyro to win and said bet big on Macho Again to win and big on a RA and Macho Again exacta box.  If you do the math, you'll see that not only did I once again give you two winners and a 2nd, but I called the box (and only mentioned 3 horses).  I can't even recall your dismal picks.  Who did you pick behind the chalk?  

Euro - I read all the blogs and I gave you the same response then! And I didn't bring up this topic - I just pointed out the facts.

I agree with Mary in VT - nobody was really racing to *win* the woodward, they were all racing to *beat* Rachel Alexandra. People are mistaken to say that she barely held off a field of subpar older males when what she actually DID was to hold off a series of consecutive assaults by single older males, each of whom was hoping that THEIR run would be the one that did her in. It was a joint effort with a series of sacrificial lambs (and sacrificial rabbits - poor Da Tara). Maybe if she had entered the race as an unknown quantity we could have seen what she can really do against older males in a race were every horse is offered some chance to find his comfort zone and proceed from there, but there's precious little chance of that when one of the horses has a bullseye on its back and the field is of a high enough caliber to actually keep up with her long enough to harass her. Calvin's first decision was forced - he had to go up front and get clear of any potential bullying, and after that they had every opportunity to run her ragged in succession. Everyone KNEW this before hand, that either they'd get a chance to box her in or wear her down up front, and that's exactly what they tried to do.

This is like pitting a single 15 year old girl against an entire college relay team and then complaining that she didn't blow their doors off. She DID blow their doors off, just one at a time! The only reason Macho got so close to her is because he was sitting on the sofa watching the race on TVG for the first 3/4 of it while everyone else softened her up!

Matthew W.,

Loved the comment about the live feed to the easy chair on BC day.  Withdrawal is tough.  You know, Jackson's wife Barbara Banke has a 2YO filly that looks like something special (Hot Dixie Chick, won the Spinaway today).  Maybe Jess could buy her? (I mean the filly.)

Very funny AR!!!!!  And I agree!

Jason:

Good call on Rendezvous in Delmar Derby. I also liked that horse,so I

placed a wp wager on it.

About Da'Tara: The horse loves to run, or he wouldnt be running at such a suicidal pace. Everyone is screaming for him to be retired. Lets let the connections figure that out. I personnally like to see him run. Da' Tara was sent on a mission. He did his job well. He made Rachel WORK for every step she took. So dont be taking anything away from him.  Honestly, I have a ton of respect for Rachel, but this adoration thing is almost silly. "Horse of the century". I dont know about you, but I know I wont be around to find out. I wonder if had she been a colt- would she had been as popular? I think not.  The way you people slobber over her, you'd think she was the second coming of Christ! She's a horse for Pete's sake! What I want to know is: Is there life after Rachel? And Rechelle, I cant believe you'd compare yourself to Rachel"our names are almost spelled the same"! Silliness. And lastly, I would like to be able to read a blog on here without Draynay spewing his hate-filled garbage! I'm surprised he had anything to say since the BIRD BROTHERS were not in the race!

The comments to any Rachel story has the same nauseating pattern.

First to comment are those that were rightfully amazed at what they saw and place deserving praise on Rachel. After an unprecented 3rd victory over gr. 1 males, including a victory over older males (How are Macho Again and Bullsbay not gr.1 caliber? How are they not every bit as good as Einstein, Rail Trip, or Colonel John?) and one at a classic distance(folks the Preakness is not at 9 furlongs and is an American Classic race, so let's end the ignorant Rachel can't win beyond 9 furlongs jibberish), there is NO QUESTION Rachel is "great". There is also little question that Rachel is either the greatest 3 year old filly or one of the top 3 or 4(and definitely the best since Ruffian), and one of the 5 or 6 best females of any age. Rachel's place in the Hall of Fame has already been secured.

Unfortunately, among this first wave of posters there are always a few that make comments like "Rachel is the greatest horse ever" or "Rachel is the best 3 year old ever, male or female". While it understandable that some get carried away in the excitement of a great performance, the biggest problem with such comments is that they typically draw the worst out of the second wave of posters.

The second wave of posters usually start appearing 6-18 hours after the race, and seem intent on bringing some "gravity" to the discussion. Rather than simply celebrating the race, these posters are compelled to provide a "different perspective" on Rachel's performance. Typically, this includes finding faults in the performance, with focus either on the quality of competition, weight, distance, or what would have happened had X occurred instead of Y or if Horse A had been in the race.

Sometimes the 2nd wave of posters are simply responding to the most outlandish claims from the first wave. The 2nd wave tries to defend horses from the past, or Zenyatta, Mine That Bird, Sea the Stars, Summer Bird or one of their other favorites. Sadly, in their defense of these other horses, they spend far too much time critiquing Rachel.  For the most part, though, the majority of second wavers do respect Rachel and ackowledge her greatness, even though many get too caught up in comparisons and negativity.

However, just as there are ignorant posters in the first wave, there are ignorant posters in the seond wave. These are the folks who, after each Rachel victory, refuse to acknowledge her greatness or her place in history. They remain convinced of their opinions in spite of overwhelming evidence.  They focus on "Ifs and Buts", and continually try to diminish anything Rachel does. Sadly, all these people get out of Rachel running is negativity.  I ask these people to repeat after me:

Rachel is a Hall of Famer.

Rachel will be the 2009 Horse of the Year.

Rachel is great.

By the way, the pattern is basically the same for any Zenyatta article.  For those with nothing but negativity as it regards Zenyatta, repeat after me:

Zenyatta is a Hall of Famer.

Zenyatta is great.

Rachael Alexandra is the HOY no matter what happens at the BC. She has done all she needs to do for her 3yo year. I am hoping Jackson lets her off the rest of this year. As far as running against Zenyatta, it is not necessary. Yes, I am selfish, I do not want to see either of them lose and one would have to. Zenyatta is older than Rachael and she should run in the BC, but Rachael has no more to prove this year. She has proved it all already this year !!!

She can be a *Zenyatta* next year!  

They are different horse and have different running styles. Let them be.

My thoughts to the blog's original posed questions:

IMO, Borel did not get so much dumped, as he elected off her when she started getting fired up. Borel was all smiles shortly after he got back aboard, and didn't appear worried in the least.

Zenyatta is neverevereverEVER going to leave CA, at least not this year, so I say Rachel has called it a year with the Woodward. That's how it should be anyway, IMO, she's earned a break. No matter how good she is, or how sound, she's still only a baby, and that needs to be considered.

Best American filly of the modern era? IMO, it is too soon to say. I am reluctant to compare an active horse to our past greats (or even very goods) until a career comes to a close. With that being said, is Rachel on the short list? Of course she is.

The 10f million dollar question; yes she can. Glad someone pointed out how she re-broke after the wire of the Woodward. Even when early splits are taking their toll, heart and a pedigree to run to Mars doesn't hurt.

Why does Sea The Stars keep getting brought up? They are likely two different animals (no pun intended), considering SOS is a turfer, by geography, if nothing more. I have noted that the Zenyatta fanatics are bringing up SOS at an alarming rate. Anything to stave off what they know but won't admit, I guess. I say that as a fan of Zenyatta myself, though not of how she has been "showcased" in 2009. Not her fault, but that does not prevent the yawn factor. The "Anti-Rachel Committee" seems to have zero to do with Rachel, and everything to do with her connections. I understand, but it's making otherwise reasonable people (presumably) go a little too far off the high dive on things Zenyatta has never done, while then pretending Rachel hasn't done them either, or that Zenyatta "wouldcouldshoulda" done them better. Talk about a never-ending circle!

The Derby question: I know "everyone" thinks that's an automatic. I never have, and nothing against Rachel. A 3yo filly against 19 other males--forget that--ANY 20 horse field can be a nightmare, and the best horse doesn't always (or often) win. On talent? Yes. But in the "too much margin for error" in a field like that, I have never thought it was a given she'd have won if there. It cannot be based solely on numbers and times. Her BEST advantage, IMO, is that Calvin would have been aboard her, and MTB would have probably gotten a lousy ride from someone else and not have won either, LOL  

Anyway, I'd just leave it as she wasn't there, no sense in going rounds about it, she's "made up for it" since.

I aknowledge Rachael is GREAT!!

Zenyatta is GREAT !!!

" I also hope they do not race against each other." It is not necessary.

How is it that when Slew would run suicidal paces and still win, he was always just the best of mediocre crop. (By the way, without Slew, there would never have been a Rags to Riches and a heartstopping Belmont with Curlin 2 years ago.  So much for mediocre, uh?)  Anyway, RA does it and she's the greatest 3yo ever?  

Why a separate set of rules for each?

Oh, Ruffian may have left way too soon, but she was undefeated when she left, and in front when she went down.  Besides, how many times has it been said that you can't compare horses/times from different eras...so, why try now?    

WackynessEnsues:

I second your post. I also agree that it is not a given Rachel would have won the Derby. The Derby was a weird race, in both how the race shaped up, the condition of the track, and how so many good horses ran so poorly.  It's all just speculation anyways.

And why should we even go back and ask what could have been? Aren't we content with what Rachel has actually accomplished? Isn't it enough she won a Triple Crown race(a Classic), won the Haskell by 6, and beat older males in a gr.1 with the stature of the Woodward. Until Rachel, a 3 year old filly winning these 3 races was pure fantasy!

Mealnie:

Some might have been critical of Slew AT THE TIME, but he is now almost universally considered one of the greatest horses in the history of North American racing.  Most everyone now celebrates Slew's ability to run crazy fractions and keep going.

Finally got to watch the race today. All I can say is WOW!!!! Jason: Thank you for defending Rachel against all the "naysayers" with their "distance limitations comments". Please.  This is one amazing filly. People don't seem to understand that a jockey runs a race based on the distance. RA has tactical speed and alot of it. Few horses with "distance limitiations" could have hung with her. Common sense folks. I love her and can't wait to watch her again!

Zensational is sensation. I would love to see him run dirt. Fast is fast anywhere. I think he actually might be winning DESPITE the surface. Hope he runs next year at 4, and runs on dirt a few times.

I am very proud of Einstein. After seeing him in the Arlington Million, I had become a little concerned that he might not be able to compete anymore in the elite races. However, he put in a solid showing in the Pacific Classic.  Einstein has won 5 grade 1 races, but he also has some tough beats in gr.1 races as well.  

I didn't say she could retire undefeated.  However, if her winning streak continues, she can beat the record of number of races won in consectively.  Cigar was beaten as well, and before Peppers Pride, he held the record for number of races won consectively.  

Sorry but Rachel has beat more G1 winners this year than Z has in her whole career.

Annette wrote: "And Rechelle, I cant believe you'd compare yourself to Rachel"our names are almost spelled the same"! Silliness."

Where did you see that I said that?  I would never compare myself to Rachel, since I'm human and she's a horse.  Please show me where I stated that, since I never have.

Euro,

    Out of the 25 runnings of the Classic, how many Euro's have been in it? Not on turf, i mean the Classic, when it is on DIRT. You show up with your best on your best surface, turf, which is where you are better at. You don't always put your best in the Classic, look what you did to poor GW. He wasn't near his best, and still was brought over when he hadn't won a race all year. Dylan Thomas ran in the turf, Sea the Stars refuses to run in the full English TC or on soft turf. Yeah, guess he's not a champion because he doesn't race on any surface unless it's his favorite. Well that is one area RA wins over, she can win whether its fast, speed favoring, mud, or the graveyard of champions. When your horses connections can't be bothered to run him too far or when the surface may not be perfect, don't critisize us for when our horse doesn't wan to go on some wacked out grass playing surface.

Macho Again beating Einstein looks even more impressive after today.

Poor Colonel John had a rough trip today.  Another race should have him ready but I think he is better on turf.

I honestly believe that Zenyatta will lose at the Breeders Cup, regardless of if she's in the the Ladies Classic or if she's in the main Classic.  The other trainers & jockeys have figured out if she is far enough ahead, she won't be able to catch them, especially if she gets tangled up in traffic.  She barely won her last race because of the known tactics.  She will be beaten.  If she faces Careless Jewel, I honestly believe she's beaten.  If she faces Summer Bird or Quality Road (if he improves), she loses.  I'm not hating on Zenyatta, I think she's another freak of nature, but she's not quite the talented monster that Rachel is.  

i am ahuge fan of zenyatta,and it took until the woodward for me to be sold on rachel alexandra....but man,am i sold....she is a super horse....one of the greatest ever.......now....we just need a match race

Do the math, Jason.  I give non-chalk bets and always more than cover my bets on this blog.  Look back on my posts since before the Belmont.  Do the math again on this weekend... even though I missed a big bet on the win against RA, which was the only way to make money on her race, I had her boxed with the second place horse.  I also had a bigger bet on Piro, which I also predicted in the same post.  

I thing RA is THE BEST RACE HORSE TO LIVE...In todays racing era the competition is much stronger then lets say Secretariats era,not saying Secretariat wasnt great just saying that RA is the best ever and she has a 4yr old season to proff it.

Spida,

How many times has Zenyatta raced at 10 furlongs?  Yes, it would take longer than 9 furlongs for Z to have a chance of beating RA although, RA won't let anyone pass her.

Here is the summary of what Rachel and Zenyatta have done for 2009.  All races are wins for each horse.

Here is the tale of the tape -

Rachel Alexandra

Martha Washington (Oaklawn, 3yo fillies)

Fair Grounds Oaks (Fair Grounds, Gr II, 3yo fillies)

Fantasy (Oaklawn, Gr II, 3yo fillies)

Kentucky Oaks (Churchill Downs, Gr I, 3yo fillies)

Preakness (Pimlico, Gr I, 3yo open)

Mother Goose (Belmont, Gr I, 3yo fillies)

Haskell (Monmouth, Gr I, 3yo open)

Woodward (Saratoga, Gr I, Open)

8 wins - 5 Grade I wins, 2 Grade II wins

7 different tracks, 6 different states, 3 wins over males, 1 win over older horses

Zenyatta

Milady (Hollywood, Gr II, fillies & mares)

Vanity (Hollywood, Gr I, fillies & mares, carrying 129 pounds)

Clement L. Hirsch (Hollywood, Gr I, fillies and mares)

3 wins - 2 Grade I wins, 1 Grade II wins

2 different tracks, 1 state

Zenyatta has won 3 of 3 races this year all in California against the same competition... HOY is not about last year... what has she done THIS year... Rachel Alexandra has wan 8 of 8 races (in 7 months) at the following tracks Oaklawn, Fair Grounds, back to Oaklawn, Churchill, takes on the boys 2 weeks later at Pimlico, after a brief rest, on to Belmont Park, then to Monmouth to take on the boys again, then to Saratoga to take on older males.  And she won EVERY SINGLE TIME.

I don't care who Zenyatta beats in the Breeders' Cup... she has been protected all year long and yes, may get up to win 1 big race... the 2 seasons DO NOT compare!

  Rachel Alexandra is an amazing filly and I will remember her as I remember Seattle Slew and a few other great horses I was lucky enough to watch...even if only on television.  To defeat older males at the age of three (remember folks, despite the fact that horses are retired after their three-year-old year too often these days, three is still childhood.) is truly amazing and she should get better.  I look forward to seeing her next year.  Jess Jackson takes care of his horses so Rachel has a good shot at leaving a real mark on the racing world.  

I love Zenyatta, too.  Could she beat Rachel?  Perhaps, if the race set up for a closer, especially at a mile-and-a-quarter.  We cannot know unless it happens.  Is Rachel better than Ruffian?  I hope she is sounder...and I hate these comparisons across the ages, especially when it becomes acrimonious.  Who was better, Citation or Secretariat?  Who knows?  On a given day, either one might have been best.  Only Heaven knows...if the horses hold races in heaven. :-)

Euro,

No big deal, both Einstein and Rail Trip had great runs, so did Parading, Colonel John had a bad trip, this race wont diminish his status as a top horse.  The winner, reminded me of his daddy 10 years ago in the Belmont, hey listen the whole world loves a longshot, any horse can win on any given day, they all have 4 legs. Who knows he might be the next superstar, I mean we all love a good closer.

What I´m trying to say Euro, is the more the better.  The European horses will be lucky to win 1 or 2 races at this years cup, and none of those wins will come in the Classic, you can take that as my Joe Namath guarantee.  Just a reminder, after last years cup I came here and stated that American horses dominated.  That Curlin got beat by two very good American bred horses.  2 months before the cup Bob Mcnair still owned Ravens Pass and Midshipman, he also bred them.  Had he not sold them I doubt you would be calling Ravens Pass a Euro.  Just to add, John Gosden made his name as a trainer here in America, before he went back. Now, i´m not one to disrespect anybody or any horse, I´m going along with your game because I dont like anyone diminishing another country or culture or sport, especially horse racing.  I have the utmost respect for any horse in the world.  And after the Cup, if an American horse wins, Euro you said you will show respect, as I stated I will show mine if a Euro wins.  In the end I still win both ways, 1 cause you will give respect, the other one will just show what a class act I am, something you haven´t shown at all since you´ve been here.

I've been away for awhile yet I see that the arguments over who is best continues no matter who the horse is or what year we are talking about. Though many seem to say that horse of the year is wrapped up I say not so until the Classic and if Zenyatta runs and wins then the battle is on between she and Rachel. Zenyatta has raced out of the state of California and on the dirt (though it was last year) and if she would have been in the Woodward then I think she would have got her head past Rachel's. I am not trying to take anything away from Rachel as I admire her greatly but believe that the question on who would win between these two great fillies will depend on how the race is run and let's not forget that Zenyatta carried 129 lbs. and won and the ability to carry high weight and win is something that should not be overlooked as the greats (Buckpasser, Damascus, Dr. Fager etc.) did this same feat and are admired for it so until the Classic let's just hold up on wrapping up the HOY award.

Jason I too had a magical day-- had Col John over Richard's Kid and Global Hunter---then bet Richards Kid/Global Hunter to win---Richards Kid has paid very well in his win prices (several show up on his DRF PP's) and Baffert has a real contender in the Classic--he's really shot up there under Baffert---of corse, the threesome of Einstein, Rail Trip and Colonel John had not run over Del Mar Plastic---this race was ripe for a closer with a race over track!...BTW good hit on Rosario--notice I said the jock---think he has a "Rendezvous with destiny" as a future Hall Of Famer--he's that good---man, this guy is an athlete! Joel Rosario is outriding other jocks in the stretch! Making my day all the better, I only played three races on the day, but after Richards Kid I had some play dough for Mr Mandella in the last race, off a six month layoff on last weekend of meet---8-1 won for fun, just like I drew it up and when they run like that you hear the birds chirping! I also think Rail Trip wants dirt.....

Finally got around to watching Sea the Stars in the Irish Champion Stakes. The horse is just flat out sick. I believe this was his best effort so far in his career. The horses he cruised by, Fame and Glory and Mastercraftsman, are serious runners.  

Sea the Stars won the gr. 1 English Guineas at a mile over Delgator, Mastercraftsman, and Rip Van Winkle, and the 12 furlong gr. 1 Epsom Derby over Fame and Glory, Rip Van Winkle, and Masterofthehorse. He has also beaten older horses in the 10 furlong gr. 1 Eclipse Stakes over Rip Van Winkle and Conduit, and the 10 furlong gr.1 Juddmonte International over Mastercraftsman.  Sea the Stars had to really work to win all of these races, and didn't earn Timeform ratings quite as high as some of the recent greats in Europe. But it seemed like he took his game to another level this weekend in the 10 furlong gr.1 Irish Champion Stakes, beating Fame and Glory and Mastercraftsman by the largest margin in this 5 gr.1 race streak.

Believe it or not, there are some in Europe critical of Sea the Stars, particularly when it comes to the races John Oxx has placed him in.  The big criticism is that Sea the Stars has not won at Europe's "classic" distance of 12 furlongs against open company(older horses). These critics point to the fact that Sea the Stars did not run in the 12 furlong King George and Queen Elizabeth, generally considered to be Europe's most prestigious mid-season open race.  There are also some who remain critical of Oxx for scratching Sea the Stars out of the 12 furlong Irish Derby when the ground came up soft, believing Oxx "ducked" a rematch with the Irish based Fame and Glory.  Of course, many are upset that Oxx is forgoing a run in the 3rd leg of the English Triple Crown, the 1 and 3/4 mile St. Leger, and a chance to become the first horse since Nijinsky in 1970 to sweep the series.  These critics accuse Oxx of carefully spotting Sea the Stars in races in his wheelhouse of 10 furlongs, and doubt whether Oxx will actually run the horse in the 12 furlong Arc. Does this sound familiar?  

What is ironic about the criticism of both Oxx and Jess Jackson is that Sea the Stars has already won at 12 furlongs in the Epsom Derby(although against fellow 3 year olds) and Rachel has already won an American Classic, the Preakness Stakes at a mile and 3/16ths.  What does Oxx have to do, run Sea the Stars against Yeats at 2 miles? And does Jess Jackson need to run Rachel in the 1 and 3/4 mile Breeders Cup Dirt Marathon?

And another point, ALL trainers carefully manage their horses and put them in races where they have the best shot at winning.  Both Oxx and Jackson have tried to pursue history, but have still chosen races that give their horses a good shot at winning. To do differently would be idiotic. Perhaps the animosity towards Jackson is that he pats himself on the back too much about "chasing history".

A more valid critique of both Rachel and Sea the Stars, is that the older male divisions they face are probably a little below par. In Europe, the "handicap" division is thin largely because the continent's top 3 year olds from last year, Zarkava, New Approach, Raven's Pass, and Henrythenavigator were retired before this year even began. It is not a coincidence that in Sea the Stars' 3 wins versus open company, the horses that ran 2nd to him in each race were also 3 year olds (Rip Van Winkle in the Eclipse, Mastercraftsman in the Juddmonte International, and Fame and Glory in the Irish Champion Stakes).

This really is an amazing year on both sides of the Atlantic. In North America, we are getting the honor of watching two definitive Hall of Fame female racehorses, Rachel and Zenyatta, while Europeans have been enjoying one of the greatest 3 year old males, Sea the Stars, as well as one of the best milers/female racehorses, Goldikova.  I for one wouldn't mind if Oxx decides to run Sea the Stars in the 10 furlong Breeders Cup Classic rather than the Arc(I doubt that Sea the Stars will run in the BC Classic if he runs in the Arc), giving fans in North America a chance to see these two great Euros on the same day.    

Rachel is one of the greatest 3 year-old horses at 1 1/8 to ever race...she is the best this year, bar none (unless SB wins the JCGC and Classic).

I do not think she can beat all the boys at 1 1/4, maybe next year.

LAZMANNICK, I love your comments,you are one of the few with some knowledge about horse racing,it seems lot of people have no clue of what they are talking about in trying to compare horse of different era.

    Still in awe of what I witnessed on Saturday!  Rachel is not only Horse of the Year, But, Why not Horse of the decade?, Maybe Horse of my generation!  Seeing her up close, Well, Pictures don't do her justice!  In all my years going to different tracks and races over the years, NOTHING compares to the electricity that was in the air on Saturday at the Spa.  It was all about Rachel, From the pins they handed out when you walked in, To the crowd of young girls and their families, To "Sam the bugler", all there for one reason, Rachel.  She sure didn't disappoint, Incredible heart and determination to hold off Macho Again.  My hats go off to Macho also, He showed true grit fighting to come back and almost do it!  It is funny, I was about four feet from Steve Asmussen when he was in the Winner's Circle, Talk about being excited!, He said, "I aged about thirty years, Incredible"  It was quite a scene in the winner's circle, Bravo to Mr. Asmussen and Mr. Jackson.  I also got a welcome surprise, Walking back to my car to drive the three hours home, It was about an hour and a half after Rachel's Victory, Well, Who do I see walking about twenty feet in front of me?  It was Rachel walking back to her barn(About 1 mile from the track).  I followed about 5 feet to her right, and, She looked stunning, She looked alert and maybe a little beat from her race, Who could blame her?  It was a great day from start to finish, One I will cherish for the rest of my life!

     I don't get how anyone can still question Rachel's greatness?  I am not one to compare greats from one era to the next, So I won't start now, But, Rachel is on my list!

     Lastly, Huge congrats to "Zensational", The Best Sprinter in the Country, Hands down!!!  "Einstein", He ran a great race, A winning race, Just got inched out by Mike Smith and "Richard's Kid" in a gutsy performance, A great day for Mr. Baffert!  I would be amiss if I didn't mention "Pyro", What a hell of a charge to take the Forego!!!

Jason,

    Great pick taking "Rendezvous", I give you credit there!  Wasn't on my Radar, Good Job!!!

Finally,

    My thoughts and Prayers go out to the families of the two young jockeys,  Jamie Kyne and Jan Wilson, After the two apprentices died in a fire in North Yorkshire in the early hours of  Saturday morning.  Such a tragic ending for two who had so much to live and look forward to.  Also, "Hurricane Alley", Who broke down at Dundalk on Sunday, R.I.P...

Here is "Sam the Bugler" paying tribute to Rachel before the Woodward, "Call to Post/She's Always a Woman":

www.youtube.com/watch

Watch this short video that shows the excitement of the stretch run in the Woodward, I wish the TV's at home could have heard the crowd(Turn the volume down!), Amazing:

www.youtube.com/watch

Annette agree with your comments about Da'Tara...no need to dis others when praising others' achievements. Gunbow..your weight analysis certainly on point, but on the flip side of coin you had runners like Kelso, Dr. Fager and Quick Pitch[hurdles] and Forego that gave up a ton of weight, and they were known for not just winning the race but doing it under adverse weight assignments. I wish they would get back to those handicap conditions. I understand nowadays the connections refuse to run when they don't get the beneficial "tip of scale"...it's a shame, it was a fun part of the game when you had a runner at '29 running vs 14-17's.

And as brilliant as RA connections are perceived to be they chose the Woodward because they thought Kensai could compete succesfully in the Travers...how did that work out?

I hope they take her to the Donn Handicap where her father won in 2004.  I think that would be the perfect spot to start her 2010 race towards 17 in a row and a Breeders Cup win.

Good filly?  Yes.  I'd say right up there with All Along, Pebbles, and Personal Ensign.  Great horse?  Too early to tell, but probably yes.  Greatest filly of all time?  Certainly not, at least not yet.  RA needs to be measured against the gold standard before we put that title on her:

www.pedigreequery.com/gallorette

Any horse, male or female, that cannot compete with this resume need not apply for the title of greatness.

Rachel is a great horse this year but... not to run against the best in the world because of the track is a lame excuse.Einstein has run and won on 3 different surfaces that's what a talented very good horse is suppose to do.HOY well when you duck the biggest race of the year for all age horses doesn't show courage. As for Zen why didn't they run her against the males in the Pacific classic? If your going to be HOY , you run against the best period. Maybe feamale HOY for these 2 but overall HOY no not with these chess moves.Sea the Stars has won up to a mile and half and will run in the ARC, hopefully he and the the other top Euro's come over for the classic.A true champion doesn't duck any race where they will compete against the best then expect to be HOY.That's like a college football team going undefeated then say we are not playing in the BCS championship game but expect to be named champion.Championships are won when competing against the best and winning. One other comment on Jesse J, he had every opportunity, to take Curlin out west last year prior to breeders cup to compete on poly yet stayed on east coast and learned a sad  lesson on grass , then complains about the surface when Curlin gets dusted.I'd have a lot more respect for any horse that competes against the best then one who beats not the best.Remember Pepper's Pride unbeaten but never leaving NM?Go west R A you have the talent to prove it against the best in the classic.Zen if your that great then run in the classic and stop avoiding the colts!If either of these wins HOY and doesn't run in the B C Classic then the whole vote is a phony.

I could have been a 'first wave poster' re: The Race, but i have waited. Until now. Mokey is right, Rachel Alexandra won against those she raced, period. She won. She should not be judged on how fast a quarter she ran compared to a race 30 years ago. She ran with what she had, all heart and not wanting anything to get in front of her. She did indeed take off after the wire when Macho came by,and that was so telling about her. She is truly in it to win. Rachel should not be compared to Slew (my sentimental favorite of all time), Affirmed, Big Red, Man o War, Ruffian (my other sentimental favorite also now and always regardless)or any other racehorse. And Rachel should not be judged by any living horse she has not run against. As i have said before, there is nothing wrong with having 2 great ladies racing in the same year. I don't want a grudge race between Zenyatta and Rachel either. Somehow to me that is demeaning.  I am selfish, i want 2 great fillys to be remembered in 2009. I don't want either of them to be referred to as a loser. Every horse that steps hoof on the hallowed grounds of any racetrack should be respected, period. Each horse is there for the same reason, usually, to win. Just enjoy the moment. I am simply a fan of all things horse and no expert whatsoever in statistics,though i had 5 horses growing up and never lost my love and respect for all. If i had my way i would take every single castaway that came along, too. As for Saratoga, it is to me the greatest most prestigious racetrack of all and i have never been to Saratoga Springs for a race, but on a cold damp and rainy day in January, did drive up there from Philadelphia just to see it. I hope i have not said anything to offend anyone and i hope people who try and start arguments would find another avenue to vent their hostilities.

Never forget the past winners and losers and thanks Saratoga for such a nice place for Commentator to be honored as he is being retired. Bless them all and thanks for the memories. For the moment, Rachel Alexandra rules and deserves respect and a well deserved rest til '10.  

I was there for the Woodward and with only 31,000 or so there it was the most deafening sound I’ve ever heard for 1:48.  There are still plenty of people that are going to play the role of detractor. That’s fine, but the truth is Calvin didn’t have a choice but to turn the engine on again like she did in the Preakness.  Some people can’t understand the fundamentals of horse racing, but when its widely known that they were going to try to rough Rachel up there is no chance they could try to rate her, it wasn’t going to happen, they were going to box her just like they did Curlin in the Stephen Foster when he came out of the 1 hole.  When I saw the first ¼ up in :22 and change I was very very worried, those are sprint race numbers, when I saw that he slowed it down and she got a :24 second 2nd quarter I knew he had calmed her down a bit and got her off the bridle, Yes I agree with you Jason that he had to send her to keep her out of trouble, but it was a bit quick.  I was walking from the paddock when she dumped Borel and I wasn’t too worried about that due to the fact that she’s who she is and so professional, it was unlike her but it is what it is.   Hopefully Jackson will rest her and bring her back in April at Oaklawn Park in the Grade 1 Apple Blossom, they’ll probably bump the price up to $1 million.  That would be the ultimate, I don’t see any reason to race the two against each other because Rachel has been put through the most aggressive schedule in the history of 3 year olds, and unfortunately Zenyatta’s campaign would set her up for her best efforts to come within the next 60 days.  Zenyatta will not be sent east at any time in the future.  Rachel is the best American filly in the modern era yes, is she the best 2 year old ever to race in the U.S. its very very possible, but not for anyone to really say, But the perfect season is very important. And for those that keep mentioning Secretariat please recall that “Big Red” lost the Wood Memorial, Secretariat never duplicated his Belmont Stakes performance but continued to run impressively after the Triple Crown. He shipped to Chicago and easily won the Arlington Invitational at Arlington Park. He went to Saratoga, long known as the "graveyard of favorites", and succumbed to the jinx, losing the Whitney Stakes to the Allen Jerkens-trained Onion by a length. He then won the inaugural Marlboro Cup against a field that included Secretariat's stablemate, the 1972 Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Riva Ridge, top California stakes winner Cougar II, Canadian champion Kennedy Road, Onion, Travers winner Annihilate 'Em, and 1972 American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse, Key to the Mint. Secretariat ran 1:45 2/5 for 1⅛ miles, a world record at the time.

Secretariat suffered another loss to an Allen Jerkens trainee, Prove Out, by 4 1/2 lengths in the 1 1/2 mile Woodward Stakes in his next start.  The number of losses by Secretariat during his 3 year old campaign would cause him not to be considered in that discussion. Rachel Alexandra is the HOY and can now be considered one of the greatest horses to ever run, no she didnt have to be cup-caked through a dont let her lose campaign or have to run only against fillies her owners are impressive.  She deserves all of the accolades.

Dray,

     Will you please just give it a rest on Rachel and Zenyatta?  Why not enjoy them both and drop it?  You repeat the same posts, over and over and over...

Hi group. I'm not sure Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta would beat Personal Ensign, who got the job done no matter what.  She beat colts in the Whitney with an electrifying move, and then won the Breeder's cup on a track she never got a hold of.  We will never know how great Ruffian would have been, we just know how great she was.  Rachel Alexandra ran a great race in the Woodward.  I'm not sure you can compare her competition to some of the better Woodwards of the past, but they were a solid bunch of older horses.  She set fast fractions and hung in there when she was probably dead tired.  Kudo's go to her.

Zenyatta just keeps winning, and any horse that can close in sub-23 seconds at Del Mar is a major horse.  She should't have to be expected to go to Rachel Alexandra and race.  She is the defending title holder, and if Jess Jackson really wanted to race her, he would go to her.  Albeit, the one race Zenyatta ran on the dirt was flawless.  There is no reason to think that she wouldn't run well on other dirt surfaces.

Sea and Stars has been stellar this year, but I don't think they will run him in the Breeder's Cup unless he has to pull out of a race in Europe because the turf is too soft.  Goldikova, after her poor first race back, has been more and more dominant.  She could quite possibly be a dark horse for the classic.  Remember that she was as competitive as any other horse against Zarkava-who I believe would have beaten both Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta with the same distain that she beat everyone else- and Goldikova ran a commendable race in the Prix de Diane as a 3 yr old.  And she is in superstar form right now.

Let's talk about how great BOTH Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta are- but don't discount European horses when saying who is the best running right now.  

I don’t or can’t understand why people keep saying that she has distance limitations, I also really have a dislike for liars, I was at Saratoga on Saturday and after the finish line Macho Again never got close to passing Rachel, she galloped out another ½ mile, Macho again didn’t pass her and he stopped after about 1/16th.  Tim G, you seem to not like Rachel very much because of your glaring negative statements, please give it a rest. You seem to not understand the game, please learn it or do some research or something.  But the point is don’t lie about race results or what happens afterwards to make your point because you don’t have a leg to stand on.

Yesterday Jess Jackson said...

"She needs, I think four or five months off," said majority owner Jess Jackson. "I'm leaning towards letting her take a long furlough. She needs a vacation. It's my instinct that she needs it. I think we're helping her more by keeping her fit and running her next year."

"The result of that race yesterday with her being down must of exhausted her. She's going to need a long recoupment even if she should race."

Regarding the Beldame on October 3rd...  Even the Oct. 3 Beldame at Belmont Park is doubtful, despite the promise of a $1 million purse if both Rachel and the undefeated mare Zenyatta show up.

Jess says...

"Not at that purse level," the founder of Kendall-Jackson wines said. "I don't think even Zenyatta or Rachel should race. That wouldn't be enough. The NYRA has been very supportive and I don't want to sound like I'm not appreciative of what they've done, but in a real world it would be a major league and these purses would be $5 million not $500,000."

The Daily Times wrote in the same article... For now, Rachel is scheduled to resume training on Wednesday, and will remain in Saratoga until October.

So if I read this correctly,, Rachel is tired and needs a long vacation to recoup.. (understandable)

But she's scheduled to resume training on Wednesday..(?) for what?

I thought she was tired and needed a rest to recoup.

Jess says that he's not interested in the Beldame at the current purse level even after it was upped to 1 million... so if it was upped to 5 million he would be interested...(?)

At 1 million Rachel is a tired horse  but at 5 million ... Rachel is a super horse with amazing recuperative powers (?)

Why would she continue training if she was done for the year.... I understand a race horse needs exercise and can't sit in a stall for 5 months.. but they said she was going back to training... Maybe I don't understand how they are using the term "training"..  maybe they are using the term "training" for exercise just to keep her fit...

Can somebody help me with that?

Surprised there isn't more talk of a race after the breeders cup between Rachel and Zen. Zen is much rested with a light year and the Clark is 3 weeks after the cup. Run her in the "Distaff" which should take less out of her, then come to the Clark on Nov. 27. This would give Rachel the long due rest she deserves and Zen camp could not say she isn't fresh.  

Draynay:

I know that life is going to be really, really tough without a horse now that it appears that Rachel is done for the year and Col. John didn't impress in the Classic......

However, life goes on.  I know you have a penchant for touting winners only and there are two that come to mind because they both have a history of winning......Zenyatta and Sea The Stars. LOL

In answer to your drivel about G-1 winners, yesterday’s Woodward, except for Rachel, wasn’t what I would call a G-1 race.  Besides Rachel the total G-1 wins by her competition was three:

• Bullsbay (1) Whitney

• Macho Again (1) Stephan Foster

• Da’ Tara (1)Belmont

Sorry Greg but Lazmmanick has incorrectly said Z has beaten more G1 winners than Rachel has and he is wrong ! And he says the Woodward wasn't really a G1 race yet 3 of the top 20 horses in the world according to International Racing Post were in the race.  Making his statement total nonsense.

RPR Horse Country

134 Sea The Stars IRE

132 Rip Van Winkle IRE

130 Goldikova IRE

129 Gladiatorus USA

129 Mastercraftsman IRE

129 Rachel Alexandra USA

128 Well Armed USA

127 Conduit IRE

127 Macho Again USA

127 Scenic Blast AUS

127 Summer Bird USA

126 Fame And Glory GB

126 Paco Boy IRE

125 Rail Trip USA

125 Sacred Kingdom AUS

125 Tartan Bearer IRE

125 Yeats IRE

124 Ask GB

124 Big City Man USA

124 Bullsbay USA

124 Deep Sky JPN

124 Quality Road USA

124 Vision D'Etat FR

124 Vodka JPN

124 Zenyatta USA

Bob Z

If Jackson wants to race for a $5M purse it's obvious where he can find one.....I personally think he's just blowing smoke.....Rachel has been through a tough campaign.....they should just let her rest up and finish growing and allow her to mature properly.....the training he is talking about is probably only light exercise.....it's virtually impossible to just shut a horse off.  They are creatures of habit and they need to be weaned back a bit.....She should be gone until the spring.

GREG J!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU... That short video of the excitement down the backstretch was almost more than I could handle. Brought tears to my eyes and sent chills down my spine.  You are so LUCKY!!!! to have seen RA in person!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing with us. You will never know how much it is appreciated. I am going to watch that video several more times. AWESOME!!!!!

Rachel Alexandra should run in the Beldame next and then the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Classic. 10 furlongs against colts and older horses is too far for her; she would lose if she ran in the Classic on Saturday.

Bob Z:

Rachel Alexandra is being brought over to the track Wednesday to jog a bit. There is no plans for her to "train" at all. Race horses like her need to stay active, they have so much energy. So she'll just jog around the track for a while. When she was in training, she worked out on Monday mornings only. Asmussen has said she loves it at Saratoga, and that she'll stay here until early October before heading south. They did the same with Curlin last year.

The feeling here is she will not run again until next January or so, perhaps at Gulfstream. She has nothing left to prove this year.

To put Rachel's accomplishments in proper perspective, I don't believe you can find another 3 yr old filly in the history of racing...at least in the modern era, who did what she accomplished this year...beat the best 3 yr old colts twice and the older colts once in three G-1 major stakes races. Truly an amazing feat. Can anyone think of another 3 year old filly who ever did that?  

i was at saratoga and saw this wonderful race! what a filly, she was so courageous and brave.! it was really a stellar performance!<3 i believe she is the greatest filly EVER! better than ruffian and all those. nobody has a resume like she does!

yes i saw her dump clavin! i think he did let her go too fast early,i think she's done b/c zenyatta wont come to race her, and i think she just clinched horse of the year honors!=] how many agree?

Did someone say RA is beating hand picked fields?  I didn't know Jackson decides who enters every race.  lol.

Besides Z's BC victory, please name all the other GI winners she defeated.

Then we can put RA's list of SA Derby, AR Derby, Illinois Derby, KY Derby, Belmont, Travers, Foster, Whitney...and that is just the males she's beaten.  As a 3yo.  And she hasn't even raced in a BC event.

I like Z too, but to say the group of horses she keeps beating is better competition is obscene.

Thank You GunBow, Amen.  (Include me in the pile thats upset over the Triple Crown, because We all know he would have romped by 20 lengths, but Oxx has always been weird with his explanations throughout his career. The distance was not a problem, his brother Black Sam Bellamy loved the distance of ground. But hes still agreat gorse and Oxx wants the Arc and the Classic one or the other or both thats always been his plan.

Mr. Nay, its more fun with your colorful analysis, come on man, Your horse got a bad ride, even I will excuse him for that, he´ll be back another day why do you quickly disqualify him now by saying that he´s better on turf, stick to your guns man show some backbone.

EmilioP: Take it easy man, this is all in good fun, I take it from everybody so learn to take it from me. Also who is Joe Namath, and whats his guarantee.

LDP: Many Euros have run in the classic, clearly not our best in most runnings.  Let me just add that we have won it on dirt before with Arcangues.  And had pretty good showings with Ibn Bey, Jolypha(the only filly to hit the board in the classic. Let me add that Euros have been the first to send fillies in the classic, the first was Tryptych, so we are pioneers. Swain,Sakhee and Giants Causeway did good too.  Yes Euros havent won as much as we have liked, but the Euro contingent will continue to run in the classic, win or lose we will continue to go, just like some Euros will continue to go after Americas Triple Crown, because like I said before we want to win it all.  It dont matter how many times it will take, but sooner or later Europeans will get their prize.

Gunbow,

Have to give you this one:

"How many folks emphasize that in Man O' War's only win over an older horse, Sir Barton, in their famed 1920 match race in the Kenilworth Gold Cup, Man O' War RECEIVED 6 lbs from his older rival (Man O' War carried 120 to Sir Barton's 126)?  "

But then, you also have to concede that Man O' War, against his own age, carried weights that no horse in this era would run with:

"As a two-year-old, he carried 130 pounds in 6 races, as a three-year-old, he carried as much as 138 pounds in races, giving away as much as 32 pounds to other horses."

I don't think weight would have mattered in the match race, but yes, he ran with less than Sir Barton.  

On the subject of Man O' War, I really, really want Rachel to stretch out.  She has a lot of his bloodline and more Rock Sand in her pedigree, albeit further back.  The problem is that the MOW lines that are still around today tend more to speed than endurance.  MOW was one of those rare creatures that had both and it would please me greatly if RA would stretch it out and win- because in some ways I think she does run like a ghost from the past.

actually draynay zenyatta has faced 10 grade 1 horses and rachel has faced 10 grade 1 horses. so your theory is wrong.

zenyatta: life is sweet, double trouble, santa teresita, romance is diane, tough tiz's sis, ginger punch, Hystericalady, cocoa beach, music note, Carriage Trail.

rachel: summer bird, POTN, MTB , macho again, bulls bay, da'tara gabbys golden girl, flashing, take the points, general quarters

Bob Z:

I am confused by Jess Jackson's comments as well. I am also a little disappointed that Jess Jackson has apparently ruled out Rachel running another race this year so soon after the Woodward. As I wrote earlier, Rachel doesn't owe me or anyone else another race, but shouldn't Jess Jackson at least wait a while and see how she comes out of the Woodward before making a final decision? I'm sure the Woodward took something out of her, but didn't Rachel looked "tired" after the Preakness and Haskell as well? Rachel is a horse that lays her body down when she races, but her pattern has been that after a few days of recuperation, she is able to get back to full strength, and serious workouts, within a week or two.

Again, I do not have a fundamental opposition to Jackson putting Rachel up for the rest of the year. If, over the next few weeks, Rachel sends signals that she is weaker or more tired than normal, then by all means stop on her and give her a well deserved break. However, it just appears that Jackson has made a decision about the rest of the year without any input from Rachel, or Steve Asmussen for that matter.  Note, that before Jackson made his comments Sunday afternoon, the report from the Asmussen barn was that while Rachel was understandably tired, she was doing quite well and that her physical and mental recuperation was in accordance with her typical pattern/schedule.  

Of course, Rachel's health is paramount. However, if Rachel indicates that she has fully recovered, I see a start in either the Beldame against Zenyatta or males in the 10 furlong Jockey Club Gold Cup from a "glass half full perspective". No matter what Rachel does in either race, no one will ever be able to take away her historic trifecta of the Preakness-Haskell-Woodward, nor would her Horse of the Year be placed in jeopardy(I'm going by the assumption that Rachel has the HoY locked up). On the positive side, a win in the JCGC or the Beldame over Zenyatta would take Rachel's greatness to another level, and make comparisons to the greatest males of all time, which at this point is a little bit of a stretch, entirely plausible(and would give Rachel a set of accomplishments that so tower over Ruffian's accomplishments that even Rachel's biggest doubters would have no choice but to concede her superiority, or at least equality).  The way I see it, Rachel is already a Hall of Famer and an all-time "great"(particularly in comparison to other females, and even more specifically, other 3 year old fillies). However, within the realm of greatness, there is always more to prove, and a win in the Beldame or JCGC would move Rachel higher up the list of the all-time greats.

It is my belief that if a horse is healthy, you keep running it.  Afterall, there is no guarantee that after a preventive break, the horse will return at the same level or even be able to stay healthy once it returns. In 1994, Jimmy Croll stopped on Holy Bull after the Bull had destroyed a good Woodward field(although Devil His Due and Colonial Affair were not THAT much better than Macho Again and Bullsbay), bypassing not just the Breeders Cup Classic but the Jockey Club Gold Cup as well.  The key justification Croll used in defending his decision to put Holy Bull away early is that he was planning on bringing the horse back at 4 and would target the Breeders Cup Classic then. Unfortunately, Holy Bull only made one start before breaking down in the 95' Donn vs. Cigar.  Rather than having wins in the 10 furlong Jockey Club Gold Cup and/ or the 10 furlong Breeders Cup Classic, Holy Bull's resume ended up including just one win beyond 8 furlongs(his nose victory over 4 others in the Travers).  Additionally, given the 94' Breeders Cup was at Churchill, Holy Bull was denied the opportunity to avenge his terrible performance in the Kentucky Derby.  

Ultimately, since Holy Bull was injured so early into his 4 year old campaign, I believe that Croll's decision to preventively shut Holy Bull down when the horse was still in peak form negatively affected Holy Bull's place in history and his ranking among the greats.  With wins in neither the JCGC, BC Classic, nor a gr.1 handicap race at age 4, Holy Bull's resume is light when compared to those of contemporaries Cigar and Skip Away.  There are many who insist that Holy Bull was as talented, if not more so, than Cigar or Skip Away, but the accomplishments of Cigar and Skip Away led them to be ranked #18 and #32, respectively, in the Bloodhorse Top 100, while Holy Bull was down the list in #64th.

Rachel has earned HOY.  Is she the best ever?  I don't think so.  You have to ignore a lot of superlative fillies and mares to stake that claim. She has NEVER won at the classic 1 1/4 mile distance and all indicators show she would be collered at that distance.

Secretariat beat an amazing field in the Marlboro.  When Prove Out beat him in the Woodward, he ran the second fastest time ever at the 1 1/2 distance.  RA couldn't get 1 1/2 with a taxi.  Ruffian did it easily.  Of the latter, she was undefeated and beat the best not the leftovers.  She beat Hot 'n Nasty sprinting and never took a deep breath.  RA is NOT undefeated, by the way.  She even has an out of the money finish on her record.  

I know we love to fall in love with the now horse (remember the unbeatable, invincible Cigar or Devil's Bag?), but you can't throw a whole raft of brilliant champions off the boat because RA has beaten a second-rate bunch of older males.  She is merely the best horse this year at the moment and if Zenyatta shows up big in the Classic, SHE becomes a solid threat for that honor.

Euro,

   As i pointed out it isn't your best you send to the Classic, you normally send your second stringers, which is IMO cocky and arrogant, because that tells me that you think your lesser horses can beat our top on dirt, impling that you feel we are inferior. Maybe you should learn some respect, and then maybe you'll actually win more than once. On your second and on the board comments, thats all great to know, but coming close only counts when your playing horse shoes. In this game winning is the important thing, and when you all have one win over the Classic when it's on dirt is a pretty sad record. I noticed you didn't comment back on what i said about Sea the Stars and his connections do by ducking soft ground or distance.

One of Rachel's greatest accomplishments is winning 11 races in one year at EIGHT different race tracks. When is the last time we've seen a horse that versatile? Most have to carry their tracks around with them. The only horse I can compare her to in that area would be Affirmed.

This year, Rachel Alexandra has won at Fair Grounds, Oaklawn, Churchill Downs, Pimlico, Belmont, Monmouth, and Saratoga--seven different tracks. She has run on fast, hard tracks like at Churchill Downs, won over Big Sandy (Belmont), which is a deeper track, she has won twice in sloppy conditions. She has defeated the winner of the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, Santa Anita Derby, Arkansas Derby, Illinois Derby, Acorn Stakes, Alabama Stakes, Stephen Foster Handicap, and Whitney Handicap. That is hardly a sub-set. She has won leading from start to finish, rating off the pace, and toughing it out at the finish for a truly courageous win against seasoned older veteran male competitors. When you sit back and really think about her accomplishments, she is easily the most accomplished three-year-old filly I have seen in my lifetime, and perhaps the most accomplished in the history in the annals of American racing. She is a freak of nature and we will never see her like again.  

SaratogaAJ - Have you ever heard of a filly named Dahlia?  How about Dance Smartly?

Tough to get stopped at 1 1/4 and get it back---If I'm owner of Colonel John I go in Woodward so he can dirt again (for breeding value) THEN I shorten him back to a mile on grass against the French Filly (for breeding value)...I thought after watching him hang like a Van Gogh in Classic last year that he just doesn't prefer synthetics---I played two longshots yesterday but I did put Col John on top of the exactas--he's a classy animal and I wouldn't get off him just yet---maybe I try to get Rosario who seems to make all the right moves these days.....

When Zenyatta pulled victory out of the jaws of defeat in the 09 Clement Hirsch, jockey Mike Smith NEVER whipped her;  that's how much respect she was shown, even though she had so much to do and so little stretch to do it in.  

I fully understand why Mr. Jackson waited till the last possible moment to announce that Rachel would run in the Woodward rather than the Travers.  That way he could be assured that Zenyatta would not have enough time to reasonably make the cross-country trip to run against Rachel.  So we are left with Macho Again and Da'Tara, out of the ridiculously weak class of 2008.

Also, forget the Travers and the Woodward.  Where is it written that Rachel must run against males?  She should have answered the distance question in the Alabama Stakes, where she would have been tested by Careless Jewel at 10 furlongs.  Makes me wonder if they were aware that Jewel was primed to run a big one?  Yes, Jackson has been incredibly shrewd in his campaign of this horse.  Makes me long for the good old days of Morrison/Wiggins.

Looking at thomas' list of gr.1 winners Zenyatta and Rachel have defeated, it's clear that Zenyatta has faced much tougher female competition and that Rachel has clearly made her mark by beating males.  Imagine if Rachel had continued to run exclusively against females?  She would have won the Triple Tiara and likely the Alabama as well(but I give credit to Careless Jewel for a big performance), but outside of Careless Jewel she would not have faced a foe that in any way enhanced her historical standing.  Winning the Triple Tiara pales, I mean really pales in comparison to winning the Preakness-Haskell-Woodward triple(the Rachel Triple).

Ginger Punch, Hystericalady, Music Note, Cocoa Beach, and Tough Tiz's Sis were/are very good gr.1 females. However, if I was choosing a five horse "team" to play some pick-up ball, I think I would take the team of males with Summer Bird, Mine That Bird, Macho Again, Bullsbay, and Pioneer of the Nile.

Sorry, meant to say that Holy Bull's resume included only one win beyond 9 furlongs. 9 not 8 furlongs.  For some reason, I keep confusing 8 furlongs for 1 mile and an eighth.

LDP they don't dirt in Europe! That they ever win a Breeders Cup race on dirt/left turns is testiment to quality! Cannot anyone like another horse besides Rachel, lest you attack them? Sea The Stars runs on GRASS....Rachel runs on dirt.....meeting 1/2 way on plastic seems a reasonable compromise, but to insist on having things your way, left turns/dirt, it's no wonder you only draw the second stringers...BTW those were two MILERS who ran 1/2 in last years Classic---Sea The Stars is a true 1 1/4 horse, why can't you see his quality? Heck, This year is so magical!...Mine That Bird, Rachel, Zen, Gio Ponti, Einstein, Sea The Stars, Summer Bird, Vodka, Goldikova---the cup's full, take off your blinkers and enjoy yourself allready!

Regardless of who wins the Classic, you cannot compare a single American horse's season to Rachel Alexandra's. She has now won FIVE Grade 1 events in a row, two against males of her age and one against "the best older males in the country". How can you question the superiority? Even if Gio Ponti won the Classic, so what? He's  no slouch but comparatively, what Rachel's done is  lot more difficult. Sea The Stars is a European champion to be sure - but does winning one race in America (vs. eight in a row) make him a champion in this country as well?

Gee Draynay

You're the first one to say the International Racing Post doesn't know what it's talking about.....After looking at these ratings, I'm inclined, to some degree, to agree with you....For instance, Conduit (3 G-1 wins) is a Breeders Cup winner.....Macho Again (1 G-1 win) needed a troubled trip by Einstein to barely become a G-1 winner, and yet they are both rated equally…..Also, they don’t have Rachel rated No. 1…..that’s how you would rate her, isn’t it?

I’m still not trying to downgrade Rachel…..but it ticks me off when after all the schooling everyone on this blog is trying to give you, you still don’t get it…….

In terms of Grade one winners and the number of G-1 wins, without really trying hard I have come up with the following for Zen:

• Cocoa Beach…2

• Life Is Sweet …1

• Ginger Punch…6

• Tough Tizs Sis…2

• Romance Is Diane ..1

• Santa Teresita…1

• Hysterical Lady…1

• Double Trouble…1

• Carriage Trail…1

• Music Note….4

That’s ten different G-1 winners and 20 G-1 wins from 12 starts.

If you think that Rachel has surpassed that then prove it…..and if she has, I’m fine with that, in fact I think it would be great and would probably only be a matter of time anyway

Other than that, you're still blowing smoke like you always do.

thepryor:

Are you in any way comparing Cigar to Devil's Bag or calling Cigar just a "now" horse?

Cigar is one of the greatest horses of all-time and his 16 staright wins, 11 in gr.1s, is one of the greatest accomplishments in racing history. Which is why the Bloodhorse ranked Cigar #18, AHEAD of Bold Ruler, Swaps,Equipoise, Phar Lap, John Henry, Nashua, Seabiscuit, Whirlaway, Alydar, Gallant Fox, Exterminator, Assault, Ruffian, Discovery, Northern Dancer and many, many others.  And by the way, Rachel is so much more than just a "now" horse as well.  But I agree with you that she is not "the best racehorse ever".  

It's interesting that 8 of Rachel's 10 vanquished Grade 1 foes are males.  I think Mr. Jackson needs a new sign for her stall door:

"CAUTION: MAN EATING HORSE!"

How about the best 3 year old filly to not win a championship?  Do you think RA would have beaten Cesario in the American Oaks?  1 1/4 miles in 1:59.01 and a final quarter in :23.34.

If you love inane comparisons, go for it.

LDP,

If his connections dont want to risk their top prize on soft ground, its their decision, but what I do know is that he has beaten all the top horses, even the ones you say he ducked in the Irish Derby, Fame and Glory he has beaten him twice already. Listen, he´ll go to America, put on a show for you, Sea The Stars might even give you an autograph LDP if you ask him nicely. He´s not ranked number 1 in the world by ducking horses he already beat more than once.

Will W sez  " As for the Run for the Roses, if Rachel had been in Stoneside Stables, she wins the Derby for without Calvin in the irons MTB does not get that superb rail trip that catapulted him to victory."

Agreed, but that sword cuts both way... You'll remember after the Preakness, Jackson himself said that without Borel in the saddle,the outcome would have been nose to nose with MTB, that Calvin added three to four lengths.

"Rachel responds more to another horse coming to her than Calvin going to the whip 19 times."

If that's true, Borel needs a good talking too. This is the second race in a row where his use of the stick on RA has been questionable, and I'm shocked that her fans aren't outraged about it.

David R., Spectacular Bid raced at 15 different tracks in his career setting 6 track records including the still standing dirt record of 1:57 4/5.  

May I again remind people horse racing didn't just begin this year.

thepryor, for the record your entire post was complete nonsense.  

Lazmannick, Colonel John had a tough race but after a long illness he is still getting his legs in shape he will be fine.  Also, let me remind you I am a big fan of Smooth Air so I am not just a front runner.

afleetalexforever  07 Sep 2009 11:05 AM

Thank you for that post and calling Tim out on his fantasy stories.

thomas

Glad to see that somebody is doing Dray's work for him.....that's ten G-1 winners for Rachel for a total of 12 G-1 wins.....somebody on this blog said excluding the Breeders Cup Distaff.....I think that that would be kind of ridiculous, asking Zen to exclude her toughest race as if it didn't count.

Have a good day

Gee Dray

You weren't touting Col. John's illness before the race, only after when it was apparent you coudn't pick a winner.....as for Smooth Air, I hope you are right.  I really like the horse, but I'm afraid that he doesn't appear to be able to compete against G-1 horses.....What about Bribon?????

SaratogaAJ what I have been unable to find since 1973 has ANY 3 year old horse won 5 G1 races in a row including a win against elders.  So far the only one I can find is Rachel.  Anyone ?

Saratoga AJ:

Maybe you needed to preface the question with "on dirt".

The answer then would be no. A 3 year old filly has not won 3 grade 1 races on dirt against males, nor has a 3 year old filly defeated older males in a gr.1 race on dirt beyond a mile.  However, the graded system has "only" been in existence since 1973.

In 1945, Busher won 4 of 6 races against males, capturing the Arlington Handicap and Washington Park Handicap versus older males and the Hollywood Derby and San Vicente against 3 year old males.  The year before, Twilight Tear was also 4 for 6 in stakes races against males.  She won 2 small sprint stakes versus 3 year old males, then won the 10 furlong Arlington Classic by 2 lengths over 3 year old males(receiving 5 lbs from the runner up and 12 lbs from the Derby winner Pensive). In her final race of the year, she was able to set an uncontested lead in a 3 horse Pimlico Special(at 9.5 furlongs) and run away from the champion older male, Devil Diver, winning by 6(although in receipt of 9 lbs).

Something Rachel has that neither Busher nor Twilight Tear had is a win in a Triple Crown race.  On the other hand, what separates Rachel from the other modern fillies that won a Triple Crown race (Genuine Risk, Winning Colors, Rags to Riches), is that Rachel won 2 other gr.1 races over males in addition to her Preakness, and defeated gr 1 older males.  Both Genuine Risk and Rags to Riches only beat males(3 year old males) in a gr.1 race once(Genuine Risk in the 80' Derby and Rags in the 07' Belmont). Winning Colors beat 3 year old males in a gr.1 twice, the 88' Kentucky Derby and Santa Anita Derby, but did not defeat older males.  It should be noted that Genuine Risk, Winning Colors, and Rags to Riches all received the 5 lbs filly allowance in their Triple Crown race wins, and Winning Colors also received the 5 lbs allowance in the Santa Anita Derby.  Rachel is by no means the first filly or great horse to win a big race receiving weight according to scale(sex/age).

Then there is Beldame from 1904.  Beldame defeated older males early in the year in the Carter under 103 lbs, and after a loss to champion Hermis in the Test Stakes in July (Hermis carried 18 lbs more than Beldame), Beldame won the 14 furlong Saratoga Cup by 4 over older horses under 108 lbs,  stakes races called the Dolphin and September versus 3 year old males(with 126 and 123 lbs), and finally beat older males in both the First Special and Second Special at Gravesend carrying 114 and 112 lbs. Outside of the Carter which had 17 starters, all of Beldame's other wins against males came in fields with 5 horses or less.

By the way, Dance Smartly did not win an open gr.1 race against males and did not defeat older males, at least as a 3 year old.  Dance Smartly won the Canadian Triple Crown over males, however, the races were restricted to just Canadian breds. She did later win the Molson Million which was open to non-Canadian breds, but the Molson Million was only a grade 2 event.

As for Dahlia, she won 2 gr.1 races versus males as a 3 year old, with both of those victories coming against older males. First she won the King George and Queen Elizabeth in England, and then, after running 16th in the Arc, she captured the Washington DC International in the United States.  But she did not win 3 grade 1 races against males as a 3 year old.

All Along won 4 straight gr.1 turf races against older males in 1983, but she was 4 years old at the time.

On turf, Miesque won 3 grade 1 races against males as a 3 year old filly in 1987, including the Breeders Cup Mile. All 3 of those wins came against older males. I believe Goldikova repeated the feat last year.  

Really tired of seeing Rachel Alexandra and Breeders Cup in the same sentence - much less the same article.  She's done great things this year.  Good for her.  But her owner refuses to take her to the Breeders Cup so thats that.  She can't win if she don't run...so don't get all sloppy and sentimental about how she'd be sure to win "if only."  She's not immortal and is subject to bad days like the rest of us (and I wouldn't condemn her if she didn't win...I'm sure she would run like a champion no matter what)

But stop already with awarding her something she has not won!  That only takes away from what she has done.

Her owner has decided that racing "champions against champions" is only applicable when he thinks his champion will win.  So be it.  He doesn't want to "throw up another hurdle and see if she'll clear it".  Thats ok.  He feels she can't run on synthetics - well, maybe that is her achilles heel and it just proves my point - she's a horse - not a super horse - she has her limitations and apparently synthetics is one of them.

Lets get over Rachel Alexandra and let her enjoy her down time, and talk about the horses that actually do have a chance at the Breeders Cup.

Draynay, at the very least I am not pi**ing and moaning about a horse of Colonel John's caliber.  

If my post is "nonsense" then I acquiece to the master of absurd posts judgement.

Lazmannick I counted Asiatic Boy in my list of 11 G1 winners she has faced if that is wrong then let me correct my sentence.  Rachel has faced and beat AS MANY G1 winners this year ALONE as Z has in her entire career. Geez.

It's interesting that 8 of Rachel's 10 vanquished Grade 1 foes are males.  I think Mr. Jackson needs a new sign for her stall door:

"CAUTION: MAN EATING HORSE!"

Lil Darlin 07 Sep 2009 2:18 PM

Great point Lil Darlin  Rachel 8 G1 winning males and Z ... ZERO.

Gunbow,

By "now" I mean the current horse grabbing all the headlines.  RA is a great filly; but the best ever?

Cigar was a great racehorse, but I always defer to the Bid for overall excellence.

Does anyone really think RA would have beaten I Want Revenge in the Gotham or the Wood?  Not me.  Sorry Draynay.

thepryor, lol...you are batting .1000 another post of complete nonsense. Careful, you may beat Tim's record.

Rachel has only defeated two f&m Grade 1 winners?

Hmmmm.  Very interesting.  And, very telling.

Sorry Dray:

Go back to school.....Asiatic Boy has never won a G-1 or Group-1 race.....It’s interesting though how MTB is suddenly important to you when it comes to try and win an argument…..You probably didn’t like Da’ Tara last year with his FLUKY win over BB in the Belmont, but he is your champion now.

Your bit about narrowing G-1 wins down to this year is typical.....Zen has had only 3 races, which is probably good for you because if she would have raced more she probably would have more G-1 winners under her belt…..I do agree that Rachel is a MAN EATING HORSE and I applaud her accomplishments…..Thanks again for pointing out how good she is to me…..By the way…..what about Bribon?????

Euro,

    Show me where i ever said that he ducked Fame and Glory, or any other horse, wait you can't because i didn't. I said he ducks distance and surface. Speaking of which, why is it ok for him to duck a surface with his best horse, but it isn't for JJ, kind of hypocritical don't you think?

If anyone here ever buys a race horse please name it after Draynay.......call it MUZZLE

Afleetalex

I appreciate your passion for Rachel.  I really do.  She is a magnificent filly and has had an unbelievable season.  But please, knock off the Secretariat bashing.  It’s getting kind of inane.

If you think that Rachel is better than Secretariat fine.  If you think that Secretariat would have won this weekend’s Woodward by only a head, fine.  You probably still believe in the Tooth Fairy and sit in front of the fire place waiting for Santa to come down the chimney.

Why don’t you just leave it as it is?  We are all saying that Rachel is fabulous, at least most of us are.  And I for one really wished that I could have had your experience at Saratoga this past weekend.  It really must have been something.

tvnewsbadge, I think we are devastated about it---actually hurt to see her treated like that---he's very capable but I think if she does not race again this year there just might be a rider change---since he is usually a good man I think he too was running scared down the stretch and lost it.

Thanks, Dray.  I don't pretend to be an expert in racing history, but I know history when I'm seeing it, and Rachel is putting on a great show.

I don't really want to knock Zenyatta, since she is after all undefeated and certainly a great race mare. It just kind of boggles my mind that Rachel has put together the season that she has and there are still people who think others are or could become more deserving of HOTY.  I mean, even if Zenyatta runs every month for the remainder of the year, including September, she still can't get an 8-0 record for 2009 and I doubt that even if she did she'd get 3 grade 1s against males.  There is a large part of me that wishes I could have seen more of her and what she is truly capable of.  I think the Moss' will be retiring a 5 year old this year that the racing world never got to see the bottom of.  But - woulda, coulda, shoulda, moot point, right?

Democraticjack - The sad thing is, for many little girls out there that love Rachel, horse racing DID just start this year and they have no idea about its rich history.  If not for my family telling me about the greats like Ruffian and Secretariat, horse racing would have started around the time of Sunday Silence and Easy Goer (faint memories of Winning Colors, but I hadn't even turned 6 when she beat the boys in the KD).  Very sad, but very true.  My low point came when I mentioned Dr. Fager in a conversation with some (new) fans at our local harness track and one of them said "who?"

Draynay

I see where the FLUKE is working out at Ruidoso Downs.....I know that as far as you're concerned that's where he belongs......I can read the headlines now......BC Classic champ workded out this fall at Ruidoso Downs.....sounds pretty exciting doesn't it?

I am now seeing the downside of when an owner takes his/her horse outside conventional races. Because the problem when an owner makes every race a possibility, is that there will always be those critical of the owner choosing one race over the others and not running in every "possible" race.

When Jess Jackson ran Rachel in the Preakness, he opened the floodgates.  Here is how some have responded:

Well yes she won the Preakness, but why didn't she run in the Belmont? Yes, she won the Haskell, but why didn't she prove herself at 10 furlongs in the Coaching Club American Oaks? Yes she won the Woodward, but why didn't she run in the Travers?  And if he really wants to prove Rachel's greatness, why doesn't he run Rachel on turf, at 12 furlongs, preferably in the Arc.  Afterall, how would Rachel have done against Zarkava? Then, to prove her versatility, run her in a grade 1 sprint on dirt.

Yes, helsbelles, maybe it would have been better if Morrison and Wiggins still had Rachel.  That way, by running against other 3 year old fillies, they could have so dampened our imagination that people wouldn't have second-guessed every decision becaue the "realm of the possible" would have been so small.  That's basically what the owners and trainers of every top 3 year old filly over the last 50 years have done.  By keeping their fillies against other females, they protected themsleves from criticism for not running in Race B, Race C, Race D, Race E, Race F, etc, etc, because no one considered these other races to be realistic.  

When Jackson took Rachel to the Preakness, and she won, he opened up pandora's box.  With the win, the realm of the possible expanded, and races previously considered unrealistic for a 3 year old filly became possible next starts. However, the more races Rachel could conceivably win, the greater the criticism when Jess Jackson picked one race over the others. And as Rachel went on to win the Haskell and Woodward, expanding the "realm of the possible" ever further, the number of races people could criticize Jackson for "ducking" also increased.  Thus, we are now at point that there are people claiming that running in the Preakness-Mother Goose-Haskell-Woodward was somehow the path of least resistance. And these people are deadly serious!

It's only because Rachel has proven herself so great, and stretched the "realm of the possible" to such an extent, that some feel it is valid to criticize Jackson and Rachel for not running in the Belmont, Travers, JCGC, and BC Classic.  And anything short of winning the Dubai World Cup, Met Mile, Foster, Whitney, Woodward, Arc, and BC Classic will not satisfy these people next year.

By the way, why isn't there are huge groundswell for Careless Jewel or Icon Project to run in the Jockey Club Gold Cup and BC Classic?

Great post Laz: yes.... RA is awesome and we are lucky to be able to savor these truly great moments she is giving to us, but please people...Why must you always bash Secretatriat???  I find all these comparisons to be complete rubbish. Secretariat is the horse to which all thoroughbreds are compared. Leave him alone. As for RA...enjoy the ride..she is a site to see. The more I watch the race, the more I understand and admire her performance. This was not your average girly race. Those boys made her run and they made her run hard. D'tara took her through suicidal fractions. For her to gut it out to the end speaks volumes. Not only is she freakishly talented, but has the heart of greatness. The boys were cooked at the end of the race and not one of the front runners were anywhere to be found at the finish line. They were many,many lengths behind her. Macho Again put in a stellar perfomance but he didn't run wire to wire. She is a freak. She deserves a break but I can't wait to see her step on the track again.

Laz, although I don't believe MTB has a chance of winning the Breeders Cup I wish the horse a speedy recovery and nothing but the best.

Great post GunBow ! Its time to put her amazing year in perspective.  No one will be suggesting any other filly is close to being good enough to face the boys other than Rachel.

Laz:

I think Bribon is still on schedule to run in the $1million Woodbine Mile Sept 20th. I'm hoping to get my passport situation resolved by then and head up to Toronto that weekend. In addition to the Woodbine Mile on the 20th, there is also the gr.1 $650k Northern Dancer(12 furlongs on turf) and gr.2 $300k Canadian Stakes.  On Saturday the 19th, the headlining stakes are gr.3 Summer Stakes and gr.3 Natalma for the 2 year olds on turf. If that weren't enough, the feauture at Mohawk on Saturday night is the $1million Canadian Trotting Classic, likely to include the great Muscle Hill, a winner of 15 of 16 career starts.  On Sunday at Mohawk is the $500k Wellwood and $500k Peaceful Way for the two year old trotters. Awesome weekend!

democratjack:

Come on now, I meant on dirt, in America. Dahlia did it in England on grass. I don't care about European Racing.

Dance Smartly raced in Canada restricted to  Canadian bred horses in her 2 wins over 3 yr old colts there, and on grass at Woodbine when she beat older males. Again, no good.

I think you know what I meant...these discussions are about dirt racing in open company (3 yr old only and 3 and up regardless of where bred). Rachel Alexandra may be the only one to do it.

I totally understand Zenyatta's supporters saying the things they are saying about RA.  They LOVE Zen.  there is only one poster on here who has admitted his feelings are colored for Rachel because of his love for Zenyatta.  Laz.  What an honest, decent person.  He has not said one nasty thing.  He has only said that Zen would have beat RA in the Woodward.  Maybe she would have but maybe not.  Anyone who truly loves a horse will defend them and I applaud them because I feel the same way.  It's just the ones that try to belittle everything Rachel has done that really come off as nasty and hateful, truly unhappy people.  No matter what you say or how hatefully you say it, it doesn't change the facts that Rachel has had an amazing season and no one else has even come close.  I say Zenyatta fans should support her, she is incredible and worthy of all the love showered on her.  She is one of a kind and aren't we all lucky to have witnessed the greatness of both Rachel and Zenyatta.

Dray:

In 89' Easy Goer won the Belmont, Whitney, Travers, Woodward, and Jockey Club Gold Cup all in a row. By the way, he did not win an Eclipse Award of any kind that year.

LAZ:

How many of those G-1 winners you listed were beaten by Zenyatta this year? Last year is over. We are talking THIS racing season and who deserves HOTY.

GunBow,

Regarding Rachel I agree with everything you said...

You wrote:  However, it just appears that Jackson has made a decision about the rest of the year without any input from Rachel, or Steve Asmussen for that matter.

Jess is pretty shrewd... If he says she needs a long vacation and will probably not run... then nobody is worrying about where she might run...

It makes no sense to announce the next race even if you qualify it by saying "if she comes out of the Woodward healthy"...

Why would you want to let your competition know what your battle plan is?

You wrote: It is my belief that if a horse is healthy, you keep running it.

I couldn't agree more... Maybe just add "happy".. If Rachel is healthy and happy and prancing around like she wants to go then she obviously isn't a tired horse..

But why say that now or even in the next 2 weeks... If I was Jess I would just lay low and say... "she seems to be ok but after a long 3 year old campaign she deserves a vacation"...

And then guess what?

Right before the deadline to announce for the Beldame or the Jockey Club Gold Cup, Rachel reaches for her pink Iphone that she keeps buried under the hay in her stall and gives Jess a call and says  "Jess,  this is Rachel, I'm ready to run!"

Doesn't Jess always say that "Rachel will let us know when she is ready to run"...?

So I guess in the back of their minds Rachel's inner circle is contemplating ... "what do we do if in 2 weeks if she is ready to go?"

Now if she is ready to run around October 3rd... how do you see it?

If Zenyatta does not come to the Beldame is there any chance that Rachel would run in that at 1 1/8?

With Zenyatta not there Rachel "should" win easily...and it would be against older females... but without Zenyatta I don't know how much that is worth to be able to say that Rachel beat older females but not Zenyatta... especially since she just beat older males..(?)

Now how about the Jockey Club Gold Cup at 1 1/4?

How about this scenario?

There is no Zenyatta for the Beldame and Jess positions Rachel running in the JCGC as a "marker" just to see how she can fare at the 1 1/4 distance...

In other words you down play it saying that you don't expect to win but you are just looking to see how she rates at that distance... sort of like a training race for the next season 2010 where she will be expected to try the 1 1/4.

The reality is that if you enter Rachel you fully expect to win...

you just don't say it so in case she doesn't you have a fall back position to say it was a training race at the next higher level...

Then he can say... "but even though she lost at that distance she showed her greatness as one of the best 3 year old fillies of all time"... blah ..blah...blah...

Regarding the distance... 1 1/4 how do you see that race shaping up if it happens?  

I saw Rachel off the pace in the Mother Goose and she didn't seem to have any problem with it at all...but that was at 1 1/8...

So do you think she is the type of horse to lay 4th or 5th on the outside staying out of trouble and then have enough for the end?

She is not known for being a come from behind closer like Macho Again who will probably be running in the JCGC.

What happens if the pace is really slow at the first quarter... say 24plus .. what does she do? move up to the lead or just wait to the 3/4 pole to start running...?

I guess the question is what is the difference between Rachel laying off the pace in a race with slow fractions and a horse like Macho Again...?  

Who has the better acceleration and stamina when coming from off the pace after slow early fractions?

This isn't a Jockey Club Gold question but more of a 1 1/4 strategy question when you have a good closer like Macho Again...

At 1 1/4 I don't see Rachel on the lead with early fast fractions and being able to hold him off for that extra 1/8 of a mile....

As far as Jess... He has obviously read "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu.

Keep all your options open until the last possible minute. Never let your enemy know your intent.

I have to note that Tom Durkin's call of this race was absulutely electrifying!!!!!!!!

GunBow, you must enjoy being manipulated by Mr. Jackson.  To match your sarcasm with sarcasm of my own... you're right, Rachel Alexandra would have seemed ordinary racing against fillies at distances other than 9 freaking furlongs.  And what a WASTE it would have been to see Rachel Alexandra vs Zenyatta, Stardom Bound, etc. in the Breeder's Cup Distaff!

BTW, Rachel has "stretched the realm of possibilities"... by beating Macho Again by a neck.  Are you serious?  I must be getting jaded or something.  I would have been more impressed and more full of love for Rachel had she beaten or come in a close second to Careless Jewel in the Alabama.

I could be a day late and a dollar short here but is it true the Breeders cup will be run on dirt in 2010?

To those who still apparently believe that fillies are not as strong as colts: don't you realize that while humans are sexually dimorphic(males bigger and stronger than females) that horses are not a sexually dimorphic species!! No significant difference in mean height, weight or strength! Just prejudice has kept fillies from racing colts lo these many years until recently. Gotta protect those delicate creatures' reproductive organs, you know. What nonsense!

Hey Gunbow:

Don't forget the International.  I think it's on Oct. 4.  E.P. Taylor Stakes also.....Probably get to see some of those Euro horses.  I haven't heard the possibilities yet, but the international followed the DC International as the preclude to top Euro horses coming over to NA in the fall before the BC.....Dahlia, All Along, Youth....tons of them.  It should be pretty wild.

Gun Bow,

I knew about Twilight Tear and Busher, both HOTY's, had beaten older males, was not aware of the number of races each won over both the 3yr old and 4 and up males. Not sure they were all G-1's, and some were only sprints...but it should count I guess. Strange how it was two straight years where 3 yr old fillies dominated racing.

And doesn't seem there is unusual trend of superior distaffers the past 2 years with RA and Zen, with some new filly stars recently emerging in Icon Project, Careless Jewel and Hot Dixie Chick. The girls are hot!

Saratoga AJ

I respect your opinion and enjoy your posts.....It's not my fault that Zen has only raced three times this year, but she appears to be the same horse that she was last year and thise year isn't over yet.....We may really see some great things and maybe not, but I can only comment on what she has done.....I haven't however, elaborated on Rachel's losses last year.....I don't think it is fair or relevent....She was always a big size and was a probably not fully co-ordinated when she was young and I believe they should have waited until they started her.....If they did, who knows, she might even be undefeated.

Hey Dray:

I'm sure MTB appreciates your concern for his health.  I think that is very decent of you.....maybe when he is in the winners circle after the classic he will give you a winnie.

helsbelles: Your posts are laughable. You would have more respect for Rachel if she finished second in a race restricted to 3 year old fillies than if she won an open race against older, male horses?

Clearly your anti-Rachel bias is showing here.

Jess Jackson is always saying, "We'll let her (Rachel) tell us." Well then, let her tell you whether she likes synthetics or not, she already "told" her previous owners that she did. Just because Jackson doesn't like synthetic tracks doesn't means Rachel doesn't! (That's a lot of doesn'ts isn't it?!)

helsbelles, what do you not understand?  D'Tara was a rabbit plain and simple and when he dropped off Take The Point pushed her and when he was done Bullsbay a G1 winning male that was sitting well of the pace took her on and when Rachel ran away from him only the deep closer was left and had every opportunity to pass her but she would have none of it.  Only Macho Again got close after getting set up PERFECTLY.  The rest of the males finished well behind her and anyone with her at the half mile pole finished 10 to 30 lengths behind her.  Truly one of the all time great performances by ANY HORSE EVER.  Three G1 winning males tried to run her into the ground and she would have none of it.  Wow !

Saratoga AJ

I already stated that Rachel not only deserves HOY she really earned it. LOL

OK, I have my concerns because I PERSONALLY do not believe that the title of GREAT should be bestowed while the horse is still racing.  Once the horse retires then we take stock of what each horse accomplished and then decide if it qualifies as "great".  I felt that way about Damascus, Secretariat, John Henry, Forego, Dahlia, and others.  So this is not sour grapes.  Rachel Alexandra is an extremely talented filly.  She has done everything that has been asked of her.  She has done it within the rules that are set for a 3 year old filly.  Yes, most fillies need the advantages regarding weight that they get, for Rachel they are the icing on the cake.  Many horses have limitations, be they weight carrying, distance, turf vs. dirt, etc.  Can a horse eventually be considered great if they cannot run further than a mile and 1/8?  Certainly.  Just as a horse can be considered great if he only runs on dirt or only runs on turf.  My only point is, lets see what happens and let time hand over the crown.  For now we only need to enjoy her because we never know what tomorrow will hold.  We do not know when SHE will decide that her racing career is over as so many fine race mares have done before.  Right now, at 9 furlongs or less, she is as good as it gets.  Enjoy it!

afleet, I've been there off and on all summer, RA won by a head was passed right after the line. Don't know if you watch from downstairs but the angle is deceptive. People other than me saw it and everyone was thinking he was going to catch her before the wire. Liar??? Just because someone saw something from a different angle and called it like any number of people did, that makes me and the others liars?

No a liar is someone who promises to do something and then changes their story or knows that something is one way absolutely and for certain and then LIES about it. Look up the definition.

Why don't you guys ask Steve or Jess if they think the filly has distance limitiations at this point in her career? The only people who are aware of what she did on Saturday are in the game, racing enthusiasts, fans and that's about it.

Run her in the Belmont or Travers and ALL of America would have jumped on that bandwagon. Little girls everywhere, not just in NY or those who are already racing lovers would have tuned in.

As for you Dray? You are a laughingstock, a big joke.

Go ahead and jump on the bandwagon of the next 'it' horse. As long as it isn't one of mine. Don't want the curse of the V.I.

Me, I'll just keep being involved in racing, REALLY involved, and you can go back to your 'art' (choke cough) collecting and your branding.

My guess Jason? She won't be back. 4 or 5 month layoff???

If she does, I'll watch one race. Then see if I want to take you up on your bet. But, fair warning, better try to sell the homestead now.

Now I have more important things to do.

Springsmom83, you are spot on. Did you say you are in the industry?

If so get ready for the slingshots.

Karen2 sez. " have to note that Tom Durkin's call of this race was absulutely electrifying!!!!!!!!"

Yeah, I wasn't able to hear it since I had to watch the race at the local OTB and they don't run the sound, but I finally did get to hear him on YouTube, I was pretty shocked myself.

HelsBelles, thanks for keeping the expletive PG, the 4 year old is learning to read!

No one can say there's no passion left in this sport, huh?  The Zenyatta-Rachel false rivalry is getting as tense as the Yankees-Red Sox, difference being that I think the Yanks and Sox really hate each other whereas Rachel and Zen would probably share a few good whinnies over a carrot.

Dray, in your 07 Sept 2009 5:08 post I believe you meant PASS the Point, Rachel already crushed Take way back in the Preakness.

Yes, thank you Draynay.  I am very well aware that the 2008 Belmont winner was used as a sacrificial rabbit... isn't that special.  I was actually there to witness Big Brown's Preakness win.  I took a picture of Da' Tara in that weird inside paddock area prior to the Barbaro Stakes, in which he finished second.  I mention it only because my camera flash scared Da 'Tara and he reared up.  His exercise rider, what can I say, well... he wasn't too happy with me and he gave me the evil eye every time he came around with other horses.  I apologized three times, but he would have none of it.  Huh... why doesn't he show that same protectiveness now when his horse is being humiliated?

Rachel Alexandra, you are all heart and talent and you deserve all the accolades bestowed upon you after everything you have accomplished so far this year, including a hard fought win in the Woodward. Personnally, I hated the race...too much whip action for my taste. A horse should not be subjected to the punishment your jockey put you through. Love you, beautiful, courageous Rachel! And you don't have to win every race (no matter what the cost) for me to continue loving you... You give it ALL you have and that's plenty good enough for me!

Hellsbelles I , too, noted that Jess waited until announcing his intent to go in Woodward, while suggesting Zenyatta meet them in Beldame, a ONE TURN 1 1/8 rather than the two-turn of the Saratoga Woodward....And I, too, am weary of all this "best ever" talk, SEEMINGLY never ending, first Big Brown, then Quality Road, now Rachel---I mean how do you compare different eras???...and how does winning the Woodward by a desperate head make Rachel the all time best three year old?---maybe best SEASON.....Best Racehorse?--C'mon!

I'm in Jason.  Name the race and the rules.  I've already written my guest blog.

LDP,

Hes won from a mile to a mile and a half.  Oxx doesnt like running on soft ground because according to him he risks injury and jeopordizes the colts season and career,We are talking about racings most valuable horse in the planet at this time, we are not talkin about retired horses, we are talking about a horse whose value is so astronomical for his stud career.  Hes beaten everybody at all distances. Even though if he skips one race he still runs in another around a week later.  He beat Conduit winner of the King George.  He has beaten every major star in Europe, all except Goldokova and Stacelita. Now he will face Stacelita in the Arc to determine who is Europes best.  Stacelita, thats right the best 3 year old filly on the Planet, Undefeated and Unchallenged.  And like I said before, he will go to America, and if you ask him nicely he might just give you his autograph, maybe even a little kiss on the cheek if you desire it.

When Tom Durkin was calling the race for Rachel, in his very distinctive way, my husband turns to me, and asks: I WONDER IF HE'S WETTING HIS PANTS? I dont know for sure, but he prbably wished he brought another pair of shorts with him. And OMG! I cant believe that Draynay and I both love SMOOTH AIR! Draynay-you've got a little bit of taste.

LAZ:

I know it's not your fault...lol.

But why on earth when you have such a great mare do you keep her in California and run only 3 races to date? What are they thinking? Is she not 100% sound? Is the undefeated record that important to them that they gave their horse no chance to win HOTY, and if anything, lessen her legacy with such a soft schedule? One thing for sure, their pathetic schedule so far has done nothing to help our sport. We need stars, and we need them to showcase their talent to as broad a fan base as possible. Could you just imagine the fanfare if Zenyatta raced at Saratoga? Or Belmont? Or Churchill?

And I'm not totally convinced she is as good as last year. She may have all she can handle in either the BC Classic or Distaff..no matter which race her overly cautious connections choose.  

To those who object to the overuse of the whip, I agree with you. it was too much and I think calvin was determined not lose or have someone say afterwards she lost because he blew it. Not reason enough in my opinion. It was excessive.

Springsmom83, Rachel is great. There is no room for discussion. Where on the list of greats she sits is open for discussion and remains to be seen. There are times when things are self-evident and Rachel's greatness is one of them. So was Secretariat's, Man O'War's, Citation's, Seattle Slew's, and Spectacular Bid's.

Monica, you are right again. Loved your post.

Just a quick note, notice I am backing a horse owned by American Martin Schwartz, who is sending his extraordinary filly against The worlds top ranking colt and older horses, and might even sent her to the Breeders Cup which is one of Mr. Schwartz´s goals to win, he´s an american who doesnt care to risk it all, and thats admirable.  Must be the Us Marine in him, they dont call him the Pit Bull of Wall Street for nothing.  Unlike Mr. Jackson who likes to be the center of attention over his horse.  Last note, what is it with an owner telling the trainer what to do with the horse. Vincent O Brien wouldve sent this man packing along with all his horses if he told him what to do, same goes for the American Charlie Whittingham, whose very well respected in Europe for his managing of Euro horses in America.  Cash Assmussen was one of the best riders to ever ride in Europe, his family is well respected here.  Its appaling his brother even puts up with this mans nonsense. If she is done for the year, why doesnt he sent her to the farm already?

Whoever said Dublin? I didn't want to jinx the colt but you are spot on. Wayne was touting him but the rest of his camp was too nervous to do so.

When he ducked towards the outside rail I think a few people passed out but he still won decisively.

As for Horse of the Year? Until it's based on a point system as Frank Stronach and many others are suggesting? Not that important to a lot of peoople.

In a sport FULL of politics, the Eclipse awards are the most political of the political. Turf writers and racing secretaries? Not exactly agenda free selectors.

If it was based on points? You can bet the results would be different, or Rachel would have taken a different route. Despite the angle they tried to put on it Rachel is an imposing filly, she isn't a petite little thing and she's lots bigger than MTB.

Seems too that a bunch have forgotten that Macho is only 4 and he GAVE the filly 8 lbs.

As for those talking about what Robby said? He won on HDC for Barbara yesterday, he has second call on Steve's horses. Isn't it just good business to say what he did?

Maybe ask Dallas, Jason. He was ready to throw a beer bottle at Dutrow for his snide comments, bet he'd tell 'someone' his thoughts. Just have to find the right 'someone' to talk to him.

Yes Zevida, I would have appreciated a victory or second in the filly division at 10 furlongs to a wonderful filly like Careless Jewel simply because the handicap division is VERY WEAK currently...  thank you for responding.  

Who was it that said that Rachel has only faced 1 Grade 1 winning Filly.  Lets look at the truth of the matter. We'll look at the full list of grade 1 winners she's faced.

Fillies

 1. Gabby’s Golden Girl

 2. Dream Empress

 3. Be Fair

 4. Flashing

Colts

 5. Mine That Bird

 6. General Quarters

 7. Pioneer of the Nile

 8. Take the Points

 9 .Summer Bird

 10. Macho Again

 11. Bulls Bay

 12. Da’Tara

RA is a great filly..but you guys can't be really serious to think she is as good as STS or better..STS would beat RA or any other horse in america on any surface period!

Be Fair is a Grade 2 winner, not a Grade 1.

Da'Tara? This year?

2 year old FILLIES finished 1-2 in the All American. 23,000+ PAID attendance and not a spinner in the bunch. Out in the middle of no where in a state with a tiny population.

Again Euro,

    you love to put words in my mouth, i did not say afraid of 12 furlongs, i said DISTANCE. GunBow i believe pointed out that the last leg of the English TC is 14 furongs, so in that respect he is ducking the distance. You talk about the surface, well if you've not noticed, synthetics are unperdictable, one second they are fine, the next you have something like Keeneland, Delmar, or SA. So tell me what is the difference between the two. Both are valuable, both are having unbelievable seasons, and both connections don't like the surface, so why is it ok for Oxx to avoid it but not JJ? Why is it ok for Oxx to avoid the last leg of the TC because of the added distance, but not ok for JJ to avoid the added distance aswell? You can't have it both ways, otherwise your bias and hypocritical. Oh and tell me why the heck i would want an autograph and a kiss from a horse that can't even run on soft ground, probably won't come to the cup? Oh, wait, i'm not a fan, so i wouldn't want any of it. You Euros can take you cocky attitude as shove it for all i care.

hellsbelles:

Then there is no hope for you! Clearly you are not a student of the sport. What Rachel would have done in that case in the Alabama would have been ordinary, and something dozens of other fillies have done. What she did in the Woodward was extraordinary and something no filly has ever done.

BTW, Rachel Alexandra in the Woodward beat the horse who is very likely the leading contender for handicap horse of the year, Macho Again.

  tvnewsbadge,

  -we are, and many of the earlier comments on here agreed with you.

  GunBow, interesting post re the choice to race a filly against colts and the backlash to follow.

   So glad to hear Rachel came out of this race OK. I don't think enough can be said of this horse and what she has already accomplished- the only filly to ever win the Woodward, crushing the Haskell field by 6 in the slop 1 sec off record time,winning the MG by 19 in record time,first filly in 85years to win the Preakness,winning the Oaks

by largest margin in history...I am in awe of this filly, and at only 3. I think people will be talking about Rachel, and what she has done, for years to come. Glad to finally see more 'naysayers' are on board with her, recognizing what we have already witnessed from this amazing 3 year old filly.

Question for Jason:

A few blogs ago you posted "The Woodward is fine but the Travers is what we wanted."

Now that both races have been run, do you still hold that opinion?

Tim, yes we are all aware you have important things to do.  Like make up stories about horses passing Rachel after the wire.  Lol... dude you got no CRED.

Lazmannick, the minute MTB won the Derby I said he would not win another race all year.  I was laughed at and told I was crazy.  Well, I guess I am not so crazy now am I?  Look, I wish the horse the best of luck but I believe it is pretty obvious he needs to step down a level or two.  I think there are a few G3 wins in his future next year.  I wish him luck and health.

Laz,

    Then what was the UAE TC rated. I would've though Grade ones. I am not being rude, but when ppl say he's the only UAE TC winner i think of those as Grade ones. I am not being smart, i am genuinly asking, because i thought they were grade ones. If they are not he is grade one placed, several times over in fact, one of them in last years DWC.

Saratoga AJ

It's weird isn't it....I was thinking pretty well the same thing myself.....why so few starts…..there could be soundness issues though if there were, why not retire her?  After all, she is still undefeated.....And maybe if she is sound they really are orchestrating her season to try and stay undefeated…..As far as being as good as last year, I know she was all out in the Hirsch against a weak field (Life Is Sweet was drained after her Gold Cup race), but the way she closed and the ultra fast closing time I think nullifies that argument…..Personally, after what I’ve seen lately I would go in the Classic…..Let it all hang out…..Even if they did and she won, which for any filly-mare would be next to impossible, she wouldn’t and shouldn’t get HOY…..Rachel should have that locked up.

Loved this comment by Wayne after the Hopeful win: "They've screwed up the Breeders' Cup so they're going to force us to do things I don't want to do,"

Same thing most are thinking. My bet is if they DID move it to CD or Belmont? Zenyatta would be there but Rachel would be taking a 'break'.

you guys keep bashing the euros but they show up every year for the BC races and sometimes for other races in america...can't say the same for the americans goin to europe for anything..except for this yr ward went to royal ascot and won a couple races...maybe the rest of the american trainers should take a page out of ward's book and put their  money where their mouth is..bring some of your horse to europe and compete in races like the arc, king george, eclipes,  epsom derby, prix de diane, champion stakes, juddmonte international, prix ganay just to name a few..until then S T H UP

Lil Darlin... LOL, there's nothing wrong with freaking out.  Give the 4-yr-old a "smooch" for me.  Red Sox vs Yankees?  Sox are nowhere this year, and the the Angels OWN the Yankees... so, Go ANGELS!

Jess Jackson should get Eclipse Award for Owner of the Year - look the excitement and interest on this blog alone, thanks to the campaign of Rachel --all due to his ownership.  Previous owners probably would have handled her like Zenyatta -- very good record but conservatively raced, without the chance to make this kind of  history.  

Tim G.

I have owned horses and love the sport.  I am not in the racing business, I just have my opinions.  ( and we know that just like hiney holes, everyone has one).  Thank you for your support.

I don't have to make up anything Dray. You on the other hand? A caricature of someone who actually has ANY knowledge or credibility.

As my Dad used to say to a colleague of mine? Button up the shirt, take off the gold chains and act your age.

My suggestion? Go up to one of these trainers at Keeneland (sure you're going there, uh huh) try to talk to one of them. See the reaction you get with your know it all attitude.

Better yet meet me at the Fall sale, put your money where your mouth is.

Ahh, where's a good writer like steve from sl when you need him.

Ahh, nice Baffert won the DM Futurity with the Midnight Lute connections, Paul is a very nice man. Mike and Karl as well. Glad to see the car dealers getting a little relief,,,LOL just kidding guys.

Be Fair never won a grade 1.

I have to agree with Euro, Sea The Stars. Different distances Group 1's and older horses. Sensational.

But soccer still stinks.

  Just a comment on RA vs Zen debate (whoever's tired of it I understand, disregard)... Can there be a blog following a win by RA-this one probably the most exciting race of the year, the most historic, without people saying how great Zen is, or that RA would not have won if Zen was in the race? I understand if people don't think RA is the best filly ever,(or one of the best horses ever)but in my opinion that talk diminishes what just happened at Saratoga on Saturday. This horse deserves our respect after what she just pulled off, not to hear she wouldn't have won if another horse had been entered. If Zen's connections think she could beat Rachel, and colts, and older horses, why haven't they ran her against them?  

Helsbelles -

Having been born into a die hard Yankees family (upstate NY, you know), I am inclined to state that the Yanks currently have the best record in the major leagues (and are currently up 8-1 over the Rays)...but that's off topic.  My point of course was, if you've ever been near a TV when the Yanks and Sox are playing and been sitting between a Yanks fan and a Sox fan, well, I hope you have a flack jacket and helmet with you, cuz it can get pretty nasty!  People are getting very defensive about their horses on these blogs!  I hope when all is said and done that people will look back and admire both Rachel and Zen for who they were as individuals on the track, the way that I admire Ted Williams and the respect my Red Sox loving step-dad has showed Derek Jeter in recent years.

Helsbelles:

If you feel the Alabama would have been more impressive than a win in either the Woodward or Preakness, you are entitled to your opinion. Thank goodness you are in the minority.

In any event, when most were analyzing the Alabama ex ante, few were predicting that Carless Jewel would win by almost a dozen with a 106 Beyer. Personally, I  did believe Careless Jewel was the one horse Rachel would have had to fear had she run in the Alabama. And, as it turned out, there was exactly ONE horse of elite gr.1 quality in the Alabama, and that was Careless Jewel. So, overall, the field was weak, and outside of Careless Jewel it would enhanced Rachel's reputation far less than winning the Woodward.

In any event, both Macho Again and Bullsbay ran stronger Beyers in the Woodward than Careless Jewel ran in the Alabama. And if one takes into account how much more demanding the pace of the Woodward was, and that fact that Rachel had to fend off successive waves of grade 1 winning male challengers, her performance in the race was far more revealing than anything she would have done in the Alabama.

Should I also assume you think a win in the Alabama would have been more impressive than winning the Preakness?  Remember, the Preakness is an American Classic race, run at a classic distance, against males. It's amazing how many of Rachel's detractors seem to have conveniently forgotten this.  Are you reading this Springsmom83? Rachel is already proven against gr.1 males at a distance OVER 9 furlongs.

Finally, I recognize that Jess Jackson is not an altruist, and that his decisions have not been motivated by just pure sportsmanship. Sure, he has carefully searched for races that give Rachel her greatest chance of achieving something historic. However, isn't he simply doing what all owners and trainers do? An important part of being a good owner and/or trainer is knowing where to place your horse. To defend Jackson, however, I will say he has been more aggressive and progressive with Rachel than just about any owner in recent memory.  Jackson and Rachel have clearly done something different, given that Rachel was the first filly since 1924 to win the Preakness, and the first female of any age to win the Woodward. Of course I am probably making up these statistics given how drunk I am on the kool-aid.  

Tim, don't you have to go back to school this week ?  I am done with you. Next !  Zevida, Macho Again is the real deal and one of the top 10 horses in the world.

LDP

You could never be rude.....(only one person has that title on here and even he isn't rude all the time, only most of the time).....you really are genuine.....

Up to the Woodward…..Asiatic Boy 7 career wins in 17 starts…..6 wins in stakes…..

• 2007 UAE 2000Guineas G-3

• 2007 Al Bastikiya Unrated

• 2007 UAE Derby G-2

• 2008 Al Shindagha Sprint G-3

• 2009 Sheik Matoum Challenge Rd 2 G-3

• 2009 Shiek Matoum Challenge Rd 3 G-2

Hope you’re ready to go back to school…LOL

To answer Jason's questions:

No,she wouldn't have won the Derby,nobody was beating MTB on that day.

To even be included in any debate regarding having the 'best 3yo season ever',..I would think winning the Triple Crown would be 1st & foremost.So,Nope to that...and let's be honest,beating the watered-down,injury depleted 3yo colts looks pretty damn good on paper but...

Any horse can run 1 1/4miles,it's the final times and the competition that matters.And her 'average' last 1/4 come home splits are not imposing when she has to giddy-up from the get go(Preakness,Haskell,Woodward).She's VERY vulnerable at 1 1/4,that's why they kept her at her comfort level distance.And I highly doubt she'll run that distance next year against top-flight competition.

"Best filly in the modern era?" Very debatable.She's a tremendous Filly,but for starters,I'll take Rags to Riches over RA anyday,especially @ 1 1/8 and over.Easy!

"Is she better than Sea the Stars?"...let her beat the Best here in the States before we go there,and not the Gr.II/III type of older males she beat in the Woodward.Come on,seriously Macho Again doesn't scare anybody and she barely beat him with the giant weight-break advantage..I'll also take Zenyatta over RA at equal weights,1 1/16m+, in a full field on any surface.She's been the most powerful,consistent stretch runner we've seen the last 2/3 yrs.,bar none.

RA is a very,very good Filly obviously,but until she faces the Best of the Best we will be left wondering. I think there's a couple of races in early Nov. @ Santa Anita that'll squash any doubts as to how "good" she really is...too bad.But then again,her connections know what her limits are,right?

The UAE Derby is a group 2.

It's now official.....

The Pirates lost today which means they are the only team in the four major professional sports in N/A to have 17 consecutive losing seasons.....No wonder Dray doesn't cheer for them.

While we're on the subject of ladies. Congratulations to Linda Rice on her Training Title.

I understand she's believed to be the first female to win a Training Title at a major race meet.

Congratulations Ms. Rice.

LAZ...I agree. If it's to be Zen's last race, and it probably will be...go for the the race that will give her the most significant boost to her legacy. Go in the BC classic. An if that hotshot European colt shows up, and she beats him...well regardless of the HOTY outcome..it would solidify her place in history of the best mares ever. Let's hope her connections take that path.

Congrats to Linda Rice on winning the training title at the Spa and setting a little history herself.  Seems females had quite a run there this year.  Great job Linda.

Gunbow...Love your posts..keep them coming.

Lin.... Have you ever spent any time with horses??? to say there is no difference between a filly and a colt is absurd. Generally speaking, a filly is smaller and not as strong as a stallion. It is most certainly more true at a young age. Just watch a typical race with 3 year old filly's. Their times are almost always much slower than their 3 year old colts. There are exceptions to the rule, such as with RA. Perhaps when both sexes have reached full maturity, around the age of 7, you may not see much difference in bone structure, strength, stamina but in a lot of cases, you still will. Watch some quarter horse sprints..... The difference is obvious.  That is what makes RA so amazing.  Someone made a comment that Macho Again is ONLY 4... hahaha...the difference between a 3 year old and a 4 year old is like night and day...both in physical maturity and mental maturity.

    Not that it matters at all, But, YES, Right after the finish line, Macho Again DID pass Rachel briefly, Like I said, Doesn't mean anything, But it did happen...

In my opinion the facts are:

That was a great race by a very great 3yo filly. Rachel is certainly going to be HOTY. She has earned it. However: Let's not make her one of the all time legends until around this time next year.

That was a very weak field. Rachel opened at 1/9-everyone except old ladies betting gray horses knew she would win. I would bet that 5 years from now most don't even remember who was in the race.

The time was pretty mediocre for the Woodward. Let's not forget that Mineshaft (146.21) and Ghostzapper (146.38) would have been 10 lengths ahead of her. (A bit off topic but the most amazing Woodward to me was the legendary Forego at 6 in 1976, toting 135 in winning his 3rd of 4 straight Woodwards in an amazing 145.80)

So all I am saying is that Rachel at this point is one of the greatest 3yo fillies ever and should be (and will be) HOTY.) It was an absolute treat to be there on Saturday.I really think she overcame a poor ride by Calvin but just my opinion.

I'm gonna wait til  next year before I start putting her up with the altime legends. Right now someone saying she is right up there with Slew, Affirmed, The Bid, Dahlia, Personal Ensign,Forego, Cigar, Citation, Secretariat, etc, etc is a bit much for me. The fun part will be seeing what she can do next year.

Carlos,

I just have a couple things to say... first, I agree that any triple crown bid trumps Rachel's season.  

Second, she beat the horse that beat Quality Road who, was arguably, the best 3yo male.  Who of the "injury depleted" 3 yr olds could have beaten her? Old Fashioned, Friesan Fire, The Pampelmousse, Midshipman, Vineyard Haven... etc.  none of which would have a chance against Rachel at 9F.  

Third, she runs the race she needs in order to win.  She didn't have to come "storming home" in order to win, the horses that came "storming home" against her (MTB, Summer Bird, Macho Again)... lost!  

Fourth, she will get a chance as a 4 yo at 1 1/4 miles.  She won't be running on the front end setting suicidal fractions.  She will rate and turn it on when needed.  

Fifth, Rags to Riches was a nice filly but we only had a chance to see four good races due to an injury.  There is nothing that tells me she was as good as RA.  She had four G1's in a row, took time off and was injured in her return race finishing second in the Gazelle.  RA has won 5 G1's in a row and 9 straight, case closed.  

I won't compare Z to RA because they haven't faced off and I don't want to hate on either horse as they are both phenoms.

Last, aside from competing on the West Coast, she has faced the best of what the East has to offer.  Einstein chose to go West for the Pac Classic, but other than that, name me a better older dirt horse that was eligible that she could have faced who could beat her?  No one!  I agree that it is a shame she will not be shipping West for the BC this year, but she will be ready to take on all challengers next year at Churchill.  I hope your "best of the best" from the West take her on next fall.  She will dodge no one!

Rant complete!

Dray has a problem with people who don't fall in line behind him jumping on the RA is the greatest bandwagon.

You can throw your G1's around all night but that Woodward field was one of the weakest in years - with the exception of the filly.  That's true, you know it's true and shooting the messenger is not going to change it.  

Yawn... Carlos in Cali isn't it your turn to groom Zenyatta ?

GUN BOW,I INSIST THAT HOLY BULL WAS MUCH MORE TALENTED ANIMAL THAN SKIP AWAY  AND CIGAR, MACHO AGAIN NEVER WON A BELMONT, A KENTUCKY DERBY OR PREAKNESS OR A BREEDERS CUP RACE, SO WHEN HOLY BULL BEAT A DOUBLE CLASSIC WINNER AND A FUTURE BREEDERS CUP CLASSIC WINNER IN THE TRAVERS AT 10 FURLONGS, THAT ACHIEVEMENT SHOULD NOT BE MINIMIZED,SKIP AWAY AND CIGAR WAS GREAT 5 YEAR OLDS,HOLY BULL WAS A GREAT 3 YEAR OLD WHO FELL VICTIM TO A CAREER ENDING INJURY, AND WHATS WRONG WITH A A HORSE COMING BACK AT 4 FOLLOWING A GREAT 3 YEAR OLD SEASON DID YOU EVER STOP AND THINK BACK IN 94'JIMMY CROLL MUST HAVE KNOWN SOMETHING THAT WE DID'NT, OUTSIDE OF SECRETARIAT AND NATIVE DANCER,NO 3 YEAR OLD HOTY HAS EVER ACHIEVED PLAUSIBLE STANDING IN THE RACING WORLD WITH OUT A CHAMPIONSHIP CALIBER 4 YEAR OLD SEASON IMAGINE THE GREAT SPECTACULAR BID, DR FAGER NOT RUNNING AT FOUR THEY WOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN CONSIDERED GREATS.BUT HOWEVER I DO AGREE THAT IT HURT THE HOLYBULLS CHANCE TO BE AT TOP 20 OR EVEN A TOP 10 GREAT, BUT YOU TELL ME, AT #18 DO YOU REALLY THINK CIGAR IS RANKED AHEAD OF THE GREAT SWAPS. GO RACHEL ID RATHER SEE YOU IN 2010 THAN TO SEE GO OUT LIKE EIGHT BELLES OR RUFFIAN BECAUSE OF GREED.

Well Rachel showed she is the third greatest filly of all-time. Busher is number 1, Ta Wee is number 2, and Rachel Alexandra is number 3.  There is NO debat here folks. You are measured by who you beat, by how much, under what weight, and in what time.  Busher beat older males 4 of 6 times.  Ta Wee was a great weight carrier and the greatest filly sprinter of all-time.  Rachel is still racing has beaten males 3 times, elders 1 of those and won in quick times.  Now onto another "so so" discussion on board some are rankings of greatness.  Cigar being rated number 18# in the Top 100 thoroughbreds is ludicris.  What track records did he ever set?  NONE.  What REAL weight did he carry? NONE.   Did he ever win by much.  NOPE.  Did he have BRILLIANT speed.  NOPE.  Cigar couldn't hold a match to more than half the horses in that book.  Swaps a horse who broke numerous world and track records was ranked below him at #20.  This in itself is insane!  Boggles my mind how a horse who never set a TRACK RECORD, made it to number 18 in the greatest rachorses of all-time.  Does anyone think Cigar #18, would actually beat horses like Bold Ruler 19, Swaps 20, John Henry 23, Nashua 24, Seabiscuit 25, Alydar 27, Gallant Fox 28, Sysonby 30, Sunday Silence 31 or Easy Goer 34, Skip Away 32 (a horse he actually lost to and in a race in which he got the perfect set up), Assault, Gallant Man, Discovery, Armed, Busher, Alysheba, Northern Dancer, Dahlia, Sword Dancer, Holy Bull, Arts and Letters, Noor, Go For Wand, Ta Wee, Exceller, etc.  Cigar would need to sprout wings to keep with the likes of ANY of these.  Rachel would also beat Cigar not a doubt in my mind.  So are we concluding Rachel is 18 or better all-time?  No way.  My point is although the Top 100 Racehorses is a great book(my favorite book), it is also greatly flawed on the order of their rankings.  Horses like Cigar just don't add up.  He simply doesn't have the speed and weight spread to be considered in the Top 20 category.  The greatest horse of the 2000's is Ghostzapper.  He could run on any kind of going.  From any position wheter it be lead, stalking, or closer.  Beat the best the world had to offer.  Also, in the most sensatoinal overall times since the horses of the 70's (Sec, Slew, Aff, etc) and even more so since Dr. Fager.  The only thing he never got to do was run under TRUE weight, the same could also be said for Secretariat though.  Very rarely does a horse prove itself under all the aspects mentioned (weight,margin,time,beat who).  For the point being weight is not Cigar's problem neither really is who he beat.  Margins and speed are what bites him though.  Cigar was never a horse who won by more than 7 1/2 lengths he got 33 races to prove this.  7 of Ghostzapper wins (9wins from 11 races) were won by daylight.  EXCLUDING his Woodward, where he was put 9 wide and bumped by St. Liam numerous times in the stetch yet still won by a head the first time he ever raced beyond 7 furlongs, also his 1/2 length allowance win 4th time out being 3 wide the whole trip.  This horse had FREAK speed.  He was FASTER than Seattle Slew, FASTER than Spectacular Bid, FASTER than any horse up until Secretariat if not Dr. Fager(FASTEST horse of all-time).  Remember Fastest not greatest.  Although I do believe Dr. Fager and Secretariat as the Co-Greatest Racehorses of ALL-TIME. For his incredible speed, ability to adapt, track record and numerous near track records, and beating the best the world has to offer, I would rank him in my personal top 20 of all-time GREATEST.  Rachel would break the top 50 let it be known.

Wow...enjoy Labor Day and you have to read 3 million new posts...lol.

Gunbow...you and I tend to think alike.  One of us should be very afraid.

Euro...I don't know if I'd go calling "Zarkava-lite" the best 3YO in the world..yet.  By this time last year Zarkava had dusted Goldi twice and Goldi had gone on to beat Henry at Deauville.  Stacelita still has a lot to prove.  Let's see what she does this fall.  Remember all the kudos being tossed at Sariska and she went down to the Zarkava-conquered Dar Re Mi at York.

For those bashing Euros for not coming over here on the dirt.  Since RA is a 3 YO filly..trivia question...Who is the only 3 YO filly to hit the board in the BC Classic????  Answer later.

Rachel's next race?  I'm down on a new $300K race at the FairGrounds next March.  It's at a mile and sixteenth and it just so happens to be three weeks before the Apple Blossom.  The race is yet unnamed.  Has any horse ever run in a race named after themselves?  Because, if not this year, then next I have a feeling this will be known as the Rachel Alexandra.

A:  The only 3YO filly to hit the board in the Classic (and perhaps the only one to try) was European Jolypha who finished third behind AP Indy.

Draynay, why do you feel the need to artifically boost Rachel, who most certainly doesn't need your "help"?

Macho Again top 10 in world? He's won exactly one G1 race. And remember, he's one of the ones that during last year's Derby you so happily considered a POS along with dear Dutrow.

Rachel beat older males. She did it with grit and determination. That's enough. Don't weaken the argument by pretending Macho Again is all that. He's good, but he's not top 10 in the world.

Draynay,

Please explain how this was a wonderful performance by RA, but Holy Bull's Travers victory, you knocked in the last blog saying he just hung on and discredited for it. You can't have it both ways.

Also, when I stated a quote from Jerry Bailey saying how he thought if they went around again he would have never passed Holy Bull. Your reply to that and I quote "Vincent, I am not sure what you are talking about the Bull got passed right after the wire."

But then when someone apparently brought a similar up about RA, you had this to say..."Tim I guess you know more than Borel and Albarado because they both said Macho couldn't get by her not even AFTER the wire.  Read the interviews before coming on here and spouting nonsense.  We ALL saw the race we are not blind."

Draynay stand behind your posts! You shouldn't discredit a horse to make your argument stronger and then applaud your horse when she turns in a similar performance. Because when you do this, people will see right through it and you lose whatever credibility you established.  

I agree that a major marketing opportunity is being missed.

My favorite Rachel sign was at the Haskell, I think. A small girl was holding up a sign that said, "Yeah, I run like a girl. Try to keep up!"

What a great T or sweat shirt with Rachel's picture!

Rachel was terrific and courage personnified but Calvin Borel's use of the whip was disgraceful and would have earned him a long ban in the UK! Deservedly I think!  I certainly would not be keen for him to ride Rachel again if I owned her!  Would be inclined to find smeone who can win races without being brutal!  If he tried that on Zenyatta she would sort him out!!!!!!

Could she beat Sea the Stars?  Having seen his imperious win without coming out of third gear just hours earlier I would say that if he can run as well on dirt then No she could not. Could any horse of the last 25 years?  I doubt it!  He is incredible!  So is Rachel of course and it is hard to compare them.  But it just looks so easy for Sea the Stars!  And those were top class horses he was toying with!  I hope they do meet in 2010 but until then we cannot be sure.  It is just opinion!

The Wodward was certainly a most exciting race and Macho Again and Bullsbay covered themselves with glory too.

Da' Tara should be retired and trained to do something else.  He clearly no longer enjoys racing and it is horrible seeing him run so badly and getting beaten so far!  He appears sound so could be retrained.  It is almost cruel to continue making him do something he clearly hates!  I am not blaming Nick Zito who I know loves the horse and all his horses but they are not doing him any favours pursuing a racing career with him!

Rachel Alexandra is the best US filly for years and years.  She has proved that.  But she has a long way to go to claim to be as good as Dahlia who won Group 1's all over the World from 2 to 6 years old and thrashed top class colts on many occasions. See Steve Haskin's brilliant blog for details!  Dahlia then went on to become a top broodmare which is unusual as a lot of top racemares fail in that area!

A fantastic Saratoga and apart from Rachel my highlights were the wins of Music Note, Flashing, Pyro Sermon of Love, Girolamo and Dublin!

Thanks for the blogs Jason, they are always great!

God Bless

Best wishes

Abbie

Laz,

    That is such a suprise you say that, cause there are probably about ten others who would say i am rude, or defiant, or arrogant, or some other words that liken to those above, lol. Thank you for listing the races and grades. Arabs are weird, why would you have a TC and not one Grade one in it? That suprises me. Well you learn something new everyday, so cool. On the school, hardly, i never want to go back. I can't stand the superiority complex most teachers have, it's annoying. If you don't like kids, why teach them? Whatever, thanks again for answering my question.

You know, the great horses of the past, they didn't run against each other to become great, they ran against whoever was running....Man O'War never faced Forego or Secretariat, Citation or Kelso...they rarely were in the same generation...there are very few storied rivalries in racing.

Each generation's "great" decisively "owned" the time frame they ran in...she owns this year.

Anyone who watched a THREE year-old win her EIGHTH stakes win of the year, in super honest fractions, tested every step, the mile in 1:35+ and then still hold off a late charge, 5 Grade ONES, 3 of them against males and win with big Beyer figures in most of them and HUGE margins in her own division and still doesn't understand what they have witnessed...is..."fill in the blank".

Carlos:

The last place Rachel needs to go is the People's Republic of California to race against some over matched fillies on that crap you call a "safe" racing surface. Rest assured you'll NEVER see her there.

She'll stay East where the greatest and most historic tracks and races are held, against the best competition in the country. And don't be surprised if Jackson tries her on grass next year, with eyes on winning a major Group-1 race in England or France to solidify her already amazing legacy. Perhaps a trip to Dubai in March first. The sky's the limit, because she'll be even stronger as a 4 yr old. All she has to do is stay sound.

It is no secret I am not a raging fan of RA, nothing personal, I just do not get that wound up about horses who will eventually retire and go on to second half of career. which I have been trying to research how many great racemares became great, or even good broodmares.  still on going.

 RACHEL WAS SPECTACULAR in the woodward, who cares what happens after they cross the wire, races are won or lost before, not after.

some trainers do not race fillies early in the season because they have not grown phyically yet, colts tend to have growth spurts early, while fillies tend to grow later, some trainers wait until the fall to race girls against boys, not as a general rule but a concern since horses to do not quit growing and maturing until 4 or 5 years of age.

 some on here argue to take away all filly and mare races, let the girls always race against the boys.

it won't happen, but don't take my word for it, ask the good filly trainers, like shug, lukas and others.  for the most part, most fillies do well in same sex divisions. some can handle colts, true you won't know until you try,

but if I had a nice filly that is really making strides and looked to be a good race horse, I would definitely put her in her division.

putting any horse in the wrong class for company can be just as bad.  there were so many tracks and big races this past weekend, I simply do not remember which one I heard it, but there was a horse, colt, that got bumped around pretty good in his last race. the trainer was concerned that the horse would now shy away when a horse would get close to him.

 however, I do wish the bc would pare down their races.

@Carlos

In regards to whether or not she'd have won the Derby:  No other jockey would have rode Mine That Bird like Bo-rail did.  Ergo, if Calvin took the mount on Rachel, things would have played out very differently.  Not saying Rachel would have won, but the situation would have been different.  Frankly though, I'm glad she wasn't.  I kinda hate the size of the field in the Derby, especially under the conditions that that one was run in.  Rachel's good on a messy track, but it's a tall order to avoid the flailing of 18 other horses who may not be.  I suppose if Calvin had gotten her to the front right away, she could have taken it, but the effort might have been too much to then send her to the Preakness.  And if she had done both the pressure would have been on to go to Belmont, and that probably wouldn't have happened with JJ's reluctance to go longer distances with her at this point in her career.  So even with a Derby and Preakness win, it's a little doubtful we would have seen a Triple Crown winner this year.

Rachel Alexandra is a very good horse and is having a great year. However let's face it the male horses the past two years are below average that is why Eight Bells ran in the Ky Derby. The group she faced on Saturday were even below that and she was getting eight lbs which really showed in the last 100 yds. Whether she is better than Zenyatta we will probably never find out but never sell an undefeated horse short.

Dr. Fager: Cigar was better than Holy Bull, and HB's last race proved it. I was so mad when I read about it, and how many handicappers believed Cigar would have won anyway. Remember, this was just as Cigar was coming into his own. And then I saw that Donn. Holy Bull was running his race. He just couldn't keep up with Cigar. My personal opinion is that he actually strained himself trying to do so. Otherwise, I have never heard of another top deck horse causing himself those types of injuries during a race.

Vic S.: While Ghostzapper was indeed impressive and fast, don't forget Candy Ride. He wasn't around for long at all, and I wished I could have seen him race again after the Pacific Classic. But he was a phenom. He not only won the race and trounced Medaglia D'oro by I don't know how many legnths, but he did it easily and set a new track record. I would have loved to seen what he could have done in other races.

Saratoga AJ

It would be interesting to see her on grass, especially if they could really get her to rate off the pace, say 6 to 8 lengths back and then let her go.....I don't think she has explosive speed, but she does seem to have a long acceleration period and could carry top speed probably further than most other horses.....If she can't be rated like that she will be in deep against top Euro grass horses, especially when most of their turf is off.....Just a thought.

DaHoss,

I would love to fill in the blank, but we are still fairly civil on this blog!

I will leave it at "ignorant".

TJLuvsTizs

you do realize that rags to riches was sick over the summer other wise she would have ran in the alabama and in my opinion win.

Jenda,Gun Bow...I just can not get my hands around Jess Jackson...he is a billionaire who is [in this economy] trying to squeeze the lemon[RA] dry. Agood owner[imo] stays oughta the limelight, pays the expert[in this case Asmussen] to do the logistics, and lives with it. He mouths off to the press because he can. His picture should be under the phrase..."if ya got money you're funny, if you're broke you're a joke"...he's got a lot to prove to me...Gun Bow...you talk as if Jasckson raised this filly since she was a yearling...he's had her for what...4 Months?! He ponied up the cash, got lucky with a tremendous athlete, and so let's just give RA all the credit she deserves, and move away from the Jackson nonsense...he'a credit to capitalism and all it stands for, but to see him staring at a condition book is absurd. Please, the big picture is the horse and it's environment, not some guy who bought his way on scene. It's funny that we make light of the Green Monkey and the doe they spent, but nobody says a word when someone throws a zillion out there to buy a filly because they can.

Right now, who cares whether Rachel can make a 1-1/4 or 1-1/2?    The fact remains is that she beat the boys once again.  Whether by a nose, a head or 20 lengths she still WON.  This would be an accomplishment for any filly or mare since it was never done but given that she is only three is unbelievable.  She is not perfect, any idiot can see this took a lot out of her especially at those fractions, but she gathered her courage like the great racehorses we all remember and still love, and proved that there is room for her in this group.  Whether she races again or not, she has earned the right to be called "great".  Let's quit comparing and be thankful that we have seen another example of greatness in our lifetime.

As a huge Rags to Riches fan, I still get emotional when I see repeats of her Belmont win over Curlin, but the goose bumps have yet to go down on my arms since Rachel's win on Saturday.  I agree with Gail: I enjoy watching both fillies run their respective courses.  But I can't imagine another horse like RA, male or female.  As the commentators on HRTV both stated after her win, "she is truly from another planet."  Funny, no one is now debating whether or not Jess Jackson made the right decision.

LDP:

I was a teacher in a former career, so your comment about school and teachers caught my eye.

Teachers must maintain their "superiority" in order to do a good job. The same priciple is true for parents. The minute either one tries to "get down on the kids' level", they are setting themselves up for failure and doing a great disservice to their children/students. One day all of this will be crystal clear to you. In the meantime, stay in school.  

can someone please explain to me why sea the stars is the best? I think he is over rated by far. who has he beat? Rachel > sea the stars

Um. Vincent, Holy Bull DID get passed right after the wire and Rachel never got passed by Macho.  Those are the facts do with them what you want.

richie do me a favor and show me a better field in the Woodward in the last 10 years with 6 horses coming into the race with a 105 or higher buyer and 3 horses ranked in the top 20 horses in the world going into the race.  Macho Again a G2 and G1 winner this year and lost 2 G1 races to a fantastic performance by Bullsbay and a all time great performance by Rachel or he has 3 G1 wins in a row.  Trash him if you want but bet against him in the Jockey Gold and come back here and let me know how it worked out for you.  The international rankings have him listed as a top 10 horse in the world.  But maybe they're just dumb and some of you know better.

without a doubt the most ambitious and impressive 3year old season for a filly ever and well on her way to being one of the best racehorses of all time. what a season; 5 grade ones, the majority against males and she is only 3 and will keep getting better. HOY is a definite- doesnt matter what happens for the rest of the year. Rachel had every reason to get beat Saturday in the Woodward but like a true champion she found a way to win after being challenged multiple times in the race and essentially becoming a rabbit for the field. Enough with this Zenyatta crap. There is no need for Rachel to face her now. HOY is wrapped up and if Zenyattas people want it off of 3 races in 2009 they are insane. The ball is in Rachels court. Zenyattas people wont send her out of California or even face colts just so they can say she retired undefeated. A shame because we wont know how good she actually was. Do I think shes a good horse? Absolutely- but do I think she is better, classier, or faster than Rachel? Not a chance. Enough with the 10furlong stamina limitation because "she was tiring" at the end of a race. OF COURSE she is tiring considering she blazed through the half and 3/4 poles in ridiculous times. Too bad the Dubai World Cup isnt on dirt anymore no doubt Jess Jackson and team would have loved to try that out. Cant wait to see what team Rachel has in store for next year.

Tom Durkin's call was fabulous!  He was getting horse from the call of the stretch run.  He was so caught up in the excitement of it he just let it go!  How wonderful was that?  I thought he did the best job ever!  God bless him!

Fabio and the other Zenyatta apologists, the issue with Rachel's 22/46 fractions is that she not only set those but STILL held for the closing charge of Macho Uno.  Yes she was tired, but she got it done.

Zenyatta has shown this year she's not as dominating a runner as last year, and has yet to show at all she can handle more than a single dirt track.

Could she have won this race?  Possibly, but more likely not.  She'd be much farther back than she's used to being and would have had to come very wide to get past the other closers.  Usually she's just passing tired horses.  This time she'd have had a couple go with her.

She blew her chance to win HOY last year when her connections kept her in the Distaff instead of going in the Classic.  This year they've ruined any chance she had by keeping her in Cali against weak competition.

As for Calvin's ride, he had to go out early to avoid getting trapped.  The filly has a high cruising speed, and I doubt anyone would have done a better job on her.  Should she have slowed to let the stalkers have a better shot?  No, the race was well ridden.  

And Mets, the reason Eight Belles went in the derby is because her connections had another star for the Oaks.  Not because the field was weak.

Anytime a filly is impressive, the colts are claimed to be weak.  Couldn't be that she's just much better.  Nope, too many men find that frightening.

Despite the wonder of Rachel Alexandra, I feel deflated because her greatness has failed to reach mainstream America. There was sadness in the aftermath of the Woodward Stakes because of this disconnect. I felt it most acutely when I saw a video of Rachel Alexandra walking back to the barn after the race. I know she was weary, and it's heartbreaking to think that most of America will never appreciate all she has given and what she has accomplished.

This was the moment the sport has been waiting for, for many years now. But it felt bereft, like eating in a great restaurant after it's closed.

Some fans had to listen to the race on the radio, like back in the days of Seabiscuit. Then this option was all right, because radio was state-of-the-art. That's hardly true today.

Something is very wrong with this picture. I have visions of being virtually forced to return to those days when the only horse racing I watched was the Triple Crown series. My passion will become a pittance. The industry desperately needs a new paradigm for marketing its product - NOW.    

Again, Rachel has done nothing spectacular, she ran against sub-par males who couldn't beat a donkey, she never ran 10 furlongs, she only beat a very weak 3 year old crop of males, she has never run against anything and Sea the Stars or Zarkava would inhale her.

WHAT????????  Rachel must be pretty damn lucky to have raced in 8 races this year, 5 being grade ones and never faced anything that was any good.  That's amazing!  She should get an award for beating the worst horses in history!  Sea the Stars... Yes, he's beating everything in Europe.  What has that to do with Rachel?  She runs on dirt in America.  Wasn't Zarkava retired?

Do we have to go to Europe to find any horses that can run?  These people keep demanding more.  Had it been another horse not owned by Jackson the tune may have been different.  Also, The Breeder's Cup.  Everyone is saying that RA isn't going because Jackson wants no part of Zenyatta.  That's not it at all.  Friday he said if Zen went to the Beldame, Rachel would go to.  He has since changed his mind because he has a tired filly.

She has shown up EVERYTIME in eight races this year.  Zen has been in THREE.  Zen cannot be tired but I do have some doubts about her soundness given her light schedule this year.  She raced a lot more last year so one does wonder.  If you love Zenyatta, I think that's great but does one really have to trash Rachel for everything she does?  What Rachel does has nothing to do with Zenyatta.  Zenyatta has secured her place in history.  Rachel is still doing that.  The horse is an innocent animal who goes out there and runs her heart out everytime.  Just seeing her do it should be a thrill not a platform to belittle her and reaching out to Europe to please come over and beat her.

THanks, Paula.  I meant every word of it.  I understand loving a horse and arguing against another to make your beloved horse look better and I think that's great.  It's just the ones who belittle Rachel and give her no credit at all that are so hard to believe.

There is a very good picture of the finish of the woodward. RA is looking at MA with her ears pinned and you can see her looking at him, in the picture before this one, you can see her eyes looking straight forward. That tells me she is one gritty filly and he was not going past her at all.

www.timesunion.com/.../StoryGallery.aspx

i though borel rode a great race except for the 22 sec first halfmile i was a little nevouse when she cam around that final turn but she showed she all heart becasue i dont knwo a horse that can pull that off i though it was suiside i do not think she is done for the year however i havent heard out of zennyattas camp and to me that is a good thing i do not see a reason why they need to face eachother after that i know it was close i also know she shouldnt havs been put in that situation sorry but she should have been put in the travelors but i realise the history she made but i dont know how far you can push her to the point she breaks and i dont want to see her do that i love her to much i however do think she would look good in the breders cup i know that tracks serface is in question but she isnt curlin and i think that would make me very happy if she won a world title kind of the reason i dont want ot risk her against zennyatta  she made a lot of money this season and will make alot breeding so why would you take a chance that you dont need to

Rachel ran a great race despite her jockey. It was disgusting to see Calvin hit her 20+ times in the stretch. She deserves a rest. I hope Calvin gets days or a fine. He certainly deserves it. I'm glad the race was not on national TV as the anti-racing people had a lot to complain about the way Calvin was hitting her.

draynay

unless you have a source then your just talking out of your but. theirs noway macho again hits the top ten in the world. i can name ten horses that are better then macho again. let's see goldikova, see the stars, mastercraftsman, fame and glory, rachel alexandra, zenyatta, conduit, gio ponti, vodka, forever together all these horses have achieved more then macho again.

So excitied for the filly. Dray - it actually pains me to say this. She is the best filly ever. Period. The woodward did it for her. She shouldn't have won that race with thoes fractions & a deep closer like Macho Again roaring down the stretch like that. But she did. I'm so glad that I've been able to see a filly for the ages run! She's got H.O.T.Y. in the bag - now give her alittle rest she's earned it. I want to see her again next year.

To throw a monkey wrench in Zenyatta fans....It seems as though oaklawn park plays favorable to synthetic horses. Hear me out.....gayego...papa clem....and zneyatta. All won over the surface; yet gayego and paa clem have yet to win on other dirt surfaces. Just a thought.....

FROM ARKLE - Dr. Fager: Cigar was better than Holy Bull, and HB's last race proved it. I was so mad when I read about it, and how many handicappers believed Cigar would have won anyway. Remember, this was just as Cigar was coming into his own. And then I saw that Donn. Holy Bull was running his race. He just couldn't keep up with Cigar. My personal opinion is that he actually strained himself trying to do so. Otherwise, I have never heard of another top deck horse causing himself those types of injuries during a race.

Vic S.: While Ghostzapper was indeed impressive and fast, don't forget Candy Ride. He wasn't around for long at all, and I wished I could have seen him race again after the Pacific Classic. But he was a phenom. He not only won the race and trounced Medaglia D'oro by I don't know how many legnths, but he did it easily and set a new track record. I would have loved to seen what he could have done in other races.

ME - Cigar wishes he was as good as Holy Bull how can a horse who has no true speed, who beat no one, didn't carry real weight, and was never a big winner be considered better than Holy Bull?  Holy Bull was freakishly fast, won HOTY without winning a single TC race or BC, that in itself is a stamp of greatness.  One must also remember than Holy Bull broke down in the Donn it had NOTHING to do with him trying to match strides with Cigar, if anything Cigar was trying to match strides with the Bull.  If you believe this then you must believe Ruffian broke down for trying to match strides with Foolish Pleasure which is ludicris.  She broke down from an injury that was not seen yet by anyone and the same applies to all other top rate horses who break down in races.  YOU DON'T RISK MILLIONS OF DOLLARS DYING ON THE RACETRACK.  Bull was a true as can be front runner but could stalk if asked where as Cigar's only chance to in the Donn was to go with The Bull.  Cigar would have been spent had Holy Bull not broken down, Holy Bull always has been and always will be a superior horse to Cigar.  Holy  Bull was a winner (13 of 16 races)  Cigar (19 of 33).  Records, times, speed, everything falls in the Bull's favor he was the best horse of the 90's and to look past that is a ignorant mistake.

Now onto Candy Ride.  Candy Ride was also very fast.  Yet he beat a weakened Oro after he had already had an incredible tough year of racing*Dubai and back* I will admit his times were good but he too never raced top caliber horses at a 1 1/4, Oro's top distance was 1 1/8.  Candy Ride was also never won by HUGE margins or raced on many different kinds of tracks.  Candy Ride was not as versatile or as naturally fast as Ghostzapper and therefore he must not be in the same category as Ghostzapper who truly was an absolute freak.

In short, Holy Bull is Cigar's superior and Ghostzapper is Candy Ride's superior.  FACTS must be used when comparing horses of the past for those are the only thing worth comparing them by.

shane

gayego won a allowance race at saratoga and not to mention he won a grade 3 over at nad alsheba. get your facts straight!

thomas, I am talking out of my butt ? Maybe you just haven't read all the post above.  Here it is again for you ONE MORE TIME.  According to International Racing Post Rankings...

RPR Horse Country

134 Sea The Stars IRE

132 Rip Van Winkle IRE

130 Goldikova IRE

129 Gladiatorus USA

129 Mastercraftsman IRE

129 Rachel Alexandra USA

128 Well Armed USA

127 Conduit IRE

127 Macho Again USA

127 Scenic Blast AUS

127 Summer Bird USA

126 Fame And Glory GB

126 Paco Boy IRE

125 Rail Trip USA

125 Sacred Kingdom AUS

125 Tartan Bearer IRE

125 Yeats IRE

124 Ask GB

124 Big City Man USA

124 Bullsbay USA

124 Deep Sky JPN

124 Quality Road USA

124 Vision D'Etat FR

124 Vodka JPN

124 Zenyatta USA

According to them Macho is tied for eighth best horse in the world.  If you don't like it go argue with them !!!  Do us all a favor and try to remember Macho just came within a head of the 4th or 5th best horse in the world. Geez.

Sad news about Gone West.

Shane wasn't able to bring up your link. But an interesting photo on Horsephotos.com shows Rachel more than a half length ahead of Macho at the wire and we all KNOW she won by a head. Like I said, angles are deceptive.

I'm shocked at all the negative comments regarding Borel's ride in the Woodward. To me it was his best effort aboard her.

She HAD to show speed to get off the rail and was pushed by Zito's rabbit to a sub :23 quarter. If Borel takes a stout hold of her, she would be ripe for traffic problems at the 3/8s pole. He kept her in front the rest of the way, even the final 200 yards when a horse who didn't even participate in the first 3/4 of the race, Macho Again, came calling with his late surge. People say he used the whip to excess; I don't see that. If he didn't think she needed the whip, he would have had it tucked away, like every other time he ran her, excluding the Preakness when she was very tired at the end. She was responding to it, otherwise he wouldn't have used it. If Mike Smith didn't hit Zenyatta with the  stick, it's probably because she doesn't respond well to it. He's not going to lose a race if the whip will win it for them. That's what it's for, to make a horse break off again. To me, Borel put up his winning rode with confidence. I'll bet she's through for the year because she was a very tired filly at the end. Those who say she can get 10 furlongs against the same company (Jason?) would, I believe,  be proven wrong. But we'll never know because even with the weight allowance, she'll never-- repeat, never--be asked to go that far. Not dirt. Not synthetic (obviously). Not turf.

I THINK ZEN will be brave enough now to take on RA now

SHE BLOW RA AWAY now like taking candy from a baby

RA MAY HAVE HOY WRAPPED UP BUT I KNOW ZEN IS BETTER

Yes - Calvin needs to lay off that whip. That's not what makes her run, quite the opposite. You could break her heart with the stick.

She won because she refused to lose, like all the great ones.

THE HOST NEEDS TO READ A COPY OF modern pace whatever

HEY!!!!

RAHCEL ALEXANDRA IS THE IN  YAHOO'S TOP TEN OF MOST SUBJECTS SEARCHED.

   Greg J, did you make that video?  If you didn't and just mentioned it for us, still thank you- so exciting!!!Seeing Rachel cross the finish line, what a good angle. Such a treat, adding much more for us than the actual race videos. A feeling like being right there, the loudness of the crowd just added to it! I enjoyed it so much.

   Soldier Course, You are right that more marketing needs to be done. It was a bummer not to see the race on TV. I think it's great, the people who went to Saratoga that day, esp those who had to drive far. It shows support for the track and the race, since

no TV ratings could be posted.

Jason: I sure wish I had an extra  1/16th as a given when I go to the track. Do you agree if MTB had another 1/16th in the Preakness that he would have prevailed? I think the outside post HELPED her in the Preakness, stay out of traffic in the run to the first (tight)turn. That if Macho Again had another 1/16th on Saturday, he would have won? She was all out in both of those races and just did win. Of course, if she were "well-rated", she would have a chance to get the extra distance. If Bold Forbes got the Belmont distance, almost any well-rated horse could.

 Also, when I call up the Timeform Ratings from across the pond, Sea The Stars is annoited with a 140 rating, the third highest since 1970. Only Brigadier Gerard(144) and Mill Reef (141) are rated higher with Sea The Stars' best still yet to come.  Other 140 rated horses the past 40 years include Dubai Millennium, Dancing Brave and the ill-fated Shergar. So it seems history is being made on both sides of the Atlantic. What a shame "the twain" won't meet.

Jason: You can't have it both ways--You yourself said running in the Travers would answer the 10 furlong question for Rachel. So, the fact that she ducked that race and ran again at nine furlongs, how can you say she would get the extra distance and that it's a forgone conclusion? Your one hand is saying "not until she does it" and your other hand is saying "she would get it, no doubt". I think you need a lawyer here to extricate yourself. Or like Rickey Ricardo used to say, "Honey, let me 'splain".

It is sad that no one writes about Genuine Risk. She is the only Filly to have won the Kentucky Derby and placed second in the Preakness, because of a foul on her. She would have won it. and placed second in the Belmont. Talk about a tough filly or colt..to run and place in all three. The Belmont was slop too on that day and I think in her mind, she might have thought she would be hit in the face again by the horses rider that was neck and neck with her.

Yeah Dray, and they also have a dead horse listed, so take those ratings with a grain of salt.

Thomas,

I have nothing against R2R.  I too enjoyed watching her run.  However, my point was that Rachel has proven more (due to R2R circumstances).  

We can talk about what races R2R could have ran in and won, but she didn't have the opportunity to prove it.  Rachel, thank goodness (knock on wood), has had the opportunity to keep proving herself and she does.  

R2R was a nice filly, but she did not prove herself beyond the Belmont due to circumstances.  Unfortunate, but again, case closed.

Link on the rankings please.

Per the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities, Macho Again wasn't even in the top 36.

Granted it was updated on 7/26 but a second in the Whitney didn't bump him up THAT much.

By the way Draynay thanks for the compliment. Ahhhhh to be that young again.

Thanks for your interest but I won't be back in the office until next week.

steve from st louie, One of the best horses in the world had 200 yards to pass her and could not.  Horses and Jockey's run based on where the FINISH LINE is.  I am amazed you guys just don't get it.  One of the biggest problems with being a closers is sometimes you are not going to get there in time.  What don't you understand?

Sorry I didnt realize that he was now an allowance horse.....Curlin can beat allowance horses on the synthetics....doesnt mean he likes it.

Vic S: You can throw around figures all day long. They actually met at a distance that HB was ideal at, and Cigar won. And that was an odd injury. Unless you can say that you treated him, you don't know what caused it. I stated my opinion, and based on what I saw, it was a valid one. But like I said, HB was running HIS race. I'm sorry he broke down and glad he wasn't so badly injured as to end his life. But the fact remains, he lost. When I actually watched the race, I too agreed with the handicappers that Cigar would have won regardless of HB's breakdown.

As for Candy Ride? Let's see, at 1 1/4 miles CR wins in 1:59.1/5 by 3 1/2 ands GZ wins the same distance in 1:59.1/5 by 3. Yup, they are completely different! LOL! I already said that Candy Ride was around for an extremely short period of time, I wish it was longer. Further, I didn't even discount what was said about GZ, just don't forget about CR! I, too, think GZ was a freak :0) A good freak. But CR was as fast a freak as GZ was.  

It took a good hour for my heart rate to return to normal!  I couldn't watch the race live but was watching video replays as the races finished -- and unlike the Forego just before the Woodward, I did not know the outcome prior to clicking the play button. I too panicked when she went right to the front and those crazy fractions!!! This was, by far, the most exciting race I have ever watched.  Sure it's thrilling to watch a superb athlete turn in a mammoth effort and win by daylight... but this race literally took my breath away.  For Rachel to have run that way --digging down every step of the way and still win in such dramatic fashion.... simply incredible.  I certainly hope nobody dares suggest that she still needs to prove anything.  She has now beaten older males and if she didn't extend herself so much early in the race, she probably would have had enough in the tank to pull away from the field and won by a few lengths. Consider this: IF Rachel did not run in this race, Macho Again would have been hailed as a gutsy and determined winner and I doubt anyone would say that he didn't beat any good horses.  He would be labled as a shoo-in for Older Male eclipse honors.

If Rachel doesn't race again this year, that's fine although I think one more race against her own gender would be a nice way to wrap up an amazing year.  It doesn't matter if she ever faces Zenyatta. If it's only to answer questions from people who still need to know who's better, I think they can now look at the bodies of work by both fillies and do a who's who of beaten competitors, number of races won this year and the manner in which these races were run.

And lastly, it was shameful that no major network or even espn carried this race. A 30 minute segment to cover the post parade, race and wrap up could have been squeezed in to one of those networks. This was -- after all -- quite a significant race. Frankly, I could not care any less for all the college football games (aired on all the major networks) nor the auto racing nor tennis & golf.  But that's just me!

And one more thing:  I   NEVER  thought I would say that another filly has eclipsed Ruffian.  I know some out there think Ruffian has been overrated over the years due to a soft spot sense of nostaglia, etc etc.  Ruffian was and remains a brilliant filly - we shouldn't take that away from her. However, I am not unhappy to say that Rachel Alexandra has surpassed her.  RA has certainly carved her notch in horseracing history.  And in years to come we will mention her name with all the greats before her.

Jason: Are you calling me an old fart? That's something only my family can do. Regarding  how Rachel would be ridden differently at the longer distances, I would assume (incorrectly?) her high cruising speed would put her closer to the front or on the lead at any of the Cup distances, just as she has  at lesser (than 10-12 furlong) distances.

Draynay

Macho Again is getting better by the minute.....I sure wish I owned him......with the way you're raving on about him by tonight he'll be worth milions......now just think what a real G-1 horse would bring.

Dray

It seemed to me that Macho Again got to the 16th pole on time.  He was breathing down her neck....how come one of the BEST HORSES in the world couldn't finish her off?

RA is simply amazing to me she is a freak of nature. I dont think she can beat curlin though he was the best of the best on dirt and his world earnings proves it. RA has nothing to prove wrapped up HOY and I truely believe she will not come back next year....whats the point! JJ did bring curlin back and its down right scary what RA will be like year 4....Look out! When Curlin breeds with RA that horse will  come out looking like a transformer!

If you look at the world rankings on Dirt you will notice that Rachel is No. 1# in the world and Macho Again is 3rd in the world and Bullsbay is 8th.  Pretty good to have 3 of the top 10 dirt horses in the world in the Woodward wouldn't you say ?

I could be wrong (it's certainly happened before) but I think the great mare Busher was HOY when she was 3 (which would have been in the mid-1940's).  Probably War Admiral's greatest daughter.

I think RA has earned a vacation.  She's run on different tracks in different conditions against different competitors for months.  Even winning easy is a toll if you do it often enough.  The LAST thing we want to see now is a dull performance because she's had enough (well, ok, the LAST thing is an injury....).  Turn her out for a few months, let her be a horse.

It was interesting watching Borel use the whip so often in the stretch.  I wonder if he used it in the Haskell to remind her to keep running (as opposed to the Oaks when she galloped home), and to get her used to the idea that somebody could be coming after her.  It's always interesting to me when a jockey decides to go to the whip and when he gets up to the horse's ears and talks them home.  Shoemaker used to talk about Forego and how using the whip would unbalance (and irritate) him and, besides, Forego knew what he was doing anyway, so talking was the best thing for him.

Let RA have a vacation, and let's look forward to the "fall bloomers" and an exciting set of races leading up to BC weekend.

anyway, it's been a great year for racing, and the fall is yet to come!

LDP - The races in Dubai get their group designations from the European pattern committee; they are not internally determined. The committee is comparing the merit of the races to races in Europe.

da3hoss - you seem impressed that Rachel has won 8 stakes races this year, but it is not that unusual. Turkish Trousers, Davona Dale, Bold 'n Determined, Open Mind, Dance Smartly, and Silverbulletday each won 8 stakes races as a 3yo filly, while Susan's Girl and Serena's Song each won 9. It indicates her dominance over her crop, as it did for most of those above.

St. Louis Steve:

Don't be too sure that the "twain" won't meet. If the owner of Sea of Stars shows the same sporting ways of Jess Jackson and he let's SoS race as a four yr. old....then they may have a chance to meet in next year's Breeders Cup at Churchill. Or an outside shot that Jackson will send her across the pond to run in a Group 1 race in England or France IF she runs well on grass (I predict Jackson will try the same path he took with Curlin).

I hope it's the BC Classic on dirt...and it would be great if she kicked his butt. She'll get weight and can you just imagine how good she will be as a bigger, stronger, heavier and faster 4 yr old mare?  

this has to be one of the most exciting races ever.  she definately deserves HOY now.  i do think da tara needs to be retired now.  did he even win a race after the belmont last year?  she is definately the best filly of the modern era.  i think she deserves the rest of 2009 off because she runs huge races everytime.  she needs a break.  i do not like how Borel hit her around 20 times in the last 1/8th though.  he was wailing on her and she totally had the race!  maybe if he hadn't let her run that suicidal 1st quarter then he wouldnt have had to hit her that hard.  overall i did not like borel's ride in this race, but it is still one of the very best.

Yes, I think we could have possibly had our first Triple Crown filly! She has beaten the Derby winner and the Belmont winner. It is a shame that her fprmer owner didn't have the b***s to run her in the Derby. I thought when she acted up and dumped Calvin that it was over, I actually got sick at my stomach!

She is such a freak! Calvin knew what he was talking about early in the year! Too bad her owner didn't agree!

I love Jess Jackson for having the guts to run her with the boys and also doin g what is best for racing. He is truely trying to promote the sport! Thanks Jess!

Has anyone counted the number of times Macho Again got whipped considering the jockey said, "I never felt like we were going to catch her."

WOW-- amazing race --I was sitting on my seat most of the race- only to jump to my feet on the home streach.  Thus far in her career -she has shown she is a valient and determined champion no matter what you throw at her. I had a feeling this would be her toughest race, and I was amazed at the speed she threw out in the first half and dug in for the final furlong. Noone can call that filly a quitter!  I hope JJ calls it a year for the girl, she deserves some down time before beginning the 2010 campaign.

As for Borel jumping off her in post parade, I think she was feeling her vinager. I noted that she was very much on her toes and on the muscle when they were schooling her in the paddock, so I had a feeling her training was going for tactical speed.  I think the fractions set early were indicative of that thought process.  Given the fact she has proven her stamina I didnt feel she would drop the ball in the final furlong.  What amazed me and what I came away with was her sense of determination, not to let another horse pass her.  That shows class and breeding and character ...  This race ranks as one of the top races I will remember until I am 90 years old.

WOW

Geez Lazmannick, you just won't get off the 3rd ranked dirt horse in the world.  He has run 3 G1 races back to back to back and finished 1st, 2nd, and 2nd and you still want to diss him ?  What will you say when he wins the Jockey Gold ?  He has run 6 races won 2 Graded Stakes and is really coming into form.  His last 3 Beyers are 100, 105, and 109 what more does he have to do?

Soldier Course,

    I am not sujesting that they get down on the kids level, they are adults for a reason, and deserve respect, but some teachers have no clue what they talk about, and act like they should be president of the USA. I like teachers who are blunt and honest and to the point. Many beat around the bush and never give you a striaght answer on anything. I'm a person who likes to make sure my grade is as good as possible, and to make sure i'll ask what it is. Most tell you, but last year so many were so unorganized an unprepared they couldn't ever get it to me. The reason i want to know that grade, is because i want to make sure it is what i expect to see on that progress report. What happens if i missed an asignment because i was absent, and it lowered my grade, but because that teacher didn't grade papers for two weeks, and won't have grades in until the last min, how am i suppose to know i missed that paper, i need to know, to make sure there are no suprises. If a teacher practices what they preach, i'm fine, but hypocricy and unfairness i have a problem with. Let you know i actually have few problems with teachers, and am well liked. But there are a few who act so superior and arrogant and stuck up, and to be that way is down right ignorant. If i respect you, i expect respect back, simple, and most teachers get that. But when you look down your nose at me like i'm some pest, then why the heck teach? If you hate kids so much why teach? These are the teachers i'm talking about.

Ann,

What none of those other fillies did was beat male horses in 3 Grade 1 races in 3 tries.  I saw all of the great fillies run in the past 40 years and I respect many, but none have accomplished what Rachel Alexandra has.  I will no longer compare the top fillies and mares to Ruffian, I will now compare them to the standard of Rachel Alexandra.

Rachel Alexandra has proven she is the best female horse of all time.Anyone who doesn't think so is simply a simpleton.

Carlos in Cali 07 Sep 2009 9:11PM:

To even be included in any debate regarding having the 'best 3yo season ever',..I would think winning the Triple Crown would be 1st & foremost.So,Nope to that...

Carlos -

OK, since when did winning the Triple Crown become a prerequisite for becoming one of the all time greats?  The last time I checked, Man O' War is not on that list...so he's out?  Dr. Fager, Forego, Spectacular Bid, they don't rate with the TC winners?  You'd have to have a peanut lodged in your brain to really believe that.

The Triple Crown is the hardest feat to accomplish in horse racing, and can define a horses career. However, not winning it des not preclude a horse from joining the list of the greats.

Once again, please provide a link on the rankings you keep quoting.

Jess Jackson is trying to promote Jess Jackson. To me his wife is much more the sportswoman than he is a sportsman.

If I had the impetus I would research the words of a HOY, Eclipse voter who said something to the tune of 'HOY label doesn't mean that much to me.' Maybe you can recall what blog comment you responded to with that Jason.

A point system? 5-1 for the Classics, 5 for the BC races and on down? RA wouldn't be in the mix or her races after purchase would have been different.

Rachel's previous owners? Not in the same financial class or outlook as Jess.

Some of these comments are just rediculous...inferior field, distance limitations, weight advantage.  It wasn't that long ago (actually only last year with Zenyatta) that for a filly to be considered a viable candidate for HOY she had to beat the boys.  Now several of you think she should do just how many variations and extentions on that theme???????? I suppose if you are solely focused on finding the tiny little possibility of a flaw in a proven champion you can find some way to justify going on and on about these "what if's".  But you'll miss the glow, and the memory of the glow, as you witnessed greatness unfold...challenge by larger challenge.  Years down the road as we look back and remember RA's stunning accomplishments, where are you going to be?  Describing the delicious details of how, when and where you witnessed the greatness of Rachel Alexandra, or are you still going to be singing your eternally boring "if only" song?  

RA cannot possibly have to do more to get both HOY as well as be crowned as one of the rare and truly "great".  It's so obvious.  What she has done simply has not been done before.  Enjoy it!!

Why is Da' Tara still running in stakes races? ---

My question is this... why not?  So many horses run only a handful of races and then are retired to stud... I think it's WONDERFUL...absolutely WONDERFUL... that his owners are showing that a horse that is Raise A Native free can not only win... but W/P/S against the finest of horses (and filly) and remain sound.  We should be celebrating his numerous starts... not scoffing at them.  oh and woo hoo!  RA ROCKS!

On the DRF website Calvin Borel is quoted as saying....."I switched sticks on her twice.  That's more than I have ever done.  Hitting her is not going to make her run faster.  I think when a horse is going to come up to her, I think that's when you will see her run.  She does what she has to do.  She was going very fast enough, I never beat her up.  I barely tap her because she gives me everything she's got.  She was a little tired."

Dray

You're so funny.....I've been reading some of what you've been posting and each time you come on and post you get more and more passionate and worked up.......I started laughing this afternoon and I can't stop.....I probably won't get much sleep because I'll be laughing all night long...LOL

ARKLE - Vic S: You can throw around figures all day long. They actually met at a distance that HB was ideal at, and Cigar won. And that was an odd injury. Unless you can say that you treated him, you don't know what caused it. I stated my opinion, and based on what I saw, it was a valid one. But like I said, HB was running HIS race. I'm sorry he broke down and glad he wasn't so badly injured as to end his life. But the fact remains, he lost. When I actually watched the race, I too agreed with the handicappers that Cigar would have won regardless of HB's breakdown.

As for Candy Ride? Let's see, at 1 1/4 miles CR wins in 1:59.1/5 by 3 1/2 ands GZ wins the same distance in 1:59.1/5 by 3. Yup, they are completely different! LOL! I already said that Candy Ride was around for an extremely short period of time, I wish it was longer. Further, I didn't even discount what was said about GZ, just don't forget about CR! I, too, think GZ was a freak :0) A good freak. But CR was as fast a freak as GZ was.  

ME - Lets take a look at their fastest races at distances they both raced we must take into account WEIGHT CARRIED, CLASS OF COMPETITION (G1, G2, etc), MARGIN, AGE, POSITION during race and TIME.  The final race we will look at is the ill-fated 95 Woodward.  HOLY BULL 1 Mile - TIME 1 33 4/5 112 lbs 3 yr old (Met Mile G1) led entire race won by 5 1/2.  NEXT 1 1/16 TIME 1:41 flat led entire race won by 6 1/2 124 lbs 3 yr old (Dwyer G2).  1 1/8 - Woodward (G1) took over after being second at 6 furlongs, led mile at 1:34 3/5 won in 1:46 4/5 by 5 lengths 3 yr old 121 lbs.  1 1/4 - TIME 2:02 Travers(G1), 126 lbs 3 yr old led after the half mile won by a neck.  NOW FOR CIGAR. 1 MILE - 1 35 3/5 117 lbs by 8 3yr old Allowance led after half.  1 1/16 -  1:43 1/5 122 lbs 4 yr old Allowance led entire race by 2 lengths.  1 1/8 - 1:47 126 lbs led after mile 5 yr old by 5 lengths Woodward (G1).  1 1/4 1:59 2/5 126 lbs Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) by 3 1/2 4 yr old.  Given these statics Cigar would only have won at 1 Distance! The 1 1/4 would have been his ONLY WIN. Holy Bull at 3 beat Cigar at ages 3 and 4 never got to prove himself as an elder though.  Using winning times to show how much margin of victory is over each other we have.  Holy Bull wins at 1 Mile by 9 LENGTHS getting 5 lbs.  Holy Bull wins at 1 1/16 by 11 LENGTHS giving 2 lbs.  Holy Bull wins at 1 1/8 WEIGHT FOR AGE by 1 length.  Cigar wins at 1 1/4 by 13 lengths.  We must also remember the tracks in this and Cigar won his 1 1/4 over the fast track in the United States cough cough Hollywood aka Hollyrock, etc.  Holy Bull won overall at slower tracks in faster times under MORE WEIGHT.  Holy Bull at 3 was better than Cigar at any age.  Statistics don't lie my friend.  Holy Bull was used to leading an opening quarter in 23 and change it was a WORKOUT for him, where as Cigar was used to laying just off the pace and waiting to go past horses believe me Holy Bull would have won that Donn Handicap.  The race was over after the 1st quarter 23 and change is a walk in the park for the Bull by the way he won a 7 furlong race by open lengths in an opening 21 and change quarter, Cigar wishes he could run like that.  Cigar only won the Donn because Bull broke down you can't knock a horse for breaking down.  Thats like saying Foolish Pleasure had it in the bag cuz Ruffian broke down or Bernardini only won because Barbaro broke down, etc etc.  You can only base a race on by FACTS and the facts are that when a NON BROKEN DOWN HOLY BULL raced every aspect is superior to that of a NON BROKEN DOWN CIGAR.  Holy Bull wins at 1 1/8 or less for fun.  Had he been given the chance at 1 1/4 at an older age God only knows how good he coulda been.  Facts are Holy Bull is better than Cigar, you can't deny FACTS.  Handicappers are only people with opinions I really like how they picked Arcagues in the Breeders Cup  OOOO YEAH THEY DIDNT.  OR GIACOMO IN THE DERBY OR MINE THAT BIRD IN THE PREAKNESS.  Point is they can't guarantee a winner they are only their to base their opinion.  Croll who was Holy Bull's trainer said it himself, there has only been one horse since the Bull that is able to match him and that Ghoszapper (look it up).

By the way Candy ride won in 1:59 1/5 by 3 1/2 over a field of 4 horses, the best rival being a beat up Oro who went to Dubai and back and had already been battling Pleasntly Perfect for a year.  GZ won in 1:59 FLAT by 3 over a powerpacked field (greatest or 2nd greatest in BREEDERS CUP HISTORY) on a track not known for its quickness I believe he broke the track record by more than 4 seconds.  1:59 and change is a rather average time for Hollywood in a G1 race.  I admitted Candy Ride was a great horse but he was not close to GZ, he could not adapt like GZ could.  GZ could do it all in the fastest overall times since the likes of our legendary horses of the 70's and 60's.

Once again, I repeat for Draynay, RA will be HOY.  He called it nonsense when I first posted it.

Anyway, she is not the greatest until she wins against G1 company at the classic 1 1/4, in my opinion.  It's just an opinion.

For some perspective, Secretariat beat five (5) champions in the Marlboro Cup.  Who else can match that?

Ruffian......She earned the nickname "Queen of the Fillies" after being voted the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Two-Year-Old Filly in 1974 and winning the Filly Triple Crown (now called the Triple Tiara) in 1975. Lucien Laurin, Secretariat's trainer, said this quote to the press "As God as my witness, she may even be better than Secretariat." Ruffian was undefeated in her first ten races, covering distances from 5.5 furlongs (1.1 km) to 1.5 miles (2.4 km) with an average winning margin of 8 1/3 lengths. She won her maiden race in record time and by 15 lengths. She was on lead at every point of call in every race she ever ran. She set a new stakes record in each of the eight stakes races which she won. She had also equaled two track records. If she didn't set track or stakes record, she equaled them.

steve from st louis said

"  If he (Borel)didn't think she needed the whip, he would have had it tucked away, like every other time he ran her..."

Actually Steve, the Haskell, where Borel continued to whip up on her even AFTER she had the race well won is where (some, not enough) folks started to become concerned.

In any case, I think folks are missing the REAL story here when it comes to Rachel and the BC Classic...

Just for grins, consider how Jess Jackson will look if an AMERICAN DIRT horse actually DOES beat the Euros (I know, not possible on "plastic")... and to add some spice, consider the reaction if that horse is one RA has already beaten.

Draynay:

I'n not dissing Macho Again.....I think you are.....He is what he is and if you think that he is a real legitimate G-1 horse then you are welcome to you opinion.....I and many others on here don't quite agree with you......what I think you problem is, is that he got within a head of Rachel.....that really bugs you that a horse that is absolutely below her standards almost beat her and now you are trying to jusitfy the close finish by bragging about him.....I'm amazed that you didn't brag about MTB when he finished so close to her.....Rachel's great.....let it go.....concentrate on your next great find now that she is probably going to be laid up until nest year....But leave Macho alone.

Rachel Alexandra has not proven herself superior to Ruffian - Ruffian had to run distances up to a mile and a half.  Rachel hasn't run a mile and a quarter yet.  

The Whip.

I'm having a problem with all this nonsense about the use of the whip on Rachel Alexandra in the Woodward...

The whip is an inducement.  It does not hurt a 1,000 pound plus animal.

Its is meant to convey a signal from the jockey to the horse as a signal to put forth more effort...

Its not punishment for lack of effort.

During the early part of the a race I'm sure the jockey has ways to signal to the horse that its time to run...

If you look at the early stages of a race, a horse may begin to accelerate because the jockey conveyed that message..  I'm not sure how its done...  

(If there are people on this site that can comment that would be appreciated..)

It might be through the use of the reins, or from perhaps how the jockey uses his legs against the horse ... I really don't know...  

What I do know is is that Rachel was in a race that has now defined her as one of the all time great 3 year old fillies.  

She defined that by winning the Woodward.

In the last 1/8 of a mile with the chips on the line there comes a point where the brain doesn't want to exert the same (or more) amount of effort because of the using up  of the sugar and the oxygen that is fueling the muscles.  

Its similar to bodybuilding where after a lot of reps the muscles start to burn because of the build up of lactic acid in the muscles.

The natural tendency is to stop...because the brain says thats enough because of that sensation.

By either being really disciplined or having some really good music on the Ipod the body is able to continue because it focuses the brain on something else other than the sensation of lactic acid buildup in the muscles...

So to all who have a problem with  Calvin using the whip on Rachel in the last 1/8 of a mile in a race

that will define her greatness when you have two challengers like BullsBay and Macho Again threatening to take that greatness away...

I think your concern is misguided...

Perhaps you are looking at Rachel as a machine that does not need to have the whip signal sent to her in order to produce more effort.

Considering Calvin Borel  (who I would assume is on Rachels Inner Circle)  he obviously felt that the whip signal is necessary to produce the desired effort... to get Rachels mind off the sensation she was feeling having just run as she had for a mile...

Remember.. the horses that ran with her early finished last...  the horses that "relaxed" for the first 3/4 mile came at her huge and she still beat them... she was exerting a huge amount of effort for the entire race... so I'm sure she was getting tired, winded, muscles stinging,.. whatever you want to call it...

If Jess knew what Rachels favorite music was I'm sure he would have her outfitted with an Ipod with those tunes blasting after the 3/4 pole to get her mind or the sensation in her muscles...  that might negate the need for the whip...

OR...

you are looking at it as a animal rights... humane issue... and again I say that these whip signals will not hurt a horse...

If it is the cruelty aspect that is bothering you I suggest that you attend the next Eagles home game and when Micahel Vick comes out vent your anger and rage in that direction where it is more correctly directed...

Can somebody please answer 2 qustions for the layperson?

1).  How does a jockey early in the race signal to a horse to put forth more effort... in effect go for the lead?

2).  What is the generally accepted  thought on how a jockey using a whip on a horse affects the horse...?

Thanks...

LDP:

Your response was thoughtful. It sounds as if you have some legitimate complaints, especially about grade reports. I always respected students who scheduled a private conference to discuss problems they had in my class. Usually we both learned something beneficial. Best of luck.

Vic S

I believe Candy Ride and Ghostzapper were both upper echelon horses.....The edge I think that GZ had over CR was that he appeared to be more versatile, being able to win at virtually every distance from 6-F to 1-1/4M.....To me Candy Ride wasn't quite as versatile.  His wins were from a 1-M to 1-1/4M.  He did however win on grass, the American Handicap and in good time.  I don't think GZ was even considered for the turf.....In my opinion in the classic distance of 1-1/4M they were the type that might take turns beating each other, but I don't think too many of their competitors would have won.

drfager:

When I wrote that some still "insist" that Holy Bull was as talented or even more so than Cigar, I wasn't implying that it is not true. I was simply stating that many people still think that Holy Bull was as naturally gifted Cigar, even though most racing publications/journalists/"experts" rate Cigar higher.  

Personally, I think Holy Bull and Cigar were very close when it comes to natural ability.  Yes Holy Bull was 13 for 16, but don't forget that Cigar was 18 for 22 on dirt while only 1 for 11 on turf(thus skewing his career won-loss record).

I would have to disagree with you that Holy Bull was a clearly superior athlete to Cigar. Let's look at their Beyer speed figures:

Holy Bull's top Beyers: 122, 119, 117, 116, 115(3 times), 113, 108, 103, 101

Cigar's top Beyer: 121, 118, 117(4 times), 116(2 times), 115(3 times), 114(2 times), 112, 111(3 times).   This doesn't include his Dubai World Cup which translated into a fig around 116.

So, Cigar ran a 111 Beyer or higher(17 times) in MORE races than Holy Bull ran in his entire career!

The way I look at it, Cigar was just as talented as Holy Bull but accomplished alot more. Don't get me wrong, Holy Bull was a great horse and is deserving of his place in the Hall of Fame, but the FACTS do not support him being faster than Cigar, and he certainly didn't win as many graded stakes or gr.1 races.

As for Ghostzapper- He was undeniably a freak, a brilliant horse. Unfortunately, he was not particularly durable, and made only 11 starts in his career.  He won only 4 grade 1 races and 6 graded stakes in his career, and only won 2 races around 2 turns. A great talent, yes, but because of a shallow resume, not an all-time great horse.  The best of the best are not just talented; they prove their talent race after race over many races.

In any event, Beyer speed figures suggest Formal Gold(1997) was actually the fastest horse of the last 15 years.

Ghostzapper earned a Beyer of 120 or higher 4 times: 128, 124, 122, 120 (his next best fig is 116, then 114, then 106).

Formal Gold also ran 4 Beyers over 120: 126, 125, 125, 122

Ghostzapper's 4-race average: 123.5

Formal Gold's average: 124.5  

For me, Barbaro, Ruffian, Go For Wand, and Eight Belles will always be in a class unto themselves. It is painful to see them compared to other horses. I feel the same way about all the blessed horses who have given their lives while racing.

Hey Laz, join the club. Note how he finds a reason to ignore someone when he knows that they are in the game and can actually KNOW something first hand?

Still never got a link to all these rankings he keeps quoting.

Personally, I hope he DOES show at Keeneland like he said he would. I know what he looks like, will be an interesting observation.

Now Jason, may I respectfully ask when we are going to discuss the Breeders Cup? Since this filly isn't going and it's less than 60 days out some interesting topics.

With some win and you're ins coming up there would be some interesting speculation on who MAY actually go and whether this talk of maybe moving it has anything to it.

nickie:

What specifically did I write to suggest that I was praising Jess Jackson as if he had developed Rachel from the very beginning?

Well, I never did. I was at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Oaks and will NEVER forget the work Hall Wiggins did with her or that Dolph Morrison was the person smart enough to buy her in the first place.  Jess Jackson did nothing special to get her, beyond being ridiculously wealthy and being able to offer $10 million for her.

I also completely understand those who are not big fans of Jess Jackson. Clearly he as an ego the size of his bank account, and loves to celebrate himself and emphasize how much he is doing for the sport.  I get it; I see how it rubs people the wrong way.

Even so, once Jackson did purchase Rachel, I think he has been very imaginative and bold in the way he has managed her. Any time a horse is the "first in 80 years" or "the first ever" to accomplish something, it reflects an owner willing to take some risks.

Vic S:

See my post to drfager. It is often times overly simplistic to compare raw times given how much tracks can vary from track to track and from day to day. Beyer speed figures take this variance into account, which is why so many consider them a valuable tool.

Looking at Beyers, there is nothing to suggest Holy Bull was faster than Cigar.  Holy Bull ran a Beyer over 110 in 8 races, impressive given he ran only 16 times. However, Cigar ran a Beyer over 110 in 17 CONSECUTIVE races!  Including the Dubai World Cup, Cigar ran a Beyer of 111 EVERY time over an almost 2 year span, staring with his victory in the 95' Donn(114 Beyer) and ending with his career finale in the 96' BC Classic(115).

If anything, using figures Cigar is actually the faster horse. However, like I wrote earlier, I tend to look at their natural talent to be fairly close, but rate Cigar higher due to his greater accomplishments.

CL:

Ruffian ran once over 9 furlongs, winning the 12 furlong Coaching Club American Oaks. However, that was against other 3 year old fillies. She never beat males or even older fillies and mares; she only beat 2 and 3 year old fillies. Rachel has run over 9 furlongs once as well, winning the 9.5 furlong Preakness. The Preakness, of course, is an American Classic, a Triple Crown event against the best 3 year old males (healthy at the time).

I can understand those who say Ruffian was faster or more brilliant, but on pure accomplishments, Rachel has a stronger resume. Rachel has proven more, by beating top 3 year old males in a Triple Crown race (Preakness) and older males in a grade 1 (Woodward).  I'm not saying Rachel is better than Ruffian, just that Rachel doesn't have to "prove" anything in comparison to Ruffian, given Rachel has already accomplished 2 key things upon which great fillies are judged (winning a Triple Crown race, beating older males).

One final note on Ruffian. As I wrote earlier, Ruffian never faced older females or males of any age.  Had Ruffian remained healthy, she would have had to face the extremely good older mares Susan's Girl and Tizna, 3 year old males Wajima and Foolish Pleasure, and older males Forego and Ancient Title.  Had Ruffian remained sound and beaten those horses, then wow, there would NEVER have been a discussion about another 3 year old filly being better. Unfortunately, her breakdown deprived her of the opportunity, and left big holes in her resume. Very sad.

Soldier Course:

Rachel was mentioned during tonight's 6pm Eastern Sportscenter during PTI's "Big Finish"  (PTI is a show that directly precedes SportsCenter and has its closing during the first half hour of  SportsCenter).

Tony Kornheiser, one of the two regular hosts of PTI, briefly discussed Rachel's win in the Woodward. The best part is that he suggested that she could be "Athlete of the Year". Kornheiser, who for the last few years was an analyst on Monday Night Football, has an appreciation of racing's past, and remembers the days when great horses would be part of the general debate (60s, 70s).

DRAYNAY--

Not sure how many times Robby A. whipped Mucho. Knowing him, he saw he wasnt going to win and gave up.

Him and Kent DSX really have a problem with riding out.

This was a nice field of older males a 3 year old filly beat. It would have been one thing if she walked through slow fractions. She blazed them, and still held on.

Give her credit. Not too many horses could blaze those fractions and still hang on. Those that can are in the hall of fame and are considered great.

I think everyone here remembers Dave Mahan of Sackatoga Stable, owners of Funny Cide. Dave passed away in January at the age of 61.

A friend has sent me a clipping of an article about Dave which appeared last month in the Waterford, Connecticut newspaper.

Dave was a fixture at Saratoga each summer. Dave's wife Nadine, along with Jack Knowlton and other friends and family, decided to do something special in memory of Dave at Saratoga this year. Nadine brought Dave's crematory urn to Saratoga for Opening Day. The group dedicated a race that day in Dave's memory. They all got together for a BBQ ribs and beans brunch, where the food was prepared from Dave's own special recipes from his Lakeview Fine Catering business. All of this was planned and carried out in the spirit of WWDD (What Would Dave Do). Truly a wonderful story.  

Bob Z, How do you defend Borel continuing to whip RA in the Haskell after the she had the race put away?

With all due respect I don't think you're seeing the whole picture here nor what seems to be the hypocrisy of Borel saying on one hand that "Hitting her is not going to make her run faster" and the video replays of Calvin doing just that.

You say, "I'm sure she was getting tired, winded, muscles stinging,.. whatever you want to call it"

Isn't that the point where a true champion, human or equine, reaches down into some inner depth for a strength she didn't know she had? Isn't that what in effect Jess Jackson said RA did in the Woodward? Would a TRUE champion need to be beat to reach that new dimension?  

And as Draynay so accurately pointed out, in horse racing the excessive use of the stick is most often seen as an act of desperation (as with Macho Again in the Woodward), an image more often associated with the losers  than the champion.

Is that REALLY the image we want pinned to Rachel Alexandra.

I certainly don't and I'm surprised so many people find it perfectly acceptable, even when she had (as in the Haskell) the race on ice.

GunBow:

Thanks for the news about PTI's Big Finish and Tony Kornheiser's observations about Rachel Alexandra. Let's hope he's right about "Athlete of the Year".

At first glance, Dray's suggestion that this year's Woodward compares favorably to other recent runnings seems ridiculous. However, I ask folks to go back and actually look closely at recent Woodwards.

Last year, Curlin won but it was Past the Point running 2nd. In 2007, Lawyer Ron won with Sun King and Diamond Stipes 2nd and 3rd.  Aren't Macho Again and Bullsbay as good as Past the Point, Sun King, and Diamond Stripes?

In 2006, Premium Tap won the Woodward with a 107 Beyer with Second of June 2nd and Sun King 3rd. Saint Liam won the 2005 Woodward with a 106 Beyer with Sir Shackleton 2nd and Commentator 3rd, 14 lengths behind Saint Liam after a speed duel w/ a rabbit.  That Woodward only had 5 horses, with one, the rabbit, a complete throw-away.  I see Macho Again and Bullsbay fitting in well with Sir Shackleton, Second of June, and Sun King.

The 2004 Woodward featured two Horse of the Years in Ghostzapper and Saint Liam. However, Saint Liam came into the race without having won a stakes race. Bowman's Band ran 3rd. The 2003 Woodward featured another Horse of the Year, Mineshaft. Overall, though, the field of 5 was weak, as Hold That Tiger ran 2nd and Puzzlement 3rd. Lido Palace won his second consecutive Woodward in 2002, but again the field was not particularly strong.  The tough but overmatched NY bred Gander ran 2nd that year and Express Tour 3rd.  So, while the winners of these runnings were quality horses, with the exception of Saint Liam and maybe Commentator(who had trouble with strong pace pressure), the also-rans were not any better than Macho Again and Bullsbay.

The 2001 Woodward is the race that goes against Dray's argument. That year, Lido Palace ran 1st, Albert the Great 2nd, and Tiznow 3rd.  Lido Palace came into the race off Beyers of 111, 115, and 114, Albert the Great came in with 117, 114, 119, and 111, and Tiznow came in with 117, 110, and 106.

In 2000, Lemon Drop Kid won a tight race against Behrens and Gander. LDK was coming in sharp, with Beyers of 112, 115, 117, and 118 in his last 4 races. Behrens had run 113 and 108 Beyers in his most recent 2 races. Gander was coming in with figs of 102 and 104.  The final race Beyer was just a 105.  In 1999, River Keen, Almutawakel, and Stephen Got Even ran 1-2-3.

I had been dubious of both Macho Again and Bullsbay after having been unimpressed with them after seeing them in person in the Alysheba Stakes at Churchill, ironically on Oaks Day.  However, since winning that race, Bullsbay has now won the Whitney and run 3rd in the Woodward, flashing a very explosive move around the turn.  Macho Again had actually accomplished alot as a 3 year old, winning the gr.2 Jim Dandy as well as the Derby Trial, as well as running 2nd in the Preakness and Super Derby.  However, his best Beyer had been only a 102.  There is no question, however, that Macho Again has improved about 5 lengths as a 4 year old, and is much, much more consistent.  Earlier in the year he won the gr.2 New Orleans Handicap, and has now put together a string of 3 strong races, winning the gr.1 Stephen Foster and running 2nd in both the Whitney and Woodward.  I know it takes time for perception to change, and I was one of those that was still a little dubious of both horses. However, they each ran good races in the Woodward and are definitely horses to be taken seriously in the JCGC and BC Classic and are defnitie contenders for the Older Male Eclsipe.

Was a wonderful, brillant race on Sat.  RA was far superior than all of her competition.  But she did look exhausted post race, blowing harder than I've seen her do before.  I hope that Mr. Jackson sticks to his guns and rests her until 2010.  She has nothing left to prove and should easily be considered as horse of the year.  I would not like to see a race with both RA and Zen in it for fear that it would turn into a match race,something I could not stomach. I was there when Ruffian broke down, was 15 at the time, and it tore my heart out.  I remember seeing a man run out on the track even before the race was over.  He nearly got plowed down by Foolish Pleasure. That man turned out to be Wm. Nack a wonderful author of many horse bios.  He too would later say that what he witnessed was upsetting to say the least. So let RA go have her rest she so well deserves, and come back at 4. She too will become a legend in time, just as Ruffian has become.  We all witnessed history on Sat. and that my friends is something no one can ever take away.

This is an incredible video, posted yesterday on Twitter. Stop whatever you're doing for the next eleven minutes:

http://tinyurl.com/ln32yl

GunBow, actually Dolph was the breeder and co-owner of Rachel.

That's where his interest lies and even though the initial nom fees are minimal, the entry and start fees are not.

Who knows, maybe the minor ankle surgery she had as a 2 year old influenced his nominating her as well.

Bob Z, a lot depends on the horse what cues they need to be urged, some want the lead on their own and it's harder rating them, that's what happens when a horse gets rank. They want to go and no holding them back.

Some jocks will pump the reins, some will change body position, maybe even a tap with the whip lots of techniques.

As far as the whip? That's a whole can of worms. I like to think of the guy that says a horse that acts adversely to a whip has either had a very bad experience or just won't make a race horse.

Like he says, they definitely have a mind of their own and if whipping bothered tham that much they just would quit running. One of the best things you can have in a jock is a good stick man/woman. Being able to use the stick just enough to encourage.

Also a whip can be used to keep a horse running straight or help keep them from lugging in or out. Usually a horse that ducks from the whip is a young horse who hasn't been pushed and is a bit startled but that's fairly easy to remedy.

Truthfully my explanation is pretty much the status quo but like anything there are as many opinions on this subject as there are most things.

Vic S:

When Candy Ride beat Medalgia d' Oro in the 2003 Pacific Classic, Medalgia had NOT been to Dubai earlier in the Year. Medalgia ran in the Dubai World Cup in 2004, running 2nd to Pleasantly Perfect.  The facts are that Medalgia won the Strub, Oaklawn Cap', and Whiteny prior to the Pacific Classic. It was a relatively soft schedule that should have had him ready to peak in the Pacific Classic and BC Classic(and he actually did, running Beyers of 118 in both).

Baffert has another fast two year old--ran yesterday,(mdn)---"Indian Firewater"...Does things right and has a second gear!...Indian Firewater was the most impressive maiden winner I saw at Del Mar, meaning he's likely going to be a graded stakes winner!!

Thanks so much for the link Soldier Course. Who filmed that? They had great access!

Really fun to watch, especially since we know the outcome. Wish I could have afforded the trip and been there.  Rachel's success makes me feel thankful that I was able to get my sometimes lazy butt out of bed early the morning of Friday May 1st and make the drive from Ann Arbor Michigan to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Oaks. I can always say I saw Rachel Alexandra run in person. And she was pretty special that day too!

Something that sticks out for me seeing Rachel in person was how calm she was in the paddock before the Oaks.  She was letting people pet her, and remained so still. I know alot of people have commented on how big she is and being so big she shouldn't get the 5 lbs weight allowance (so we should start putting weight on horses based on size?). While Rachel is taller than most, I wouldn't say she is a thick, stout horse. For example, she is not close to being as big as a General Challenge, Sandpit, or Bien Bien. Physically, she is built more like Tiznow or her daddy, Medalgia d' Oro. However, I bet she weighs less than either of those 2 did.

Candy Rides Pacific Classic top ten 1 1/4's of my "life" in this game (1972)...Stumbled badly, ran up and duelled/repelled Madaglia D Oro and I mean no contest-e!!! Others???...Quack's Hol Gold Cup, '72....Secretariat's Derby, '73.....'Bid's Strub, '80....Spend A Buck's Derby, '85.....

...OOPS and of corse Brownie's Derby, 08....

i dont want to sound like a party spoiler but i dont think hoy is a given yet.ra is a great filly but my opinion is she wud not have won the kentucky derby.i believe she is best up to 11/8 mile the preakness proved that to me.she is suspect any further.she reminds me of her father m doro whos best was up to same limitations.shud zenyatta race n win the classic n remains unbeaten i think she is hoy unbeaten in two years n dancing the championship dance is too much to argue against.besides it cud be argued that ra hasn't defeated the best of the older horses males or mares see how she fares against music note or zenyatta before we underline hoy.like all things championships define champions thats where all the best should be.tks

Seeing the excitement of the crowd at Saratoga for Rachel's Woodward certainly makes me jealous.

The only times I've been to the track on a day when the crowd reacted close to this was:

1) Best Pal's 1993 Hollywood Gold Cup.  He had been a star in Cali at 2,3 and 4, but was coming off an injury and hadn't won in over a year. The crowd erupted when he crossed the wire first and came back to the winners circle.

2) Tiznow's 2001 BC Classic. Tiznow wasn't the favorite and wasn't New York based, but the fact he was repeating in the Classic, that the race came less than 2 months after 9/11 and that the Euros had been dominating the previous 2 or 3 races, made it even more special.

3) Lava Man's 3-peat in the 2007 Hollywood Gold Cup. Those outside of Cali will never understand how popular Lava Man was in the state.  They absolutely adored him.  People wore Lava Man t-shirts, hats, brought signs, took pictures. There is some good home video from someone on YouTube of Lava Man's repeat in the 2007 Big Cap. No horse EVER dominated California handicap racing like Lava Man did. 3 Gold Cups, 2 Big Caps, a Pacific Classic, and throw in a gr. 1 win on turf(Whittingham), Goodwood, Sunshine Millions Classic + Turf, and the Californian, and one has the biggest equine star in Cali since I got into the sport in 89'.

Saying Ruffian wasn't superior based on not beating males is ridiculous under the circumstances.  She wasn't given the opportunity to run against males until the match race.  I don't believe she broke down just because she was running against a male - after all, she had previously sustained a hairline fracture as a 2-year-old.  She probably was destined for a significant breakdown no matter what, based on her genes, speed, and conformation.  However, I believe an honest comparison of her times on the track prove she was faster than any other horse running in 1975.

Gun Bow I applaud your evidence and the way you think.  Taking everthing into account I still can't use speed figs as an accurate way of telling a horse's greatness.  Figures are made by humans are they not? Yes they are.  Therefore they are flawed. I don't care who gave the figures or what is on their agenda.  I simply do not believe in speed figures.  Yes they are a telling tale of how talented a horse is but having figures is like saying that due to this and that this makes this guy better than the other based on made up numbers.  You may say they are not made up but then what are they?  Do you honestly believe a beyer figure of 120 is much more different than that of a 125.  Humans are errors.  It is a plain and simple fact of life.  From the moment of creation we are flawed.  You simply can't say that because so and so has a beyer slightly higher than so and so that they are the better animal.  The fact is times, weight, competition, and margin are the only things you can EVER judge a horse on.  Beyer figures, ragozins, and everything else that is not solid proof (not controlled by humans) is flawed.  The beyer numbers are based upon things that humans believe are or aren't in the favor of a horse correct? Yes.  This is like saying Sea Bird (MOST OVERRATED EURO HORSE OF ALL-TIME) is superior to that of Ribot based on figures.  But when looking at the cold hard facts time, weight, age, margin, Ribot is the superior horse 2 time arc winner, undefeated in 16 starts.  Where as Sea Bird 7 of 8 races won, 1 arc is ranked above after he actually won the race by fewer lengths than Ribot over a softer field of horses.  FACTS are FACTS and to say anything other than that is moot.  Sea Bird has the highest timeform rating: 145 than any horse of all-time.  Higher than any american horse or euro or any horse EVER.  Can we simply believe that because someone THINKS this horse is superior to all others that he is truly the best? NO.  Based on cold hard evidence (weight, margin, etc.) he simply doesn't add up to the many great horses that have raced before and after him.  Humans that are in control of these numbers are flawed because they are conscious beings that have opinions, believe it or not, and therefore consciously or unconsciously their opinions DO factor into the rating of a horse whether if favors your Cigar or my Holy Bull, it would be moot.  Figs are just an indication of the caliber of horse nothing more, a few pts higher or lower means nothing.  They don't tell how fast they won, they don't tell what the weight was, they are opinions by man put into numbers to help rate a horse.  Opinions are not facts and therefore are non factors.

Gun Bow - Beating one good horse and 2 other mediocre horses is not equal to winning the BCC against an incredibly tough field.

Matthew W - my personal greatest 1 1/4 of all-time is Secretariat's 1 1/8 Marlboro  :  )  Galloped out being eased in 1:57 4/5.

Tim G:

Thanks. I had forgotten that. So, Dolph deserves a ton of credit for all she continues to do.  I hope both Dolph and Hal and invited to the Eclipse dinners(because she's definitely winning the 3 year old filly Eclipse). And, if for some reason those that run the Eclipse Awards do not invite them, I hope Jess Jackson is honorable enough to invite them himself.  His desire to capture the spotlight could be tested by this.

In response to an earlier post of Draynay's, maybe he didn't look hard enough for a three-year-old who won five straight Grade Ones, because when I was skimming through my Champions book, I found four easily; Easy Goer, Open Mind, Go for Wand, and Dance Smartly, and I'm sure there are more that I missed.

GunBow:

I am not sure who did the filming, but since the human star of the video was Rachel's exercise rider, it may have been his stepfather or someone from Asmussen's barn. Wasn't this a remarkable day-in-the-life of both the filly and her rider? And what a day to pick! A very fine and rare human-equine interest story. The rider cried when Rachel crossed the wire. And funny, too. The older guys had a big laugh with the Ho Hos and Ding Dongs.

CL:

I hate to sound blunt, but ultimately the reason a horse wasn't able to accomplish something doesn't matter. The facts are the facts. I can talk until I am blue in the face about Grand Canyon being one of the best horses of the last 20 years. Grand Canyon won the Norfolk, ran 2nd in the BC Juvenile, won the Knetucky Jockey Club Stakes by 10, and then won the Hollywood Futurity by over 6 in 1:33 flat for the mile (the fastest mile ever by a juvenile).  Unfortunately, he injured a tendon, and then the following summer was stricken by laminitis and was put down.  To me, he had the talent to be an all-time great. However, I cannot rate him an all-time great because he just didn't accomplish enough. Of course, it's not his fault, and to this day I feel terrible about Grand Canyon(I was at the Hollywood Futurity and he was one of my first crushes).

Part of being great, or being consider the greatest, is running and winning, and both require soundness. There have been many, many horses we have probably never heard of that had the talent to be great, but were injured. It says alot about how brilliant Ruffian was and how much she captivated the public that she is considered by most people to be the standard for great female racehorses, even though she ran in only 10 complete races. Like I said, it is tragic she wasn't able to prove herself even further(although she proved herself far enough to be considered great) and fill these gaps in her resume. Yet, the facts are that she didn't defeat males or older females. As a result, she was not tested against the level of competiton Rachel has been.  Again, I'm not saying Rachel is better than Ruffian, but if you put their past performances up against each other and cover the names, I think Rachel's stands out more.

Hearing comments by guys like Paul LoDuca, comparing the buzz around Rachel to that of Secretariat just makes me shake my head and wonder.

How can a 37 year old guy even have a clue as to the buzz that surrounded Secretariat? Maybe the 'on track' buzz was somewhat comparable although there were approx 20,000 less people Saratoga and heaven only knows how many of the 50,000 were spinners.

But the reaction around the country cannot compare to those in relation to Secretariat. I know part of their point was to hype their network and also the possibility of a TVG sponsored purse bump and match up, but come on.

Unlike Gun Bow I HAVE been at the track on many of the big days and while it was electric and exciting in its own right, there have been many which overshadow it.

Yes Rachel is a sensational filly, yes she's done some things that haven't been done by other fillies but she isn't on a level with others when comparing the TOTAL impact.

What doesn't help is the manner in which racing is perceived now. They whipped horses back then and actually rode a lot more agressively with and against each other.

The thing hanging over the head of racing right now and with this filly in particular in the view of the every day guy, is drug violations.

Someone I know who enjoys racing but isn't a diehard fan asked me how, if Jess is such a great sportsman, he could have as his trainer a known violator with one long suspension behind him and another on the horizon (some day, hopefully it won't be a laugher like the last one or like Dutrow's latest to be served during a huge lull in big races).

Whether we want to believe it or not, that IS what a lot of people see in this case and wonder if all is Kosher with the filly. We all assume it is, but does the casual fan?

Vic, you make a great point. Meeting Andy Beyer on the street would you buy into a numbers theory from the guy??LOL

GunBow:

I bet the crowd also went crazy at Churchill Downs when Da Hoss won his second Breeders' Cup Mile in 1998, after almost a two-year layoff. I would have loved to have been there. Tom Durkin's call of the race was great.

I always look forward to visiting Da Hoss at the Kentucky Horse Park when I go to Lexington. My 2008 Christmas card was a photo I took of Da Hoss and his caregiver Barbara Ratterree in May 2008.

Draynay wrote:

He has run 3 G1 races back to back to back and finished 1st, 2nd, and 2nd and you still want to diss him ?  ... what more does he have to do?

Wait, were you talking about Mine That Bird?

Vic S:

I just used speed figures because you were emphasizing how much faster Holy Bull was than Cigar. Well, if it is competition, weight, margin of victory, durability, sustained excellence, number of grade 1 wins, number of Eclipse championships...... in other words, if it's accomplishments, then I take Cigar and Skip Away over Holy Bull. The Bloodhorse Top 100 had it right with Ciagr and Skip Away over Holy Bull, in MY opinion.

What it really has come down to is our OPINIONS. Clearly you think Holy Bull was better, and clearly I don't.  We both use facts, statistics, and information to build and defend these opinions, but they are opinions.  I will say this, I certainly don't think it unreasonable for someone to think Holy Bull was better. And I completely agree that Holy Bull's injury had nothing to do with Cigar' presence in the Donn.  After getting into the sport in 89' with Easy Goer and Sunday Silence both the sport and I were desperate for a true superstar, and Holy Bull filled that need. When he broke down in the Donn, I was so upset and frustrated and thought any talk that Cigar would have won had Holy Bull not injured himself was foolish. A year later I wasn't so sure, and that's my opinion still. All I know is that if Holy Bull had remained healthy, both he and Cigar would have been tested in ways that their other competitors weren't able to.

Finally, I was just putting the Formal Gold figs up there to emphasize that numbers, or even a few brilliant performances do not make a horse great.  I did this because those that rank Ghostzapper very high typically emphasize his times, or his great numbers. They do this because, let's face it, his list of accomplishments are a little thin for a "great" horse.  Well, if it's pure talent and a few monster performances, then Formal Gold should be considered a great and one of the best, if not the best, of the last 20 years. I actually do not feel Formal Gold is "great" or better than Cigar, Skip Away, Holy Bull, or Ghostzapper(you're right that Zapper accomplished more than Formal Gold), but he was very, very good on his day.

I love you GunBow but Ruffian did win 10 races in a row and was unbeaten by any other filly something RA cannot lay claim to.

RA made history in the Woodward and that can't be taken away and she won a Triple Crowner as well.  She's earned a rest and the HOY mantle.  But, better than Ruffian?  No, no, no.

For all those wh think it is ok to be whip a filly 21 times or to whip any horse more than 4 or 5 times, if at all, except for correction, and that it does not hurt the horses well then would you like to be whipped 21 times by a jockey?  Of course it hurts them!  They are living creatures not blocks of wood!  No whips would be great but sometimes they are needed if a horse is running around or veering.  But never ever should a horse be whipped so much!

Vineyard Haven lost the King's Bishop due to injudicious whipping.  He was veering away from it!  Calvin Borel could have caused Rachel to lose where she not so determined to win.  I know of horses who practically pulled themselves up when whipped!  Overwhipping is a very quick way to sour a horse.  They have memories you know!  No true horse lover could enjoy seeing Rachel whipped like that!

As for Sea the Star well he has won his races from 1 mile to 1 mile and a half without coming out of third gear so we have no idea how good he really is!  To win over such diverse courses as Newmarket, Epsom, Sandown, York and The Curragh also shows great versatility.  He has won on fast ground mainly but it was on the soft side on Saturday.  Nothing fazes him.  You cannot compare him to Rachel because he races on turf and she races on dirt.  UK tracks are very different to each other US very similar.  The opponents he has beaten include Breeders Cup Turf winner Conduit so you can hardly say "What did he beat?"  Sea the Stars and Rachel Alexandra are both superb horses.  Until they actually do meet, if they do, we will not know which is the best.  It is purely guesswork.  But don't try and make out that Sea the Stars is anything other than a great Champion!  Some think he may be one of the greatest ever and I tend to agree with them such is the way he has been toying with top class opposition!  He has to be seen to be believed too!

Don't know how anyone can even think it is ok to race a horse who clearly hates racing like Da' Tara does!  Let alone applaud it! I hope they never get to own a racehorse!!!!!!

God bless

Best Wishes

Abbie

Tim G:

It's not that I haven't been to the racetrack often and seen some great, great races and tremendous performances.  But seeing a crowd react like they did at Saratoga for Rachel is unusual. You almost seem to be suggesting that it was nothing out of the ordinary. Well, for those that were into the sport in  1910-1980, perhaps such electricity was normal. However for those of us who got into the sport in the 80s, it was special and, unfortunately, relatively rare.

Let me add Smarty Jones' 2004 Preakness to my personal list.  The way he won and the prospects of him winning the Triple Crown had Pimlico buzzing. Azeri winning her 10th straight race in the 2003 Vanity was special to me, but Hollywood Park was hardly jumping like Saratoga was(from what I can tell from the vids I've seen and comments).

Okay, I know I need a life but I watched the stretch run in slow mo on the big screen. Calvin switched the stick a couple of times and hit Rachel 23 times. Robby hit Macho 11 times with one switch of the stick(hard to tell when he switched to the left if he hit him or just waved it), waving it at his shoulder but not hitting him at that point. Then reached back and hit him twice. Desperately close as Tom said.

In comparison the Pacific Classic winner Richard's Kid, Mike lost the whip, threw a cross, shook the reins, crouched down and urged his horse to the win after he lost his stick.

Sea the Stars? Did Mick even hit him at all? He rides like all the Euros with that flailing windmill style that looks like he's hitting them but actually isn't.

Whatever Boo said to keep the mount if she runs next year is what he NEEDED to say. She was all out and being asked vigorously and won by a head.

Tiznowbaby, hysterically quick witted for so late at night, good one!

Tim G:

Do share your past memories when you were at the track and the place was jumping. Like I wrote, it's rare for a racetrack to be "off the hook" these days. And, as far as national coverage goes, it's almost impossible unless it's a tragedy or a Triple Crown bid.  

Tim G:

Maybe you should read Steve Haskin's article. And he's not Paul lo Duca.  Racing is not what it used to be in terms of national exposure, but at Saratoga this past Saturday, those in attendance certainly shared a special moment.

I adore Zenyatta but...she no longer matters.  Her connections have ensured her irrelevance with a timidity that borders on disgusting.  Rachel doesn't need to race Zenyatta -- and she's already proven far more than any minor point that could possibly be made by racing her.  

I should mention that the newspaper article about Dave Mahan's memorial gathering at Saratoga was written by Joe Palladino of Waterbury, CT.

For the Rachel skeptics, this from Steve Haskin's recent article.

John Nerud (yes, the 96 year old trainer of Dr Fager fame) on Rachel:

"I don’t compare her to anyone. I’m not afraid to say she’s better than Ruffian, because she is. They sent two speed horses after her and made her go in :22 4/5, then they came after her one at a time and she put them all away. Those were tough older horses and they tried everything they could to get her beat and they couldn’t.”

Why are alot of you giving in that this years plastic classic will go to the Euros, like if its a given.  Theres plenty of good horses that can still take the Euro stars down in the big race.  

GUN BOW & VIC S,

I enjoyed your Cigar vs Holy Bull debate.  I appreciate the statistical analysis and assessment of Beyer speed figures but in the final analysis my own perception is that Holy Bull was the superior racehorse.  I tell you, we'll never know the spectacles that those fragile legs of a thoroughbred have denied us over the years but in that 1995 Donn Handicap a battle for the ages was "percolating" (according to race caller Tom Durkin) that only those who caught a glimpse of the greatness of Holy Bull could envision the outcome.  I tell you, in my extrapolation he puts away Cigar in a stirring stretch duel, having cruised through that first openning quarter in his usual "get warm" 23 and change.  However I still respect your view Gunbow.

Vic S.: Go back and watch the Donn race. If you watch it unbiasedly, you'll see Cigar and HB break fairly even and go head and head through the turn on the lead. Cigar takes a short lead. And when HB tried to make a move to match him is the moment he began pulling up. It looked to me as if he strained himself trying to do so. I agree that the :23 and change quarter was comfortable for him, but the fact remains that he didn't make the lead. And it looked as though he wanted to, but couldn't. I was a big fan of HB, even went and saw him win the Haskell. So I was mad when people in racing thought Cigar would have won regardless. But when I saw the video, I thought so too.

For all of the speculation we have over which horse was better from different eras, here we have two that actually met. And even though HB broke down, other than you, everyone else that I have heard thought Cigar would have won anyway. Times alone don't make a race. Pace plays a BIG factor.

And HB's injuries...they were so odd. I'm serious. Has anyone heard of another horse suffering from that kind of injury? He pulled ligaments in boths front legs I believe. I know fractures and breaks are obviously a result of stress. But that seems to be a different kind of stress, like "I'm sound, but I just can't do it" kind of stress. Does that makes any sense? Never heard of anyone else suffering from that. I would expect it more from a chaser, who might strain to make a jump.  

And GZ won in 1:59.02. That's 1/5 no matter which way you cut it. Still almost identical to CR's 1:59.11 in the Pacific Classic. He did face a weak field in that race. But that makes his time all the more impressive: he didn't have to run it that fast! But he won just as fast by almost the same amount of lengths as GZ, so it couldn't have been that bad.

Gunbow: Formal Gold! I loved him! And then he was gone. His last few races were spectacular! He was really starting to take off just before he was retired. It's amazing that prior to that he was duking it out with Skippy and Will's Way. And then...BOOM! Those races were just wonderful to watch. I always appreciate watching a horse run like that.

Gunbow:

Without trying to take anything away from Rachel or diminish her accomplishments, which are fantastic, I was reading your following post:

One final note on Ruffian. As I wrote earlier, Ruffian never faced older females or males of any age.  Had Ruffian remained healthy, she would have had to face the extremely good older mares Susan's Girl and Tizna, 3 year old males Wajima and Foolish Pleasure, and older males Forego and Ancient Title.  Had Ruffian remained sound and beaten those horses, then wow, there would NEVER have been a discussion about another 3 year old filly being better. Unfortunately, her breakdown deprived her of the opportunity, and left big holes in her resume. Very sad.

GunBow 08 Sep 2009 9:27 PM

Those are pretty tough horses and of course you probably already know my question.....How do you think that Rachel would have competed against them?.....This is where it is extremely difficult to compare horses and accomplishments from different eras……I personally don’t think that Rachel would have had the same degree of success if she had to compete against most of these.  She might have lost more than she would have won…..How would Ruffian have done?…..probably the same.  She might have lost more than she won…..I don’t think either of them would have defeated Forego after the mid point of his 3 y-o year…..Ancient Title was as tough as they come and I believe he would have handled both of them and yet in the Governor Stakes he was third to Wajima and Foolish Pleasure and lost to Wajima again in the Marlboro Cup……Wajima was under-rated and very inconsistent.  On his good days he was amazing, but he also had some mediocre efforts and lost to less than stellar competition…..on his good days I think he would have beaten both of them…..and don’t forget that Foolish Pleasure defeated Forego in the 1976 Suburban……it goes on and on…….I think that Rachel has benefited against the competition she has faced and I think that Ruffian didn’t really get a chance to prove herself against the really good ones in her era and for her legacy and the history of racing (it always needs its stars) maybe that’s a good thing.

Gunbow

Your observations about recent past Woodwards is a good one, however, I don't see Macho Again or Bullsbay winning any of them and they probably wouldn't have gotten as close to the winners as they did to Rachel.....Many of those defeated horses were legitimate G-1 winners either before or after that race.  Macho's G-1 race was a total gift (Einstein's troubled trip) and other than an over the hill Commentator, Bullsbay way to a G-1 win was through Macho......this argument about Macho and Bullsbay will be settled in the next few weeks probably starting with the JCGC and culminating with the BC Classic if both enter.....top performances there will change my thinking, but not until then.

Monica V

Thanks for the compliment.  I think that a lot more of Zens fans and other people that seem to be against Rachel would have shown their appreciation of her if it wasn't for you-know-who.....It's funny sometimes how one's biggest fan has a way of bringing out one's biggest detractors.....LOL and may all you horses be big winners.

Tiznowbaby,

I love it when someone like you sticks it to "the liar" nay nay. Your point made about MTB is so typical of his hypocrasy.

No Tiznowbaby, that would be 2nd, 3rd, 3rd.  The final 3rd came in a race that was last year a G3 and only became a G2 this year.  Not exactly the same as a G1 vs. the top older males in the country.

If the Rachel spell continues Macho Again should come back and win the G1 Jockey Gold.  Again proving just how good Rachel really is.

Gun Bow:

I was at Saratoga Saturday and it was a great crowd reaction to Rachel's wonderful victory. Most animated I have ever seen it at Saratoga, and I have been going there since 1978.

However, it was not the most excited racetrack crowd I was part of. I can name three that actually topped it, believe it or not.

1)The 1973 Belmont. My wife and I stood on line early that morning and were able to get great seats not far from the finish line. The grandstand actually was swaying from people jumping up and down as Secretariat roared down the stretch. What a scene.

2) Affirmed and Alydar locked in their epic stretch dual in the 1978 Belmont. What a race!

3) The 1964 Aqueduct Handicap, at the time a G-1 $100,000 race. Kelso was not having a very good year up to that point in his quest for a 5th straight HOTY title. And the new kid on the block, Gun Bow had beaten him badly 5 weeks earlier in the G-1 Brooklyn Handicap at Aqueduct. Turf writers were writing it may be the end of the mighty Kelso's reign. They were wrong. Just as he did in the Brooklyn, Gun Bow jumped out to a big lead. But unlike the Brooklyn, this time old Kelso started closing in on him, little by little, and the crowd of over 65,000  (yes, racing was still popular then) began screaming "go Kelly, go". Kelso caught him at the top of the stretch and beat him in a terrific struggle to the wire. The crowd went wild..some were actually tearing up. It was the most emotional race I can remember...especially to an impressionable 16 yr old "veteran" of 3 years at the track!

www.youtube.com/watch

(And, of course, Kelso finished the year with one world record in the JCGC  an a track record on grass in the Washington DC Int'l over Gun Bow to capture his 5th, and last HOTY)

www.youtube.com/watch

Gun Bow...respect and admire all the thought that you put into your posts....my take on your muse over Mr.Jackson is you "implied" through your 9 PM post on Labor Day that phrasing like "carefully researched","greatest chance", and "aggressive/progressive" to me speak of having success. All this descriptive labeling seems to be just other avenues of saying what we know...RA is a great athlete. It's a humbling game, and when desicions made unfold in a positive manner we should be appreciative. I know you prefaced your remark with JJ being less than altruistic, but remeber this is the same team that opted to run RA in the Woodward partly because they felt their other 3yo. Kensai[after the same careful research and aggressive moves for the greatest chance for success one would presume] should run in the Travers. Again[and the critter was indeed one of my favs], I enjoy your thought process that goes into your posts.

Tiznowbaby,

     Good Point!  Dray, Where is all the respect for Mine that Bird?  You show it for Macho Again to try and boost Rachel, But not Mine that Bird?  The hypocrisy is very obvious Dray...

FYI,

    NTRA's latest top ten poll:

1. Rachel (21)

1a. Zensational

2. Zenyatta (1)

3. Gio Ponti

4. Summer Bird

5. Forever Together

6. Einstein

7. Macho Again

8. Fabulous Strike

9. Mine that Bird

10. Icon Project

OK, Maybe I threw in Zensational, lol...

Draynay,

I was commenting about your use of the jockey's quotes in both situations and your comments while comparing both races. So sad. Stand behind your writing or don't bother. I'm done with you until you have something other than being just a blogger on your resume when speaking and covering this sport. It's obvious you just spew and then hope no one calls you out on it. Good Luck with that approach if you actually try to do some real writing to gain creditability! LOL!

Oh Dray, quit ignoring Mine That Bird's 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the three toughest races a 3YO colt can run in in a FIVE WEEK SPAN, not three months. What was Macho Again's record in the TC races? At this point, Mine That Bird is far more accomplished than Macho Again was. Remember how you thought Macho Again was a POS last year during the TC?

Man up, Dray, and admit your hypocrisy.

GunBow, I love Steve's writing and have most of his books. But I'm sure he'd be the first to tell you he romanticizes racing and THAT is the charm of his stories and the man himself.

I can just say again that, while the track was electric on Saturday, the whole COUNTRY was electric when Secretariat ran. Not sure of your age, but remember the times and what was going on then, how badly we all needed a hero and something positive. (sort of like now,hmmm)But PEOPLE were different then.

The issue with Saratoga is the spinners and how that skews the attendance figures. Granted it was crowded, but.....

I actually said overall impact and truthfully there wasn't any.

Those of us in racing would LOVE nothing more, would LOVE for racing to be on national TV and on the front page of the paper rather than the back of the sports page or not at all or listed on websites as an afterthought, listed under OTHER. We'd LOVE for the tracks to be so crowded you have to stand because you can't find a seat and all the rest of it.

Like I've been saying all along, it was great for the fans of racing, for the connections and made those of us in racing feel better about our sport. But the

cold hard facts are there. It is very painful to most of us. But most of us will soldier on although we're losing trainers, owners etc from the game in record numbers.

What a LOT of people cannot get past in this case and in Curlin and Big Browns cases are the connections. I'm waiting for that dream horse with likeable connections without that 'drug' cloud hanging over their heads to come in and win the Triple Crown. Which I really think might be parlayed into more attention than this filly was/is. That's sad for her because she IS a great filly.

Then you have the 'fans' like you know who, who actually HARM the horse more than help because they think it's productive to call names and agitate to promote the horse that they've picked as a favorite of theirs.

(By the way, Calvin used the whip on Rachel twice as many times as Robby did Macho and STILL beat the colt by just a head).

GunBow, you said you weren't there, I said I was.

My discussion was the comparison to the buzz created by Rachel vs Secretariat and the outlandish comment that this is the SAME as it was at that time. It WASN'T, for whatever reason, it just WAS NOT and SHOULD NOT be compared like that.

I've been at so many races, racetracks etc that it boggles my mind.

Ashland Stakes 2009 record attendance to watch Stardom Bound.

So packed that after the 5th race they opened the gates to free GS admission.

I wasn't there but wish I were, when Zenyatta runs in California.

exciting race for me, one that gets lost in the shuffle was the '78 Travers...I am sure the 50g. people that were there[legit]... will agree..had alotta "prep" with the triple crown battle, and the substitution of LaFitte[who rarely rode in the East] added to the intrigue. If you watch Alydar's performance vis a vis Affirmed, it was almost as if they were "buds" and enjoyed each others compamy.Truly these two put on a show each time they ran vs. each other1

Abbie K.:

I agree with everything you wrote, whip, Da'Tara... and as for the mighty Sea the Stars, I am really looking forward to seeing him at Santa Anita if he comes.  So obviously I hope he does.  Cheers!

Yay! I'm off today--Yay! I'm  off to playing three guys I spent hours pouring over! I'll get to the saddling barn early to get a look see, watching their every flicker, I'll watch how they feel today, as their trainers apply their blinkers, watch them walk, the owners cavort with the whole scene--the jocks, nodding, glad handing like professionals...used to be Shoemaker, and Pincay, and McCarron....now it's Gomez, and Rosario, and Espinoza, still that professional edge...like Go Go, in the 8th and 9th.....like Victor, in the 4th......LOVE the traffic, the birds, the heat, the lines......Love "taking them down" on a Wednesday Afternoon!  

Jason, with October quickly coming and soon the Breeder's Cup I would like to take this chance to thank you and Bloodhorse for making 2009 a wonderful year for me and all who follow racing.  Bloodhorse.com has been a wonderful site and your blog all year has been second to none.  Everyone at Bloodhorse has worked hard to make this year a great one and you guys and gals did not disappoint.  I know the year is not over but I am already looking forward to a great 2010.  Thanks to you and Bloodhorse I'm sure 2010 will be even better.  Thanks again !

Dray are you "shutting-er-down" for 2009???   Thank you, Bloodhorse!

NTRA top ten poll all wet-it doesn't include Rail TRIP

the reason he lost was because he was asked to do the impossible -work a mile 1:36 then run in classic next week

he will win his next race by 7

Racing Fan.  Of all the comments, I feel yours was right on.  Thanks

Jason

I forgot to put in my copy of Draynay's BLOG.....

I second his thoughts.....

I really enjoy this blog and the way you've handled it.  Good work.

Jason:

Do you have any choices for the Palomar H. today, (race 8),Delmar.

looking for an from one of these horses. (1-flashover, 2-lethal heat

5-dawn after dawn).

RA reminds me a lot of Lady's Secret.  Speed over a distance of ground is hard to beat.  Changing subjects to BC...since it is on synthetics who is going to beat Zenyatta, Lookin at Lucky, and Zensational?  As much as Baffert moans and groans about syn it looks like he has the hot male 2 year old and sprinter divisions to himself.  And what about his Pacific Classic score?  Tell me that horse would have won on dirt!

rachel is great but just like the great ruffian who brokedown against foolish pleasure,the notion of cigar making holy bull breakdown is absurd,in animals and human alike things just give out,these things happen in training all the time like the 5000 dollar claimer even the greats breakdown.

tvnewsbadge,

You wrote:  How do you defend Borel continuing to whip RA in the Haskell after the she had the race put away?

I don't. But it isn't hurting the horse either.  Can they feel it?  Yes.

If the race is well in hand there is no need to use the whip.  I think that was my point... in the Woodward that race come down to the wire... so in my opinion use of the whip was ok.  That is what it is for...

You wrote:  I don't think you're seeing the whole picture here nor what seems to be the hypocrisy of Borel saying on one hand that "Hitting her is not going to make her run faster" and the video replays of Calvin doing just that.

Oh I agree with you...  The whip is used to induce more effort... (run faster).. for anyone to say otherwise is just wrong... If using the whip would not make a horse run faster then why use it?  

You wrote:  Isn't that the point where a true champion, human or equine, reaches down into some inner depth for a strength she didn't know she had? Isn't that what in effect Jess Jackson said RA did in the Woodward? Would a TRUE champion need to be beat to reach that new dimension?  

Humans and horses have different levels of intelligence.  Thats why the human is on the back of the horse!  

You can't compare a human using their intelligence to dig down deep with a horse doing the same.  A horse has a much more limited intelligence. So they need to be prodded with a primitive stimulus like a whip.  Horses don't have the cognitive intelligence to say to themselves.. "Geez this horse is gaining on me I better bear down"

I would agree that they might have a competitive streak... but if you wanted to rely solely on that then I say get rid of all the whips...

I think by you saying "beating" the horse I understand where you are coming from... Calvin Borel was not beating Rachel. Calvin Borel was using the whip alot.  Beating implies a whole other (bad) situation.  Did he use the whip alot, yes.  

Do I think it was necessary for her to win... probably yes.  

Do I think he needed to use it in the Haskell after being up 6 lengths?  No. Do I have a problem that he used it?  No.

How about this scenario...

Rachel is entered in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at 1 1/4.  Calvin rates her beautifully laying 3rd or 4th until just after the 3/4 pole... At that point he urges her ahead as do the other jockeys who have been off the pace... With 1/16 of a mile left there are 4 horses within a nose of each other, Rachel included, the other jockeys are using the whip and they are slowing pulling ahead..

You see the idea of Rachels likeness up on Mt. Rushmore next to Lincoln slipping away...

If you were Calvin what would you do?

If jockeys have whips they are going to use them... maybe the Jockey Club should just change their name to "performance enhancement devices"...

The use of the word whips and beating just never sounds good in any conversation...

Steve S

Is it just me or did the Delmar rail affect Rail Trip.  He was in position and looked like he was going to take off but came up empty......the mile work like you said really took a lot out of him, it was suicidal.....I think the rail took something out of him too and I also think it took something out of Col. John

Right Matthew!

Shows how much he LOOOOOOVVVVEEES racing. The TC over, his fave shutting it down and the season which is heating back up again, is over.

I can't wait for the Fall Juvenile and JF races. A preview of what we hope is to come. Not that I'm crazy about the synthetics (hate em) but I really hope Sea The Stars comes to run in it.

Keeneland opening day less than a month away? Then the CD fall meet and it starts again!

I trust that Jason will be covering the happenings as well as he did all year. Agree or disagree, it's been interesting.

I was at Saratoga and saw a couple of horses that won Grade Ones in their prime that were now in opt. claiming races. These stallions should be retired. There is a point when a horse has done all he can and he will not go back to his prime again.

As for Rachel, she is one for the record books. I hope they are smart enough to stop her now. She is reaching the point where this is not fun for her anymore. Give her a break now and she might want to come back, keep it up and she may just sour on it and be unwilling later.

Regarding Whips:

The Ontario Jockey Club has recently issued a mandate that all whips must be of the Soft Touch Variety......I read that Delmar emplores the use of such whips but has not mandated them.....two big time jockies endorse them:

Mike Smith...“I’m really happy we have made this change,” said jockey Mike Smith. “I’ve used one for quite a while. They are very equine friendly. With the old crop, if you knew how to use it, it was fine. Sometimes though in the heat of battle you might make a mistake. With these new riding crops, it really eliminates that possibility. They make noise, but they are all cushion and don’t cause any harm to the horse.”

Garrett Gomez:

“This is a great step for racing,” said jockey Garrett Gomez. “All the jocks discussed it and wanted to make this move. One of our biggest problems was getting enough riding crops for everybody. With Del Mar’s help, we were able to get a big enough supply, including for riders who couldn’t necessarily afford them. With the new riding crop, horses seem to react to the sound of the popper rather than from a physical reaction to the whip. It’s good for racing and we wanted to be at the forefront.”

Do whips hurt....yes, especially if used the wrong way.

Maybe the new whips shoul be used throughout the racing community.

Matthew W, no I am just taking a step back.  Look, I love talking about horse racing and I always enjoy a good argument.  But sometimes we need to step back from the fray and remember why we are here and thank all the people that make this possible.  Who of us here does not enjoy the educated ramblings of GunBow or the quick wit of Lazmannick or the complete nonsense posted by Tim and Greg again and again.  It gives this blog spice and Jason brings it all together and makes it fun.  I just felt it was time to stop the fight for a while and take time out to smell the roses.  Am I done for the year?  No, but it is time for me to step back a little bit and give credit where credit is due.

Hey Dray:

Good luck in you endeavors and don't be gone for long.....Truthfully, you are a knowledgeable guy, very passionate in defending what you believe in and you have a way of spicing things up that are fun, even after the heat of the moment.....Like I say....GOOD LUCK

MonicaV:  Several times you have commented that BigZ has not gone 1 1/4 miles either.  I believe the difference is that at 9 furlongs BigZ is just starting to roll, whereas at 9 furlongs Rachel is starting to fade.  Yes, if ridden differently at longer distances, i.e. rated off the pace instead of setting it, she would fare better.  The only problem with that is that the other jockeys understand this and are not going to make it easy for her to get the kind of trip she requires.

GunBow:  I think you may have gotten a little bit tipsy on the Kool Aid at some point, but for the most part you are very fair and balanced, and you bring the meat-and-potatoes to the blog, which we all appreciate.  I never brought up Rachel's Preakness win;  but let me say I was as enthusiastic as anyone about it, even though I expected a more overwhelming victory over MTB and Musket Man, given all the pre-race hype.  But to say Mr. Jackson has opened up a pandoras box of possibilities by placing RA in the Woodward against 2nd tier older horses in a weak Handicap division doesn't resonate with me.  It took guts to put Rags2Riches in the Belmont Stakes, knowing that it was a stellar crop of 3-yr-olds males she was up against.  But for Mr. Jackson to cherry-pick the Woodward, I don't see as deserving of all that much praise.  I stand by my statement that I would prefer it if Rachel was still with her original connections.  Wiggins did say that at some point he would like to race her against males, but that ultimately she would have been placed in the BC Distaff.  I believe her brilliance would have still shown through, we would have gotten a better gauge on her distance capabilities, and it would have been very easy to root for nice regular folks like Morrison and Wiggins.

Gun Bow, I respect your opinion lets leave it at that.

Ranalguzion,  I love the way you word it "his get warm 23 and change." priceless lol

Arkle, 1:59.02 and 1:59.11 are both 1:59 flats.  Also saying Bull broke down due to "straining himself due to Cigar" is laughable.  So are we saying Eight Belles died cuz she race males?  Ruffian died from racing Foolish Pleasure? Bold Ruler, Damascus, Alydar etc. all had career ending injurys from facing "lesser horses"?  Your point is pure insanity!!! Horses strain, pull, tear, etc. ligaments all the time.  Holy Bull simply broke down from a freak injury just as EVERY other horse that broken down horse has been through.  Just cuz hes Holy Bull and he was racing Cigar in his NORMAL 23 and change he broke down?  There is no evidence to support this.  Cigar was the horse being pushed to his limits.  23 and change is NO CUP OF TEA for Cigar, that is Holy Bull's regular routine.  Holy Bull always has been and always will be Cigar's superior no matter what way you look at it.  I have met Cigar numerous times.  Heck, I have pictures of him!  He is a fun horse, love the way he streches lol.  But even with my love for him he is not a superior horse to Holy Bull.

Tim G, I would make Andy Beyer speechless if I met him on the street.  So based on his opinions of what helps or hurts a horse, and therefore giving a horse HIS numbers we are subject to believe them. LOL NO WAY.  Based on his beliefs Ghostzappers greatest race was his Islen.  Anyone that knows anything about horseracing will tell you that Ghostzapper's 1:46 4/5, first race beyond 7 furlongs is a superior race to that of his Islen.  Especially after St. Liams erratic bumps, and carrying Ghostzapper 9 wide.  Speed figures are useless criteria when assessing the greatness of a horse.  Only time, margin, weight, competition, judge a horses true greatness.

EVERYONE - Rachel beats Ruffian.  Rachel beat males 3 times, in one year, 8 for 8, TC race winner, fast times, huge margins, superior competition.  Ruffian has nothing on Rachel, it's not Ruffians fault but you can't base a horse on things they never did or never got the chance to do.  This is why I laugh in the faces of people who honestly believe Ruffian was the best horse of all-time or filly of all-time.  O yeah, what TRACK RECORDS did she set?  Who did she beat?  What weight did she carry?  O yeah, no one likes to look at the REAL EVIDENCE.  Going out in a heroic way should not bring legendary greatness.  The same people should then also KNOW that Go For Wand is Ruffian's superior, proved more in every single way, superior filly superior racehorse.  Rachel is Ruffian's master.  Ta Wee is Rachel's master.  Busher is every filly's master.  FACT

Laz:

I agree that Macho Again and Bullsbay probably would not have won these recent runnings of the Woodward. However, that really wasn't my point. What I was trying to emphasize is that the horses Rachel beat were comparable to the fields Curlin, Lawyer Ron, Premium Tap, Saint Liam, Mineshaft, Lido Palace(2002), Lemon Drop Kid(vs. a declining Behrens), and River Keen defeated.  Thus, if you replace Rachel with Mineshaft in the 2003 Woodward, I think Rachel wins that Woodward.  On the other hand, I think had Mineshaft run in this year's Woodward without Rachel, he beats Macho Again and Bullsbay.

Laz:

It would have been a challenge for either Ruffian or Rachel to defeat Forego, Wajima, Ancient Title, and even Foolish Pleasure, Susan's Girl, and Tizna. No doubt the 3 year old and older males were stronger in 1975 than this year.

So, Rachel would not have had the success she has had this year had she run in 1975. I definitely agree with you. Perhaps Ruffian or Rachel could have taken one race, maybe two at most. Most likely, winning just one race would have been tough. I think Rachel would have had a fair shot at beating Master Derby and Foolish Pleaure in the Preakness and even Wajima in the Haskell given Wajima was just starting to get good. However, had Rachel run in the Governor's Cup or Marlboro Cup should would have faced Forego, Wajima, Ancient Title, and Foolish Pleasure in both races. Then, in the Woodward she would have had to face Forego and Wajima at 12 furlongs.  

The tough fields in the Fall Championship races of New York in 1975 is why I wrote that had Ruffian stayed healthy and won those races, she would have made any future discussion of a 3 year old filly being her equal absolutely irrelevant.  

Dray, you should be happy you have horsemen like myself and others so you have a forum to post your biased opinions.

If I'm in the industry and  'posting nonsense'? What in the world is someone like you, with no connection posting?

thepryor:

I have been careful not to write that I believe Rachel is better than Ruffian.  I think that Rachel has passed more hurdles and accomplished more.  However, I can't say that Rachel was necessarilly more talented or brilliant than Ruffian.  I would probably give the edge to Ruffian at 6 and 7 furlongs, given how fast she was at those distances as a juvenile.

At a mile or 9 furlongs, I think it would be very close.  Given that I think Rachel is more accomplished than Ruffian, if I thought Rachel was definitely superior to Ruffian at Rachel's most proven distances(mile/9 furlongs), I wouldn't hesitate to rank Rachel the overall better horse. However, I'm not sure Rachel could have beaten Ruffian at a mile or 9 furlongs, and thus have difficulty ranking Rachel ahead of her. On the other hand, what causes me to pause to say Ruffian was better at 8-9 furlongs is that Ruffian only won 3 races at a mile or over and only 2 races around 2 turns.  Ruffian won the 1 mile gr.3 Comely in 1:34 and 2 and the 9 furlong gr.1 Mother Goose in 1:47 and 4.  The fractions Ruffian set in the Mother Goose were not demanding, with a first half in :47 and 3, 6 furlongs in 1:11 and 3 before really picking it up with a 4th quarter in :24 flat (1:35 and 3 mile) and a final eighth of :12 flat. In her one race at 9 furlongs, Ruffian was not subjected to the pace Rachel had to overcome in the Woodward, with a first quarter of :22 and 4,  a half in :46 and 2, and 6 furlongs in 1:10 and 2.  

At 10 furlongs and up, I really have little clue who would have won. Each horse  won only one race over 9 furlongs(hopefully Rachel will have more opportunities next year). Ruffian won at 12 furlongs, but against other 3 year old fillies and after setting a pace of :49 for the 1st half, 1:13 and 2 for 6 furlongs, and 2:03 and 1 for 10 furlongs before finishing up in 2:27 and 4.  Rachel's longest victory was the 9.5 furlong Preakness, a Triple Crown race against males. In the race, Rachel set fractions of :23 flat for the 1st quarter, :46 and 3 for the half, and 1:11 for 6 furlongs.  Again, the pace Rachel had to deal with in the Preakness, against males, was much more severe than the pace Ruffian faced in the Coaching Club American Oaks. Of course, the CCA Oaks was 2.5 furlongs longer, so it is very difficult to compare fractions.

Saratoga AJ:

It most have been magical to have been at those races!  I trust your judgment that the electricity on those days topped Saratoga this past Saturday.  Like you said, though, this past Saturday certainly wasn't routine.

Tim G:

Completely agree that outside of those at Saratoga on Saturday and those dedicated fans on blogs like this, Rachel's win in the Woodward did not make much of a ripple in the media at large or even the sports media.  I was at a football game during the running of the Woodward and then went out to watch the later college football games.  The whole time I was watching those later games I was waiting for the results of the Woodward to appear on the ticker, but it never did. Nor, might I add, was the Woodward covered on SportsCenter that night.  As I wrote earlier, outside of the Triple Crown, racing has become a 3rd or 4th tier sport.

In comparison, in the 20's-60's and even the 70s, racing was still a major sport, and thus big races drew much more significant media coverage and generated a larger buzz.  Only a horse winning the Triple Crown will create a national buzz comparable to what it was like virtually year-round 40 or 80 years ago. So, I definitely get your larger point, and would not compare it to the frenzy around Secretariat.

Lastly, yes Steve Haskin does romanticize events, but he never disregards the truth.  Therefore, if he writes that the electricity at Saratoga for the Woodward was as powerful(or close to as powerful) as any any race he had attended, I do tend to believe him.

Dray,

    Your taking a break, Rachel is taking a break, Out of those two, Which one do you think I am glad is taking a break?  Show me one instance where I posted nonsense?  Enjoy your break, Maybe it will clear your mind...

Dr. Fager: I only said it was my personal opinion that HB broke down trying to make a move on Cigar. If you look at the race, that's exactly what it looks like. That's my personal opinion. And based on the fact that TBs don't generally suffer that particular injury while racing, that is also what I based my opinion on.

Vic S.: You really need to get over this HB infatuation. He was a very good horse, even a great stakes horse. But he wasn't Cigar. Although to the average racing fan, they may have been somewhat comparable in their racing accomplishments, Cigar electrified the public and brought many to racing. They didn't follow racing, but they knew who Cigar was. And even now, people outside of racing don't recognize HB, but they remember Cigar. That's something HB never did. That's just another dimension to his following.

I don't think other injuries compare to what HB suffered. It was too odd an injury. Again, I ask ANYONE, can you please tell me of another stakes TB that has suffered from pulled ligaments in both front legs, and under what conditions this happened? I can't think of any. I mean that sincerely, and I've been following live racing for over 25 years and reading about and watching TBs of the past.

The other horses that broke down that you mentioned broke down from common racing injuries. We see them all of the time. And Eight Belles broke down after the race, not during. Has nothing to do with racing males IMHO. I think her breaking both ankles is odd also, although a more common injury that we see overall in racing TBs. It's just unfortunate that it happened, and that it happened at that time. I wish it hadn't on both accounts.

Candy Ride - I'm really not sure what world you live in, but unless a horse actually clocks 1:59.00 it is not 1:59 flat. It is always rounded up to the next fifth of a second. Both CR and GZ ran in 1:59 and 1/5. But thank you, you just proved my point that they did exactly the same thing :0)

And I, too, have met both horses and seen both race. Kind of easy to do when you live in the NE and travel to KY at least once a year.

You know, reading some of the experiences of others got me to reminiscing.

Thinking about all the greats I've seen run, the last 3 winners of the TC in person, the claiming races and thousands of races in between.

I've seen the greats win, the greats and not so greats break down and break our hearts with them. Go For Wand, Ruffian saw their victories and cried when they gave their lives.

But good, bad and ugly every single bit of it has affected me.

Funny outlook I guess for someone in the medical field who has seen all kinds of human suffering. While that affects one profoundly, these beautiful creatures that run their hearts out for us can touch your soul like no other.

Well, there's so much fodder on this blog that I'm not going even try to top any of the previous comments.  Except to say, Rachel nor Zenyatta have any say in who owns or trains them.  The two brillant horses have no say in any of the races that their connections make for them.  They just try and do whatever is asked of them.  Will the two ever meet?  Probably not as the 2 owners both have reservations about one thing or another.  Just enjoy watching two extremely talented animals do their thing.  As for Rachel going to the front from the get-go.  I would imagine that 1: get out of the gate and not get boxed in by one of the speed balls in the race and 2: She was primed and ready to go, and she does like to go to the front. Sometimes it's not wise to try and fight with a horse that wants to do that.  Anyway, can't add anymore than what's already been said other than enjoy the two horses while they're around.  Rachel and Zenyatta both are a pleasure to watch,

Bev D

Arkle, 1:59.02 is recorded as 1:59 flat there are no 1/5 attached to it look it up.   Offical chart 1:59 flat.  There is no rounding up.  I believe that we do live on the same planet by the way.  .09 difference in time is not the exact same thing by the way.  If you would like I could explain my reasoning for you, if not my reasons will forever be unknown, believe me they are very very justifiable reasons, for I witnessed them first hand.  Any difference in a second makes a world of difference wheather it be man or horse.

We will not get passed the Cigar and Holy Bull issue.  I respect your representation of Cigar.  I will stick with Holy Bull so to continue the discussion on them is getting old lol.

GunBow:

Yes, it is going to take another Triple Crown winner to generate the kind of national buzz for horse racing that we saw back in the 1970s. That is because the American public has been conditioned by the media to engage with the sport only when the Triple Crown bell rings. This Pavlovian effect succeeds every year because of consistent national media coverage of all Triple Crown races and backstories. The national buzz for Funny Cide and Smarty Jones far surpassed the blip for Rachel Alexandra, relative accomplishments notwithstanding. And that buzz has endured for several years. Just ask Three Chimneys and the Kentucky Horse Park.  

Ahhh, smart use of words Soldier Course.  Palovian effect.  I am interpreting you are talking about Ivan Pavlov correct.  His dog-bell salivation experiment?? Yes, it is just as you say, Triple Crown gets the general public, its a shame that is all the public is interested in when dealing with racing.

Gun Bow,

It's hard to compare those magical moments I mentioned to today's racing. The crowds were bigger in the 60's - 70's because racing was more popular then. 50,000 plus for the big races at Belmont and Aqueduct were common place. Especially on holidays like July 4th, Labor Day, Memorial Day. Any G-1 type race that included the handicap stars like Kelso were sure to attract a huge fan base.

But, sadly, then came OTB. And then casino gambling at every "indian" reservation around...as well as the expansion of Vegas and Atlantic City. And betting on football. It all affected the sport we love.

The fact that Rachel's appearance  drew such a big crowd on a Saturday in September 2009, and got them into such a frenzy is amazing considering today's racing popularity.

Really looking forward to her 4 yr old campaign. Pray she stays sound....racing needs her. Badly.

Tim G

Well said.....the ups and downs of the sport.

GunBow and Soldier Course, The video was done by a friend of mine, Ernie Munick.  He has just been named to be the video-blogger for the Breeder's Cup.  Well deserved as his stuff is fabulous.  I was lucky enough to get 7 or 8 seconds of my interview make it past the hours he cut out.

The atmosphere for the race was past electric, words or TV can not do it justice.  It was pure pandemonium!  Not since Belmont in the 1970s have I seen raw emotion like that and not since Secretariat's Belmont do I remember a crowd having that much adoration for one horse.

Vic S:

Yes, you are absolutely right. The reference is to Russian physiologist Ivan P. Pavlov's bell ringing experiments with dogs. The dictionary also defines Pavlovian conditioning as "CLASSICal conditioning", which is amusing and fitting in this instance.

tvnewsbadge - If last year's BC had been on dirt, Curlin would have won without a doubt.  That said, I understand Mr. Jackson not taking Rachel to the BC this year. She has proven to me already that she deserves HOY.  Zenyatta is good but her competition has been much less that Rachel's. The two seasons do not compare.

Rechelle - glad to see you mention Pepper's Pride.  I was there when she won her 19th. It was awesome to see.  No matter what anyone says, that was a great feat. Yes, she never won a Grade 1, but then she did beat every race in her Class. 19 Straight Wins. Enough said.

MYYKKYY - thank you. . I too am one that does NOT want to see these 2 great fillies race. Yes, they are both great in their on right. Rachel is a Dirt horse, Zenyatta is a synthetic horse.  Why can we just not enjoy there racing.  I for one am thrilled that Jess Jackson intends to race Rachel next year.  How great would it be to have two back to back HOY victories.

ABZ:

Thanks for letting us know that Ernie Munick did the Rachel-Saratoga video featuring her exercise rider, Dominic. I just love it, such an upbeat, fresh perspective. It's also up on YouTube.

I wonder if there will be a DVD composite released of all of Rachel Alexandra's races. I wasn't able to tape the Woodward Stakes, of all things! It would be nice to have all of her races shown together.

This is way off subject, but just read that Magna International and Russian lender Sberbank have acquired a majority stake (55%) in GM's Opel.

Arkle, forgot to tell you Holy Bull strained only ONE leg.

MonicaV--

Your crazy. To say Rachel has done nothing, proves your crazy. Nothing else to say.

Thought this was an interesting response from Mr. Jess Jackson:

Q: People have begun comparing Rachel to Ruffian, the great filly of the mid '70s. Thoughts on that?

A: I didn't see Ruffian live. But, at the same time, she was a great racehorse. With Rachel, we are only halfway through her racing life. We hope to race her next year. So I don't know if you can compare them. She still has a bit of a way to go.

His reponse on a possible meeting with Zenyatta:

A: I haven't thought beyond this (Woodward) race. How she comes out of it would be very important. If Zenyatta had committed to the Beldame, I'd consider it, but the purse at the Beldame ($600,000, but it would be pushed to $1 million if both horses go). is quite weak I can't commit that I would accept the Beldame but I think Zenyatta has to decide first and what's in her best interest and I will never fault an owner for deciding to do what's best for their horse.

Fire Slam

When Monica V said that Rachel hadn't done anything.....it was with tongue in cheek.....If you would have read through her extire post you would have seen where she was actually praising her.

I find it interesting that people are calling the fractions in the Woodward "blistering" and that she was "baited" by older runners to set a fast pace.  I thought the pace she set was well within her ability.  Dr Fager was baited in many of his races as a three year old.  Spend A Buck was baited when he ran in the Jersey Derby and ran the first 6 furlongs in a 1 1/4 race in sub 1:09.  Maybe standards have come down, but for Spend A Buck those fractions would have been a walk in the park.  She's a fast filly and she sets fast fractions.  She ran a great race.  But if you are going to bandy about the phrase "greatest ever" then you are discrediting so many horses who deserve the title.  Remember Buckpasser's three year old season?  He mised the triple crown races because of a quarter crack, and all he did when he came back was set a world record for the mile, beat older horses and won from 7 furlongs to 2 miles.  But maybe I'm just too old and I remember these horses.  What about Damascus' 3 yr old year?  Or if you want a filly, how about Dark Mirage??  Chris

Evert??  Davona Dale?? Twilight Tear??  Mom's Command??  To say she has had the greatest ever means not only has she erased these horses accomplishments, but she also has beaten better horses than those did.  That's why Bold Ruler and Round Table and Gallant Man are talked about, because of the quality they ran against.  Damascus beating Buckpasser and Dr Fager???  She's a very nice filly, but she not run against any competition that the other greats have.

I have one other comment-sorry.  Curlin didn't lose the Breeder's Cup Classic because he couldn't run on synthetics.  He didn't win because he couldn't outkick European horses.  Both the jocks of Raven's Run and Henrythenavigator said that all they had to make sure of was that they were in striking distance of Curlin because they knew he had no chance of outkicking them.  The same would have been true if he had gone to the Arc.  He would have been swallowed up.  And remember both connections of those horses wanted nothing to do with Zarkava at any distance.  Sorry for my long windedness and thanks for letting me post.

This blog has occupied my nay nay's attention for most of the year. Sometimes I am very very thankful for that. It keeps him out of my face. At this point though I do believe it is time for him to divert a little of his attention to me and the mutts. Poor flopsy, mopsy, and obama(recently re-named)have suffered from his lack of attention. Each one of them now sports a sizeable "weiner gut" that near to drags on the floor. They need daily walks and play time deperately. I too need some play time. dray's not abandoning his "cause" however misguided it may be. You are not rid of him by any means. I'm sure he will find some time to visit here and express (or vent however you choose to look at it). Personally I think he's still not over the whipping you all gave him in the handicap contest and is hurt by the constant reminder of his colossal failure. In any case he's mine and the mutts for a little while now. Take care.

Peace Out

The Breeders Cup will increase  the the purse by 1,000,000 in the Classic if both Zenyatta and Rachel are in the starting gate... Total to the winner would increase from 2.7 million to 3.7 million...

Is there any chance?

Vic S: Sorry for the delay, I just finished laughing at your response. The word FLAT is reserved for the hyperbole of editorials and racing books. It has no place in programs or results, lest it actually occurs. YOU look it up. The official time for GZ's BCC is 1:59.03. To anyone in racing in America, that is 1:59 and 1/5. Great time, regardless of the extra fifth.

Honestly, if it were up to you, where would you draw the line in making that first 1/5 of a second? .05? .10? If it were that arbitrary, we'd all be in trouble and not understand the timing of races at all. We can't speak in generalities when discussing times, so we use decimals and/or fifths. That simple. .03 falls within that first 1/5. So does .11. Easy peesy, pumpkin pie! This is not a hard concept to grasp; I'm not really sure why I need to explain such a universal TB aspect of racing to you.

BTW, my local racing report was incorrect in saying that HB had injuries to both front legs, not the one. I stand corrected. I have heard little since he broke down, retired and won his Eclipse Awards.

I actually remember the events that occurred at that time, so it's very clear what happened and how things transpired. I thought that other horsemen were basically stabbing HB, a great stakes horse that they had previously supported, in the back. At least I did until I saw that race. I HIGHLY suggest anyone that doesn't remember it to go watch the Donn again. It may better explain my thoughts on the subject.

I watched the replay of the Woodward and I can't believe that Rachel won in good style. She put on quite the show and answered everybody's question that she can race against the older males. She is a true champion and I hope she gets to meet Zenyatta. Borel rode Rachel with great ease and never made one mistake. He definitely knows this filly.

Arkle, once again you are incorrect.  Ghostzapper's 1:59.02 is recorded in the DAILY RACING FORM as 1:59. There are NO fifths of a second on here.  Therefor referred to as 1:59 FLAT.  If I had my way I too would also make anything over 1:59.00 into 1:59 1/5 but that is simply not the case.  I have every single champion race horse's past performance by the official Daily Racing Form.  1:59.02 is 1:59 flat by Offical times.

It's ok about the Holy Bull leg thing I know the race was a long time ago.

Time standards(by OFFICIAL timing rules): ex. 1:59.00 to 1:59.19 is 1:59 flat.  1:59.20 to 1:59.39 is 1:59 1/5.  1.59.40 to 1:59.59 is 1:59 2/5.  1:59.60 to 1:59.79 is 1:59 3/5.  1:59.80 to 1:59.99 is 1:59 4/5.  Obviously 2:00 is 2:00.  I hope you get the picture.  These are not my rules bud.  These are simply the rules brought about by the offical timing system.  The Daily Racing Form.

Examples of this Skip Aways 1:59.16 is recorded OFFICIAL as 1:59.  Ghostzapper 1:59.02 is recorded OFFICIAL as 1:59.  Candy Ride's 1:59.11 is recorded OFFICIAL as 1:59. Simple.

Sorry to keep harping on the holy bull thing,truth be told hb had so much more dimentions than cigar,one being a great sprint miler type with the ability to go 9 to 10 furlongs,also with the pedigree to exel on turf.I disagree with some of the statements on this blog,holy bull was a tremendous attraction to the sport of thoroughbred racing, prior to the time of him breaking down he was on every sportscast in the country,it sure helped that holy bull broke down the day cigar won, because there was alot of upset fans that day that victory not only vaulted cigar to national recognition but made his streak a media event,cigar to me was consistent but faced no good horses, he was sanwiched between holy bull,formal gold gentlemen, he had no tactical speed and would be making that one run, he couldnt catch skippy in the jcgc,he couldnt pass soup down the stretch in the bcc,he couldnt run on turf, he was always drugged out of this world,my opinion holy bull too fast for skipaway,too dominant for cigar,as far as formal gold, he was an andy beyer creation.holy bull wasnt only a great horse as a three year old he is comparative to seattle slew affirmed,and spectacular bid.cigar and skippy might have won more, but they also lost a lot more, holy bull by far the best racehorse of the 90s.