A World of Their Own

re: A World of Their Own

tvnewsbadge — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 03:18:18 GMT

Well, it'll be interesting then when she meets Quality Road or any other horse that can push her limits.

I'd like it to be Quality Road because

#1... he gets no respect in his home country. A victory or close second would do wonders for him.

#2... He's ranked #3 in the world by the IFHA, just 2 pounds less that Zenyatta (who they have pegged at #2)

re: A World of Their Own

LauraS — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 01:27:21 GMT

TVNewsbadge, the Racing Post rankings are basically the same as Beyer speed rankings - based almost totally on times. They are occasionally adjusted for quality of competition, but they are still time rankings. Quality Road's Donn was very fast, Zenyatta's two races not so fast. The article does say however "it should be remembered that, with her hold-up style of racing, and with Smith eager never to push for a maximum output, her superstar status is likely to prove a much better guide to her greatness than any handicap figure ever could" and "Smith's insistence on preserving his mount may not win her any big handicap marks, but it could be the key to why she is still winning, and winning well." In other words, she's far better than their rankings would otherwise say.

re: A World of Their Own

Bob Z — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:14:46 GMT

Maybe Rachel will run in the La Troienne after all...

Rachel Alexandra turned in a sizzling six-furlong workout on Monday at Churchill Downs as the reigning Horse of the Year nears a return to competition.

Trainer Steve Asmussen’s 4-year-old daughter of Medaglia d’Oro covered the distance over a fast track in 1:11.40 shortly after 6 a.m. She worked under Dominic Terry and galloped out seven furlongs in 1:24.1. The work was the fastest of seven at the distance.

“She worked crazy good,” Asmussen said in a release. “She’s had three works here since she’s been here and they have been extremely ‘Rachelesque.’ I’m happy to see her putting in work like she did last year.”

re: A World of Their Own

Somethingroyal — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:04:49 GMT

kyoaks09,

Thanks for your kind reply to my post. Life has taught me to appreciate when handed a gift. I've also been around long enough to know greatness when I see it. Both Rachel and Zenyatta are the real deal. The crowds these two attract brings back wonderful memories of the good old days.

re: A World of Their Own

tvnewsbadge — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 16:22:26 GMT

Great link supplied by LauraS, but it should also be noted that on the world stage, the same people rank Quality Road #1 in the world and 4 pounds better than Zenyatta, in terms of actual performance on the race track.

Quality Road, a horse that gets very little respect from fans in the US, is actuality ranked #1 in the world by this publication ( Zenyatta shares the #2 slot).

This article raises an interesting question. How much does "showmanship" and "personality" factor into our perception of "greatness" in racehorses?

Their performance on the track aside, both Rachel and Zenyatta have benefited from the fact that they are beautiful animals in terms of fan appreciation.

re: A World of Their Own

Sammi P — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 13:59:11 GMT

Zen has and always will be the Queen in my eyes. I love watching her race, and I'm looking forward to her next race. RA is an amazing filly no doubt, and I wish her the best, but I think she is up against it right now, she is more a wait-and-see at the moment.

Also pointing out Zen is being pointed to the Setphen Foster or Hollywood Gold Cup next

re: A World of Their Own

moodygirl — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 11:11:26 GMT

Laura S, great post and the British article was wonderful!

re: A World of Their Own

kyoaks09 — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 04:25:49 GMT

Slew,

I forgot to mention that even though Rachel lost, I am not "tossing her to the wolves" and have no intention of doing so and guess what - I love Zenyatta too!!! How could you not love her???

re: A World of Their Own

kyoaks09 — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 04:19:08 GMT

Somethingroyal,

I truly appreciated your post on the 15th at 1:25 PM. Your points were well taken and very true. Having read some of the comments, I, too, wonder about those that were deleted. How much more hateful could they have gotten?

John,

I can't argue against your statement that Rachel needs to "re-establish herself on the track before even thinking of engaging Zenyatta". Why would anyone disagree with that statement? That should be a given but what I don't understand is how or where you got your information about HOTY that "others in the media have recently fessed up and admitted their huge mistake". In an earlier post, I suggested that if you had the names of people that had actually "admitted their huge mistake" that you list them. As of now, I have seen no such list from you so I am assuming that you were referencing the five people you mentioned in your post. To that I would have to say that I agree with comments posted by tvnewsbadge - "Were these folks lying THEN (when they voted Rachel HoY), or are they lying NOW (when according John they are claiming that Zenyatta is the greatest thing since sliced bread)?

More than likely, they're not lying at all. They're simply acknowledging what we all suspect and that is that last year Rachel was the better horse and so far this year, Zenyatta is the golden girl."

moodygirl,

If Zenyatta goes to CD for the Stephen Foster and you do go, what you really need to decide is whether or not you want to see her in the paddock and watch the race on the jumbotron or you want to see her on the track because I don't see you being able to do both. If you'd be happy with the jumbotron, then take sidekickflats suggestion, get there early, take a seat in front of the paddock, and enjoy. You could probably secure yourself a place on the paddock rail a couple of races before Zenyatta's race. Many people leave the paddock area when the horses do and I'd suggest you getting a place then and holding it. If you really want to see her on the track, you'll need to secure your spot on the rail trackside. Unfortunately, I'm not familar with where you'll be allowed to go with general admission tickets. Sorry.

Slew,

Your previous post was one that I put into the same category as posts by Somethingroyal and tvnewsbadge. They show respect for both horses, which is what I have always believed we should do. Unfortunately, that's not always what we see. I respect you and your comments as they sound like you are a true horseracing fan as opposed to being just a fan of a single horse. It is obvious that you have been around for a while and have followed racing for some time, as you have always had great information to share. Thank you not only for your information, but for your ability to be objective and kind in your posts.

I've previously read posts that you've written indicating that you are no longer able to do the things that you used to do and would like to do. For that I am sorry, but I'd like to wish you the best of luck in whatever you do.

re: A World of Their Own

Matthew W — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 03:44:11 GMT

Steve thanks for respecting Big Z--I love her, too! I think they're tight to go for the Foster--1 1/8 v males would be "safer" than 1 1/8 v fillies w/ Rachel--I'm just thinking about the pace/and possible middle-moves that do occur more in tougher male races...I'm starting to get vibes of, maybe she's better on dirt, maybe we haven't seen her best/maybe this will be the "I see now" tour we all wanted to see--Zenyatta on dirt...we may just be looking into history's eye, Steve, but history is in good hands, long as you are around to record it/and enjoy it!

re: A World of Their Own

Zookeeper — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 02:57:50 GMT

LauraS

Well , for somebody who doesn't know how to post a direct link, you did great! Thank you for showing us what the rest of the world think of OUR Zenyatta. I loved every word!

re: A World of Their Own

LauraS — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:24:35 GMT

I started off writing a three-paragraph analysis of the subject at hand, including the whole anti-California bias that's existed for the last 100 years - long before the whole dirt/synth debate. And FYI, I'm from Iowa. I finally decided that less is indeed more, probably to everyone's relief. Here's just the last paragraph, now split in two:

Zenyatta has started this year by winning her NINTH and TENTH Grade I's. She has set the new North American standard for an undefeated career in major competition. She can only race the horses put in the gate with her, and it's not her fault that so few are now willing to run for black-type and second money. Let's see who amongst the boys is willing to take her on. She's got nothing to fear IMO.

While we here in the USA are still debating the merits of the two fabulous females, the world racing press has already made up their minds. RacingPost.com, a British racing publication, published an article on Zenyatta's Apple Blossom:

www.racingpost.com/.../latest

(sorry, I don't know how to post a link) In it, author Sam Walker says: "Zenyatta's current sequence of 16 straight victories ranks her up with North American stars like Citation and Cigar, but an undefeated run that long takes her into the all-time legend category along with the likes of Ribot from the 20th century and Ormonde from the 19th. Admittedly, there is a little-known New Mexican mare named Peppers Pride who clocked up 19 from 19 in her native state. But in the upper echelons of the sport, Zenyatta is now dancing with the racing gods and she presently sits just two wins behind the untouchable, unbeatable, unrivalled Eclipse from the 18th century." If a racing publication from another continent can see what's so historic about Zenyatta from thousands of miles away, why can't so many American racing fans? Let's celebrate "the all-time legend" that we've got in our midst. The world is watching.

re: A World of Their Own

Dona — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 18:33:10 GMT

It's becoming quite clear that the Zenyatta band wagon is no carromata!

Just heard this on HRTV -

After the Apple Blossom the clockers corner would play "She's A Lady" by Tom Jones. Don't you love it?

Welcome aboard. Pen your compliments to her caparison and enjoy the ride.

re: A World of Their Own

Tim — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 18:12:01 GMT

Folks,

I've checked out what John has been trying to say.

And he is absolutely right.

Escept, that he didn't mention that Zenyatta was also the defending Elcipse Award winner for older mare.

Further, during Rachel Alexandra's moment in the light Zenyatta was not only forgotten but also ignored.

Right now with the tables turned it seems that the fans of RA want it both ways.

They will completely ignore Zenyatta with RA at the height of her racing, then want a 'call to rememberance' everytime that Zenyatta is praised.

You can't have it both ways.

re: A World of Their Own

MTBFan(still) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 18:10:04 GMT

I'm not tossing her to the wolves...:) I think she's one of the strongest 3 y/o's we've had in year's. "Rachel of Alexandra". But, Zenyatta needs her own, untarnished pedestal now. She breeze by those mares as if they were jogging together on their morning walk. One minute, Z's in the back, biding her time, and then suddenly, she's cruising up past the front runners. You can't forget something like that.

re: A World of Their Own

Slew — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:23:25 GMT

So PhonyJJ...we're not allowed to look back and respect Ruffian, Lady's Secret, Azeri???? There's a big difference between "fan" and "fanatic". And according to Steve Haskin, THIS blog is about both ladies, and their magnificent achievements to date.

re: A World of Their Own

SMTDL — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:21:17 GMT

It doesn't make sense to 2nd guess voting Rachel Alexandra HOY because of what has happened so far in 2010.The vote was for the horse that accomplished the most on the racetrack during that calendar year;not for the greatest horse,biggest horse,best looking horse,most raced,least raced,undefeated, or what they have done or might do in 2010...Rachel won more G1 races in total ,more races against males and ran in more races over a broader geographical area than did Zenyatta.Thus she was most deserving of the award.If Zenyatta has the best campaign in 2010 I'm sure she will win it!!

re: A World of Their Own

Zookeeper — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:10:04 GMT

307 comments, so far. Isn't it amazing how much passion theses two can still generate? And this when we are getting so close to the KD!!! Which usually dominates ALL conversations. How about we stop complaining about each other and start celebrating the fact that they still captivate us like no others. Seems like a great idea, no?

re: A World of Their Own

PhonyJJ — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:26:17 GMT

In horse racing it is "What have you done for me lately", right now, RA isnt doing anything but still in training. Which is good ,she needs to be at 100%. It's not fair to her or any other horse that is they ain't at their best in racing. That being said , this is Zenyatta's time and Rachel if or when she comes back and wins a race then she can share the spotlight, right now, she can't ,, she was awarded for last year, this is another year, we cant' stay in reverse.

re: A World of Their Own

Slew — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:16:11 GMT

Wow!..RA loses one race, and her "fans" are tossing her to the wolves. We should never lose sight of the fact that she is a Champion. Zenyatta is a Champion. I agree with Somethingroyal...we should be able to respect and appreciate them both. It's been such a privilege to see them both run in one exceptional year. Now it's 2010, and Zenyatta is keeping her style, and RA is in training. It's only April folks! We have time. Whatever happens going forward, we can never dismiss the greatness we witnessed in 2009. 2 champion fillies in one year...wow..it's been awesome!

re: A World of Their Own

moodygirl — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:16:32 GMT

nBob Z, You said, "Why on earth did they commit to the Apple Blossom and force the issue and commit to running in the Fairgrounds Ladies if she was not going to be fit or back where she was..." That's my question too.

Jackson did ask for the delay for the Apple Blossom saying she needed more time. Prior to the Fairground Ladies Asmussen was saying she was 80% and that she was fit but not at her former condition. After RA lost, Asmussen said he was pleased with how she came out of the race and was making noise like training would continue for the Apple Blossom. He said Rachel was fit but still not at her former condition. Two or 3 hous later Jackson pulls her out of the AB.

All of this was totally puzzeling to me but I don't know anything about TB training.

When I read the exercise physiology article and discovered the length of time needed to return to fitness, the pieces began to fit together for me. At least it was an explanation, or theory, for part of what went on that made some sense.

As you say, according to this article, she may not have been ready to race at her former condition until June or July. Maybe June or even May, given individual variations, would have been a more realistic goal for a return to racing in her top form; rather than March for the Fairgrounds & Aril 9th for the Apple Blossom.

Why did Jackson and Asmussen do what they did? I WISH I KNEW!

re: A World of Their Own

sodapopkid — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:28:19 GMT

John, You are so right. This is Zenyatta's time, Ra had the opportunity to join in the fun , but she had to decline by her owner's choice. IF she comes back on the tracks and does something , then people can rejoice for her, but until she does "something" then leave her be. We cant' live in yesterdays world ,,This is horseracing, Move ON...............

re: A World of Their Own

tvnewsbadge — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 03:38:10 GMT

John said

"Others in the media have recently fessed up and admitted their huge mistake in backing Rachel Alexandra for HOY."

And then lists some examples.

John post reminds me of all those "Law and Order" episodes where one of the lawyers gets up and asks the witness who has changed his story "Were you lying then or are you lying now?"

Assuming John is reporting his examples in context, I ask how can anyone respect or value the judgement or opinion of a person who can so easily switch from one side to the other?

Were these folks lying THEN (when they voted Rachel HoY), or are they lying NOW (when according John they are claiming that Zenyatta is the greatest thing since sliced bread)?

More than likely, they're not lying at all. They're simply acknowledging what we all suspect and that is that last year Rachel was the better horse and so far this year, Zenyatta is the golden girl.

Will she stay their favorite?

Wait until after the Triple Crown series and we could very well have a brand new flavor of the month.

re: A World of Their Own

sidekickflats — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 03:12:00 GMT

Bob Z,

The Met Mile comes first so let's start with that. The Met Mile is on May 31st. But it is against the boys and yes against Quality Road. I can't think that Jess Jackson would throw Rachel into that race at all much less without a prep race(ie a winning prep race). It's now the middle of April. Rachel just had a good work which is encouraging but ever since Zardana beat her, the Rachel camp has been saying that she is not up to her level of last year. So all of a sudden, she runs in the La Troienne at a mile and a 16th then shortens up to a mile against the boys? I don't think that will happen. And they haven't committed to any race yet. I don't think they will run in the La Troeinne either but who knows.

As far as reasoning goes regarding the Foster. I don't think anyone expects Rachel to run against the boys and Zen this early in the year (middle of June)so no excuse needed. You have to remember that Zen has 2 races already this year and is running out of options of where to run. She carried 129 pounds to victory in last years Vanity which is the same weekend. How much would they make her carry this year 132? It makes sense to run her at Churchill. It doesn't make sense to run Rachel, with 1 prep(and loss) , no 2nd race committed to yet against Zen and the boys in the Stephen Foster. The Fleur De Lis might be a good spot for a return to the races for Rachel with it being at Churchill which she likes and at a distance she likes but would Jess like her to run on the undercard??? I don't think so. I think he will move her somewhere and get an easy race back and then try to move forward from there.

I'm not implying that Team Rachel is ducking anyone. I just think that they want to get her back to her "old self" and get a victory in her before trying beat the top older horses of either sex. And I think that process will take longer than the 8 weeks we have between now and the Foster.

re: A World of Their Own

sodapopkid — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 03:11:42 GMT

Bob Z, If Rachel dont' race until June Or July, then how is she suppose to race in the 3 race card as JJ talked about? Not going to happen, he is not going up against Z that many times. Each time he knows he could be facing defeat at it's best...........And you all know, Ra has much more stronger competition this year than what she faced last year. He already saw that first part of the year.