A Day at Saratoga

re: A Day at Saratoga

bettywolk — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 22:23:30 GMT

Why don't they both meet in the Arc against the best horses in Europe and then see who's the better of the two? What a race that would be!

re: A Day at Saratoga

markinsac — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:28:35 GMT

The only way for Rachel and Zen to meet up is in the BC Classic. It would be stupid to ship the great one east with the BC just 4 months away. Shipping takes a lot out of a horse, and with the $5 million prize waiting at Churchill in November, why burn her out? If you east-coasters want to see her in person, buy BC tickets or fly to San Diego on August 7th for the Clement Hirsch Stakes. Then in early October, Zenyatta will perform in the Zenyatta Stakes at Oak Tree (now being held back at Santa Anita) and then on to the BC Classic. Just 3 races left in one of the greatest careers in history. After denying her the HOY for 2 consecutive years, she doesn't owe the east coast nothing. If I wanted to see Ruffian or Personal Ensign, I had to fly to New York. They weren't going to bring those gals to the left coast, were they? What good would that have done to the horse?

re: A Day at Saratoga

Exterminator — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:42:39 GMT

A video of Zenyatta:

"Zeventeen"

www.youtube.com/watch

I look back over the years of Zenyatta's career and one thing sticks out.

Bob Baffert had a Grade I racemare named "Tough Tiz's Sis".

Bob sent out "Tough Tiz's Sis" multiple times against Zenyatta and after watching Zenyatta beat his best racemare, he decided he was tired of getting his brains bashed in.

Baffert ended up leaving California with Tough Tiz's Sis and headed to Belmont Park. He entered her into the Grade I Ruffian Handicap.

Tough Tiz's Sis dismantled the field and won by a bakers dozen and broke the stakes record.

Baffert knows horseflesh and he once told the press in 2009 that they should rename the 2009 Clement L. Hirsh.

He told Del Mar officials that they should rename it to "The Zenyatta Invitational"

How impressive is it to see a Hall Of Fame trainer, like Bob Baffert, respect her the way he does? Bob has gone so far as to show up for the 2010 Vanity Handicap to watch Zenyatta run, when he didn't even have a horse in the race.

Bob Baffert: "A Class Act"

re: A Day at Saratoga

Mike Relva — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 23:55:59 GMT

MONICA V

That's great. Smarty is one that I wanna visit. Was at the Kentucky Horse Park to visit my all time fav,Cigar on his b. day. They had a party for him. He looks very well for twenty.

re: A Day at Saratoga

MonicaV — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:13:45 GMT

Mike,

I'm so sorry! I spelled your name wrong! I thought about it last night and checked and sure enough I did. My apologies.

re: A Day at Saratoga

MonicaV — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:02:54 GMT

I know most everyone believes Rachel can't get 10 furlongs because of her Preakness and her Woodward. I think she can get 10 furlongs. If you remember, she came out of number 14 in the gate, she was immediately hussled up to the front and kept it up the whole way. At the Woodward we were seeing a tired horse run on heart and guts to win by a head having been pushed the whole way. At the Haskell we saw a horse who get easily get 10 furlongs. She was 6 lengths ahead and no one was gaining on her. I think by the time the BCC comes around, she'll be ready.

re: A Day at Saratoga

DinkyDiva — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:31:47 GMT

Bob.... I agree with you about Rach not getting the 1 1/4 but, perhaps she eventually will be able to if they train her for it. But, seeing her go into the Classic, I don't see that happening and for Zen to skip the Classic and to go into the Ladies Classic, I don't see that happening either. It would be nice to see these two settle the rivalry on the track, of course! There's still plenty of time so, we'll just have to see. I just wish that Jackson would say sooner where they will put Rach next instead of waiting until the last minute. That isn't fair to Rach's fans. Also, I bet if they would say at least a week or two prior to the race, the Mosse's might surprise everyone and throw a curve ball by showin up unexpected with Zen. Then, what will Jackson do? Scratch Rach!? What excuses would he come up with?!

re: A Day at Saratoga

Dr Drunkinbum — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:12:44 GMT

Steve-There is no law that says you can't have two picks. Have one based on physicality and workouts, even if it's 2-1, and your longshot pick. In the betting world, someone could bet two horses to win anyway, if one is a longshot. Example would be $10 to win on the 2-1, and $2 to win on the 20-1. I don't bet 2-1, but I do bet 2 at 10-1 or higher sometimes. Obviously when you're writing you can pick two but tell Lenny you're picking two also. Your longshot stab, and the one based on looks and workouts, which I think is your forte. Don't let Lenny bully you into picking just one. Tell him it's your story and you're stickin to it. I know that sometimes you pick two anyway based on what I just said, but sometimes someone wants to force you to pick one, you pick the longshot stab, and then that's what everyone remembers if he comes in last.

re: A Day at Saratoga

Slew — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:55:46 GMT

Sometimes it bugs me when I see people constantly bringing up the handicappers' betting at the BCC.

The object of a horse racing is to win the race.

The object of a handicapper is to make money.

How much money will you make by betting a favorite at 1/9 odds? or 4/5 odds. Ten cents? The point the 'cappers were making at the BCC was not that they didn't think Zen would win. It was that one could not make any $$ by just betting Z to win. So they were boxing exactas, and picking long shots to try to make $$, but rooting for Zen to win.

Since the legendary mares believe two-leggers are a bit slow, and can't seem to figure out the difference between a horse and a handicapper, they put their hard earned money into stocks on oat futures and malt beverages. They also believe that English jockeys jiggle too much in the saddle as though they were sitting on Mexican jumping beans, and they really feel bad for Afsare who was uppity enough to beat the Queen's horse Quadrille at Ascot, because she's the one who gets to say, "Off with his head". ;)

re: A Day at Saratoga

MonicaV — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:52:55 GMT

Mike Revla,

Everything is fine. Still following the horses and hoping to visit Kentucky again next year. I've just got to visit Smarty, Big Brown, Curlin and Tiznow.

Hope all is well with you.

re: A Day at Saratoga

Steve Haskin — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:19:59 GMT

Dr. D., I do take a lot more pride in my physicality picks/comments than my handicapping selections. I have had a number of my "best work" horses win the Derby, but as you said, sometimes theyre just too low to pick. I suggest readers ignore my lousy picks and remember what I say about the works and looks of the horses.

Bob, to answer your question, no I dont think that is more likely, not from an owner who has run Rachel in unorthodox races since he bought her. Although Rachel, especially this year's version, looks to be more vulnerable at 1 1/4 miles, I dont think Jackson would back out of a confrontation with Zenyatta at that distance. He knows what the repercussions of such a decision would be. But thats still a long way off.

re: A Day at Saratoga

Bob — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 02:28:28 GMT

Great piece Steve, I enjoyed the dream. I'm curious though why you and so many others seem to think we may eventually see the two great mares face each other at the Breeders Cup Classic at Churchill in November. Assuming they both stay healthy and make it to Louisville isn't it more likely that Zenyatta will be defending her title in the Classic on Saturday and Rachel will be running on Friday night in the Ladies Classic? I just don't see Rachel getting the distance of 1 1/4 miles, especially against a field of the caliber she would face in the Classic. The only way I see this matchup happening is if Zenyatta's connections opt to enter her in the Ladies Classic rather than the Classic.

re: A Day at Saratoga

Dr Drunkinbum — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:42:43 GMT

Anyone can pick favorites and have a decent winning percentage. I pay no attention to writers or hosts that pick favorites all or most of the time. I only listen to people that have the insight and guts to go for horses with higher odds, and then I still have to evaluate it myself. Some races are quite appropriate for longshots and some aren't and those that aren't you just have to pass. Very few people make money or standout from picking or betting favorites all of the time. Their win percentage has to be extremely high. I admire public writers or handicappers that have the guts to go for horses with odds. They know they have to live with it if they get killed. You can't bet listening to others anyway, you have to have your own methods also. Then if they reinforce what you're already thinking it might add a little confidence. What I like most about Steve Haskin is his physicality reports. That is where you can get some really good clues. Sometimes he doesn't listen to his own clues because he is going for even higher odds. With any public statements, you have to pick and choose what is relevant for you. This year, coincidentally a lot of Steve's picks were horses I was already picking. I didn't have a good Triple Crown but would have if Paddy could have finished to give me a big exacta. With Steve sometimes you have to read the fine print. He gave great clues for Mine That Bird's and Super Saver's readiness for a big race. Then you throw in Borel to seal the deal. Steve, next year if you listen to your own clues without regard to odds, then you're going to pick some winners. Guaranteed. So what if you pick one of the favorites. Another thing about odds-you can't say that a horse can't win because he is 20, 30, 40 or 50-1. It's real easy to talk yourself out of those kind of bets simply because they are high odds. Quite often horses are ready for the best race of their career so far, and win at high odds when you can't see it on paper.

re: A Day at Saratoga

Steve Haskin — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:56:26 GMT

Killed you, Rondo? Think of what they did to me :). I had done pretty well before that with some good winners but have lost my way in the last few years, especially with Super Saver this year.

re: A Day at Saratoga

txhorsefan — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:43:12 GMT

Wow! Dinky Diva, thank you so much for the link to that awesome video. I had not seen that one yet and it took a while to dry my tears before I could see the monitor in order to type my gratitude. Terri, you are right about the great video with Rachel Alexandra and the little girl named Rachel also - another tear worthy, wonderful video. The connections are to be commended for their generosity with these stars. We are so blessed.

re: A Day at Saratoga

sodapopkid — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 22:36:12 GMT

Notice: TO ALL ZENYATTA FANS...

Just think, This is the last year we will have her to ispire us as she has..................

WHAT SHE HAS BROUGHT TO RACING FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS.........PRICELESS

re: A Day at Saratoga

TerriV — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 22:32:03 GMT

Thanks DinkyDiva, that was a wonderful video. Bloodhorse had a great one of Rachel on here a few months ago about a little girl who was sick (cancer I think) who loved Rachel and she was treated to a wonderful visit too. Horses are therapy like no other. Thanks to Zen's connections and Rachel's for sharing their treasures.

re: A Day at Saratoga

DinkyDiva — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 21:25:05 GMT

When you were at that site, did you happen to check out the video called "One Moment In Time?" If not, here is the link. Enjoy..

www.youtube.com/watch

re: A Day at Saratoga

Mike Relva — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:55:16 GMT

MONICA V

Hello,how's everything?

re: A Day at Saratoga

DinkyDiva — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:20:41 GMT

CV... I found that video a couple days ago, I still have no idea how I stumbled across it but, I have watched it over and over and everytime, I cry. My partner and a friend were here last night and I showed it to them and was crying and it made our friend uncomfortable and couldn't figure out why I was crying! LOL .... She has no idea that I have a love affair with the great Zen!!

re: A Day at Saratoga

CV — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 19:09:07 GMT

Great link DinkyDiva!

I ran across another Zen video on YouTube that shows all 17 of her stretch runs. Apparently, it was put together and uploaded by a young girl. The quality isn't the best but if you like to watch Zenyatta run it's worth it.

www.youtube.com/watch

re: A Day at Saratoga

MonicaV — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:04:52 GMT

Mike Revla,

Where have you been? I haven't seen you around in a long time.

re: A Day at Saratoga

MonicaV — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:04:02 GMT

Rondo,

Zenyatta's legacy is assured already. Whatever she does from now on is icing on the cake.

re: A Day at Saratoga

pasturelands — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:21:43 GMT

I sure hope Rachel wins her next race! GO, GO RACHEL! The Best racehorse in North America !! AMERICA'S SWEETHEART !!

re: A Day at Saratoga

DinkyDiva — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 06:13:47 GMT

Sodapopkid... I know, I had never seen it before and had no idea what I was in for and had pausing issues etc., with youtube and when I finally saw the entire thing, right when the commentators were so against her winning and not to waste your money and the (music interlude) when she made her move, I was in tears, crying like a baby. It was just a fabulous story and I've seen the one with Rach and the young girl and the autistic boy with Zen but, this one surpassed those because, it was magic! Zoe not only hung out with Mike but, she was there to witness HISTORY! And I know, that made everything worth her fight! God Bless Zoe and may the Queen stay with you and help you through your struggles!