Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

Donna from Baltimore — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 01:44:49 GMT

This is a great piece. I didn't know those things about Blame or his connections - and I am glad to have read them. I am as rabid a Zenyatta fan as anyone, and I was absolutely devastated when she lost - but every horse out there was there to win, every jockey doing their best to win, and that is as is should be. I would never want the Queen to win a race against competition that didn't give it their best, too! I also feel no other horse could have given the performance Zenyatta turned in. Blame won the race, but the Queen wasn't defeated!

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

Kathryn Cogswell — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:38:18 GMT

Dear Mr. Haskins: With this work, you have accomplished what great writing does -- it changes the reader. Thank you for illuminating the intricate pieces of all that made the BCC'10 more than the sum of its parts. You were able to enlighten the heroic components of this heart-stopping race with its history, going very far back indeed. The future of all these principals, as they impact one another, is something to smile about. Thank you for this.

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

Terry C — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:03:35 GMT

Zenyatta is not only the Horse of the Year, Horse of the Decade, and Horse of the Century, she is among the top 5 or so horses who ever ran.

It is amazing how some of the "experts" apparently don't believe their own eyes. Anyone who "saw" the race knows that Zenyatta was clearly superior. There was no stretch duel where Zenyatta had ample time to pass Blame. She was gaining with every stride after probably the greatest drive ever. She proves her superiority over dirt,the best males, harsh racing luck, and still the pundits want to quickly give the Horse of the Year to Blame forgetting his Gold Cup trouncing.

Some would even rather give it to Goldikova, a grass miler who probably couldn't beat Quality Road nor Rachel, even this year, over that distance. I notice they weren't anxious to put her in the Classic at a quarter mile longer, or even for the Lady's Classic at more than a mile.

If Zenyatta doesn't win Horse of the Year, then the "honor" is a meaningless indulgence in subjective bias. The good will and enthusiasm that Zenyatta has created for the sport during her 20 races will be destroyed by the cynicism of the biased ones with eyes that do not see and votes that they do not deserve within a sport that can do without them and their moronic bias.

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

Ranagulzion — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 21:46:42 GMT

I just read your story again Steve. Very good stuff ...after a week of reflecting on the event and savoring the moments. No one can describe them in written form like you.

Looking forward to your thoughts on this year's HOTY debate.

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

Raye Source in NM — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 02:31:53 GMT

Excellent written story displaying over whelming emotions of the participants. You are very good with words in recognizing the feelings transcended from the crowd to the most seasoned race tracker and horse person. If Queen Z could read, she would approve.

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

New Mexico Race Fan — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 17:09:35 GMT

Zenyatta will probably not win HOY because of 1 loss. She should have been HOY in 2009 when she won the Breeder's Cup Classic and was undefeated but because the race was at Santa Anita on synthetics her performance wasn't deemed worthy. She has won on dirt too

but not on the race tracks that decide HOY apparently. Zenyatta is one of the legends and will be remembered by racing fans and those who only saw her on 60 Minutes whether or not the racing establishment bestows its highest award to her.

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

Jennifer — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 12:52:22 GMT

Your best writing ever!

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

GunBow — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 04:22:32 GMT

Thank you Zookeeper for those wonderful words. I respect the heck out of you as well.

Of all the problems in horse racing, I don't think one of them is loving a horse too much.

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

Zookeeper — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 22:18:06 GMT

Mr. Haskin, I posted a comment, in response to Linda in Texas, submitted just before my last one. Was it objectionable? or did the cyberspace monster get it?

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

Zookeeper — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 19:41:58 GMT

GunBow,

Thank you for your wonderful comments, here and on Jason's blog. You posted there only once but it was a very strong and compelling plea for Zen's fans to leave the fray and the mud slinging that was happening over there. Like you I cannot believe the choice of topic, such a short time after the race was run.

Mr. Haskin gets it. This is a time for celebration. A time to reflect on what we have seen. A time for giving praise to two horses who showed such grit and determination in a race that no one will ever forget.

Many here have given credit to Zenyatta for lifting them up out of a depressing time in their life and in this country. Like Tiznow, after 9-11, she told us not to give up. He never did and neither did she. The result was different by mere inches but the message was loud and clear. In victory or in defeat, you can achieve nobility of heart and soul.

I hope you keep posting. I never get tired of reading your thoughts. Like Mr. Haskin, you are an inspiration to remain calm, cool headed, fair and logical when the forces around one try their hardest to drive one to madness.

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

lisa ford — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 19:32:27 GMT

Dear Steve, I have never appreciated your fair minded writing more that I do now while re-reading your coverage of the Classic. It shows with amazing attention to detail all that is at stake in a great race like the one we witnessed last saturday. But what is most incredible is how you combine that reporter's acuity with a true love of the sport-one that allows you to celebrate the great gift that Zenyatta has been to us all. Thank you Thank you for doing it all-you're brilliant, you're wise, and you're filled with passion. We love you Steve.

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

Linda in Texas — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:25:11 GMT

Slew-while Steve was away, i like you, found myself on the other blog which you also were denied a post on.

There goes that east coast bias again, i am from Texas. I ponder his being able to vote for HOY and at the same time write what should be a middle of the road article about the BCC. Giving attention to his previous biased statements on who should get HOY even before the BCC, i was interested in what was being said. After reading many vile and hate filled comments about a horse for God's sake, i had to respond.

The gist of the statements began to take on a life all of their own. It became clear to me that reasons for wanting Blame horse of the year were that Claiborne is having monetary issues. They need a star attraction for breeding purposes. I do not feel that those are criteria for Horse of The Year. It mattered not of course that Z won more Grade 1's than B.

That was never taken into consideration and if they were, people blasted Z because she ran and won on plastic. If she is a plastic running horse, then maybe all of those she beat in the BCC should practice on it!

Also mention was made of east coast versus west coast, and finally one poster slipped through and made the comment on that blog, that Blame being horse of the year would give the superiority or some such word back to the male gender.

Aha, i had hit a nerve as i had made all 3 of those same observations in my unposted post. I said $$$$$$$$$$$,

east or west coast, and male or female were not what i would expect the criteria to be to vote for HOY.

Plus i touched on the emotion being taken out of the mix which he clearly stated should not be allowed when voting. Well, he certainly enjoyed the praise placed on him when he predicted Blame as the winner and was correct. Did he not feel emotion? He won at the windows when he bet, so i suppose Mr. Non Emotion probably gave his winnings away, God forbid there be any emotion. I wrote that maybe if he spent some time in a box with Mike Repole and his family the next time Uncle Mo races, that emotion just might rub off on him. Must have gotten under his skin and too close to the truth. When will he learn that emotion is not one of the 7 deadly sins?

So join the club Slew of File 13 posts not posted on that other blog. You said some truthful things that he could not handle.

Slew, he does get to vote for Horse of The Year, i believe i am right. Unless you were referring to another J in your post.

On the other pressing issue.

Thought about you when Jerry Jones finally realized all of us out here in the hinterlands were right.

Only problem with his new interim coach, Garrett, is that Jason is the one that has been calling the plays all along, not Slug. Out of the list of prospective Coaches, i like Mike Pettine. Young, tough looking and can identify with the players.

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

Slew — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:44:36 GMT

If Steve will indulge me, I'm going to try and remember a post I made on another blog, which the writer chose not to post.

The world has turned upside down on its axis and is spinning in the the opposite direction. The mighty Andy Beyer finally praises Zenyatta for her courage, and provides a 111 rating for both Blame and Zen in the BC Classic. It shows even the most ill-informed can be enlightened by the feats of an accomplished mare...unless your name is J____. Well J_____ has his opinion and I have mine. What we have in common is that neither one of us will get to vote for HOY, so neither opinion really counts for that much. (Unlike the Cartier Award in which fans do have a say). All I ask of folks is that no one disparages any horse in their rants (not happening here on Steve's blog, but plenty of venom elsewhere). I think Blame ran a sensational race, and dug down deep when he had to. I also believe Zenyatta proved her mettle in that same race, and gained even greater admiration by the way she closed so miraculously on Blame. Mere inches separated her from perfection, while those same inches enshrined her greatness more certainly in racing legends. Do I think Zenyatta is the best we have?...without a doubt!

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

GunBow — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 05:58:46 GMT

And Zenyatta fans, we did get the Holllywood ending, last year. Her win last year was amazing, with many saying it was the definitive moment in BC history, and the best race of the last 25 years.

For all the criticism the Moss' have received, they didn't have to bring her back this year. Like I said, they already had their perfect ending, with Zenyatta a perfect 14 for 14.

Was it worth bringing her back? I say absolutely! First, they wanted to beat Rachel. That chance was denied them, and that seriously disrupted their plans. I respect Rachel and think she was worthy of at least co-HoY last year, but I found it very telling that Jess Jackson pulled her from the Apple Blossom and retired her before the Breeder's Cup. Even though Rachel very well might have won the Beldame and BC Distaff, his ego simply wouldn't allow him to run Rachel in a "lesser" race while Zenyatta was facing the boys at 10 furlongs, a race Rachel was ill-equipped to win. But I digress.

Zenyatta's legend, and legacy was already secured with last year's Classic win. She added to it this year. 5 more gr.1 wins, including another on dirt, as well as winning under 129 and 127 lbs. And she brought even more people to the track, and to the television. Hollywood Park hadn't seen a day like the Lady's Secret in a decade. Then there was the 60 Minutes segment, the piece in O, and all the other stories written about her in mainstream papers, magazines, and journals. Her pulling power wasn't fully realized, however, until the Breeder's Cup, when she helped bring in a rating 3x that of last year's telecast.

Most knowledgable racegoers seem to agree that Zenyatta's legacy was only strengthened in defeat. True, she lost her perfect record and the perfect ending she had achieved in last year's Breeder's Cup, but she gained more admirers, and finally won over most of the sketpics. No, she is not a synthetic specialist. Yes, she can travel, and yes she can compete with males on dirt. Yes, she can spot a field of the best male horses in the world a 20 length head start on dirt, and still be in the photo. And after two years of hearing the complaints of Eastern horsemen and racing observers about how hard it is to transfer form between dirt and synthetics, Zenyatta comes a head away from winning a Classic on synthetic and then another Classic on dirt. Can someone say versatility?

So, the perfect ending was denied Zenyatta. But I always felt like it was asking just a little too much for the racing gods to give Zenyatta two perfect endings. She'll always have the 09' Classic. And though not victorious, Zenyatta will always be remembered fondly and with respect for the 10' Classic, and for bringing racing into homes that would have otherwise never been interested. In the end, the racing gods simply made Zenyatta share the perfect ending with another admirable horse, Blame, and Claiborne.

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

GunBow — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 05:25:33 GMT

racingheart:

Very well said.

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

GunBow — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 05:22:11 GMT

Soldier Course:

If we didn't know before Saturday, we were reminded again how hard it is to win 2 Classics. Tiznow's feat, the manner in which he won both races, the competition he faced, and the timing of the 2nd win(after 9/11), make it one of the great accomplishments and make the 2nd win one of the great moments of my 21 years in the sport. Way, way, up in the rankings. Not in the top 100? A joke.

Think how many good.., scratch it, great horses have tried and failed to win their 2nd Classic. Unbridled was a really good horse, but he was a well beaten 3rd when going for the repeat in 91'. Cigar appeared certain to repeat in 96', and after he came sweeping up towards the lead coming into the stretch, his destiny as the first 2-time Classic winner seemed secure. But then the wears and tears of 20 amazing races in a row began to take their toll, and he ran 3rd. Skip Away was the favorite in 98' to repeat at Churchill, but he didn't caree for the track and he was also worn out by a demanding career that saw him place in 34 of 38 races. Yet, even though Skip Away lost that 98' Classic to an undefeated horse that had also won the Stephen Foster and Whitney, Skippy was still awarded HoY. Pleasantly Perfect won over $7million in his career, and the 03' BC Classic, but he could only muster a well beaten 3rd behind Ghostzapper in 04'. Then came Curlin, who at the top of the stretch of the 08' Classic, seemed a strong candidate to join Tiznow as the only repeaters. Alas, he faded in the stretch, and ran 4th.

Then, sadly for many, Zenyatta joined this list. However, she came closer to repeating than any of these other wonderful horses. And she came this close even though her Classic win had come on synthetic and this year's Classic was being run on dirt. The difference between dirt and synthetics was used heavily by the Curlin camp to explain their colt's loss in 08'. Few horses have shown the talent and versatility to win gr.1 races on dirt and synthetic. How about trying to win separate Classics, one on synthetic and the other on dirt? Well, Zenyatta came a head short from doing just that. And for all those people who detracted from Zenyatta's Classic win last year by stressing the fact that she won the race on "her home track", we would be remiss not to mention that she lost this year's Classic to a horse running on "his home track".

The above list of failed Classic repeaters doesn't even include lesser known Classic winners that came back the next year, horses like Skywalker, Concern, Cat Thief, and Volponi. Nor does it include a horse like Alysheba, who in 87' lost the Classic by a nose and then came back to win the Classic in 88'.

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

Judy — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 05:19:19 GMT

I appreciate Steve's articles on Zenyatta's impact in this year's Breeder's cup. Steve described the magic of her presence; her performance in the Classic; and the incredible effect she had on the fans that followed her to her barn. Her connections have always let fans interact with this loveable mare. Team Zenyatta deserves recognition (if HOY is not an option) for this wonderful experience who is Zenyatta (that they have so generously shared) at the awards ceremony next January. I'm counting on you to help make this special award a reality, Steve! Nick Zito was the first person to suggest this special recognition after the race, and I think he was right on the mark!

Thank you!

Judy

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

Judy — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 05:10:38 GMT

Steve, thank you for this article. Living in the West, we have experienced Zenyatta's magic for quite some time. I understand that she will not be the recipient of the Horse of the Year award. But I am asking that you use your influence to help her to achieve a special recognition at the awards ceremony in January: a special award that recognizes the contribution that Zenyatta and connections gave to the sport; a special award for her unprecedented record and the fans that she brought to the horse racing industry. Your input will help this great mare and her connections to be recognized appropriately! Thank you!

Judy

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

Convene — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 02:25:12 GMT

Great story, Steve, giving credit to both champions. I think the outcome illustrates why 19 for 19 is so hard to accomplish in open, top-class company. As the biker said, "S--t happens!" in the space between gate and wire. The Classic was such a race. Horses get pinched back. They get cut off. They get blocked by fading horses or walls of horses. The best in any race can lose when facing the rest of the best. When planning campaigns, choices get made and the consequences of them are what they are. That said, we saw a race for the ages with the best of the best giving their best and with no favors done for any of them. And that's as it should be. Zen will be remembered long after I am gone. Hopefully Blame will be too because he proved himself on Saturday and earned his place in history. As for Goldikova - she was and is phenomenal. Against girls. Against boys. Anywhere she runs. And if she comes back for Round Four next year, I will be cheering her all the way to the wire! This year's Breeders Cup races were truly thrilling. I think it will take me a little while to catch my breath again. Thanks to all the horses and their connections for giving us two such memorable days.

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

Linda in Texas — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 02:14:11 GMT

Bob o i don't think you really mean to call Zenyatta fans crazed followers. If you really meant it the way you wrote it, maybe this is not the blog you meant to say that on.

We are truly trying to keep it civil here, so as not to get stuck in the mire. However, since the author allowed it, i must defend us crazed Zenyatta followers.

I guess when we crazed Zenyatta followers cheered her on to win and she did, 19 times, it does get habitual, but not crazed. A feeling you won't have with Blame.

And i don't say that mean spirited.

And perhaps that race was indeed the greatest race those who watched had ever experienced. Their opinion, your opinion and my opinion of everyone's opinion for what it is worth. It was the greatest race i had ever watched and that is 61 years worth of watching races.

I do hope you were able to cash in on your predictable pre race predictions that Blame would win.

I don't bet, nothing wrong with those that do just have more time to enjoy the outcome rather than wonder if i am losing at the windows.

Will W. a very nice post, but Will W. i feel she is safe, she is sound, she has nothing left to prove. She is a trooper and a player and the only thing left for Zenyatta to do besides spend lovely days in the sun and cold snowy nights in a warm stall is to someday produce a magnificent colt or filly to carry on her legend.

The thousands or maybe millions of us who have loved her every step and breath will never forget her.

I feel thankful she was able to walk off the racetrack on her own Saturday, safe and sound. I just don't think it is worth the injury risk. She has nothing left to prove to anyone. I want her safe for a long long time.

And Deacon, safe journeys to you and yours. And same to Dr. Drunkinbum. I bet Steve will leave the light on for you both as we all have enjoyed your words of wisdom and look forward to more in the future.

Long Live Zenyatta!

And thank you Steve as always.

I am going to start harping "Book" to you myself. I know one is in that head and heart of yours just waiting to be told.

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

DinkyDiva — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 02:02:57 GMT

Hey, Zookeeper, how is your boy doing? I agree... There is so much negative out there right now on other blogs, won't mention, Mr.Shandlers name! Whoops!!! Sorry, that slipt out. Ha...

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

DinkyDiva — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:33:33 GMT

Will W... Great post! Thank you!

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

Zookeeper — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 23:59:33 GMT

Want to know what I think? Well! I'll tell you anyway: They (whomever they are) should abolish the HOY Award. It is reducing what we have seen in the BCC to a heap of rubbles on all blogging sites, except this one. That's all I'm gonna say about the darn thing.

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

Will W — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 23:34:12 GMT

The race set up perfectly for Zenyatta: a 1 1/4 with plenty of pace - not the paceless 1 1/16's on CA synthetics she still managed to win. She was pinched back at the start and then was reluctant to level off with a first time experience of dirt in her face from a large field. She managed to catch up on a deep and cuppy track after falling back 20-25 lengths. The only question as to whether she'd win was posed by Jerry Bailey, and it was the same one he posed last year: Would she be able to weave her way through a large field as it would probably be too much for her to do to run wide and circle such a big field of quality colts. Mike Smith agreed with Bailey that Zenyatta would have to "cut some edges" so he took her to the inside in the final turn before angling wide in the stretch just as he did last year. By contrast, Blame had an unimpeded rail saving trip, mid-pack. He was the best of the rest - nothing more, nothing less from a horse that was destroyed by Haynesfield in the JGC. Excuses that he wasn't himself the day of the JGC don't cut it. He's never approached Zenyatta's unheard of consistency and the mare ran, perhaps, the greatest race ever in defeat. Seth Hancock was less than gracious in the winner's circle and was tactless in beginning to lobby for Blame for HOY in the wake of the emotional distress many in the crowd and viewing at home were going through just after the mare's heartbreaking defeat. Then was not the time. Zenyatta is not only HOY but the greatest horse since Secretariat. Moss owes it to the horse and to Mike Smith to let the mare return as a 7 year old, face the boys in the Big Grade 1s, and let her again contend in the Classic. Zenyatta deserves the chance at vindication after running the greatest race in defeat I've ever seen. All this from a Rachel Alexander fan who has been completely won over by this valiant race mare.

re: Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: One for the Ages

Rhonda from Saskatchewan — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 23:17:09 GMT

What a great article and congratulations to Blame who needed all he had and a home advantage to beat Zenyatta.

Thank you Zenyatta, Goldikova,Gorella Ouija Board, Intercontinental, Life is Sweet, Azeri, Ashado, Ginger Punch, Rachel Alexandra, Rags To Riches, Sweet Catomine and all of the other great mares who we have been so privileged to watch over the last ten years.

And if Zenyatta doesn't win Horse of the Year for her body of work then they oughta make a special award in her name that transcends Horse Of The Year. What more has she got to do?