Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

Bob Z — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:04:51 GMT

Rachel is going to the August 2nd Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park!

Attendance is going to be huge.

I haven't been to Monmouth in 20 years.. can't think of a better reason to go...

If she beats the colts again ... this time at a mile and an eighth they will be crowning the Horse of the Year in the winners circle.

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

BOB Z — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:12:43 GMT

LDP,

So hypothetically you are the owner of Rachel Alexandra... she is ready to run based on todays workout..

What race do you run her in?

Delaware Handicap July 19th fillies and mares 3y/o and up 1 million 1 1/4 miles

Coaching Club American Oaks July 25th 3y/o fillies $300,000 1 1/4 miles

The Haskell Stakes August 2nd 3 year olds 1 1/8 miles $1 million Papa Clem and Summer Bird committed

I think the least likely is the CC American Oaks... because of the purse and its against 3 y/o fillies..

I'm hoping they run her in the Delaware Handicap and then come back with 2 weeks rest for the Haskell... but thats a long shot..

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

LDP — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:47:41 GMT

Bob Z, my last sentence i meant one month to six weeks. sorry.

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

LDP — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:17:01 GMT

Bob Z,

The person said that there had been no word from the Zen connections, but JJ agreed. So obviously they arent running. I though this could've been the offer, since RA could've picked races at a track closer to where she is stabled, like the CCAO or Jim Dandy. I also think they give her about 1 to six weeks rest.

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

Bob Z — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:18:15 GMT

LDP,

I wasn't even thinking about Zenyatta... that would be great if she would run in the Delaware Handicap... but she is committed to the Clement Hirsch on August 9th...

I would have thought that if she was going to run in the Delaware (July 19th) they would have already announced it... and is 3 weeks enough time in between those races?

I don't know how long Zenyattas handlers typically rest her between starts...

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

LDP — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:58:36 GMT

Bob Z,

I think, but am not sure, that you are correct in saying that weights are assigned after commitment. A person on another blog said that a track has put up and offer for both the horses, and that JJ has already accepted with no work from Zenyatta's connections. Could it be that maybe the DE handicapp with a larger purse is the offer?

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

Bob Z — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 15:39:04 GMT

I just noticed that Rachel Alexandra has been assigned top weight... 123 for the Delaware Handicap July 19th...

Does anybody know if they assign weights only after a horse has committed to run in the race(?) or do they assign the weights to all horses that are invited...and then the decision to run or not is made...(?)

I didn't see any announcement that she was running in it .. only that weight had been assigned..

Thanks....

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

LDP — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:33:54 GMT

ron.m,

A match will not happen, i wouldn't mind one, but it won't. For one you'd need more than a 1mil purse. The Derby is worth double that DWC is worth 6mil and the Classic worth 5mil. Also Zens connections would be dumb to say yes to a match race because of Zens running style. RA is a speed horse who doesn't mind running quick early, but Zenyatta is a pure closer and makes only one run. If Zenyatta were to make her run early or be forced to stay with RA early on you'd take away that closing kick. If you let RA shake loose by five or more, Zen won't catch her, because not only does RA have a high cruising speed she has a burst of acceleration at the top of the stretch. Either way Zen is at a huge disadvantage.

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

ABZ — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:32:13 GMT

Rachel has already proven to be an all-time great, partially due to her connections willingness to test her. I am sure they will cement and strengthen this by running in the biggest races. Zenyatta continues to run in SoCal on synthetics and in the same races as last year...boring! Come on Zenyatta (Moss and Shireffs), hike up your skirt and make this thing happen!

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

Pedigree Shelly — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:56:34 GMT

It's Time now for Zenyatta to face the boys !!!!!! RA has proved herself ! The only horse she needs to beat now is Zenyatta !! Bring it on !! By the way welcome back DrayNay !! You know how to keep things entertaining on the blogs ! :)

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

ron.m — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:41:33 GMT

how about a match race for 1 mil dollars, some money,s put up from the track they run at , some from each owner, or any money,s from fans that want the match race. i dont care what you think , i love the idea. lol

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

jd in owensboro — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:46:14 GMT

this has happened before- the PRESS has to make it happen-it did- does anyone remember RUFFIAN.Now the PRESS has to make it happen again??? STOP THE INSANITY NOW!!! This 3 yr filly is pretty good but she is not a super horse. i hope it never comes to pass- ZENYATTA is much the best.

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

LDP — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:16:25 GMT

24 races,

Did you see the potential races lined up for RA. Most are races against the boys in the Jim Dandy, Haskel, or Travers. JJ has also said other races against older fillies or even going for todays version of the fillies TC. How are those the easiest possible. Zenyatta is running at her home track all year long, and all the races she's running in i believe are now stakes. The only tough race she now has a possibility of entering in is the Classic, which that plan hasn't even been confirmed. RA has a much more ambitious sheduel than Zenyatta. JJ is trying to make up for not potentially facing Zenyatta by racing RA in harder races, making up what would be a historic campaign by a 3yr old filly if she succeeds. JJ listened to the fans all year last year, letting them pressure him into bring a tired Curlin to CA last year, where he finished a gallant fourth, where honestly on dirt the horse would've won by five. To be frank if i were JJ i wouldn't run down there again either. Oh just to let you in on something, JJ had stated if he had gone to the Cup it would've been the Classic, not the Distaff, which as of now is the race Zenyatta is being pointed most towards. So even if RA had gone to CA the match up would've never happened.

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

Bob Z — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:37:35 GMT

Based on what I've been seeing with the races run so far by both of them... I look at it this way...

Rachel A has a very high cruising speed meaning she will either be on the lead or... just off of it if there is a speed burner or two in the race... she also has afterburner acceleration when she's let go...

Zenyatta is usually 8-10 lengths back based on what I've read and seen...

So if both horses are at that race position when the jockeys hit the gas.. I don't see how Zenyatta is going to get close with Rachels acceleration at the end...

This is assuming the distance is 1 1/8 miles... at 1 1/4 it might be a different situation...

If I was scheduling Rachels races and she was ready to go...

July 19th Delaware Handicap

1 million dollars, for fillies and mares 3yo and up... 1 1/4 miles

This would take care of her not having run against older females and would also get her ready to run the same distance in the Travers against the males...

Depending on how she comes our of it and if she is able to recuperate..

August 2nd The Haskell at Monmouth.

1 million dollars 1 1/8 miles for 3 year year olds... Summer Bird, Musket Man, Papa Clem and Big Drama are either confirmed or expected... another chance against the colts..

If she is able to run in the Haskell she will have 4 weeks to rest before the Travers...

August 29.. The Travers Stakes at Saratoga... 1 million dollars for thoroughbreds and filies at 1 1/4 miles... The toughest test because of the distance and the quality competition in the race...

I'm wondering if 2 weeks is enough time between the Delaware Handicap and the Haskell... 2 weeks was enough time between the Kentucky Oaks and the Preakness... but that was then...

The issue is would you rather keep demolishing fields in lower purse races like the Coaching Club American Oaks for 3 year old fillies.... $300,000 July 25th ... these 20 length wins look nice but... it might be better to step it up and really see what this horse can do... thats how legends are made...

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

J Shore — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:24:18 GMT

I have lived on the Jersey Shore nearly all my life (so far). I've been coming to Monmouth Park since I was 2 years old. The folks at Monmouth would always love to have the fans come out and be treated to great performances. For instance, they created the Monmouth Stakes last year to lure Big Brown, which turned out to be a big hit. If they pick up on the idea, I believe Monmouth officials will do what they can to market this event and try and bring both horses to the track. However, owners and trainers are so damn cautious these days that it will take every effort possible to get them here....and that may not even be enough. The problem is, I will be going away to college on Aug. 25 and will not be able to see this race if it does indeed unfold. Steve, while your idea is fabulous in my opinion, the chances of it happening are slim. If the Mosses weren't so hyped up on detention barns, the $300,000 Ruffian Handicap at Belmont on Sept. 12 would be the most viable option. However, if Rachel Alexandra skips either the Molly Pitcher or the Ruffian for the Travers (which could possibly bring together MTB, SB, and RA among others), then all hope for a showdown is lost. So there are actually two scenarios: either a Zneyatta-RA showdown, or a Triple Crown showdown in the Travers. One thing is for certain, even though I saw her live at the Preakness, I very much hope she comes to Monmouth for the Haskell.

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

24aces — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:18:46 GMT

You know when the owners of rachael ran her in the preakness they said they did it for racing, than why can't they do it for racing again...such hipocrite's! every race they map out is the easiest race for rachael to win. if you have the best horse than prove it!

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

Ragsy — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:20:55 GMT

Mr. Haskin, many thanks for all of the wonderful articles on horses. Now, I think I must subscribe to the Bloodhorse Mag....where do find that site to order....

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

Soldier Course — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:48:55 GMT

I have found that I tend to develop a passion for a particular horse based upon the totality of circumstances, including my gut instincts about the connections. This is why I never was able to get excited about Big Brown. I didn't want him to win the Triple Crown and have to watch Dutrow, KD, and IEAH become even more arrogant and obnoxious.

For this reason, my heart is with Zenyatta. John Shirreffs, Mr. and Mrs. Moss, and Mike Smith are true exemplars of racing. They don't act like they have something to prove, personally or professionally. Whatever they decide is fine with me.

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

TerriV — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:50:32 GMT

I was gone for awhile and have really enjoyed reading all the newest comments. For all those who sing Rachel's praises - I completely agree. Draynay, she is everything you say. But it isn't necessary to knock Zenyatta to make that point. Zenyatta is just as incredible, with her own individual set of strengths and characteristics. Every person who has raved about Zenyatta is absolutely correct. That's why we all want to see them compete against each other; somehow - someway. But it makes me very nervous to ever hear (or read) any declarations that a horse can't miss, has it all sewed up, whatever... It's like a jinx or something. Remember, Draynay, how positive we all were that nothing could stop Big Brown; that he'd be a Triple Crown winner. Well, it just goes to prove - never count your chickens. Poor Calvin sure learned that hard lesson this year. It may not seem possible, but there are other horses out there who need to be respected too. But back on subject, Who area the people with the most influence on both Jackson and the Mosses? That's who needs to step up here.

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

Mole — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:45:18 GMT

Matthew W, I have always been a Zenyatta fan, I think she is fablous. I love her dance and the way she pricks them ears. and all Mike has to do is shake her reigns and she takes it from there. I love it, also, I love the way she has her caretakers giving her what she wants, she is a "Ms. Hotstuff" and she knows it. Zenyatta!!! even her name is exciting, just like her!!! A Classy Queen. p.s. she has run all her races (most of them) on them terrible plastics, Damn she is GoooooooD!!!!!!!

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

Matthew W — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:10:13 GMT

Steve they COULD "make" a race for them--the major sponsors of the Breeders Cup could "strike while the iron is hot", so to speak, and parlay a Zenyatta win in the Classic with an aditional 1 1/4 mile race at Churchill in late Nov...and we can only pray for good weather and good horses! (TWO million purse at least...) I want to see Zen/Rachel cuz THEY deserve to face off--I wanna see if Rachel can hold her off--I would suprised, pleasantly, if she does, if Rachel beats Zenyatta she's best all-time.....in my book at least cuz I think Zenyatta's all that.....

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

Matthew W — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 02:59:13 GMT

Mole I agree--you can trumpet praise on Rachel, no doubt I do...but don't dis Zenyatta, she just punches her timecard every time, shows up and goes to work--she's a real good mare in her own right--No doubt she'll have to take on males, doesn't take an "Einstein" to figure that out--get it??!! And he got that 1 1/4 on pro-ride....alas, poor Einstein!

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

MonicaV — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:29:11 GMT

I was very lucky to have witnessed Personal Ensign's last race at Churchill Downs in the 1988 Distaff. It was an incredible race and she nipped Winning Colors at the wire. What a finish! She raced with 6 screws in her hind leg. What a horse!!!

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

Paula Higgins — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 01:26:11 GMT

Gunbow, agree with everything you have said in both your long posts. RA should race on the plastics. ITA with that too. But it's not going to happen.

Draynay, you are also right about their plans for Zenyatta, or what their plan should be since they are not going to match up with RA. It's her only chance to win HOTY and they also have to hope RA loses again.

However, when all is said and done, these are two wonderful horses any way you cut it. Yes, there are horses with more impressive records, but it doesn't diminish what they have accomplished. They have a place in the history books too and their stories aren't finished yet hopefully.

As for leaving the west coast, that doesn't have to happen either. But Zenyatta will have to run against the boys in the BC or it is the end of HOTY for her unless RA has a meltdown.

re: Rachel vs. Zenyatta - How to Make it Happen

Soldier Course — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:26:13 GMT

The Thoroughbred Times Racing Almanac (published annually) shows the correct distance - 1 1/8 miles - for Go For Wand's 1990 Beldame Stakes, and recognizes her stakes record.