Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

Mary McLeod — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 23:29:14 GMT

Thank you, Steve, for the reprinting of this wonderful article about our Queen Zenyatta. I am a proud member of her Nation. I have long thought Zenyatta loved to toy with the competition. The only reason she lost to Blame was that she underestimated how long it would take to overtake him. High hooves all around for this outstanding racehorse who has transitioned so well to happy and healthy broodmare. She can teach us a lot about adapting to the different stages of life. Thank you, and take care, Mary in Boone

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

kd — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:48:08 GMT

I love ZENYATTA, But she has raced ONLY 4 times Before the BC Classic, RACHEL ALEXANDRA raced the WHOLE Year. One race does Not HOY make.

RACHEL ALEXANDRA DESERVES HORSE OF YEAR. Her record this year shows her dominance over all the horses racing today.

ZENYATTA had a Late start and raced the Second half of the year, RACHEL ALEXANDRA Raced ALL YEAR.

her record speaks for itself, I have been a fan of horse racing since 1970 and I have seen the BEST of the BEST race, and RACHEL ALEXANDRA deserves horse of year.

In case any of you forgot THIS YEARS ACCOMPLISHMENTS???? for Rachel, .. well here they are.

3 Yr Old Campaign-RACHEL ALEXANDRA

2/15/09 Martha Washington: 1st by 8 lengths -- Jockey: Calvin Borel

3/14/09 fair ground oaks (Gr II): 1st: by 1 ¼ lengths -- Jockey: Calvin Borel

4/5/09 fantasy stakes (Gr II): 1st by 8 ¾ lengths -- Jockey: Calvin Borel

5/1/09 Kentucky Oaks (Gr I): 1st by 20 ¼ lengths -- Jockey: Calvin Borel

5/16/09 Preakness Stakes (Gr I): 1st by 1 length: -- Jockey: Calvin Borel

6/27/09 Mother Goose Stakes(Gr I): 1st by 19 ¼ lengths -- Jockey: Calvin Borel

8/02/09 Haskell Invitational Stakes (Gr I): 1st by 6 lengths -- Jockey: Calvin Borel

9/05/09 Woodward Stakes (Gr I ): 1st by a neck- Jockey: Calvin Borel

New Stakes Records

2/15/2009 Martha Washington (listed): fastest time

5/1/2009 Kentucky Oaks (Gr I): largest winning margin (108 beyer and an incredible -neg 4!!)

5/16/2009 Preakness Stakes (Gr I): the only horse (male or female) to ever win from the far outside position (108 Beyer)

6/27/2009 Mother Goose Stakes (Gr I): fastest time

1:46:33 (111 Beyer) four fifths off the Track Record Set by the GREAT SECRETARIAT in 1973.

6/27/2009 Mother Goose Stakes (Gr I): largest winning margin - more lengths than the GREAT RUFFIAN! under a "handride".

Won the Woodward facing Older Males FIRST FEMALE IN THE HISTORY OF THE SPORT EVER WIN FACING OLDER MALES. Something the Great SECRETARIAT could not accomplish his first time facing Older Males. he was beaten by ONION.

She has won her First seven starts by a staggering total of 63 3/4 lengths.

She won her races THIS YEAR by a staggering total of Over 70 Lengths!

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

Julia — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:44:57 GMT

Thank you Zenyatta and also a big thanks to her connections, Class all the way. Kudos for going out on top, this memory will last a lifetime. John Sheriffs and the Moss's should be very proud!!

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

Dear Birdie — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:25:22 GMT

Steve, I really enjoyed reading this wonderful article. Got my North American Trainer in the mail before the Breeders Cup and there was an excellent Shireffs article in there which I just read again because parts of yours seemed familiar to me. They are both very good but I think similar too. Not sure if you read that before you wrote this.

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

Pete M — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:57:06 GMT

Fantastic article..thanks

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

carolyn rogers — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:50:17 GMT

Folks if we are going to talk about races from the past. lets talk about last year, BB against Curlin, BB won two legs of the triple crown was pulled up in the belmont,and won the haskell and monmouth, he then was retired, O.K. now I know Curlin had the better campaign , going to Dubai and winning plus being the richest horse in North America, now, my fact is Curlin showed up and competed in the classic, he didn't have to win, but he showed up. Now, whats the difference in RA and BB, both won big races, but didnt show up for the world championships. Makes a differnence, Please do not tell me the difference is colt and filly, doesn't mean much in the awards.

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

Suzanne Mencer — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:37:44 GMT

great horse, great story, great writing - Bill Nack, move over.

here's another man in love with another great mare.

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

LAZMANNICK — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:25:07 GMT

Saratoga AJ

You're right. In past years when the BC was over, for me the season was over and I would think, well what is going to happen now. A lot of the big stars will be retired and I'm not sure who or which is going to take their place......Then there would be a void until the winter racing started and the derby horses wold begin to make their presence.....this year there is no void.......Interested hasn't peaked and passed by, it seems like it is just getting started..... LOL

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

M.K. — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:17:25 GMT

How could Rachel be the horse of the year if all she defeated were "B" group of horses (except for 1 or 2)? Can someone tell me other than Summer Bird & Mine That Bird who are the other G-1 horses that she beat? I am not saying that Rachel is not a good horse. She is a very good filly but not great enough to win the HOTY. Rachel still has to prove that she can win at longer distance (10 furlongs) and against the "A" group of horses. Next year she will have that opportunity.

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

Saratoga AJ — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:00:08 GMT

Lazmannick:

I still believe Rachel at her best would beat Zenyatta, and I know you feel otherwise.

But that's what this debate is all about. I haven't seen anything like this who's better debate in a long long time. East vs West; synthetic vs dirt...it's got it all. The compassion of both the Zenyatta fans and the Rachel fans is amazing.

Maybe horse racing does not have the fan base it had when I was a kid. But as long as it has people who continue to love this sport as much as all the bloggers here at Blood Horse, the sport we love will never die.

And for the sake of everyone, let those two great ladies of the 2009 season both be named Horses Of The Year.

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

LAZMANNICK — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:01:06 GMT

Saratoga AJ

I finally agree with you on one thing.......Rachel should get HOY, but only based on the body of her accomplishments, not necessarily the quality of her opposition.....I really don't think that there can be any doubt about it.......But who is the best......ZENYATTA, and it's not even close.....and I really don't think that there is any doubt about that either.

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

Terra — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:14:33 GMT

I must thank Zenyatta for being the 1st horse that not only brought me to tears but also the guys too! Am referring to my world wide friends that are fellow handicappers/avid punters. They not only set their alarms to view the race, put our $$s on her at $6.50/1 even after the news that she might opt for the BCC while Sea of Stars was still busily campaigning for the race, trusting what I knew all along (was right there with you John on the who can beat her?) the mighty Zenyatta would find the wire 1st no matter which distance as we were all hoping she'd face the very best so we could see more of her ability -drool drool! My confidence in her while traveling overseas luckily rubbed off hehehe! Immediately after her win the emails flooded in saying 'spine tingling, the world stood still, she could've won the Melbourne! distance? pff no worries, 1 of if not 'the' best race of all time, WOW seemingly effortless earn of the title 'World Champion', etc... All of this gracious awe coming from several countries where horse racing is still a revered sport. No one commented on the $$s we won (our reward was true appreciation of those amazingly long strides) yet the 1 comment that was repeated after the admiration was 'she is proven & it will stun her critics to silence' as I'm ROFL that a lot of you are still here because I forewarned that not even a locomotive like Zenyatta would get you off the 1 track -pun intended! To deny she is now 1 of the immortals because you have a fave that only races on dirt? LOL & too late the world has now embraced Zenyatta even tho they have many fine champions (male & female) of their own.

I watched the Preakness & the Breeders with my best friend from MA (avid fan of US racing for 62 years now) so I asked his opinion on the HOTY award (sorry Steve) knowing he respects both RA & Z -it should always go to the winner of the Breeders Cup was his reply. I'll go with age before beauty on that 1 lol! It didn't take long for some of you to forget Rags to Riches Belmont win in the toughest leg of the Triple Crown & it did not win the HOTY -Curlins BCC win did.

Steve thank you for the lovely article that takes us from the paddocks to post celebration with all of her connects -as usual you captured everything honestly & with flair! It will be an honor to forward to my friends that only saw a 3 minute prelude then the race itself knowing they will enjoy the 'not long enough read' immensely! Oh question please -is there any other country that still separates the girls from the boys?

For her 1st sire IMO Phar Lap was the only 1 with a heart big enough for our girl! I'm sure Ann & Jerry will choose well especially after managing her career so lovingly, always putting her health 1st, & allowing her to be a part of all the decisions :) Although I'd love to see her race in Dubai (hint hint) especially since we haven't seen all of her gears yet! at least she allowed us to witness a chapter of horse racing history as we gratefully concede to whatever is best for her.

If you turn the # fourteen upside down it says 'hi' -what a way to greet the world! You will always have my <3 Zenyatta & I will never forget your free spirit chasing butterflies right up to the point where you knew if you didn't kick in a gear someone else might dare to cross that line 1st, always taking a moment to acknowledge your fans, then right back to chasing butterflies! You're the greatest thoroughbred I've had the pleasure of following & yet you leave me wondering how good your best really is??! "For the love of racing" is my motto, I believe it was yours too =D

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

Saratoga AJ — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:13:52 GMT

Bob Z:

Excellent (3:45) post. And right on target!

You want to be HOTY, you have to show the people everywhere just how good you are.

At all the greatest tracks. And it was real American racing. On dirt.

It will be years before they schedule the BC Races on synthetic again.

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

Mike Relva — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:41:23 GMT

GARY

Why don't you show just a "fraction" of class and spell her name correctly!

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

Saratoga AJ — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:56:55 GMT

M.K.

I'm not going to argue about it. Read the article!

www.drf.com/.../108893.html

It's NOT based on the horse's entire campaign, but his/her best race or sometimes two.

I'd match RA's entire campaign with any of them. Especially the fact she is a 3 yr old filly and pulled it off. Scary how good she can get when she's a 4 yr old.

Also look at:

en.wikipedia.org/.../World_Thoroughbred_Racehorse_Rankings

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

Footlick — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:15:11 GMT

Laz- yeah it's me! I know it might be close, but Zenyatta proved to me that she will do whatever it takes to win. But then I also believe Zarkava would have beaten him in the Arc this year also, because she also refused to lose. You have a good day too!

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

Bob Z — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:45:49 GMT

The New York Times is available world wide and with this invention called the Internet anybody living anywhere can access the poll....

Now ... who is voting for Rachel?

People from New York? Absolutely as she won the Woodward at Saratoga and the Mother Goose at Belmont...

People from New Jersey? Absolutely as she won the Haskell Stakes and beat the Belmont winner at Monmouth Park...

People from Kentucky? Absolutely as she won the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs.

People from Maryland? Absolutely as she won the Preakness at Pimlico..

People from Arkansas? Absolutely as she won the Fantasy Stakes and the Martha Washington Stakes at Oaklawn Park.

People from Louisiana? Absolutely as she won the Fair Grounds Oaks in New Orleans.

Rachel has gotten around a little bit this season...

I was at Monmouth Park drenched in the rain and I can tell you that the reception the 35,000 gave her was over the top...

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

M.K. — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:54:46 GMT

Saratoga AJ

The recent World Thorougbred Racehorse Rankings (just published in DRF 11/12/09) is covering the period from May 9, 2009 to Nov 8, 2009. It's based on the entire horse race performance within that period not just one race.

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

M.K. — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:18:28 GMT

Who is voting in the N.Y. Times poll? People from the east coast? Well that explains why Rachel is far ahead. I wonder what will be the the result if LA Times conduct the same poll?

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

LAZMANNICK — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:05:38 GMT

Footlick:

"And by the way- if Sea the Stars came, Zenyatta still would have run in the BCC and still would have won. She does not lose!"

Is this really you or do you have a twin somewhere posting under your name......Great post.....They are both great but it is hard to be fair to one without seeming to slight the other......LOL and have a good day.

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

jane — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:18:30 GMT

As a small horse crazy child I tore picicures and articles out of any publication of the great Secretariat. For the last three years it has been video and internet articles of Zenyatta. These two horses have spaned almost of my life and they are the only two horses I've collected as they are the only two horses that have made me fill euphoric when they run. I don't expect to live long enough to collect yet another. I thought Zenyatta was unfairly denied the Horse of the Year last year and I will be horrified if it happens to her again this year. ZENYATTA 2009 HORSE OF THE YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

Footlick — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:26:20 GMT

Joanie- Zenyatta suffered from bad nerves and hives, so they were patient and took their time with her, because of that and her size. What is the point of saying that she didn't even start until the end of her three year old year when the reasons have been documented and you can't blame her connections for taking care of her. She also has as bad a temper as her relation Balance, and so they really worked to keep her temper in check. So many other trainers and connections would not have had the patience it took to get Zenyatta where she needed to be. Rachel Alexandra will probably get HOY. Be happy your horse will get it. But, Zenyatta has never let any horse finish ahead of her, and if Rachel's connections went ahead and ran in the Beldame as they said they would if Zenyatta came, and Zenyatta was pre-entered- Zenyatta would still be undefeated..... because she doesn't lose. And she would have beaten Rachel, and then there would have been no debate. But suddenly Rachel zig-zagged to the Woodward. Most said Zenyatta couldn't win the BCC. Many said she wouldn't even hit the board. So of course when she wins, and wins easily, many now discount it. Give the statue to JJ. I have better memories of watching Zenyatta inhale the field and win without being asked for her best. I have better memories of watching Ruffian's 8 stakes wins, 7 stakes records, 1 equaling the stakes records and two track records running from 5.5 furlongs to 12 furlongs. I have better memories of Zarkava easily beating Goldikova twice and easily winning the Arc as a three year old. All Goldokova did was easily beat our best milers as a 3 and 4 year old. There are great horses everywhere. It is not just reserved for Rachel. She's a wonderful filly- but I have seen better imo. Obviously not in yours- and that's fine. And by the way- if Sea the Stars came, Zenyatta still would have run in the BCC and still would have won. She does not lose!

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

Bob Z — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:32:46 GMT

Carolyn,

Zenyatta winning the Breeders Cup Clasic is a HUGE deal... but that great accomplishment factored in to her other races during the year creates what is called a "body of work"..

... and all I am saying is that the HOY award is given to the horse that had a better "body of work" for the racing year ... 2009...and that looking at that... which is based on numbers not emotion says that Rachel should get the award...

I hope they split the award.. but if they don't and it has to be given to only one horse than that award should go to Rachel.

"Quit acting like the BCC isn't a big deal here, because it is."

I'm sure the BCC is very big deal there... the same way Rachel winning the Woodward at Saratoga was a very big deal there... with reports that the crowd response was over the top... the loudest anybody could remember...

It was a HUGE deal at Monmouth Park in the Haskell when 35,000 people braved a 2 day summer downpour to watch Rachel beat the colts by 6 lenghts in the slop just missing the record time for the Haskell....

My opinion is that the poll on here is heavily based on the emotion of the moment...

If the voters for the HOY are looking at this poll then I'm sure they are looking at the NY Times Poll where the result so far has a decidedly different view...

www.nytimes.com/.../20091111-horse-vote.html

The last time I looked voters were voting for Rachel ... 70% to 30%..

Unless Team Rachel is running against Team Zenyatta next year ... I don't think that Team Rachel is giving Zenyatta a second thought...other than acknowledging her winning the BCC which was a great accomplishment....

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

Saratoga AJ — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:52:28 GMT

M.K.

The World Rankings you allude to are bases on each horse's BEST RACE OF THE YEAR...ONE RACE!

Zens BC Classic win was rated a little better than Rachel's Haskell.

Sea of Stars was ranked #1 for his win in the Irish Championship Stakes, not the Arc.

THESE RANKINGS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE HORSES BODY OF WORK FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR. AND THUS, NOT MUCH TO DO WITH HOTY.

www.drf.com/.../108893.html

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup - Z One and Only

carolyn rogers — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:46:47 GMT

Joanie, I appreciate your insight, but as I must say, yes, I can accept co-HOY, as long as Zen gets her recognition, but as Zen just proved to all you naysayers about her. Also, about HOTY for 09, DON'T COUNT YOUR CHICKENS BEFORE THEY HATCH. crazier things have happened in the end of the year.