Zenyatta is, physically, a very big mare and therefore is able to take on the boys.  Until she does that, or at least, races against top-notch fillies and mares in Grade 1s, she is a very good race mare, not a great one.  How can she be compared, as of this date in time, to Azeri, Paseana, Bayakoa, etc.  She's only raced nine times in her whole life.  The aforementioned mares ran more than that in one season!!  I feel she still has much to prove.  Rags to Riches did it, Rachel Alexandra did it, now it's Zenyatta's turn to prove it!!

To Pamela:

No disrespect intended, but she's already proven quite a bit. Unless you're saying Ginger Punch, the 2007 BC Distaff winner, was not G1 competition? She crushed her, on dirt, in only her fourth start, and repeated that win easily on her home turf in the BC Ladies Classic 2008. She ran against Music Note and Cocoa Beach, both top fillies last year, and strode away with little effort.

I'd like to see her try males, and I'd like to see her try RA, but I think it's highly disrespectful for you to assume she's run against "nothing". Besides Mine That Bird, Rachel Alexandra hasn't run against much either. Just because she beat males doesn't mean they were really good males.

Give her some credit and enjoy her career. She has much to prove, of course, but I think she's already dug a small spot in history for herself.

Zenyatta has the breeding speed and power to win this race

Loved the Zenyatta tribute - and the selection of music was icing on the cake - really captured the beauty of the big girl.

Zenyatta is big - and I agree she would have needed to beat the boys last year to usurp Curlin for HOY - but if she stays perfect, travels outside of CA and takes on Rachel and wins - she will definitely be the top female and could make a case for HOY without ever running against the boys.

Her connections know what they are doing - and they've handled her perfectly thus far.  We'll see how the year goes!

Thanks for all the great videos, Becky - what a treasure trove of tape!

Hmmm well I guess I can say that I was right.  She isn't running the Belmont?  Yeah I wouldn't think she would.  Why mess up that race for her connections since she would get beat and everyone knows it.  Zenyatta?  Hands down.  I don't believe for a second that she will be Zenyatta.  :)

Pamela, when you say she's only run nine times and the others run that much in a season, well, she's really only run one season.  As far as racing the males, at this point I think that could be a step down in competition.  

I just witnessed Zenyatta run away from her field in the Milady Hdcp. incluing her stablemate Life Is Sweet.

Without a doubt, this is the best filly or mare racing in N/A today and probably the best horse.

To encounter the trouble she had from her stablemate when she was forced to check and come on again, and this while being at leat 12 -14 lengths out of it and already into the far turn was amazing.

The powerful move she made coming into the stretch and then running away from Life Is Sweet and the rest of th field blew me away.

Zenyatta has to go in the Classic and she should be the first of her sex to win it.

For those of you on Rachel's bandwagon, dream on for now.

 This is a very unusual year because the race that the majority of racing fans are looking forward too is one between 2 fillies,Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra.It could happen as early as the Alabama at Saratoga or the Breeders Cup Distaff,but I think the race most fans would like it to happen is the Breeders Cup Classic against the colts especially if both fillies are still undefeated at that time.

Well, The Queen is back, and she's large and in charge. ZENYATTA is brilliant. I was over at another thoroughbred forum and many people were saying "I'm not a fan of ZENYATTA" and putting her down. I really don't know what there is to criticize or put down. This mare is sheer brilliance. Being the reigning queen it's up to RACHEL ALEXANDRA to come and get her. A nice 2nd to ZENYATTA is nothing to be ashamed of.

To Pamela and Draynay:

You're still stuck in the moment.  Zenyatta has beaten by far the best in her division.  Simpy put, Rachel hasn't yet.  I'm not so sure she'll even beat Stardom Bound when that one returns. Rachel is a good horse, but she still has lots to prove.

TO:PAMELA

Just mintes ago Zenyatta won her second Milady in a row. You must be kidding,right? Got any more questions? lol

John T:

Pleae get it straight.

Zenyatta is undefeated, not that she has raced against much according to Pamela.

Rachel has lost a few races.

Stardustyrose:

Are you saying Rachel's connections have decided not to run her?  That's what it sounds like on your post - what's your source?  I haven't heard a peep on that.

As to Zenyatta - all I can say is WOW.  She is amazing.  

I heard on some broadcast that some of the older jocks have said that Rachel doesn't seem to have a ton of gears.  She hasn't needed them thus far because she's just so good with the couple she uses!  But push come to shove - up against a monster closer like Zenyatta - I wonder if she will be able to go with the mare?  She was being closed on by MTB in the Preakness - and while I think she totally bested the field that day - it does seem like she has about two moves (high cruising speed and then a knuckle down extention of stride in the stretch.)  I think she has guts galore and speed and talent to burn.  But when she's truly hooked by an equal (Zenyatta) who has a stride that equals or exceeds her own - I wonder if she'll have that third gear?

Personally - forget the colts, IMO.  

The Rachel/Zenyatta match up will be the race of the year.  That's what Jackson should be pointing toward next!

If I were Rachel Alexandra or any other three year old filly and they wanted to run Zenyatta I would ask for some ID.  All kidding aside, the Alabama is restricted to three year olds you probably meant another race JohnT.  Wherever they meet I want to see it.

Pamela--A mare DOES NOT have to take on males anto be called great--greatness is something you just know when ya see it---if ya haven't seen it (in Zenyatta) yet ya never will--you'll always have an excuse--that is why you say she hasn't taken on any good ones--she's taken on all-comers! As if Rachel Alexandra would not be great unless she beat the boys? She's the same horse she was BEFORE the Preakness-great! Mares are equal to males in speed and stamina--males have a huge strength advantage from 6 fur through 1 1/4 miles--Do I think Zenyatta would beat males? Yes, of corse I do---do I want to see her do it--NO--I saw what Foolish Pleasure "did" to Ruffian....I saw what Codex did to Genuine Risk, I don't thing there's a horse within two lengths of Zenyatta, with the exception of Rachel--AND vice-versa....so let's just hope/await THAT match up---I'm bettin' on "Big Sister"....

Wow! She just makes it look so easy.

Pamela, consider your self chastised , go forth and learn. Zenyatt is the real thing! She is a great mare and will only improve her legacy as the year progresses. I saw her last year and she stood in front of me about 2 feet away. Her walker stood still for me to take a picture and I was so nervous, I was shaking. She is magnificent. Believe me, I've seen many a great horse and you know when you're standing before greatness. You're awe struck, theirs something about them that takes your breath away. She won today 10 for 10 and the sky is the limit. A show down with Rachel Alexandra is inevitable. My money and my heart is with Zenyatta!  

Death......Taxes.....AND Zenyatta's kick.....

ZENYATTA beat the Grade 1 quality fillies and mares, HYSTERICALADY, GINGER PUNCH, COCOA BEACH, MUSIC NOTE, LIFE IS SWEET and TOUGH TIZ'S SIS. That's a lot more than RACHEL ALEXANDRA has done, although some of the horses in the Preakness are quite good (MINE THAT BIRD, MUSKET MAN, PAPA CLEM and PIONEER OF THE NILE). ZENYATTA looks pretty invincible at this point, wouldn't you say?

Just wondering, but why was it just last year when we had Curlin and BB that at least now half the ppl on these blogs didn't think that if BB wanted the crown he had to beat Curlin, by coming after him? People in some places actually said that Curlin need to meet BB, even though Curlin was the riegning HOTY. Now i see on this blog that RA has to go out and find Zen, yet you ppl could't give that same respect to Curlin. Thats nice. Ok now that i'm finished ranting, i will say Zen looked like a freaking monster, before, during and after the race. Did i hear correctly when they said she gain some wieght and now is around 1200 lbs? I will say for being off for six and a half months she looks awsome. I'd race her one more time against the girls, then go against the boys. Einstien is looking fantastic this year and has done more than any other horse so far, by winning grade 1's on turf and synthetic, and having Consecutive wins in the Woodford Reserve. If he wins the Stephen Foster, i think he will be the only horse, besides Lava Man to win grade 1's on dirt turf and synthetic, and whats more impressive is that he will have done it all within the same year. If he wins his next Zen needs to take him on, unless she and RA want meet up someplace. I know a few ppl who want a match race, but for the same reason as last year, except that reason is even more profound this year is that because of the difference of running styles, Zen would be at a huge disadvantage against a very speed RA in a match. I still think that RA would still win a race between the two just because of the amount of speed she has. I just don't think any horse, even Zen could run and close quick enough into speed like that, unless a rabbit was sent to wear RA out, which still may not work. Any way this turns out it should be interesting to say the least.

Zenyatta is the Queen is amazing. 10 for 10. She is one impressive horse, male or female. Pamela, all she has to do is race against Rachel. If she beats Rachel, she has effectively beaten the boys and has nothing left to prove. Her record is amazing as it is. However, I am wondering if both Rachel and Zenyatta's connections are going to avoid each other. Anyone have any thoughts on that? They may rather have the question of who is better left unanswered.

WOW!!  What a horse!  She just gallops to the wire with her ears up never touched by the whip while the others are running as fast as they can.   WOW!!

Why Don't We Just Say That Zenyatta And Rachel Alexandra Are Both Good Horses? We Won't Know Who's Better Until They Race Against Each Other... And Putting One Or The Other Down At This Point Isn't Worth It. Both Of Them Are Excellent Horses. As For All Of Those Complaining About People Comparing Zenyatta To Bayakoa Or Any Of The Other Great Horses... Remember, There Will Always be Comparisons Made And There Is Noting You Can Do About It... So Just Let It Be. If I Remember Correctly, Personal Ensign Only Won 13 Races, Or Three More Than Zenyatta. Yes, She Beat The Boys In A Grade 1 Race, But So Has Rachel Alexandra. There Are Always Going To Be People Comparing Good Horses To Other Ones, And Let Them. They Are Going To Do It Anyways.

I really don't think Zenyatte is all that great she scratched from the race at churchill or belmont i dont remember because of RAIN!? like c'om and shes only ran at like 2 race tracks and only on the synthetic. i really dont think shes all that great.

I have never seen a horse so dappled out as she was today before the race. She is a truly great mare and a real threat to any other horse out there. It gives me goose bumps just watching her run. Zenyatta is the best.

IT's quite obvious to me that zenyatta is the best horse in training,I felt the same way last year even with the presence of curlin and in in the first half Heatseeker.Her connections are very conservative with her though, they seem to baby her. I have seen all of her races multiple times, she has hardly been  asked in any of them.

In my opinion they should run her with the boys, I really dont think its a big deal for her. AT this point Einstein seems to be the best older male, That's laughable, he wont see where she went.

I think the stephen foster would be a good spot for her, its for weeks out from the jog she had today, and i would love to see her run a Churchill. Clearly if the intention is for horse of the year then they should run her in the top races.

To the notion that she has not beaten anyone, i say hats rubbish. she beat ginger punch and hysterical lady. I would also like to mention that Music note and Cocoa beach are no slouches, they might be the second and third best horses in training wright now. That's how good i think the females are.

Rachael Alexandra, Is a lovely filly, I think she could have one the triple crown had she been sent in that direction,BUT, and this is a big BUT, I dont think she can handle that amazon. Yea I just said that.

Zenyatta is in her own little world. she is as far beyond Rachael as she was beyond the oaks field

Audramarie, as someone else said above, when you see greatness you know it. Zenyatta is one of the greats. No discussion. Rachel probably is too. A Clash of the Titans if they race.

TO:AUDRAMARIE

Guess why she scratched? Cause of the weather! You see,her connections "get it",they do what's right by her. Guess that's their call to make and I agree w/them a million percent.

Kudos to Zenyatta!!! Mike Smith knows her like Calvin knows RA, I just might swoon yet. On the match race of Ruffian and Foolish Pleasure -FP didn't "do" anything to Ruffian. As a trainer told me at the time in his attempt to console me, it really is all up to fate. A simple misstep and anything can result, especially when the full 1,000+ pounds are put on one foot at a time. Anyway, I am THRILLED for Zen!!! way to go!

It doesn't matter if ZENYATTA was scratched from the race at Churchill Downs, such "scratches" don't affect a horse's greatness. They weren't ducking anyone, they just didn't want to run on an off track. Some people scratch their horse in such "adverse" conditions.

Audramarie:

If you're going to make a stxxxid statement, at least get your facts right.

Zenyatta won the Apple Blossom at Oklawn Park, a natural dirt surface, beating among other Ginger Punch.

If she scratched because of a sloppy track, so what.  The track at Churchill that day was like a bog.  I'm wondering if the Oaks had to be run in the same conditions if Rachel would have scratched.  If she would have, I wouldn't have balmed her connections.  I would chalk it up to good horse sense and what's best for the horse.

LAZMANNICK, very well put. Agree with the statement 100%

You guys seem to be missing the best part of all of this. You seem to be worried aboutwho is best. These two fillies are the best fillies to run in many years in my opinion. We should all take in the moments and be thankful we were here to see them. They both have more than proven their ability. Now we can look forward to their years of improvment on the breeding industry. These two ladies bring so much to the sport and lets just hope they do the same thing in the breeding shed the sport needs mares of this quality added to our pedigrees.

Please stop all the bickering and enoy them while we can.

I believe if the owners felt she was THAT good, they would of ran her in the slop on the dirt in Kentucky. I mean come on, what was the big deal?, the horses in that race weren't much...after Zenyatta scratched, the fav lost. Aww, it was raining and the track was wet. come on, that was lame to scratch her. Would they have scratched her if it was the Breeders Cup Classic in the slop? no. Oh, maybe it was because "it was her first race of the year" and they needed perfect conditions for her? lol. All that stuff is excuses.

Cgriff

Just a gutt feeling.  I don't think she will run cause they know she won't win that race.  Why would they run her against MTB and Summer Bird when both of those horses will beat her.  

Mike Relva

How ya doing?  :)

Mike S

You are so right. :)

I love Zenyatta, but think Rachel's been much more impressive. She won  the Kentucky Oaks by 20 lengths, and then came back to win a Triple Crown race in 2 weeks. Zenyatta's never done anything like that. She needs to beat Rachel and the males to prove her greatness.

I was at Hollywood Park yesterday to witness Zenyatta's romp in the Milady for a second year in a row. Her display in the paddock and on the track was breathtaking. I am still in awe with what I saw yesterday. The race was a walk in the park for her.  

The best 2 horses in America just turn out to be filly's :

Zenyatta      Rachel Alexander

how sweet it is!!!

Long live the queen!!!!!! How can you not love this horse??? She just floats across the ground, swallowing up anyone in her path. She is pure joy to watch. She doesn't have to beat the boys to prove anything. How about Brass Hat??? Gotta love him. Gotta love every minute of this.

Thanks for this splendid trip down memory lane.  Great research.  Did see Mitterand break her maiden at HP, while bouncing off the rail.  Ray Sibille never rode her again.  Also, saw her great son French Deputy break his, as well.

However, I appreciate you answering a nagging question.  Had forgotten the name of the great mare Adored trained by Laz.  Funny thing about her racing.  Laz laid her off for almost six months after she won the title.  Brought her back in a very contentious Grade I at Santa Anita.  Up against 7 quality Grade I winners.  The funny part was the huge show bet placed upon her by a "Phantom Plunger".  He had scored seven straight hundred grand show bets from opening day.  The early betting showed that another 100 grand had been placed on her.  Now, in the other bets, the fields had always been short.  But, to try to beat five other talented ladies?  She ran 5th.  Never saw another 100 grand show bet the rest of the So Cal year.

But, the "Z" gal is special.

I've heard from some ppl that they think that it be a better idea to race RA in the Stephen Foster, and i actually agree with them. One because if she beats older horse, it's a plus for her, she love's Churchill Downs, we all know she can get 1 1/8 easily, and she doesn't have to move, since she's already at CD. CB man also brought up a great point about having Zenyatta go to the Stephen Foster aswell. I believe it's five weeks removed from her race yesterday, so she'll have plenty of time to rest, she gets to race on dirt again, which even her trainer says she likes better, and if RA goes too, the we will have a three horse show down with the leader of the hanicapp division, the ever so versitle Einstien. You have the leader for top 3yr old filly who can beat the boys and did so in the Preakness, and then you have runner up for HOTY, champion older female, and the unbeaten Zenyatta all in one race. Can you imagine the story line for that! I believe a race like that would produce a lot of good activity for racing. What does everyone else think of a race like that.

A Zenyatta-Rachel race would be a dream match up for sure.

The outcome would depend on how the race unfolds. Zenyatta could win only if the pace up front is very fast as to make Rachel run hard early, like in the Preakness.

A slow pace early and Zenyatta would have no shot.

Just like in a match race between the two (which will probably never happen of course). A horse with the running style of Rachel makes her virtually unbeatable in a match race. It's impossible to close from off the pace in a match race, especially as far back as Zenyatta always is.

So the way I see it, without some "rabbits" in the race, advantage Rachel. With a swift pace, Zenyatta could possibly reel her in down the lane.  

I just saw a replay of the race - Zenyatta was 10 lengths back with three furlongs to go and she just inhaled the field going around the turn.  That's one of the most impressive performances I've seen this year.  As someone else said, she has won on dirt (Oaklawn is a dirt track) and I think we'll see her go East sometime this summer.  I am really excited about the summer races this year!

TO:AUDRAMARIE

You sound like "sour grapes". It's obvious you don't know what greatness is when you see it! Some don't "get it".

Audramarie

You don't think she is great?  10 starts, 10 wins.  That isn't great?  Are you nuts?  

I think I enjoy watching Zenyatta as much before the race  as during! What a show with her strut!

She knows how special she is and it shows. Has the crop ever been used on her?

No filly or mare stands a chance at holding off the great ZENYATTA. If RACHEL ALEXANDRA runs a :45 half then ZENYATTA would be 10 or 12 lengths off and then swoop on her late. If RACHEL ALEXANDRA runs a :48 half then ZENYATTA stays 5 lengths off and still runs her down. Either way it's a losing proposition for RACHEL ALEXANDRA, although I'm sure she'll run very well and look good in defeat.

Saratoga AJ

    I agree with you Zen would need a pace where RA would be made to run in order to catch her. The thing with RA though is that even if you do enter a rabbit, she doesn't need the lead, she can stalk and pounce, which is why IMO she will be very hard to beat. Borel could've taken back in the Preakness, but in doing that others may want to try and box her or bump her around, which is probably why he chose the lead. In a field with both RA and Zen i doubt alot of horses will show up, so the possibility of being boxed, floated wide or bumped around is much less. Zen is a great horse, but i don't think she'll be able to close on RA.

Remember how MTB swallowed the derby field like an express train?

Well, he could not do it with RA,

and she was not even at her best according to CB.

Silly of me, MTB is not Zenyatta.

WHAT A MATCH IT WILL BE!

Laura, you are right. By themselves, they are just plain fantastic, with or without a match race or head to head. They are very special and a real joy to watch. Saratoga AJ, I think you may be right about how Zenyatta might have to run a race to win. On the other hand, they haven't asked much from her. I wonder if there is another gear there? Also, I have heard some people say that Rachel only has two gears (but they are two amazing gears IMO). Pepper's Pride has the record 17 for 17, but I wonder if Zenyatta could beat it? Hard to compare Zenyatta and Pepper's Pride considering who they have each run against, but I would love to see Zenyatta go for the record. I think it is doable. Maybe from that standpoint, she should stay away from RA.

I LOVE her!!! I agree with LDP that the Stephen Foster would be a great place for RA and Einstein to tackle Queen Z. What a race!! I think that would set Zen up nicely to win the Hollywood Gold Cup. And I really hope she runs in the HGC because I'm making my summer trip to Cali then! I would love to see her run in person!

And for the folks trying to downgrade Z...come on now. I can understand the arguments over RA(for me she has proved herself VERY good, but she still has plenty to "prove" before I call her GREAT,things like finishing her 3y/o campaign for one), but if you don't see "GREATNESS" when you watch Zenyatta you must be looking at the wrong horse.

Zen Master says this: RA would have as much of a chance as a my 6 yr old child-zero to none. Pace factor would not much be a factor. Do you really think that Mike Smith would let RA go that far in front? She doesnt need to be that far back, she's a complete push button,  She should have been horse of the year last year. Curlin really was beatable last year. The ZEN Master says RA no chance!

MINE THAT BIRD did swallow the Derby field, you're right, and he would have done the same if he had been able to get a rail-trip in the Preakness instead of having to go very wide from the far turn to the wire. Having to go that wide translated into a lot more lost ground than the one length he lost by. And I'm not taking anything away from RACHEL ALEXANDRA, she's an awesome filly.

I agree LDP - the Stephen Foster would be a great meeting place!  Both Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra are awesome!! A joy to watch and great for racing!  FYI--Pepper's Pride's record was 19-0 so I doubt Z will beat that as I can't see them running her 10 more times this year or keeping her in training next year.  Don't know if Zenyatta will ever run with the boys either after reading the trainers  interview in the LA Times yesterday. It does not sound like he favors the idea of colts vs fillies.

TO:STARDUSTY ROSE

Hi! How's everything w/you? You're right she's nuts,she doesn't know a great horse when she see's one! At one point in the race yesterday,Zenyatta was fourteen back. Many of her races last yr. are a carbon copy of what transpired in the Milady. I'm not just a recent bandwagon jumper,I've been on Zenyatta from the beginning. I also like RA very much,unlike some so called fans,I don't put either of them down by suggesting one is better. Question? Is it true RA is skipping the Belmont? I hope so!

Mike S a horse can't get a rail trip every time quit making excuses

Zen master,

    Zen has been at last in every race at the first call except for two. She's a pure closer, put her up any more and you take away her kick. Let you know in those two other races she was second and third to last. With a horse of RA caliber on the front and loose on the lead or stalking she will most likely lose.

Mike,

    You don't seem to get that if Zen's style is very counter productive against RA. She doesn't have to lead, if she wants she can stalk, Zen is a pure closer. If RA get off with 48 she will have an extra gear and Zen wont be able to catch her.

I just watched a replay of the Milady.  What I discovered is that Zenyatta has very big ears.  I wonder if they will allow a variant for wind restance because when she came home her ears were straight up while all the other horse's ears were back.

Powerful and impressive.  A total walk in the park.  Mike Smith didn't even let go of the reins, not even when she was reaching for the lead and it looked like Life Is Sweet was going to stay with her.

Totally awesome.

Zenyatta is undefeated, a champion, and beat the best. Rachel Alexandra has three losses beat weak fields and probably will end up getting beat up by a late bloomer like a Music Note. Like Mike Smith said Zenyatta is Zenyatta. She should have been horse of the year last year but the voting is a joke. It's a popularity contest. Everyone seems to forget that the best 3 year olds didn't make the Triple Crown. Charitable Man and Mr. Fantasy are two of the best 3 year olds in the country. Unfortunately only the bettors will pay any real attention to them.

You know, I understand what you are saying about MTB not getting the trip to win the Preakness and maybe he could have beaten RA. I agree. But the truth is, unless you get two horses head to head or going for it in a wide open stretch, there is no way to know for sure which one is the better horse. If RA looked MTB in the eye, or visa versa, who knows which one would have come out on top. The reality is, she won and that counts for something, and you are talking to someone who really loves MTB. So many of these races come down to factors that include things other than who is the best horse. But you still need a really good horse to win even when you factor in things like trip, weight etc. As for RA and Zenyatta, my heart says Zenyatta. I have seen enough of both horses to know they are both great in every sense of the word.

Zenyatta has the physical maturity and experience - older horse can beat the younger horse.  Let's hope RA runs as a mature 4 year old.

I doubt that Zen's trainer/owner will run outside CA

RACHEL ALEXANDRA has lost three times already, including being out of the money once. ZENYATTA has not lost yet. The only tough race that RACHEL ALEXANDRA has been in is the Preakness, which she won in awesome fashion. ZENYATTA has been in one tough race after another, and it doesn't matter what type of pace scenario unfolds in front of her ZENYATTA just inhales the whole field from the far turn to the stretch, and it has never even been close! And she has competed against some fantastic fillies and mares. If you can't see how great she is for yourself then I don't think anyone can show you.

TO:LDP

Good observation! But,I'm also aware of the great blazing speed that RA has. I realize that if Zenyatta were far back it would be difficult. My theory is Zenyatta wouldn't be ten,fourteen back in a race with RA.

Yes you are so right Becky,the Alabama is for 3 year olds only.Its

just one of those races I wish was for 3 years old and up as  I think it would make the race more exciting.Like you I hope a race with Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra

both in it will take place somewhere.

RA may have lost some races,but they were all in the very beginning when she was learning the ropes, and the only one she finished out of the $ was her very first, a 4 1/2 f. She won the next, then placed, won, placed again all under Hernandez Jr. Borel then took over and ever since she's been a fright train roaring home. So IMO those 3 losses were under a learning curve.  

Mike,

    I can see how you would say that. I said earlier on hear that a field with those two in it would likely be small. So Zen may not have to sit too far off the pace. The only thing is that she's not going agaist Hysterical Lady this time. You know i was just on youtube watching some videos of Curlin Zen and a few others. Zenyatta is a powerful mare, but no horse in my mind will compare to Culin in one video called Curlin is Iron Man, i just kept getting goose bumps every time i watched him inhale the competition. The two most moving were his dubia win and BC win in 07. I still wish he was racing this year.

Tim,

   Last year is done and over with, so please don't get me started. Curlin won the HOTY because of his overall body work. He basicly faced anybody anyone threw at him, and ran exclusively in Grade ones. The only two race he lost were on a surface he was not really preped for and a race he just up and pointed to with a month of real preperation, on a foreign surface that plays more like turf. Zen faced feilds restricted to fillies and raced outside of Cali once, taking no risks, by staying in Cali and beating up on her own sex. She may have been brilliant and unbeaten, but had culin be managed as conservitively as she was he'd be unbeaten too. He won HOTY fair and sqaure, now please stay focused on this year, which is turning out very well. I can't help but like Einstien who is on a roll. He's what seven and has a grade two win on dirt, from last year, as well as grade one placed. From this year he has a third i think in the Donn if i remember correctly, has won a grade one on turf and synthetic, and became the first horse to win consecutive Woodford Reserves. Pretty spiffy for a seven year old if you ask me. Then the champ finally returned, looking, literally like she was going run the gate over. She looks just fantastic, which doesn't even begin to truely describe how perfect she looked. You have the Underdog MTB who wins the Derby, gets second in the Preakness, and is looking to win the Belmont. Just a question, can someone tell me when the last gelding to win the Belmont was, i am genuinly curious. Lastly you have a potential super filly who dazzles with her curise control super speed. What a great year this will be.

Oh Yeah!!! The Queen is back!!! Zenyatta reminds me of my great equine love Ruffian, both big, drop-dead gorgeous and incredibly talented. Today, I don't care who's the better horse -Zen or Alexandra the Great -they're both wonderful in my eyes and bring me much joy just looking at them. When they run, it's poetry. I pray they stay safe and healthy.

As for fans, we are very lucky to have 2 horses like Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra.  I also think Mine That Bird and Einstein are wonderful, but these two females are possibly all-timers. The fact that Rachel is as good as any 3 year old colt(and one very brave little gelding), and Zenyatta is probably as good as any older male makes this a very unique year. It is very rare when, as many have suggested, the 2 very best horses in the continent are probably both females, one 3 years old and the other an older mare.

On dirt, I might give Rachel the advantage due to her tactical speed, but on synthetics I truly believe Zenyatta is virtually unbeatable.  On synthetics, unlike dirt, you really do not need a quick pace to set things up for a horse with as devastating a kick as Zenyatta. Synthetic races play out more like turf races, and unless the pace is something like :25 and :49 or :50 for the half, speed has trouble kicking away.  

I would like to see Jerry Moss and John Sheriffs take a few risks this year with Zenyatta. The Stephen Foster is too soon, but I see no reason why she couldn't run in the Hollywood Gold Cup, Pacific Classic, or Goodwood. I do not necessarilly think that she has to do ALL of the following: 1)Run on dirt again; 2) Run back East; 3) Run vs. Males; 4) Run vs. Rachel.

Some seem to want Zenyatta to run back East in a gr.1 dirt race like the Whitney against older males and possibly Rachel as well. That's not going to happen. As I said, I would be a little disappointed if we only saw Zenyatta in a campaign in which she ran in the Vanity, Chula Vista, Lady's Secret, Breeders Cup Ladies Classic. However, if she were to win all of those races, including the Ladies Classic over Rachel, and retire 14 for 14, it would be IMPOSSIBLE to deny her greatness. Still, I think Moss and Sheriffs can make that bid for greatness more historic if they substitute in the Hollywood Gold Cup for the Vanity, or the Pacific Classic for the Chula Vista, or the Goodwood for the Lady's Secret, or even the Breeders Cup Classic for the Ladies Classic. If she were to win one of those races, beat Rachel somewhere along the line, and finish undefeated, she would certainly deserve to be mentioned with the greatest female racehorses of all time.  

LPD, the last gelding I can remember winning the Belmont was Creme Fraiche. (early eighties?)

LDP, Creme Fraiche in 1985 was the first and only gelding to win the Belmont.

I replayed the tribute video to Zen a couple of times, a masterful work of art, and a fitting tribute to a magnificent mare.Thank you Partymanners

Gun Bow:

Better than Ruffian? I don't think so.

BTW, when I was 17 I was fortunate enough to be among the 65,000 at Aqueduct on 9/7/64 when the mighty Kelso ran down your namesake in the $100K Aqueduct H'Cap in one of the most memorable races of my life.

Kelso had lost to GB in July by 14 lengths in the Brooklyn H'Cap. Word was out that 4 time HOTY Kelso was finished at 7. Not so. He beat GB that day at the Big A, in one of the most emotional scenes I ever witnessed at the track. Racing was alive and well in the 60's.

www.youtube.com/watch

GB beat Kelly by a nose 3 weeks later in the Woodward, then Kelso crushed GB in the 11/11/64 Washington DC Int'l when Kelly ran the fantastic 2:23.4 1 1/2 miles on turf (11 days after setting the World Record 3:19.1 in the JCGC...a record that still stands today)....and HOTY #5.

www.youtube.com/watch

It was a great rivalry. But Kelso prevailed just like he did over every other challenge by a who's who of the 1960-65 time period.

We'll never see another 5 time HOTY ever.

Wow, i know that 85 is only like 24 years, so not exceptionally long but still if MTB wins the Belmont he'd be only the second gelding to pull that feat off. Wow. Thanks Tiznowbaby and Citation, i wasn't alive then, so i wouldn't have know. Thanks again.

Saratoga AJ:

I never said Zenyatta is better than Ruffian. Maybe you have me confused with someone else?

I stated that on synthetics I think Zenyatta is virtually unbeatable. However, that is in reference to the horses currently in training. Ruffian, or Secretariat for that matter, aren't alive anymore, so they couldn't run against and beat Zenyatta.

I am too young to have seen the Kelso-GunBow wars, and am invious that you got to see both those great horses in person. no, there will never be another 5-time Horse of the Year; there will never be another Kelso.

You're right, Gun Bow...you said "among the best", not "the best". And not better than Ruffian. I stand corrected!

I actually started out a big fan of Carry Back...he was the first horse I followed and got me into racing back in 1961. He did beat Kelso twice and it took track records both times. Kelso beat him about 6 or 7 times though. My respect for Kelso grew as he just kept beating all the new stars every year. Each year's new hot 3 yr olds, each years new handicap stars. He beat them all.

LDP...Part of the reason only 1 gelding has won the Belmont is that they didn't allow geldings in the race from 1919-1956. From reading your posts I know you are eager to learn all you can about racing and I would recommend you get The Thoroughbred Times Racing Almanac. It is FULL of history and other information that I'm sure you would LOVE. It comes out every year and is about $20.

GunBow or Saratoga AJ, I have a left field question, which I know one of you has the answer. Aren't names of notable horses "retired"? There is a 2008 filly who has the name RUFFIAN. I was under the impression that names could not be used again in the original form.

barb,

   thanks, for the reference. Interesting that they didn't allow geldings to run in the belmont. Still it's been 53 years that geldings have been allowed to run, and only one has done it. I think it would still be a great feat to pull off if MTB won. Though now i'm wondering how many geldings competed in the Belmont during the 53 years they've been allowed.

sweet terchi:

According to the Jockey Club Registry, the section below outlines the rules on names that answers your question:

NAMES THAT CAN NOT BE USED:

"# 12. Names that are currently active either in racing or breeding (see Rule6(E));

#  13. Names of winners in the past 25 years of grade one stakes races;

# **14. PERMANENT NAMES: The list of criteria to establish a permanent name is as follows:

  **a. Horses in racing's Hall of Fame;

    b. Horses that have been voted Horse Of The Year;  

   **c. Horses that have won an Eclipse Award;

    d. Horses that have won a Sovereign Award (Canadian Champions);

    e. Annual leading sire and broodmare sire by progeny earnings;

    f. Cumulative money winners of $2 million or more;

    g. Horses that have won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont Stakes, The Jockey Club Gold Cup, the Breeders' Cup Classic or the Breeders' Cup Turf; and

    h. Horses included in the International List of Protected Names."

Since Ruffian won two Eclipse Awards (2 & 3 Yr old Filly Champ), and is the Hall Of Fame, nobody should be able to use her name again. Unless she's not a race horse!

Sweet Terchi, yes the name Ruffian has been retired or permanently reserved with the Jockey Club and would not be used again.  Those same rules don't necessarily apply in other countries.

Saratoga AJ & Becky Johnston -  thanks for the info, very much appreciated. Kelly C. on another blog found the filly on pedegreequery which I guess is a suspect site, that claimed she is by Statue of Liberty out of Armagh, which then someone found that Armagh never had a 2008 foal. Anyhow, I really enjoy reading all the comments. Thanks again  

Saratoga AJ + Becky;

interesting info on the usage of names. Thanks

Gun Bow,

I am pleased to see the JCGC included in the races where you may not use the winner's name again, along with the triple Crown and big 2 BC races. The JCGC was always the championship race for the year until 1983...what the BC Classic is since.

And good old Kelso won it 5 straight years. Can you imagine if a horse won the BC Classic 5 straight years?