2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

MonicaV — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:36:21 GMT

Afleet Alexandra,

I had no idea that there were nasty comments about Sunday Silence on YouTube. I will have to look next time.

What amazes me is that 1989 was one of the most exciting racing years since the 70's. Easy Goer was hailed as the next Secretariat and a shoo in for the TC. He was a great horse. No question. Along comes Sunday Silence from the West and he takes the Derby and the Preakness and loses the Belmont to Easy Goer then takes the BCC. He beat Easy Goer 3 out of 4 races and Easy Goer is said to be the better horse. I don't get it. 3 out of 4. That tells me something different. SS still gets no respect and that's a shame because he was truly a great horse.

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

LDP — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:32:38 GMT

Bob,

For RA I would head to the PE. LAT is one heck of a filly getting a lot of hype right now take her down, along with getting some revenge against Unrivalled Belle, plus getting a grade one win against a true grade one field at 10 furlongs places her in a very good position.

I would avoid meating with QR at 9 furlongs. Both horses would run theirselves into the ground. With the added extra eighth, the race becomes more tatical instead of a match race of who can carry their speed farther.

After that the JCGC. She won't be facing QR, they want him to run in the Classic fresh. She would be facing IWR, RT, Haynesfield, MTB, and Blame. None of them have the raw early speed she does, which means they may let her run along on the lead with moderate pressure. A win here would give her 4 wins in a row, 1 grade 2 and two grade ones against legit grade one horses, one being against males.

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

Springsmom83 — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:27:40 GMT

I am one of those that looks for a horse to follow for a while. That is difficult since horses generally do not run that many races. Yes, I am a Zenyatta fan, but I also am a Rachel fan. Both are phenomenal talents and a pleasure to watch. In some respects I would just as soon never see the two meet, just ponder the what ifs. That way neither side (for those that only see one side) has to taste defeat or make excuses for what happened. In the meantime, enjoy them for the beautiful, talented mares that they are.

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

dinkydiva — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:49:56 GMT

LDP... Are you part of the staff or a guest blogger? I see you on a few different blogs and was just curious.

I totally agree, the bashing, name calling, venom, bile needs to stop!!!! I'm with you... I'm a die hard Zen fan and always will be but, I love Rach too!!! I have room in my heart for both of them, period and that is how it should be.

Yah know, I have noticed that the "bashers" are always the same "few" people! Those "few" people, just like to come on here and other blogs just to stir the pot and start the fights. Those few people, shouldn't be allowed to post that venom and it should be monitored on all blogs, not just the bloodhorse blogs! Example: NTRA bloggs, anyone can blogg, it is not monitored.

Like many, I don't say negative things about either of our Stars, just mainly JJ!!! It's not really meant to stir the pot, just to try and figure out what in the world they are doing to Rach etc...

I love you girls and I hope you stay happy, healthy and sound and loving your job!!!!!!!

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

Bob Z — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 23:22:17 GMT

Looks like a change in race tactics... I saw two things....

the first when Rachel was a length behind and Calvin got her even with Queen Martha ...

usually that's where she used to blow everybody out....

but today she seemed to just stay right with Martha until they straightened up and were well into the stretch...

... and then there was another burst of acceleration and she opened up...

Looks like to me they are trying to get her to hold making the big move until much further in the race...

.... maybe as a tactic on how to run at 1 1/4 in the BCC?

If she takes off at the 3/4 pole thats fine at 1 1/8... but at 1 1/4 she might have to wait otherwise she runs the risk of being overtaken....

Looks like to me that Calvin knew that Martha was the only horse to beat (at that point in the race) and got some tactical training in with Rachel of having her go eyeball to eyeball for a bit ... and then ask for the acceleration further down the stretch...

I think that it was probably easier than it looked....

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

kathleen o — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 22:10:44 GMT

How sad indeed to put a horse like RA in an ungraded race with a field of mares who have never won a graded race. I just watched it, and she only won by about 3 lengths. That mare is so much better than that, she certainly deserves a better legacy.

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

Bob Z — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 20:57:59 GMT

Great ... so let's move on!

Assuming both horses win their next race... (Rachel tomorrow at Monmouth)...

... What should be their next race and why?

My heart tells me to run in the Woodward to defend winning it last year... couple problems with that.. Quality Road for one... and the other is that at 1 1/8 miles it doesn't help prepare her for the BCC at 1 1/4 if they choose to go that route...

By running in the Personal Ensign at 1 1/4, Rachel will have a 1 1/4 mile race in her....

On the other hand.. if she comes out of Monmouth in good shape and looks like her old self.. then by defending the Woodward (and winning) she will have beaten a very good male horse in Quality Road...

What would YOU do?

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

apples&oranges — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:24:05 GMT

One race would not settle the debate. Zenyatta should win on grass or at a mile and a quarter. Rachel would win at a mile and a sixteenth or on a wet track. I read a blog claiming Goldikova is better than either. Yes, at a mile on the grass. Why compare apples and oranges? Let's appreciate both for their outstanding careers.

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

tvnewsbadge — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:29:22 GMT

LAZMANNICK says,

"Zenyatta fans are hard core racing fans and we totally understand and appreciate what she has accomplished. "

Sure, many Zenyatta fans are hard core racing fans, and everybody appreciates what she has accomplished.

But TRUE fans appreciate what ALL horses have accomplished, not just Zenyatta.

They ones who will be around for the long haul, the ones who still will follow the sport long after Zenyatta is gone.

To claim otherwise is a slap in the face of the sport and to all the horses and their jockey's who risk life and limb for our entertainment.

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

LDP — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 19:39:37 GMT

Morris,

Sheesh, lol. Don't hold back.

Mike,

I think those in this game are in it for good. Some are trash talkers and bandwagon jumpers that go for the hype horse, but I think we all love it.

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

Mike Relva — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 19:35:28 GMT

TVNEWSBADGE

Thanks for the laugh! lol

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

kathleen o — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 15:57:30 GMT

A true race fan can pick a favorite and enjoy that horse for it's entire racing career and through it's retirement. A true race fan does not diminish the competition with worn out insults and arguments. Both RA and Zen have given us thrills not often seen, both will be HOF. I've had enough with the bashing.

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

victoryess — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 05:05:30 GMT

I'm a diehard fan of both fillies!!! I don't like to hear trash talk about either filly. They have different running styles and prefer differend race surfaces. Each is supperior in their own relm.

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

Mike Relva — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:32:17 GMT

RACHELALEX

Totally agree with you regarding loyality. It's in short supply. If Zenyatta doesn't win another race it won't change my opinion of her. Unlike some,I'm interested in all aspects of racing,not just cashing a ticket.

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

morris stiles — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:00:44 GMT

after a lifetime of the railbird on the back side,i have seen many horse races, of all breeds types & sexes. the 1st horse i picked to excell that did ,was nashrullah, in the match race with swaps.i would like to offer my opionon, on rachel alexandra& zanyetta. the people who have been blessed by the racing gods ,by having the chance to train &race these brillant indivisuals,have blown it. the only way to decide which mare is the fastest is 3 match races @ 3 distanes, on 3 different tracks . rachels camp is scared & zanyettas camp is glad.. in my experinces to keep a out standing indivual,in lesser competionis only to dull him (or her) down. the same goes for both sides. ra for shopping for lesser class races. and zanyettas side for keeping her in cal. bred races. what i look for to happen , is now after all this rangleing,when you wind up (with either mare)in a race with quality road, looking at lucky,or blame. or even in a little less class horses who are that hard knocking kind (line of david ,or jacksons bend to name a couple)these horses will run your eyes out the 1st part of it,& at the head of the lane when these mares hook them, their heart gets big their eyes swell ,their nostrols will flare,& they find somemore guts,& get another gear. and then dont be surprised if your cute little fillies that you have sheltered, shopped races for & dressed in pink,when they hooked these horses who are old campainers ,these fillys start pucking up the bits @ the 3/16s pole,& watch horses run by them. thanks for the chance to spill my guts. it will be interesting.

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

SCtoWA — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 22:52:26 GMT

OK, a Zen fan, didn't just dip my toe in, dove in all the way. However, Z hasn't done this by herself. She needed RA!! To root for a team, they have to have an opponent, which we certainly have on either side with the vast majority just loving them both in the middle. What has this done for me? I've researched racing like never before, tracked pedigrees, looked at blood lines, prodigy reports, hypomating, trainers, breeding barns, TB history going back to the Goldolphin Arabian. That is what Z, and Barbaro, and RA, and BB, Funny Cide, Smarty Jones, Ruffian, Swaps, and my all time favorite Seabiscuit have done for me. Opened a door that won't close, because I'll be checking those fillies and colts, their breeding, their racing and rivalries. And maybe, if I'm lucky in my lifetime, I'll see some of the greatness of these two fillies again.

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

LDP — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 19:31:57 GMT

You all have real valid points. Those who are true fans, not even the die hards of either filly will not forget how RA went unbeaten through one of the most grueling and historical campaigns for a modern day filly or how Zen eclipsed Citation and Cigar or won the BCC. It is true, that after they retire, we will move on to another horse to watch and grow to love, but we won't forget what RA and Zen gave us. If we did how could we call ourselves true fans of racing.

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

RachelAlways(formerlyMTBFan) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:59:42 GMT

TV, I have seen dozens of intelligent comments about Zenyatta's TALENT, believe it or not, vs. her aura or fun personality. And if a bit of fun helps save racing, more the better. Rachel too...I have seen comments both about her talent and her grace. Luckily there ARE still intelligent comments! Rachel can't help the campaign she's been put on...she had such a fantastic 3 y/o campaign, no one can take that away and Zenyatta is on fire. As for the 'gender' side of it, colt vs. filly will always exist. Just ignore it if you don't like it.

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

RachelAlex — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:41:40 GMT

I must weigh in.

Just wanted to state on behalf of myself and some other die-hard Rachel fans that I will love her forever, even if she never wins another race (heaven forbid). She provided the best and most exciting moments of the summmer for mw last year and for that I will forever hold her in my heart.

Loyalty is not a quality that many Americans seem to admire anymore, no matter who or what the issue is. Those who jumped off the band wagon weren't real fans anyway. The real fans, whether of Rachel or Zen, stick with them through thick and thin.

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

kathleen o — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 14:19:52 GMT

You can't seriously believe that a large percentage of Zen fans will forget about her, TVNB. Most of us have followed her through most of her career. Loss and or retirement will not cause us to forget the thrill of watching her come from behind, or the joy of watching her dance to the post and pose for the cameras.

As far as the comment about Moss, at least he has never demanded that a race date and distance be changed in order to suit his schedule. Nor has he waited until two days before a race to decide whether he'll run Zen in it. I was disappointed that they haven't taken her East, but if you can excuse JJ for keeping RA out of the AB for the sake of the horse, why can't you do the same for Zen's connections. She doesn't travel well...period.

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

LAZMANNICK — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 03:55:20 GMT

tvnewsbadge

Zenyatta fans are hard core racing fans and we totally understand and appreciate what she has accomplished. When you have that degree of loyalty you don't turn your back no matter what.

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

tvnewsbadge — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 01:11:50 GMT

sodapopkid SAYS, "I bet you can ask Mike R. Laz, footlick , paula higgins, and the rest of the zen fans if they would turn their backs on her if she lost a race. "

Sure, I'm not saying EVERY fan will move on to greener pastures when the shine comes off Zenyatta due to defeat and/or retirement.

I'm saying that it's clear that a very large percentage of the ones doing all the trash talking will.

We saw that when Rachel started to struggle and so many of her former fans immediately jumped on the Zenyatta bandwagon.

And of course, every fan is going to claim that he/she is in it for the long haul if you ask them NOW.

But ask them THEN, when Zenyatta is no longer making headlines and there is a new flavor of the month being hyped as the greatest thing since Secretariat.

Don't be surprised if the answer THEN is "Zenyatta? Zenyatta who?"

It's going to happen, as sure as the turnin' of the earth.

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

sodapopkid — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 23:38:01 GMT

TVNewsbadge, Zen fans will stay by her if she loses the rest of her races this year. UNllke others , Zeny has gave us three years of great entertainment and great racing...sending thrills up our spine, I bet you can ask Mike R. Laz, footlick , paula higgins, and the rest of the zen fans if they would turn their backs on her if she lost a race. They will tell you all the same thing I said.

Actually, we would love her more. Because she has already done what no other mare has done colt either.

Die hard Zen fans, Will always be Die hard Zen fans....

Mike R. Whats up dude? Its almost show time......August 1st...right around the corner....

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

tvnewsbadge — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:47:26 GMT

Mike Relva says

"I'm a polar opposite cause I'm a die hard ZENYATTA FAN. But,you can't find one blog where I've slammed RA. It's her connections that I don't respect!"

That sounds fair and all, but Jerry Moss is no better than Jess Jackson when it comes to jerking both his horse and the fans around, so aren't we back to square one?

When you trash Rachel's connections, don't you think Rachel's fans will come back at ya trashing Zenyatta's?

And on that topic, the most vile and nasty comments this year have been directed at Jess Jackson when he declined to put his horse at risk by racing Rachel when she was clearly not in any condition to compete.

Hardly the high ground.

re: 2009 Is Over, It's 2010 Now

LDP — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:23:51 GMT

TV,

I watched my first race when War Emblem won the Preakness. My first real year getting into and learning about racing was 03' when I chose Empire Maker to win the Derby and later in the Belmont, I refused to believe he second best. Point is that after the TC that year Empire Maker was soon retired and I didn't have any other horse to really hook into. In 2004, Smarty drew me farther in, but I knew nothing of a horse named Ghostzapper. I sort of remember watching Afleet Alex win the Hopeful that year and watching Declans Moon and Sweet Catomine. It was that year I watched part of the BC, but did not fully get to understand it. I had liked what I saw from Alex but didn't quiet know about prep races yet, the only one I knew of was the Wood Memorial. It wasn't until 2006 where I followed LR through the preps and Bernardini through the second half of the season, that I really understood the whole season of racing.

The point of this is I never really had a flavor of the month to watch for 2 or three years, until Curlin. The fans that have hooked onto RA and Zen get to watch there favorite all throughout the year. Not only do they get to drop in for the TC and learn of it, but they also get to follow RA and Zen throughout their year. If RA or Zen run on the same day as their TC fave, they might recognize the name and try and continue to watch them. Point is they have more reason to stay in the sport than I did when I first started, and here I am still.

You say RA is on the backburner, and on that you show ignorance. Just go on FB and you will see she has no shortage of followers and also that Zen has her fair share too. People still who just started watching racing this year or last are still not only discussing RA and Zen, but QR, Blame, RT, LAL and many others.