Ghosts in the Pine Trees

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

Kim R — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:25:09 GMT

I had the distinct pleasure of being at Saratoga for this race. To see her in person, is nothing short of spectacular. Rachel ran her heart out but, it is completely clear that she's not the same horse she was last year. While I would love nothing more than to see her continue to race, I would rather see her retired as a sound horse than being forced to be retired because of an injury.

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

Leesa — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:07:27 GMT

Both of these wonderful girls regardless of anything else need to be kept safe and happy,They both deserve it, they brought to 2009 something fantastic in times we needed something or someone to cheer for,I pray that both barns do whats right for both horses, and they will be around for us to follow for many years

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

Ms WTF — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:45:42 GMT

We must all agree by now that RA & ZEN are the greatest things to happen to this "Sport of Kings" in years in this country. They are both champions in their own rights. Each different to the other but the best at what they do. Rachel is a beautiful girl and will be remembered for what she has done but perhaps the time has come to rest her. She is very obviously not suited to the longer distance but that's not to say she's finished. I hope the connections listen to the horse and let her call the shots for a change. As for Calvin whipping her senseless. That's just plain insulting to one of our greatest jocks. No jockey worth his money would punish a horse who is trying their heart out.

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

Marshall — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:28:53 GMT

And since Rachel handled Life at Ten rather easily, does this mean that Life at Ten should also be sent straight to the breeding shed? I mean, for RA being so "washed up" and "over-rated", it sure doesn't say much for a horse who just lost for the first time in 7 races.....

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

Fiona — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:26:49 GMT

Gary at Rough Creek, with all due respect, I don't think you are quite as knowledgeable as you think you are. I have read your posts over and again, yet still can't seem to see hte logic in some of your reasoning. You insinuate that the competition RA faced last year was just average, at best, yet fail to prove that Zenyatta faced anything tougher, less the one race in the BC, of course. You baffle me.

Like some of the others, I just can't understand how anyone would be cowling for RA's retirement! You'd think she'd been running like a dog, while in fact, she's finished no worse than 2nd and her performance have certainly been nothing to be ashamed of. So what? She didn't handle 10f in her very first attempt. I hardly think it's time to send her to the breeding shed - in fact, I think it's ridiculous. If this were any other horse, her season thus far would be deemed, at the very least, a moderate success. You can't fault the horse for not living up to the very high standards she set for herself last year. I think she's just fine and I absolutely see no reason to retire her. Most owners running horses today would KILL to have a horse like Rachel racing for them.

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

LouAnn Cingel — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:35:58 GMT

I love Rachel Alexandra and only wish her well whether she continues racing or not. What she has done in 2009 no one can take from her. She has made history and no one can ever do what Rachel has done.

My wish now is that Rachel's connection let Rachel decide whether she continues on to race or not to race-they need to listen to her horse language-she will speak and give the directives of what is next for her-for her well being-I hope they listen.

God bless Rachel Alexandra!

Love & Blessings

LouAnn

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

jimf — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:39:04 GMT

Kudos to Rachel's connections in doing an amazing job in getting her ready to peak at 1 1/4 and also kudos to taking it to Life at Ten and putting her away at the 1/4 pole. Enough can not be said about the progess she made in the four months since his first start this year. Congratulations to Scott and team Rachel!

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

Bellwether4u.com — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:07:17 GMT

BOE=RAIL NEEDS TO COME OFF OF HER PERIOD...THAT CROWD DONE GONE & ME$$ED HER UP...A NEW TRAINER MIGHT HELP TOO...SHE IS STILL A GREAT ONE...LONG LIVE THE KING!!!...ty...

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

Freecharm — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:10:23 GMT

Hi! How come Sunday's race isn't considered just one of those enchanting things Saratoga is (still) known for - the Graveyard of Champions? Sure, Rachel fans are disappointed, but any more so than, let's say, an impressionable and volatile lad of 23 as he watches in disbelief as Ron Turcotte puts Secretariat on the rail (contrary to the analysis of the t.v. commentators) and loses to a slug named Onion?

I got over it, Secretariat sure got over it, Rachel and her connections will get over it; her fans? Well, think of it as a slightly altered version of the 1982 Travers - Rachel as Conquistador Cielo, all the rage then, Life At Ten as Aloma's Ruler and, making the same move at the same time, Persistently as Runaway Groom!

I'm sorry it was at the expense of Rachel and her fans (and for this analogy) but that Personal Ensign Sunday was indeed '... what dreams are made of.'

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

Suecat — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:34:18 GMT

I remember another great mare who tried over and over to tell her people she was tired. Lady's Secret finally had to stop dead on the track and refuse to finish the race before they got the message. I hope Rachel's people aren't as stubborn.

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

The Phantom — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:04:25 GMT

Vic you obviously didn't like what i wrote but it was the truth , she was over hyped as a 3 yr old and they dodged the toughest races and competition. your readers know that so if you are so one sided why bother to have a blog -open up to all opinions.

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

Willkie — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:17:00 GMT

I believe Race Fan is on to it: she needs to go back to those who love her; she needs a groom family that will dote on her; she needs new tack (get rid of that god-awful white Curlin-leftover that fits so poorly); put her back in her previous trainer's barn with her friends and her routine and lastly, let her grow out her mane and wear it down - she looks silly all knotted up - my own horse is very particular about his mane and tail and it's a security thing - let's build her back up -she needs her joy back - Jess- what do you think?

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

mike rullo — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:06:23 GMT

she will be retired soon

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

rhoward — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:22:47 GMT

Mr. Jackson should look for another trainer. Period. However, that being said, RA is a grade 2 animial at best. She is performing as last year. Before her season began, I knew she would be beaten severly this year. Unfortunately, her fans elevated her peformances last year to the stratasphere. Has any of the horses she beat last year comeback and win this year? Possible a few? Lets be honest folks, the Kenty Oaks, Woodward, and Preakness fields were fluttered with Grade 2 animals. And that is what RA currently should be classed at.

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

LStein — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:18:55 GMT

I think Rachel ran a really good race in defeat in the PE. Her connections got their answer about 10F I hope. To me Rachel just doesn't have that spark she had last year. In the winner"s circle for the Woodward last year there stood a completely spent horse. Since then she just doesn't look like she likes her job. It has nothing to do with winning or loosing, she just doesn't look happy. You can tell when a horse likes their job, just look at Zenyatta. That horse is soooo happy and full of herself. That's why she wasn't retired, she wasn't ready. Rachel is! I hope her connections do the right thing by her, she deserves it after all she has done for them.

LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!!!OR SHALL I SAY QUEENS!

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

Tim — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:05:28 GMT

Unless you are a die hard horse racing fan that bets everyday then you aren't going to understand that RA had everything her own way last year. She faced a very weak crop of 3 year olds and 3 year old fillies and she ran against allowance and grade 3 caliber older males while getting weight. She is running just as fast this year as she did last year but she is facing 5 and 6 year olds who sre faster than her. Also some of last years mediocre 3 year old fillies have gotten better. Combine that with the fact that older horse carry more weight than 3 year olds and that is why she is 2 for 5 this year. Compare the numbers this with last year and RA is the same horse. Again you really need to know how to read past performances and the sheets to guage a thoroughbred. The top 2 year olds almost always fizzle when they turn 3 because the competition and the longer distances catch up to them. Same from 3 to 4.

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

Kate — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:58:57 GMT

Hmm, it's always interesting to hear the variety of opinions on this lovely mare.

My 2 cents, for what they're worth = )

Rachel's campaign was not overrated last year. It was an amazing campaign and that's something most long-time racing fans seem to agree upon. However, she did get some weight allowances and she did mostly face 3 year olds - that in no way takes away from the fact that her campaign was unique and exceptional (name another filly who had a similar 3 year old season).

This year, I think it's entirely possible she is the "same" horse. Unfortunately, I think many were expecting her "same" to actually be better as she grew into her bigger 4 year old body. A combination of things are probably contributing to a slightly less exceptional year than people were expecting: a different trainer trying to bring her back into form after a long layoff, a bigger 4 year old body that feels/works different, an older peer group that matured to more closely match the precocious 3 year old Rachel, and higher weights compared to her competition.

I think all of those factors could be causing Rachel to be slightly less awe inspiring than last year. I don't think that necessarily means she is injured or not the same or even that she needs to be retired.

People act like she has finished at the back of the pack in the races she has "lost." I also think it's very hard for anyone besides her everyday handlers to notice whether she has lost her "spark" or not - plus, when her connections say she isn't the "same," remember they are also trying to do some PR management for the fans. I don't think that finishing a close 2nd the times she didn't win means that this filly is a goner and must be retired to save her spirit. She has still gone out and given what looks to be her all each time - I think it's a bit of a stretch to call her "sour" at this point. Yes, a mile and a quarter may have been a bit past her comfy distance, but you have to race to find out.

Anyway, it is entirely possible Rachel just isn't the "same," but I think it's more likely everyone was expecting far more from this filly than she could realistically give. Now that she's just great instead of a super freak, everyone thinks she's washed up. I'm just not sure that's warranted. I would be okay with her being retired (though I'm not sure it's necessary) only because very few horses are actually happier in full-time work than they are cavorting in the pasture and being fed goodies = )

Anyway, I love Rachel (and Z) and I'm very glad to see her still racing and showing her guts (provided she is 100% healthy). Most racehorses don't win every time, and I'm not sure that means Rachel is done for just yet.

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

NJTrotter — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:41:46 GMT

The whole problem started for Rach earlier in the year when that idiot from Oaklawn proposed a race that would pit Rach vs. Zen. This was what the fans wanted to see. So did JJ and Steve rush her back to try and get ready for this race? I think they did. She just may have needed more time. Many don't understand what she really accomplished last year. So put down your racing form and forget your fractions and your weights. This was a 3 year filly! A 3 year old filly! Only those who've ever owned horses or worked the back side know what this means.

The Woodward - that's all anyone has to look to. A 3 year old filly shouldn't even be leading the post parade in a race like that! Rach wasn't only in it, she won it! Fortunately, for me, I was there for her Woodward, Haskell and Personal Ensign. Hopefully, I'll see her race again. She's not through yet. She may be a bit sour right now but fillies and mares get that way easily. She needs a change of scenery, a turn out and maybe a new trainer and rider.

Hopefully, The BC Distaff (that's right, The Distaff - not the Ladies Classic. What marketing genius came up with that?) is in her stars if she's right. If she's not right then it's been a great run by a great, beloved horse.

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

Rachelfan2009 — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:34:43 GMT

I honestly hope they retire her. I'm sick of hearing things like "She's not a good horse" every time she loses. She is a horse, not a machine. And, to tell you the truth, she hasn't been the same this year. It's like she doesn't exactly enjoy racing, she just does her job.

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

stretchrun — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:17:01 GMT

I was there yesterday too and thought she looked resigned in the paddock and depresssed walking past the grandstand after the race with her head drooped down around her knees.Yes, she has won or placed all her races this year and might continue to do so, but it's painful to watch when her heart isn't in it.

Driving home from Saratoga it occurred to me how Rachel's losses drive home the enormity of Zenyatta's perfect record. Zenyatta makes it look easy and it's not--even the great RA can be beat by 20-1 longshot. We knock Z for an "easy" campaign but even RA gets beat by "easy" horses now and again.

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

joe c. — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:11:33 GMT

Was the greatness of Damascus diminished because the victory column for his 4-year old campaign is less than that of his 3 year old wins? Rachel ran and finished second: Horrors!!! The champions of the past ran frequently, won and sometimes lost; Their greatness was sometimes further defined by a loss in adversity. Today timid owners and trainers pick infrequent spots-with an eye to one day: Breeders' Cup- placing the pressure for a win more heavily on the rare start. I can only trust her connections to check her out and do the best by her-retire her if injured. I'm glad Secretarist wasn't rushed away after a Whitney loss, a Marlboro win and a Woodward loss.

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

Maggie Black — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:01:19 GMT

I live in the east, and am a die hard Zenyatta fan, so i'm not sure my post will be respected around here, but here we go.

Like alot of others have said, I think Rachel is telling us she does not want to run anymore. I would love to see a RA/ Dynaformer baby while hes still active, but he may not be when she isn't a maiden, because Three Chimmneys dosen't accept maiden mares for him. How about a Big Brown/ RA cross or a Eskendraya/ RA cross. We have not seen any of those two stallions babies run yet, so i'm basing this off thier running abiliy.

Bye Y'all,

Maggie Black

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

Gary at Rough Creek — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:57:45 GMT

Hey,

Fahad my old friend! I feel your pain man.

All I can say about your initial comments regarding weights and times and horse quality is...you obviously don't understand handicap racing. Weight is added to a horse to slow it down. Weight is added to the BETTER horses to make gambling a more interesting/fair/profitable endeavor. You may quibble with the equation that I quoted from a British horse racing site, but racing officials use some kind of calculus to assign weights...correct? The "pure" objective of handicap racing is to have all the horses finish at the same time. This - I hope - you cannot dispute.

If you ask me (or anyone knowledgeable in such matters) to compare the racing ability of two horses, they will sooner or later get down to weights. Which was the better horse AT EQUAL WEIGHT? That's why all the males in the Triple Crown races carry equal weights, as should ALL competitors in the Triple Crown races if you ask me. If Rachel had been carrying 126 last year, She would have come 3rd in The Preakness. She's a big strong filly...bigger than MTB. I think you would agree with me on that wouldn't you? Are you saying that she would have beaten MTB at equal weights? Do you really believe that she would have beaten Macho Again if she had been carrying 8 more pounds? Stated another way, if horse X beats horse Y, but is carrying 8 less pounds than horse Y and wins only by a head, which horse is faster? I'd say horse Y is actually the BETTER, FASTER horse. That's why it was HANDICAPPED with extra weight in the first place.

Blame beat Quality Road, but I think at equal weights Quality Road is the better horse. Same thing with the PE on Sunday. Rachel lost, but at equal weights she wins, even though there is still enough evidence that she prefers shorter distances.

You are trying to say that weight doesn't matter. With all due respect, that's just purely ridiculous. And I think Rachel's times and performances this year prove my point. She's run nice races, but she's been beaten by fillies that are getting weight breaks.

Rachel almost always runs a 47 and change first half mile while carrying 121 or more on a fair track. And that's when when she earns 100+ Beyers too. What did she run in the PE yesterday? She went 47.73...well within her wheel house from last year. In fact, her half mile split in last year's KY Oaks, where she won by 20 lengths or so and earned one of her highest Beyers (108), was 47.76. She was 2nd by 1.5 lengths off a 47.46 half mile. She finished up that race in 1:48.87.

At the 3/4 mark in the KY Oaks, she was 1.5 lengths off a 1:11.81 pace. If a length equals about 0.2 seconds, then Rachel ran that 6 furlongs in 1:12.11 in the KY Oaks. Let's call it 1:12 and change. That's just what she did in most of her races last year, and again in the PE yesterday.

I'm saying she went 8 for 8 in less than stellar company, OR she got a significant weight break and barely won. At EQUAL weights, she would have lost two of those 8 races.

In the PE on Sunday, she ran the first 6 furlongs in 1:12.02. Again, this is right in her wheel house and right in line with most of her past performances. She almost always finished 9 furlong races last year in 1:48 and change. She was like clockwork.

The difference in the PE on Sunday was that she hit the wall, crawled home and was beaten. Like "28 seconds or more for the last quarter" crawled. Calvin said so...the clock said so. It was easily predicted.

Andy Beyer just wrote some article about the grueling early fractions in that race. What? Does he think we can't refer to her past performances to see that she ran similar times - if not faster - in her best 9 furlong victories last year? I just copied one example and included it here straight out of the drf past performance chart. She's just NOT a 10 furlong horse...period.

To even compare Rachel to Zenyatta is really inaccurate. Rachel was a deserving 3 YO filly champion last year, but Zenyatta is one of the best race mares ever. She has never lost. They slow dow the pace to compromise her, and she wins. They stack weight on her, and she still wins. She wins on dirt. She wins on the different synthetic tracks in California. She beat the best males at 10 furlongs, something Rachel never has done and probably never will do.

The real problem is not that these two female runners appeared on the scene at roughly the same time. The real problem is that we have people in this industry who either can't or don't objectively assess quality. They run down good horses and inflate the qualities of others. To no real positive end or purpose. I have NEVER bad mouthed Rachel...she is a brilliant 8 - 9 furlong filly. But if someone won't agree with the opinion that she's the best runner ever, some think it's an insult. It's not...and she's not. So please get over it.

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

Race Fan — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:05:36 GMT

I so wanted Rachel to get the extra distance. Has anyone considered that she should be returned to her original trainer? No one knows her better or had her game ready and happy to be racing. Face it Jess Jackson purchased the filly primed and ready to win, and all they had to do was put her in a starting gate. She is not the same horse mentally. She is not thriving with her current program and does not look to be enjoying her job any longer. Just curious if anyone else out there had the same thought. She still has the heart of a champion, just not the love of the game any more.

re: Ghosts in the Pine Trees

Gary at Rough Creek — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:54:03 GMT

To all those posting here that Rachel will/should run in The Lady's Classic instead of the BCC, I'd say "think again".

To most of us mere mortals, just running in a Breeder's Cup race would be a dream. Winning would be unbelievable. But for Rachel and her connections, I think The Lady's Classic would be PERCEIVED as a step down. It would be a full blown admission that Rachel isn't even up to taking on Zenyatta. Not only that, I think there is serious risk of Rachel losing to a mare or filly in that race this year. How would that go over?

So in short, I think there is too much risk and not enough benefit for running Rachel in The Lady's Classic. She can't really improve on what she's already done. I fully expect an announcement soon.