2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

ZENYATTA TO DUBAI NEXT — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 02:28:37 GMT

Nancy you're nuts!!!! Blame the best horse period? Did you miss the slow start and traffic trouble Zenyatta had? Did you not read of her distaste for the dirt kick back? Blame's jockey hailing his "perfect trip"? Don't get me wrong, I love Blame - but the best horse that day lost only because of her bad racing luck. Still, congratulations to Team Blame and Team Zenyatta - both epitomize all that we love about horse racing. Great people and great horses go together. God Bless them all.

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

Paula Higgind — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 20:43:38 GMT

Blame never even saw her. He didn't look her in the eye and beat her. She was a half a head behind him. A stride past the line, she was ahead of him. She ran the greatest race I have ever seen. Blame = Upset, Zenyatta = Man O'War. What we saw her do was otherworldly. In truth, the better horse did not win. He ran a very good race. Blame did not run a great race. That goes to Zenyatta. The folks at TVG made the same comment. Her courage and will to win was something beautiful to see.

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

Criminal Type — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 19:13:56 GMT

OOPS, my bad Giacomo was 50 to 1.

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

Criminal Type — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 18:56:17 GMT

Smith can't ride at Churchill??? WTH ?? Wasn't he on board a little grey colt named Giacomo the first Saturday in May 2005 ? Yep, He sure was. 18 to 1 even. Please <sigh>..Mike Smith is a hall of fame jockey wherever he rides. Yes, the start was tough, but not because of anything Mike did. Zenyatta got squeezed between the 7 & 9 horses when they left the gate. Both bore in on her from either side. Im not making excuses for her, she ran a terrific race and came up about 10" short. I just wish people would get their facts straight before they sit down at their keyboards and make statements based on opinion and not fact.

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

Katherine — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 17:14:56 GMT

I was hoping Zenyatta would win yesterday, but seeing her before the race I thought she seemed upset and a little "off", not quite herself. It may be that yesterday just wasn't her day. In no way do I fault Mike Smith for his ride. I saw he was urging her early in the race and she was not responding well.

Zenyatta is a true champion and showed her heart yesterday...I wish she could have won that last one...

She has done her best for us so let's wish a happy retirwment and peaceful pastures.

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

cashmoney — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 16:45:53 GMT

As good as Blame's victory was, Zenyatta still deserves HOY. Home track advantage gave him the slight edge over Zenyatta. He looked less than stellar in Belmont. just look at how well Quality Road ran. This goes to show how important having home track advantage is and how Zenyatta's narrow defeat should be admired more.

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

MikeM — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 15:42:06 GMT

Any jock could have won 19 in a row sitting on Zenyatta.I like Mike Smith but he rides every horse the same way,drop back and go wide. He left her with to much to do and then got her in trouble at the top of the stretch. Amazing that she still managed to get up against a top horse like Blame.

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

BLAMEmakeshistory — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 15:31:21 GMT

@KC in Washington State.... First off, I really don't care what you think of my comment. I was glad to see her get beaten, PERIOD. Not because like so many I don't believe she was great, she was great and I would have her right alongside some of the greats ever. I am now, and have been for over 30 years an avid fan of this sport. I just get so tired of people, like you, who want to take her greatness into some kind of otherwordly level. She raced 5 previous times this year and didn't face a single grade 1 winner, until the classic. She was coddled her entire career and nothing anyone says can ever change that fact. How many times was she tested in the slop? Against males? Out of the state of California? I am not gonna add on dirt because I believe she was as good or better on dirt. I realize all you hard core Zenyatta fans will continue to make excuses, etc. What a waste, Zenyatta doesn't need anyone to make excuses for her. She did what was asked of her ( though they should have asked more in some cases) and she did it well. Blame will win HotY because he deserves it, not because he won the classic. Sorry to all you hard core Zen fans, and feel free to bash me, I won't read it because I am done with this blog ( on to bigger and better things now), but Zenyatta DOES NOT deserve HotY. Look at what she raced against this year before the Classic. Nothing to speak of. Many HotY voters already had said she must win the classic to be HotY. Of the top 4 in contention, Blame has now beaten QR twice, LaL, and Zenyatta. Blame will be HotY, like it or not, and a very deserving winner he is. I love Zen too ( though not at the level of idol worship many of you do) but give Blame some credit for gods sake. Now KC, as far as you having no respect for my comment, I could care less. Take care everyone, and a great holiday season to you all.

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

Donut Jimmy — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 15:30:26 GMT

Wouldn't you have loved to see Zenyatta on turf?

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

Donut Jimmy — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 15:23:45 GMT

Blame is a very,very nice horse. He had a very nice trip on his home track. He won fair and square.

Zenyatta beat herself. Mike Smith rode her beautifully. She ran much farther than Blame. She finished second on her own terms.

That said where does Blame stack up historically? I think he is pretty much in the middle as BC Classic winners go. Is he better than Cigar? How about Tiznow, Alysheba, or Ghoastzapper. Proud truth, Concern, Cat Thief, Raven's Pass? Blame has had a very good year. He won 3 Grade 1 races. I think Blame will go down as a deserving Champion, but not a particularly compelling one.

Zenyatta on the other hand won 5 Grade 1 races. Her race yesterday suggests that once she got over the surprise of getting dirt kicked back at her (Smith went through all of his goggles) she did love dirt perhaps better than synthetic. Something Sherriffs has always maintained.

In historical terms 12 inches, and we'd be talking about one of the best BC Classics of all time. If the race were run again would Zenyatta lose?

Blame was a deserving winner, but he was clearly the beneficiary of Zenyatta's largely self-inflicted (she was pinched back) slow start.

This is horseracing, and the best horse does not always win. Inan individual race, no one gets to vote on the outcome. Championships are decided otherwise.

Is, in fact, Blame a better racehorse? I don't think too many people could seriously entertain that notion.

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

Linda/Maryland — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 15:09:23 GMT

The Nielsen reports that Sunday’s 60 Minutes telecast, which included a lengthy feature on Zenyatta, drew 10.74 million viewers. That’s a very big number considering the increased competition from Game 4 of the World Series on FOX and Halloween, in addition to Sunday Night Football on NBC.

When has Blame drew this kind of crowd? Blame has done nothing for Horse Racing and Zenyatta has brought it front and center.

As far as I am concerned, any person who votes for Blame for HOY is not voting for the best, only for the winner of the BC this year. One Race..It's ridiculous!!!

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

Linda/Maryland — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 14:48:36 GMT

Thank You KC in Washington State !

I follow horse racing daily and only a few weeks ago did I ever hear of Blame. I, personally do not think that this race makes Blame HOY. More than ONE race should be considered. What the horse has done in the past year for the industry should be considered. That was the reason RA won HOY last year and I think that Zenyatta should win this year. If she doesn't, all of the new fans to racing will be disillusioned and all will be lost.

Yes, Blame is a nice horse but HOY, NO!! NO WAY!!

If Blame wins, it will certainly will prove it's all Political and not the actual Best Horse of The Year!!

That is how I feel and I am absolutely positive it is how the majority of the Racing Fans Feel Too!

Is the debate to ensure a high stud fee or to HONOR the Best Horse of 2010?

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

Fuzzy Corgi — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 14:42:26 GMT

Congratulations to Team Blame! It was a great race even if the order of finish wasn't what I wanted. Zenyatta losing by a head to a really nice horse like Blame is no disgrace. The next closest horse was over 3 lengths back. The big question is... what happened to Quality Road? I didn't expect him to hit the board, but last?? I hope he's ok.

I'm still amazingly proud of Zenyatta and will always adore her. She has done so much for the sport.

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

Karen2 — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 14:32:16 GMT

Nancy: Blame is a great horse..but not the best horse. Zen collared him even with the slow start..dirt flying in her face..getting caught in traffic and swinging out wide and rolling home...Blame had a rail trip the entire race. Zenyatta deserves horse of the year hands down. This was her best race ever in my opinion and hopefully..finally..silenced her critics and all the naysayers.

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

Rachel — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 11:44:22 GMT

Two horses ran the race of their life...two jocks rode the race that dreams are made of...♥

Did you see Zen's swollen shut right eye after the race from the dirt being kicked back in her face as she fought through the pack?

Did you see Blame's eyes as he dug in as GG pleaded for one more stride?

My admiration and respect for her grew tremendously last night. She's a true warrior horse. A great horse. Blame showed he is a true quality horse, he outfought a great horse and won this battle.

She still lands among the brightest stars... talent always recognized but her courage established in a stretch run battle that that will be remembered always.

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

Linda — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 11:41:06 GMT

Blame had the perfect trip, on his home track and was a narrow winner. Same comments made about Zenyatta last year(not quite as perfect a trip) when she won the classic and not HOY. Whether she wins HOY or not, she will always be remembered for this race and more so. Smith cannot ride at Churchill and the start was disasterous. But I do admire how closely bred the two finishers really are with Kris S and Mr Prospector close on both. No wonder they finished like that. Both bred for distance. What an interesting concept.

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

Criminal Type — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 11:05:42 GMT

Poor Mike, I feel so bad for him. I said on the first turn, he's leaving her a lot to do. I really thought she was gonna catch Blame. She sure gave it her all. On the other hand Blame proved he is a really good horse by beating Zenyatta. He's the only one who ever has. This HOY will be another debate bordering on hysteria. Does she deserve it, maybe. Will she get it, I doubt it. When it's all said & done, she only won against her own sex all season. Did she show up at the Churchill and give the performace of a lifetime? You bet your ass she did. I just dont think it will be enough. I do expect her to get the eclipse award for champion older female. She has worked hard for 3 seasons and she fully deserves the retirement she is going to get. Breed her to Medaglia D'oro and see what they get.

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

KC in Washington State — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 08:13:11 GMT

Oh, and one other comment. Curlin lost the Classic (4th!) and he was still voted HOY.

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

KC in Washington State — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 08:04:42 GMT

Blamemakeshistory:

"I for one, was glad to see her get beaten..."

You've got to be kidding me. That is such a bitter and spiteful statement. What's wrong with you? This was history in the making and for that alone most horse racing fans were eager for it. Even the general public knows who Zenyatta is (when is the last time we could say that about a horse?). How can you consider yourself a racing fan? I have zero respect for that kind of attitude. Zenyatta is an animal with a love of running and a will to win that are exceptional. She doesn't know what people are saying to each other, she just tries her best every time and circumstances conspired against her yesterday.

Linda/Maryland:

I agree with you, Zenyatta won the Classic last year and it didn't make her HOY automatically and I believe the same goes for Blame this year. You can't argue both ways: Zen won the 2009 BC Classic, but her body of work wasn't good enough, and now Blame won the BC Classic this year so he should automatically be HOY. Aargh, this lack of logic drives me crazy.

Blame won three Grade 1 races (incl the BC Classic), was second in another Grade 1 and won a Grade 3. Zen won, what, 5 grade 1's at four different tracks and was 2nd in the Classic by a diminishing head? I think it's not over till the voting.

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

OldFashionedRunner — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 06:53:00 GMT

She ran her heart out today and gave it her all. If she hadn't been put in traffic coming down the home turn, she would have caught Blame. But it's over and we can't do anything about it. Blame was just on top of his game today and seeing that big mare bearing down on top of him did not phase him one bit. He just pressed forward and I bow my head to him for defeating this great Mare. Every great race horse has lost a race and it's unfortunate that Zenyatta had to lose her final race. But she lost by a simple nose and she just ran out of track, that's all. No doubt in my mind that she is the true winner. I will never forget the silence that came over Churchill Downs when they said that Zenyatta had lost. 170,000 people stood quiet as they processed this unheard of news. As heartbreaking as it is, we will move on when her foals reach the track. She is the Queen of racing, no doubt about that in my mind. Good job, Blame. You did fantastic today. Zenyatta, you did fantastic as well. You'll always be my favorite.

Zenyatta forever XOXOXO

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

Sharon — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 06:33:58 GMT

What makes Zenyatta any more deserving of HOTY than Blame? They both seem to be really good horses, and they both have the back class to make good arguments for it (Blame possibly has more in the 'strength of competition' area, while Zenyatta has more in the 'G1 wins' area), but Blame did win the race over her. They don't hand out purse money based on who possibly should have won the race (if they did that, Dakota Phone and Shared Account would probably leave empty handed).

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

Whisperoak — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 06:29:08 GMT

Personally, I see far to many people knocking Blame. You can't pretend that he's not a good horse, and he certainly has the back class to prove it. Zenyatta got beaten, that's all there is to say about it. Either one seems to merit consideration for HOTY, but honestly, I feel that Blame deserves it! He won three major G1s, along with the G2s. Yes, Zenyatta won more G1 races, but they weren't exactly against the world's greatest. She and Blame went head to head, and Blame staved her off. Who knows what would have happened if the race were longer. Perhaps Zenyatta would have rolled right on by, or perhaps Blame would have found another gear and still won. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking Zenyatta! She's as genuine as they come, and a blood brilliant horse! Certainly one of the greatest fillies of all time. However, I will always feel bad for Blame because he will invariably end up being known as the horse who dethroned Zenyatta.

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

MTBFan(still) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 06:14:43 GMT

Zenyatta ran a fantastic race but Smith had a very disappointing run. He was depending too much on her come-from-behind style. The first time Denman announced that Smith was asking Zenny to move up just a little, I saw it was hard for her. EVERYONE knew what Zenny's move is. Smith let her out and she gave her all as usual, "like a tremendous machine". I knew before the race that it was highly unlikely. I picked Quality Road (but he didn't do anything, glad I didn't really bet). Blame was the upsetter as predicted by many. A beautiful, beautiful run by Blame. No fluke, strong run and had to fight hard for his finish. Deserves a lot of credits, as mentioned several times here.

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

Sophie15 — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 04:57:20 GMT

No mater what anyone says Zenyatta is the greatest. She is a once in a lifetime horse that we had the privilege to watch race these past years. Man O War, Ruffian, Native Dancer, and Zenyatta all have two things in common. They were all beaten in only one race and they are among the greatest horses of all time. It is so sad that some people are unable to see this. Zenyatta will be remembered by her loving fans. Zenyatta: winner of 19 races, deserving of horse of the year 2008, 2009, and 2010. One of the greatest racehorses of all time.

re: 2010 BC Classic - Predict the Order of Finish

Paula Higgins — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 04:51:55 GMT

Nancy, Blame is a wonderful horse. That's not in question. Is he a better horse than Zenyatta who came over 15 back to run him down after a horrible start? Um, I don't think so. He won by half a head because he had an easy trip. She overcame a very difficult trip and issues he didn't have. I am not blaming Mike Smith one bit either. He did the best he could. As for who was the better horse today, well the folks at TVG thought she ran the better race. I agree. The better horse does not always win. As for HOTY, I could care less at this point. Give it to that graceless and unsportsmanlike Seth Hancock. His comments after the race were, as one sportswriter put it, "unseemly." I agree with that assessment too. She is so much better than HOTY I cannot even express it into words.