Comments on: Matchmaker, matchmaker make me a match

By: Christine

Christine — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:49:55 +0000

I would like to see a match race between Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra, but I would not ever push a horse to run if it was not ready. I think it would be nice if they could do it after each of them has has enough rest and is in good condition.

They both have had a tremendous year, but the health of the horses is always priority number one. Who has the best quality track? Turf or dirt?

By: Post.Time

Post.Time — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:11:34 +0000

You are right about Zenyatta’s grade 1 victory at Oaklawn Park on the dirt. Thanks for the correction.

By: nova4ess

nova4ess — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:07:23 +0000

Still read you most every day. Think there a lot of us out there who do. It’s a very good read and I like how you find stories and post them here so I don’t have to try and find them.

The perfect year for Zenyatta would be to head east and beat RA in one of the F/M races out there, and then come back to Santa Anita and beat the colts in the BC Classic. If she can do that, I think that would cement her as an all-timer. Don’t you think? Regarding a front-runner having the advantage, you are so correct. At some point, Zenyatta is not going to get a perfect trip and it could cost her victory. But so far, Smith has ridden her perfectly, and he has been able to keep her in the clear. Once she straightens away in the stretch, she just eats up the ground, and she runs by the competition so easily. She’s just been remarkable. Kudos to her trainer for doing a great job.

One question, didn’t Zenyatta travel to Oaklawn Park and win? I thought I saw a race of hers on Youtube where she beat a heavily favored Ginger Punch. Maybe her 4th race? If so, is Oaklawn synthetic surface?

By: Post.Time

Post.Time — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:59:47 +0000

Thanks Nova4ess, I was beginning to think I had lost my readership when we made the switch to this new site. I agree that Zenyatta is the best of the ladies, but still not sure how she will do against the boys, if she ever tries them. One thing that is a big advantage for Rachel Alexandra is she runs her race out front, and as you well know, pace makes the race. I’ll still take Zenyatta. Great hearing from you.

By: nova4ess

nova4ess — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:32:36 +0000

Hi Bill. I like the new format. It is easy to read and the commenting section appears improved.

On your topics, here is my take on Jess Jackson’s views on the Breeder’s Cup and not racing on synthetics. I think this guy is a sportsman/businessman which is totally fine. However, for him to dodge his sport’s biggest event is a big fat slap in the face. It’s like Roger Federer not wanting to play in one of the majors because he doesn’t play the surface as well as another. You’re not always going to have the best conditions. Oh, and by the way, Zenyatta is the champ. You’ve should go to the Champ to beat the Champ. The Champ should not have to come to you. That is how it should be. Rachel should be at Santa Anita for the BC if she is healthy. Didn’t Jackson buy her so the fans could enjoy her and watch her run against the best? Kind of hypocritical.

I think Jackson knows it’s going to be tough for Rachel to beat Zenyatta unless the deck is stacked in her favor, which means racing on Rachel’s favored surface and Rachel’s home tracks. Jackson is lucky that Zenyatta’s handlers chose to run in the BC Distaff instead of the BC Classic last year, because Zenyatta probably would have run by all the colts last year, including Curlin. Love this filly. I so hope Zenyatta can stay at this level because there is not a horse racing right now that she can’t stalk and run by. She’s so much fun to watch.