Tiago and Zenyatta -- big day at Oaklawn for Moss homebreds

[JER]

Zenyatta took the Apple Blossom (http://racing.bloodhorse.com//viewstory.asp?id=44443), defeating Ginger Punch. Tiago (out of the same mare as Giacomo) had a lovely stretch duel with Big 'Cap winner Heatseeker in the Oaklawn Handicap (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=44448). Videos are up at The Blood-Horse for both races. (Not as exciting as the Aintree action but still worth a look.)

Both horses are bred and owned by Jerry and Ann Moss, trained by John Shirreffs and ridden by Mike Smith. Nice going. :)

[LaurieB]

It couldn't have happened to a nicer group of connections.

I watched all the Derby preps yesterday as well as the stakes races for older horses. The most impressive performance, by far, was Zenyatta's run in the Apple Blossom. She made excellent filly Sugar Swirl look merely ordinary. I can't wait to see what she does next. :)

[JER]

It couldn't have happened to a nicer group of connections.

Agreed.

[Glimmerglass]

Zenyatta couldn't have won today's Milady Breeders' Cup Handicap (G2) with more ease! The initial fractions were so slow that a dressage horse could've looked competitive ;) Then from her typical back of the pack she went past the field at the last turn and said goodbye.

5 starts lifetime 5-0-0. Lovely horse she is!

The replay of 'The Police' album so-named horse (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/45508.htm) here; owned by A&M Records Mr. M - Jerry Moss. In case you were too young to recall The Police (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zgv-FSPW_uU) and their 3rd album from 1980.

As for Tiago he was in the ity bity field for the 50-some year old (54th running? Not sure) Grade 2 Californian Stakes. While he should've done well that was until Heatseeker (IRE) found a gear and blazed away from everyone. The 5-yr old winner of last year's G3 Native Diver Handicap knew this track and took the 1 1/8 mi race by 5 + lengths (Tiago was 2nd) and set the new track record at Hollywood Park.

Considering Heatseeker won earlier this year the $1 million Santa Anita Handicap over 1 1/4 miles, you knew he would be a monster. Hence he went off deservingly so as the even money favorite. I'll say this now: forget about Big Brown or Curlin, that horse will be one to look out for in the Breeders' Cup Classic!

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Heatseeker is quietly establishing himself as the best of the rest behind Curlin in the older horse dept. You do have like his chances in the BC Classic with his propensity for running on synthetics.

[Chiniko]

Curlin will blow Heatseaker off of the racetrack on ANY surface!

[Texarkana]

Woohoo Zenyatta! She is definitely my favorite horse racing at the moment.

I do love Tiago too, but there's no arguing with Heatseeker right now. I just wish we'd see some stronger fields in these Cali stakes races.

[Chiniko]

Ya they do need a stronger older males group in Cali. BUT I think the mares are fairly strong, with of course the HUGE and impressive Zenyatta leading the way oh so dominantly!

[miss_critic]

How about Zenyatta against the boys? Ok, we should probably wait until she goes farther than 8.5 furlongs, but still, she looks so solid.

I think Tiago is a better dirt horse. And that race yesterday didn't set up for him at all. It's setting up to be a fun little rivalry!

[Glimmerglass]

How about Zenyatta against the boys? Ok, we should probably wait until she goes farther than 8.5 furlongs, but still, she looks so solid.

I think Zenyatta was already poised to be the next Nashoba’s Key and with her now tragically gone, she firmly takes that place.

[Texarkana]

I'm on the fence about wanting to see her run against the boys... I guess I'm still enjoying watching her romp the other mares!

Although with the combination of the Breeders Cup being run at Santa Anita and the fact that we have an overall weak contingent of older males (thus far) already has me wondering if she can last for the Classic. :yes:

[Chiniko]

Maybe aim for the Gold Cup or maybe the Pac Classic first. She's a better horse than Heetseaker! She's never been asked.He loves to get himself beat lugging in if he's not on the fence!

[JER]

Zenyatta won the Gr. 1 Vanity Handicap today, upping her winning streak to 6 races.

Story/video at The Blood-Horse (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/46001.htm).

[Barnfairy]

'Saw that -- she is GORgeous!

A win is a win, of course, but I think she might have taken it with a little bit wider of a margin had she not left some of her race behind hopping along in the post parade! :lol:

[Glimmerglass]

She'll be back Saturday!

$300,000 Clement L. Hirsch Handicap (Grade 2) (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/46384.htm) August 2nd on the Del Mar polytrack:

PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Placid Lake (FL), 113, Alonso Quinonez
2. Model (KY), 112, Michael C. Baze
3. Romance Is Diane (CA), 115, Rafael Bejarano
4. West Coast Swing (KY), 113, Tyler Baze
5. Silver Z (CA), 112, Joseph Talamo
6. Tough Tiz's Sis (KY), 119, Aaron T. Gryder
7. Silver Swallow (FL), 113, David R. Flores
8. Zenyatta (KY), 124, Mike E. Smith
9. Dawn After Dawn (FL), 114, Victor Espinoza