Zenyatta: Wins the Breeder's Cup Classic! HOTY? [Archive]

Glimmerglass

Nov. 17, 2008, 04:30 PM

Zenyatta Day - November 30, 2008 at Hollywood Park (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/48091.htm)

Unbeaten Zenyatta is getting a bit of a break at trainer John Shirreffs’ barn before a 2009 campaign, but she may parade at Hollywood Park Nov. 30 as part of a special day in her honor.

“Vic Stauffer, Hollywood’s announcer, came by and asked if we’d do it,” Shirreffs said Nov. 17.

Stauffer is a particular fan of Zenyatta’s, as he has called four of her nine races. Those four starts came at the filly’s home base of Hollywood Park and included the Vanity Handicap (gr. I) and Milady Handicap (gr. II).

“It’s exciting—it will be fun,” Shirreffs said of the proposed Zenyatta day. The trainer said he still can’t get over the standing ovation the filly received as she coasted under the finish line to capture the Oct. 24 Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic (gr. I) at Santa Anita Park.

“Wasn’t that something?” he said.

The way it ought to be - recognition on the track by the fans :)

justalittlex

Nov. 17, 2008, 07:05 PM

so nice, such nice posts too.

Andrew

Nov. 18, 2008, 05:22 AM

ZEEEENNNNNYYYYAAAATTTAAAA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2008 HORSE OF THE YEAR!!!

DickHertz

Nov. 18, 2008, 08:16 AM

I wonder if this hurts her chances at horse of the year because writers may say "we'll give it to Curlin this year because she'll win in next year".

eventer4eva

Nov. 19, 2008, 12:49 PM

SO exciting! It thrills me to know that maybe there are at least a few other people out there who will actually keep racing a horse past their 3 year old year!!!!! hooray!!!!!!!!!

Glimmerglass

Dec. 31, 2008, 10:53 AM

Per The Daily Racing Form for Dec 30, 2008:

Zenyatta, the undefeated 5-year-old mare, is nearing a return to training after a two-month break following her victory in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic at Santa Anita on Oct. 24.

Trainer John Shirreffs said earlier this week that Zenyatta could begin track work next week after being walked at his Hollywood Park stable for the last two months.

"She's just walking, with another week to go," Shirreffs said. "We've let her down well. She's comfortable with walking three hours a day."

Owned by Jerry and Ann Moss, Zenyatta has won nine starts and $2,144,500. She will return to racing in the spring, Shirreffs said. The comeback may not happen until the Hollywood Park spring-summer meeting, which begins in April.

"We're not talking about a comeback until she breezes," Shirreffs said. "We figured we'd wait and get through the 60 days of time off and we'll start back."

DickHertz

Dec. 31, 2008, 10:56 AM

They would be wise to wait until Hollywood opens considering the state of things at Santa Anita.

omare

Dec. 31, 2008, 11:42 AM

that is very cool --walking her three hours a day ;-)

Glimmerglass

Jan. 8, 2009, 09:54 AM

Zenyatta did a light jog Wed Jan 7, 2009 at Hollywood Park: "She jogged once [around the track] with the pony," Shirreffs said. "She was fine." (http://drf.com/news/article/100908.html)

Zenyatta may not return to racing until the spring, possibly at the Hollywood Park spring-summer meeting. Shirreffs emphasized that she will not be rushed back into racing, and will began galloping when she shows signs of wanting to do more than jog.

I'd say there is a zero chance of her starting or training at Santa Anita which is a good thing right now.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 16, 2009, 02:39 PM

Another update ...

Bloodhorse 2-15-09 "Zenyatta to Return to Work" (http://news.bloodhorse.com/article/49245.htm?id=49245&source=rss)

Zenyatta will likely return to the work tab in a couple of weeks, toward late February or early March, said trainer John Shirreffs Feb. 15. He could not speculate on when she would make her 2009 racing debut.

“It’s hard to tell how long it will take her to come around,” Shirreffs said. “Until she goes five-eighths (in a work), there’s no way to tell.”

Shirreffs gave Zenyatta a break from training after she won the Oct. 24 Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (gr. I). She remained in his shedrow, just walking for several weeks before returning to jogging at Shirreffs’ Hollywood Park headquarters. Currently, the 5-year-old daughter of Street Cry—Vertigineux, by Kris S., is galloping every day.

Glimmerglass

Mar. 2, 2009, 09:00 PM

Zenyatta returns to work tab (http://www.drf.com/news/article/101996.html)

Zenyatta, the unbeaten champion older female of 2008, had her first workout of the year Saturday [Feb 28, 2009], breezing a half-mile in 48.80 seconds at Hollywood Park.

Trainer John Shirreffs said Zenyatta galloped out five furlongs in "a minute and change. She galloped out so strong," he said. "She'll get ready pretty quick."

justalittlex

Mar. 2, 2009, 10:37 PM

carrots all around on the house.

Glimmerglass

Mar. 13, 2009, 12:52 PM

Most likey the Grade 2 $150,000 Milady Handicap on May 23 (http://www.drf.com/news/article/102205.html) at Hollywood Park will mark her return.

With a limited number of works, Zenyatta won't run in the $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park on April 4, Shirreffs said. Zenyatta won the Apple Blossom in 2008.

"You can't really rush a horse back," he said.

Shirreffs stopped short of committing Zenyatta to the Milady, a Grade 2 stakes over 1 1/16 miles. But he said that with some five-furlong and six-furlong works in the next couple of months, she should be ready by then.

VirginiaBred

Mar. 13, 2009, 02:06 PM

:):):):)

Glimmerglass

Apr. 26, 2009, 05:47 PM

She'll make her 2009 start in the undercard of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs

Per the DRF (04-26-09) ...will make her 5-year-old debut Friday in the $350,000 Louisville Distaff (http://www.drf.com/news/article/103295.html)

Shirreffs said the timing of the Grade 2 Louisville Distaff, which goes at 1 1/16 miles on the main track, surfaced as a suitable comeback spot for Zenyatta, a 5-year-old mare owned by Jerry and Ann Moss. Zenyatta was scheduled to be flown Monday from Southern California to Louisville.

VirginiaBred

Apr. 26, 2009, 06:34 PM

Oh yay!!!!!!

Glimmerglass

Apr. 28, 2009, 01:55 PM

She arrived late on Monday - shipped in along with Kentucky Derby starter Mr. Hot Stuff - and the footage they had of her walking in the shedrow just made it appear she's even bigger then ever. I don't think she's had a chance to work as it was raining this am there a very messy. Further they said she tends to only work on California time. So 6 am in Louisville is still sleeping time for an LA girl ;)

It will be interesting to see how she copes with an expected sloppy/off track. That is not something she is generally used to.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 30, 2009, 03:48 PM

Her starting tomorrow in the Oaks undercard - Grade 2 Louisville Stakes - is now somewhat iffy: from the BloodHorse (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/50534/zenyatta-may-not-run-on-oaks-undercard)

“For her first race back we would like to have a decent track, so we will see how it goes,” said Shirreffs. “We are going to wait until the last minute to make a decision.”

Rain showers have been hitting Churchill Downs throughout the week, and the weather forecast for the weekend remains less than ideal. No race has been selected for Zenyatta’s debut if she scratches on Friday.

VirginiaBred

Apr. 30, 2009, 04:16 PM

I hate it when the weather doesn't coorporate........

vineyridge

Apr. 30, 2009, 04:55 PM

Does this sound plausible?

There may be a tendency to let mares run longer than horses because their reproductive value is less over the long haul. With a super mare, the race winnings in a year will likely be greater than the one offspring she can produce--always recognizing that the sales prices could make that argument a joke.

I'm just thinking that a mare can produce only 14 or so foals in a lifetime, and a good percentage of them will be duds, so the purse money is a real consideration in planning. But a colt can breed to so many mares over his lifetime that it makes sense to start him early and let him make his big money before his crops start racing.

At any rate we are lucky that mares like Zenyatta and Azeri have run past three.

Linny

Apr. 30, 2009, 05:37 PM

Mares have lower breeding value, especially if they are going to retire to the owners band and none of her foals will be sold. With only one foal a year, they are (compared to stallions) a very inefficient means of production. They have 11 months of gestation followed by several years of raising and training before they can even try to get to the track. Even if the foals are sold it's at least 6 and more likely 18 months after they are foaled.
A mare like Zenyatta will probably retire to the Moss' band and her foals will join their string, not be offered for sale. She's a special mare and her owners are enjoying her too much as a racemare to retire her. (Besides, retiring her NOW, unless she was hurt is moot as it's very late in the year to breed a maiden mare.)

VirginiaBred

May. 1, 2009, 10:18 AM

Darn weather.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/50557/zenyatta-scratched-from-louisville-distaff

grits

May. 1, 2009, 11:44 AM

Scratched. (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/50557/zenyatta-scratched-from-louisville-distaff)

Bummer.

jengersnap

May. 1, 2009, 12:28 PM

Bummer.

What you said :( :cry:

Glimmerglass

May. 1, 2009, 02:17 PM

As race caller Mark Johnson said "an absolute slug fest"!

Wow that was one heck of a final stretch in the Grade 2 Louisville Stakes.

The track doesn't look that bad IMHO so I wish Zenyatta had made it a go but it still was a race to watch and then some. Calvin Bo-RAIL is living up to his nickname and then some for that move. The little grey, Miss Isella, came on in the inside to 1-2 favorite "One Caroline" with Edgar Prado up. One Caroline tried so hard to squish Miss Isella against the rail hard but damn Miss Isella just muscled her way to victory scraping the paint all the way.

Impressive!!

Calico

May. 1, 2009, 02:47 PM

Is there live internet feed somewhere?

Maybeapril

May. 1, 2009, 03:27 PM

Zenyatta was scratched.:(

Glimmerglass

May. 2, 2009, 09:32 AM

rcloisonne

May. 2, 2009, 11:15 AM

- nerves of steel for Miss Isella and Calvin Borel!
I'll say! That could have been a very bad wreck. No penalty/foul called?

What a beautiful horse Miss Isella is. An Arab like head. ;)

SeeHowSheRuns

May. 3, 2009, 12:02 AM

Miss Isella looked like a tough little horse in this race. This was an exciting win for her and Calvin Borel.

Glimmerglass

Jun. 22, 2009, 09:31 AM

Looks like the track is doing their job and assigning proper weights (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/51345/zenyatta-assigned-129-for-june-27-vanity). She toted a mere 126 with her first start and victory this year - the G2 Milady Handicap at Hollywood May 23.

Zenyatta, the undefeated champion older filly or mare of 2008, was assigned high weight of 129 pounds for the June 27 $300,000 Vanity Handicap (gr. I) at Hollywood Park.

Is that the heaviest weigtht hauled to victory in the Milady? Nope!

Gamely won under a record 131 pounds in 1968, while 1960 winner Silver Spoon carried 130 pounds.

Assigned weights for the entries (PP not yet draw):

Zenyatta, 129; Life Is Sweet, 122; Dawn After Dawn, 116; Briecat, 114; Modification, 114; You Lift Me Up, 114; Allicansayis Wow, 113; Forest Melody, 113, and Hot n’ Dusty, 111.

Glimmerglass

Jun. 23, 2009, 04:47 PM

I'm not sure if this was an interview with a friendly journalist or something else but precious little can be gleaned from it

BloodHorse 6-23-09 "Q & A With Zenyatta Trainer John Shirreffs" (http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/triplecrowntalk/archive/2009/06/23/q-amp-a-with-zenyatta-trainer-john-shirreffs.aspx)

Glimmerglass

Jun. 24, 2009, 01:55 PM

While there was effort, I cannot say this low budget vid does much of anything with building up anticipation: youtube: Hollywood Park 'Zenyatta Commercial' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpyuwLIClzM)

Is that Erik Estrada? ;)

VirginiaBred

Jun. 24, 2009, 02:16 PM

Glimmerglass

Jun. 25, 2009, 09:20 AM

It is very possible at least one horse will scratch from this race ...

$300,000 Vanity Handicap - Grade 1
Track: Hollywood Park
Saturday June 27, 2009
Race 4; 2:30 p.m. PST
Restricted Fillies & Mares 3 & Up
Distance (surface): 1 1/8 Miles (All Weather)

PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer
1. Dawn After Dawn (FL), G K Gomez, 116, J W Sadler
2. You Lift Me Up (CA), R Bejarano, 114, J Hollendorfer
3. Forest Melody (KY), A Delgadillo, 113, P S Capestro
4. Hot n' Dusty (CA), A O Solis, 111, B Abrams
5. Modification (KY), J Rosario, 114, D F O'Neill
6. Briecat (FL), M Garcia, 114, V Cerin
7. Allicansayis Wow (KY), J Talamo, 113, P L Biancone
8. Zenyatta (KY), M E Smith, 129, J A Shirreffs

So the largest gap with the handicap weights will be Hot n' Dusty carrying 18 less pounds then the heavyweight - Zenyatta.

Glimmerglass

Jun. 27, 2009, 04:19 PM

Per Jerry Moss Sat June 27th (http://www.drf.com/news/article/105032.html) they will consider shipping Zenyatta out of California to take on Rachel Alexandra:

"If the two horses are ready and at the top of their form, I would very much like to see a race between the two of them," Moss said.

There are a number of potential places for them to meet. There is the $1 million Delaware Handicap at Delaware Park on July 19; the $300,000 Go for Wand at 1 1/8 miles at Saratoga on Aug. 2; or the $400,000 Personal Ensign at 1 1/4 miles at Saratoga on Aug. 29.

Moss added that he shares Jackson's negative view of synthetic racetracks. "It's just that I'm a Californian, I moved out here from New York a long, long time ago," he said. "I like the people. This is where I live. This is where I race mostly."

Moss suggested that one reason he would consider shipping Zenyatta out of the state is to help make her Horse of the Year. She finished second to Curlin for that award last year.

grits

Jun. 27, 2009, 05:46 PM

She won. :D

Make it 11!

Larksmom

Jun. 27, 2009, 05:53 PM

I love them both, if only they could run in Arkansas. They have both run and won there, so it would be neutral ground. Has Zenyatta won anywhere but Ark and California?

Filly85'

Jun. 27, 2009, 05:54 PM

Per Jerry Moss Sat June 27th (http://www.drf.com/news/article/105032.html) they will consider shipping Zenyatta out of California to take on Rachel Alexandra:

That is very sporting of them. I hope that they will actually consider that, but I think it is going to help RA more in terms of HOY. If Rachel runs her race, there is no way that Zenyatta will ever catch her. I dare say that Rachel is the greatest filly of all time. She breaks records being geared down. She races the clock and immortality, not the other horses. Zenyatta just raced in the wrong two years.

Mao

Jun. 27, 2009, 06:00 PM

Link to the race - please!!!!

Laurierace

Jun. 27, 2009, 06:22 PM

That is very sporting of them. I hope that they will actually consider that, but I think it is going to help RA more in terms of HOY. If Rachel runs her race, there is no way that Zenyatta will ever catch her. I dare say that Rachel is the greatest filly of all time. She breaks records being geared down. She races the clock and immortality, not the other horses. Zenyatta just raced in the wrong two years.

I'll book that bet. Nothing wrong with being a fan of one horse vs. the other but to say that Zenyatta raced in the wrong two years is insane. Get a grip, she has never lost a race, how on earth can that be wrong? Believe it or not these horses don't run to impress you, they run to make money. I can't see how anyone on the planet can fault what she has done.

vineyridge

Jun. 27, 2009, 06:31 PM

If they were to send Zenyatta east, do you suppose the two Wonder Women would hook up in the Alabama? What's the other huge Saratoga classic for females?

Filly85'

Jun. 27, 2009, 07:21 PM

I'll book that bet. Nothing wrong with being a fan of one horse vs. the other but to say that Zenyatta raced in the wrong two years is insane. Get a grip, she has never lost a race, how on earth can that be wrong? Believe it or not these horses don't run to impress you, they run to make money. I can't see how anyone on the planet can fault what she has done.

I'm not knocking Zenyatta. She is a star in her own right. However, fiction can be fun, but I prefer the reference section, and the reality of the situation is that Zenyatta was not HOY last year. Rachel is the front runner for HOY this year because she has done more this year. So, she did race in the wrong two years because she happened to run against two other superstars and the main goal for Zenny is the HOY title according to her owners.

If they meet up, one of them has to lose. I'd rather take the more talented horse with the tactical speed, you know, the one that breaks stakes records almost every time out while being geared down.

Horses run to impress me? That's a real laugh. I just like to watch good horses run. I like to own horses and I like to ride horses. They are my life.

Pride is more important to me than money, which is why I mostly quit posting on this board. So, if Zenny and Rachel meet up and they are both in form, I'll take Rachel even though she is the younger horse. Now if you'll excuse me, one of my broodmares half-brother is running, so I must go watch him race.

Barnfairy

Jun. 27, 2009, 07:22 PM

Link to the race - please!!!!

Link to Vanity replay can be found within this B-H article:

Undefeated Zenyatta Masters Another Vanity (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/51420/undefeated-zenyatta-masters-another-vanity)

kcmel

Jun. 27, 2009, 11:03 PM

That is very sporting of them. I hope that they will actually consider that, but I think it is going to help RA more in terms of HOY. If Rachel runs her race, there is no way that Zenyatta will ever catch her. I dare say that Rachel is the greatest filly of all time. She breaks records being geared down. She races the clock and immortality, not the other horses. Zenyatta just raced in the wrong two years.

Funny post. I think Zenyatta is quite a bit better than Mine That Bird (and twice his size), and he came very close. It is a race I would love too see.

Carol Ames

Jun. 27, 2009, 11:26 PM

are lucky that mares like Zenyatta and Azeri have run past three.

I thought Azeri was he colt who blew everyone away in thed BC Juvenile a few years ago; but, by the derby he ws washed out, and track sour?__________________

Barnfairy

Jun. 27, 2009, 11:37 PM

I thought Azeri was he colt who blew everyone away in thed BC Juvenile a few years ago; but, by the derby he ws washed out, and track sour?__________________You're thinking of Arazi (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SMQUzR7H_A).

Here's Champion supermare Azeri taking the Apple Blossom for the third time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNR6yR77Veg&feature=related). :)

Pronzini

Jun. 27, 2009, 11:49 PM

If they were to send Zenyatta east, do you suppose the two Wonder Women would hook up in the Alabama? What's the other huge Saratoga classic for females?

The Alabama is for three year old fillies. Are you thinking of the Beldame at Belmont? or the Ruffian?

vineyridge

Jun. 28, 2009, 10:55 AM

I was thinking of the Diana, but that's a turf race. Since Zenyatta has been running on cushion, she might be decent on turf, but Rachel A? Not so sure. The Beverly D at Arlington has an even bigger purse than the Diana, but it's also a turf race. It looks to me as the races for Fillies and Mares that are the "right" distance with the biggest purses are on turf.

The Beldame would be probably the race for the matchup if it were to take place this year.

Any other suggestions of races where they might meet outside of California? I'd think any track would kill for this.

Glimmerglass

Jun. 28, 2009, 03:31 PM

I'm not sure - despite Jerry's comments - that she'll take on RA until the early fall as they appear to want to match (and break) Personal Ensign's 13-race win streak. There is no way on this earth they'd take on Rachel and seriously risk loosing to her before those next 2 races, at least - Associated Press June 27 (http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/06/27/ap6594702.html)

Zenyatta is just two wins shy of matching Personal Ensign's perfect 13-race career.

"Well, we can certainly shoot for that," said Jerry Moss, who owns the mare with his wife Ann. "She was a fantastic filly, Personal Ensign."

By the way Jerry doesn't knock Jess for scoffing at the synthetic tracks of California:

"I'm not too crazy about the synthetic tracks either. I don't mind him talking up about that, maybe it will serve a purpose," Moss said. "And hopefully we will meet somewhere. If not the Breeders' Cup, maybe it will be somewhere else. I think time will tell on something like that and we will go from there."

danceronice

Jun. 28, 2009, 06:54 PM

The TVG guys said the m-word ("match race") and I'd tune in to watch that. Even weights (126?) over a neuteral track...and it would end up a match race anyway unless it was a mixed-gender race to begin with because if they had Zenyatta and RA in one race I'm not sure who would feel like sending out a sacrifice filly to run for show money. Colts I could see a few trying, though it might be hard to argue that they should give weight to either one.

DLee

Jun. 28, 2009, 07:32 PM

I honestly don't know who I would root for. They are both so spectacular. Seems a shame one would have to lose.

VirginiaBred

Jun. 28, 2009, 07:34 PM

Zenyatta is amazing in her own right. I love her.

Glimmerglass

Jun. 28, 2009, 09:31 PM

The TVG guys said the m-word ("match race") and I'd tune in to watch that. Even weights (126?) over a neuteral track...and it would end up a match race anyway ....

That is the rub - a match race makes tracks almost no money. What is the motivation for the track in 2009 to offer a fat purse of say $400k to the winner and $0 to the loser for a non-graded or at best overnight stakes race? Sure fans will show up but it's rare that the enthusiasm will convert to the revenue to break even.

Maybe someone knows racing better then I do and can explain this but why in the world would a 3-yr vs. a 5-yr old have even weights? They simply would not. If both horses ran in the Jockey Club Gold Cup or even the Breeders' Cup Classic they would have different weights as racing since the beginning of time recognizes that there is a need for an age for weight break.

Going by BCC weight rules (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breeders'_Cup_Classic) here, I'm sure as soon as someone gives Zenyatta 126 and Rachel Alexandra 122, for example, the whines will appear and if Zenyatta was to lose people would say the race wasn't fair.

Glimmerglass

Jun. 28, 2009, 09:48 PM

For the record, per the DRF her connections have confirmed the next race for Zenyatta: $300,000 Clement Hirsch Stakes at Del Mar (http://drf.com/news/article/105053.html) on August 9th. That eliminates any Saratoga showdown against Rachel Alexandra. They want to race in the Clement Hirsch because she would not have a handicap weight. Rather she'll tote just 123 as would the rest of the field, save for any 3-yr olds given 119.

If they follow the same plan as last year - which they suggested they may just do - then her following race would be Lady's Secret Stakes at Santa Anita.

Meaning her 13th career start and most certainly final one would be her toughest: the Breeders' Cup Classic against the boys for the first time.

Seemingly the only chance for a matchup could be to skip the Lady's Secret and ship east to take on Rachel Alexandra (most like) in the $300,000 Ruffian Handicap at 1 1/16 miles at Belmont Park on September 12, 2009.

(It is shocking but seemingly keeping with the times that her career will be done almost certainly at just 13 lifetime races)

vineyridge

Jun. 29, 2009, 10:06 AM

If Zenyatta doesn't run against Rachel, won't that taint both of their records? The two best female horses for quite some time racing at the same time and not ever meeting?

For Zenyatta, it might be said that the quality of California racing is not as high as the quality in the east/ rest of the country that horses ship to for big races, and that she is avoiding competition for her record.

For Rachel, JJ's seeming aversion to California tracks and racing will keep her out of the only probable matchup this year.

Why wouldn't Belmont put up some extra purse money for the Ruffian if they could get a RA-Zenyatta hook up?

Glimmerglass

Jun. 29, 2009, 11:38 AM

Why wouldn't Belmont put up some extra purse money for the Ruffian if they could get a RA-Zenyatta hook up?

Per NYRA Chief Executive Charles Hayward they don't as a rule sweeten the pot to entice runners. However they are reviewing the matter, as I suspect that have with other runners, and could up the ante. The problem would be just as it is for any track - that money comes at the expense of the smaller trainers by way of depriving perhaps dozens and dozens of races an extra $5k towards each races purse.

You know what track could suddenly appear as a showdown setting: Hawthorne Race Course. It's midway for both horses geographically, its on dirt, it plays fast, and with the exhaustion of almost all appeals by the casinos (http://www.drf.com/news/article/104698.html) the track is to receive north of $18 million that's been held in escrow. With that much money they could offer a mega-sized purse and hype up a big league match race of sorts.

As much as I too like the big show you have to hope the big players will agree to it for reasons of sportsmanship vs. the raw money.

Jess Jackson was rightfully bashed last year for pulling Curlin off the track after the BCC when he said there were no more races of the right prestige and purse. That was to me a slap in the face to a struggling Churchill Downs who treated him and Curlin like kings and wanted him to race in the Grade 2 Clark Handicap. He could've won that race, helped out CD, sent him out a hero and regained some of the tarnished record.

Maybe lessons have been learned? Who knows.

If circumstances are just such that Zenyatta doesn't race Rachel Alexandra it won't hurt RA's reputation. She has set five stakes records already, defeated the best of her male counterparts, will take on males again plus older females, etc. If that doesn't elevate her above the average I don't know what does.

Further I think that Miss Isella (age 4) might just become the next big older female running star.

Pronzini

Jun. 29, 2009, 12:14 PM

If Zenyatta doesn't run against Rachel, won't that taint both of their records? The two best female horses for quite some time racing at the same time and not ever meeting?

Slew never met Forego; Man O'War never met Exterminator; Tom Fool never met Native Dancer. I think their reputations will survive especially if Zenyatta finishes her career undefeated and Rachel knocks off a few more boys.

Glimmerglass

Jun. 30, 2009, 09:23 AM

Jerry Moss has struck down a few mentioned possible races on NYRA tracks (Go For Wand, Personal Ensign, and Beldame) and further made a curious remark about Saratoga not being to Zenyatta's style: see BloodHorse "...Duel Unlikely Before BC" (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/51442/zenyatta-rachel--duel-unlikely-before-bc?utm_source=BreakingNews&utm_medium=email)

“Every venue has its idiosyncrasies that are risky,” noted Moss. “We had a very bad experience with Giacomo going to the detention barn at Belmont, which threw him out of his game for the Belmont Stakes (gr. I). He went nuts (finishing seventh, beaten nearly 18 lengths). At Saratoga, you have the detention barn, plus tight turns that would compromise Zenyatta given her running style of coming wide from behind."

Glimmerglass

Jul. 22, 2009, 07:17 PM

Unclear if the door is inching more open to racing against boys or more closed to racing Rachel Alexandra .... BloodHorse 7-22-09 "Moss: Zenyatta's Plans Still Up in the Air" (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/51787/moss-zenyattas-plans-still-up-in-the-air)

Though Moss did not commit to racing the 5-year-old daughter of Street Cry outside of California or in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I), both of which have been bandied about, he did hint that she could race somewhere in between the Clement Hirsch and the Oct. 10 Lady’s Secret Stakes (gr. I) at Santa Anita, a race she also won in 2008 while prepping for the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic (gr. I).

“There might be something for her between the Clement Hirsch and the Lady’s Secret,” Moss said. “There’s two months between those races. But we haven’t made a decision past the Clement Hirsch. I don’t want to be mysterious about it, but we’re really just taking one race at a time.”

When asked if the Sept. 12 Ruffian Handicap (gr. I) for fillies and mares at Belmont Park might be an option for Zenyatta, Moss indicated that race would be unlikely. If Moss should choose to run Zenyatta against males while keeping her on the West Coast, the Sept. 6 Pacific Classic (gr. I) at Del Mar could be a viable option.

Just IMHO if she never takes on RA that won't impact her chances for HOTY - however never taking on the boys likely will mean she has no chance ....

Beezer

Jul. 22, 2009, 07:56 PM

Just IMHO if she never takes on RA that won't impact her chances for HOTY - however never taking on the boys likely will mean she has no chance ....

I'd be right there with you IYHO. :yes: Which is not to say that if (what if?? :lol:) Zenyatta beats the boys in the Pacific Classic, it will be enough to win votes away from a classic-winning filly, especially if RA does well in the Haskell. Although if Zenyatta wins whatever Breeders Cup race she runs in and RA doesn't go at all, there will be enough PO'd people at Jackson to swing votes Z's way.

It'll be fun to watch all the strategizing in the various campaigns. :)

Glimmerglass

Aug. 4, 2009, 10:01 AM

Zenyatta looks fit for this weekend's run at Del Mar: ESPN 9-3-09 "Zenyatta ready for Clement Hirsch" (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/breederscup09/news/story?id=4375005)

Zenyatta will put her unbeaten record on the line at Del Mar in the Grade 1, $300,000 Clement Hirsch Stakes, a race she won last year en route to an Eclipse Award as champion older filly or mare.

In an apparent indication of her readiness for this weekend's race, Zenyatta turned in a sensational workout on Sunday morning, effortlessly breezing five furlongs in 1:00 while outworking Green Cat, a stablemate in trainer John Shirreffs's barn. Of the 174 workouts on Del Mar's main track on Sunday morning, only two received breezing designations.

"She's sitting on go," said Steve Willard, the regular exercise rider for Zenyatta. "I've been doing this for 50 years, and I still get a kick out of it with a horse like her. She goes in a high cruising speed, at three-quarter throttle, but you know you can swallow the other horse whenever you want."

"Zenyatta looked really good," Shirreffs said. "With the race a week away, you don't want to do too much."

The Hirsch, at 1 1/16 miles on Polytrack, is expected to have a small field, in large part because the Hirsch is a stakes race instead of a handicap, and Zenyatta will carry 123 pounds and concede, at most, four pounds to her rivals.

Brisnet suggests that she should come to Saratoga next for the Woodward (http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/news/article.cgi?id=15828)

Why would the Woodward be right for Zenyatta? Simply stated, she long ago ran out of competition in Southern California. Following an expected repeat score in Sunday's Clement L. Hirsch S. (G1), her reputation can't be considerably enhanced by defending her titles in the Lady's Secret S. (G1) and Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (G1) alone. This reasoning perhaps runs contrary to the beliefs of owners Jerry and Ann Moss and trainer John Shirreffs, but if they truly believe in their mare's capabilities, it's long past due for them to take her out of her comfort zone.

Shirreffs' hesitancy at exposing Zenyatta to the potential travails of a pre-race detention barn in New York is reportedly a major obstacle, but not even Shirreffs knows for sure how the amazon would handle the situation. The stable's negative experiences with Giacomo and Tiago in the detention barn prior to their attempts in the Belmont S. (G1) should have no bearing on their decision to race Zenyatta in New York. Giacomo wasn't going to beat Afleet Alex at any rate, and Tiago wasn't going to beat Rags to Riches and Curlin.

I think its time for the Zenyatta connections to take a risk and ease out of her comfort zone if they really want consideration for HOTY.

VirginiaBred

Aug. 4, 2009, 10:18 AM

I agree. I LOVE her, but she has been "comfortable".

Glimmerglass

Aug. 4, 2009, 10:41 AM

I agree. I LOVE her, but she has been "comfortable".

Just to be clear - comfort is in relation to doing something "easy". No one would want her to get tied up with muscle cramps, etc. Easy is playing the same old venues, taking on the same old faces and small fields of challengers. It's akin to a professional military up against conscript soldiers pulled off from working the fields. In effect the odds are stacked and the battle really not much of one.

She ships no problem (they were at Churchill with her for the undercard of the Kentucky Oaks this year), she runs on dirt and has no problem with weight and is flexible on distances. She's 5 and has been around males and has even trained with them. So its doubtful she'd suddenly go into heat and the race already at a disadvantage.

As such she should be asked to step up (again, only if they want to argue with any validity the case for HOTY) against males of her own age or more stiff older female competition outside of CA. If they want to cash checks - and there is no disgrace there - then fine, swim in the shallow seas of California and keep taking on small fields with most opponents satified with running for place or show.

Every now and again you have to take that Ferrari out of the garage and be reminded of what it really is capable of ...

VirginiaBred

Aug. 4, 2009, 11:10 AM

Every now and again you have to take that Ferrari out of the garage and be reminded of what it really is capable of ...

POST OF THE DAY!!! :lol::lol::lol:

Pronzini

Aug. 4, 2009, 11:10 AM

Whatever else you think of the man, Jackson has thrown down the gauntlet in a very sporting way. Rather than simply talk his filly up as we have seen so many times before with other owners, he's running her in some of the toughest spots out there for the three year old division.

Eventually she will move onto older fillies and older males. If she wins the Woodward, the pressure will be on Moss to respond in a meaningful way and that means leaving California.

The problem wasn't created by Moss or Jackson because arguably they are both trying to do right by their fillies. The problem is the Breeders Cup running on synthetics 2 years in a row. That's a whole career for some of the elite dirt horses.

Barnfairy

Aug. 4, 2009, 11:22 AM

Every now and again you have to take that Ferrari out of the garage and be reminded of what it really is capable of ...

Oh now that's just begging for this: the question isn't what are we going to do, the question is what aren't we going to do... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MxPoxxt7n0)

Glimmerglass

Aug. 4, 2009, 11:38 AM

Oh now that's just begging for this: the question isn't what are we going to do, the question is what aren't we going to do... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MxPoxxt7n0)

I'm sure there are times that John Sherriffs would say: If you had access to a horse like this, would you take it back right away?

Off topic but that home in the movie is for sale (http://raisingtheroof.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/ferris-bueller-house-on-the-market/)

Glimmerglass

Aug. 7, 2009, 01:58 PM

Ah, and we were just "speaking" of him in this thread .. well John Hughes RIP (http://wellknowwhenwegetthere.blogspot.com/2009/08/sincerely-john-hughes.html)

The post positions have been drawn and Zenyatta gets the outside and co-heavy weight assignment for Sunday August 9th signature race to be aired on TVG:

$300,000 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Grade 1
Del Mar Race Course: Race 8 at 5:30 p.m. PST
Restriction: F & M, 3 & Up
Distance (surface): 1 1/16 Miles (All Weather)

PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer
1. Tidal Dance (FL), J. Valdivia, Jr., 119, P. Eurton
2. Patricia's Gem (KY), V. Espinoza, 119, R. E. Mandella
3. Briecat (FL), M. Garcia, 119, V. Cerin
4. Dawn After Dawn (FL), A. Quinonez, 119, J. W. Sadler
5. Champagne Eyes (KY), J. Rosario, 119, D. F. O'Neill
6. Hot n' Dusty (CA), A.O. Solis, 119, B. Abrams
7. Life Is Sweet (KY), G. K. Gomez, 123, J. A. Shirreffs
8. Anabaa's Creation (IRE), T. Baze, 119, J. C. Canani
9. Lethal Heat (CA), J. Talamo, 119, B. Abrams
10. Zenyatta (KY), M. E. Smith, 123, J. A. Shirreffs

ivy62

Aug. 7, 2009, 04:31 PM

I've always loved Zenyatta but the question is, why not take her away from California? There are good horses running on the East Coast and she should be part of it....I know they are trying to be careful and truly care about this mare...I would love to see her match up with the best of them and that includes some three year olds this year and they are the boys club too not just RA.....
Racing this year has been very exciting..More then watching one horse try and win the TC or the Breeders Cup...
How long is the JCGC? I remembering hearing years back it was 2 miles, I know it is not that but would this race test ALL at distance? Or is there something else?

kcmel

Aug. 8, 2009, 09:35 PM

Anybody catch the coverage of Zenyatta schooling in the paddock today on TVG? She looks like a monster. But she was very well behaved, other than trying to eat the stall :lol:.

VirginiaBred

Aug. 8, 2009, 09:59 PM

She looks like a monster. But she was very well behaved, other than trying to eat the stall :lol:.

She IS a monster! :cool:

grits

Aug. 9, 2009, 11:57 AM

Any way to watch the race live? (No TVG, HRTV, or fancy ESPN channels here.) I'm keen to watch her Spanish Walk in the post parade.

dbtoo

Aug. 9, 2009, 03:39 PM

Youbet.com will give you a free 1/2 hour (cumulative) of racing per day.type in the address and then click on Santa Anita. The race is at 5:30 California time. Its race 8.

VirginiaBred

Aug. 9, 2009, 05:26 PM

I don't see where we can see it on their site, unfortunately.

dbtoo

Aug. 9, 2009, 05:48 PM

Sorry.

Calracing.com has it live streaming. You need to sign up but its free. They are on race 3 right now.

Glimmerglass

Aug. 9, 2009, 07:15 PM

Looks like she's only taking on four others as there are scatches galore ....

Larksmom

Aug. 9, 2009, 08:17 PM

PLEASE oops sorry, please post what she does, I can't watch! I expect her to win Big:yes:

GreenMachine

Aug. 9, 2009, 08:43 PM

Juuuuuuust enough. But enough!

Larksmom

Aug. 9, 2009, 08:51 PM

I can play around online, but can't watch a video, or go to some sites... but i have free rein at COTH!

Glimmerglass

Aug. 9, 2009, 08:51 PM

Victory by a head and it wasn't a sizzling final time rather uber slow for the first half.

I really though in the stretch despite her charging that's she'd only get 2nd but as the TVG folks said "she knows where the wire is". Not the best ride by Mike Smith in terms of pulling the trigger a bit too slow and making her compensate.

(I cited a small field in the end it was 3 scratches and 6 horses vs Zenyatta including her stablemate, Life is Sweet)

Larksmom

Aug. 9, 2009, 08:53 PM

who was second and third?

ivy62

Aug. 9, 2009, 09:06 PM

How much weight was she carrying? This is where handicapping is going to get her, she will one day spot many pounds to some young horse and it will be hard for her....
Wish she would come east...I would love to see her...

Gotta love Zenyatta!!!!!!!

VirginiaBred

Aug. 9, 2009, 09:23 PM

Not the best ride by Mike Smith in terms of pulling the trigger a bit too slow and making her compensate.

That's surprising I think.

GreenMachine

Aug. 9, 2009, 09:25 PM

The Clement Hirsch is not a handicap. Indeed, I don't believe Zenyatta is (currently) slated to run in anymore handicaps for the rest of the year. According to the NTRA site (http://ntra.com/races.aspx?id=38675&section=races), she and Life is Sweet spotted only four pounds to the rest of the field.

Anabaa's Creation and Lethal Heat to place and show.

AppJumpr08

Aug. 9, 2009, 09:40 PM

Is there a replay available anywhere??? I missed it! :(

ivy62

Aug. 9, 2009, 09:41 PM

Green Machine, I didn't say it was a handicap only that the handicappers, if she runs another, will load her up with weight. I think she has already carried 129, no?
Still wish she would come east I want to see her live! and yes, I would love to see her race RA.....see just who is better....

Glimmerglass

Aug. 9, 2009, 09:43 PM

Is there a replay available anywhere??? I missed it! :(

Video Replay: Grade 1 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTcTiYuY9AQ)

ASB Stars

Aug. 9, 2009, 09:48 PM

That's surprising I think.

Not really; he gave Mine That Bird a less than stellar ride recently, I believe.

rcloisonne

Aug. 9, 2009, 10:06 PM

Not really; he gave Mine That Bird a less than stellar ride recently, I believe.
Yes, and that might have had something to do with the way he rode this race today. He asked MTB too early and Zenyatta almost too late. Is he losing his sense of timing, his confidence or what?

Glimmerglass

Aug. 9, 2009, 10:16 PM

Smith interviewed post race on TVG remarked [words to the effect of] that Zenyatta was being playful with the field and that she only gave a fraction of her effort to make the win possible. She certainly did look exceedingly fresh after the race and was anything but tapped out. From Mike's position he thinks that a race like this does more good for her then a 10-length victory.

That said the field wasn't exactly strong and I'm sure it will (sadly) fuel the East Coast v West Coast debate between RA and her.

ETA: quotes from the TB Times article "Undefeated Zenyatta pulls Houdini act in Clement L. Hirsch (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2009/August/09/Undefeated-Zenyatta-pulls-Houdini-act-in-Clement-L-Hirsch.aspx)

“I thought I had it,” Smith said. “I certainly underestimated the competition today and 1 1/16 miles is a little bit short for her. Maybe I was a little too focused on [Zenyatta’s Grade 1-winning stablemate] Life Is Sweet, but the horses that ran second and third, they ran a great race.”

“It was close; it was very close,” winning trainer John Shirreffs said. “I was just so happy, because everyone came out to see her and I wanted them to see her perform well.”

“She didn’t really take off until she crossed the wire,” Smith said. “Even before I passed them, she wasn’t giving me her all. She wasn’t even blowing when she came back.”

Larksmom

Aug. 9, 2009, 11:42 PM

but I have been pulled into the matchup between Zenyatta, and RA. I don't want either one to lose. I am a little concerned about RA running in the Travers, maybe too soon after the Haskell, and a litle too far to run. And besides, even though she does better with 4-5 weeks between races, she came back and won the Preakness with two weeks rest. I don't know. Am I still thinking this way because she is a filly?I want all the connections to make the best decisions concerning their horses. I think Mr Jackson really wants to run her at Saratoga. What are the other options? There is another 3 yr old filly race, but I don't think she needs to run against them anymore. Older males? I noticed the snide comments of the oaf on ESPN Saturday. She isn't HOTY material unless she beats ALL the three year olds, meaning Quality Road.whom I love by the way-But I guess I hadn't really compared Zenyatta to Ruffian, or Personal Ensign. She has been amazing, and has done it so easily. But I know PE beat the boys, and I am pretty sure Ruffian did too. It seems as though it wouldn't be that big a deal. I don't know of too many colts that could run with Z girl.

NCRider

Aug. 9, 2009, 11:57 PM

Did anyone else think she looked not quite right in the right hind trotting back to the winner's circle. It's the first race of hers that I've seen on TV so I don't remember watching her post race returns in the past. Does she just have a funky trot? I know she does the weird walk thing.

grits

Aug. 10, 2009, 08:51 AM

I'm not sure whether to post this here or on the RA thread, but Steve Haskin has a swell blog entry (http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2009/08/10/a-greatness-of-her-own.aspx)on the "rivalry" between the grrrrrls on BH this morning. Spot on!

Glimmerglass

Sep. 24, 2009, 04:19 PM

Hold the phone on retirement at the end of 2009 ... her camp is talking about very limited racing in 2010 as a 6-year old!

DRF 9-24-09 "Zenyatta could run again after Cup" (http://drf.com/news/article/107510.html)

Zenyatta, the undefeated champion older female of 2008, may race into 2010 before being bred, trainer John Shirreffs said on Thursday.

Zenyatta could run once or twice early in the year, probably at Santa Anita, before being sent to Kentucky for breeding.

Shirreffs said plans for 2010 are contingent on how Zenyatta performs for the remainder of this year.

Next race, as cited before, the same as last year: $300,000 Lady's Secret Stakes for fillies and mares over 1 1/16 miles on Oct. 10th at Santa Anita

Now it would be pretty cool if they put her into the Strub Stakes which would fit the timeline cited. That three race series is in the Jan - Feb time frame at her favorite track, on her favorite surface although it would require taking on males .....

Barnfairy

Sep. 24, 2009, 04:26 PM

Zenyatta could run once or twice early in the year, probably at Santa AnitaNow there's a shocker.

Zevida

Sep. 24, 2009, 04:50 PM

The Strub series is restricted to four-year-olds.

Unless she faces Rachel Alexandra, I don't see the point in keeping her in training. If she wins another Breeders' Cup race, anything she wins in Jan/Feb won't add much to her resume. If she loses at the Breeders' Cup, she's not going to make up for it by racing in more California stakes races. Unless they point for the Santa Anita Handicap.

I could see her going in the Santa Maria and then the Santa Anita (open) or Santa Margarita.

VirginiaBred

Oct. 8, 2009, 05:38 AM

Zenyatta (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred/zenyatta/2004?source=BHonline) attempts to win her 13th consecutive race when she goes to the post in Oak Tree's $300,000 Lady's Secret Stakes (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/OSA/2009/10/10/8/ladys-secret-s) (gr. I) Oct. 10 at Santa Anita.

For the whole story:

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/52875/zenyatta-after-13th-straight-in-ladys-secret?&utm_source=DailyNewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20091008

www.BloodHorse.com (http://www.BloodHorse.com)

Glimmerglass

Oct. 8, 2009, 12:14 PM

Some might dismiss the race but I think it will be tough for Zenyatta and unlikely a run-away victory.

Hired gunslinger from the East Coast, Richard "The Mig" Migliore, is now assigned to Cocoa Beach. That 5-year-old Chilean-bred mare owned by Godolphin Racing and trained by Saeed bin Suroor, finished second to Zenyatta in the Ladies’ Classic, beaten 1 1/2 lengths. However that was a year ago and time catches up to all.

Ramon Dominguez has been aboard Cocoa Beach in all her US starts until now. The change with The Mig might just be the adjustment required ...

Worth noting is that Zenyatta's trainer the respected John Shirreffs bashed synthetic surfaces (http://horseracing.bloginky.com/2009/10/06/shirreffs-running-on-synthetics-like-running-on-velcro/) on Tuesday (Oct 6) when asked his view about them:

“I personally hate synthetics,” Shirreffs said. “I’m more into developing young horses and I find that young horses really don’t like training on synthetics. I don’t know if you can imagine training on Velcro. When the foot lands, it doesn’t slide, it sticks to the ground. Depending on how synthetic the surface is, the horse can’t rotate the foot into the track and push off.

Shirreffs thinks Zenyatta is far better (performance wise) on dirt. So it begs the hypothetical - if for some reason she comes up empty on synthetics in her next effort(s) would they switch to dirt for her last race?

VirginiaBred

Oct. 10, 2009, 11:03 AM

Some might dismiss the race but I think it will be tough for Zenyatta and unlikely a run-away victory.

I agree. She will have to work for this one.

colliemom

Oct. 10, 2009, 11:11 AM

VirginiaBred

Oct. 10, 2009, 07:10 PM

Come on Zenyatta!!!!!!!!!!!

VirginiaBred

Oct. 10, 2009, 07:34 PM

Lucky 13!!!!!!!!!!

:):):):):):):):):):):)

Run she did! LOVE Zenyatta!!!!!!!!!!!

Tha Ridge

Oct. 10, 2009, 07:37 PM

This is the first time I've ever seen this filly run. There are no words. :yes: :eek:

I hope the run her against the boys in the classic. She is just INTENSE. Even watching her in the paddock, there's something about her that is indescribable.

War Admiral

Oct. 10, 2009, 07:38 PM

Yep, she did that very efficiently!

It's so weird: I don't know why I can't warm to her "as a horse" (as opposed to "as a RACE horse") but I just can't. Yesyes I realize I'm witnessing greatness as well as racing history, but.... *shrug* She just leaves me cold for some reason.

harvestmoon

Oct. 10, 2009, 07:42 PM

Beandog

Oct. 10, 2009, 07:44 PM

She ran a great race, but it does leave me a little cold. Sort of like watching the big fish in a small pond. It's hard to say how great she is or isn't when she isn't facing horses of the same caliber as herself.

I wish they would take her out of that small pond and let that big girl run, rather than keep her where it's safe. They can lay claims to greatness, but always with a qualifier or a question mark after it. Sure she raced well in CA against the girls.. but.....

ivy62

Oct. 10, 2009, 09:13 PM

Is there a replay somewhere? I couldn't see it live...

Acertainsmile

Oct. 10, 2009, 09:19 PM

Wow... for those of you who say she leaves you cold... have you ever trained, ridden or worked around one of these horses? What Zenyatta has achieved is awesome, not an easy feat, and has beaten some of the best mares in the country. She definetley deserves her props.

Meredith Clark

Oct. 10, 2009, 09:24 PM

Is there a replay somewhere? I couldn't see it live...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb68fbcFp30

VirginiaBred

Oct. 10, 2009, 09:55 PM

Also on BloodHorse.com for the replay.

blue&blond

Oct. 11, 2009, 02:05 AM

I agree. She will have to work for this one.

Work? :lol: Nah, that was like a walk in the park. :D

I was with you guys before the race thinking the same thing. My impression on watching Mike Smith right before the race and also in the gate (TVG really focused on him), he was thinking the same thing. My goodness, he looked nervous. All for naught.

She proved us all wrong. Walk in the park I tell ya, walk in the park.

I LOVE her.

dressagetraks

Oct. 11, 2009, 07:02 AM

I still LOVE her ears. That closeup of her finish at the Youtube replay, just galloping along with ears pricked and still passing them.

Rachel is awesome. But Zenyatta moves me more. Not saying she's better necessarily, but she moves me more. Hard to define it.

rcloisonne

Oct. 11, 2009, 07:26 AM

Funny, I kind of feel the same way towards Rachel. ;)
Ditto. While RA *may* be the better racehorse, she's homely and unfeminine looking, IMO. I just can't get into her.

Zenyatta, on the other hand, is magnificent in every way! Just wish her connections would take her out of her comfort zone. Just once. ;)

DLee

Oct. 11, 2009, 08:26 AM

I love them both. :yes: I'd almost hate to find out which one is 'better'.

ivy62

Oct. 11, 2009, 08:33 AM

I would love to see them race against each other just like Personal Ensign and Winning Colors...Both fantastic fillies but there is only one winner....I wish they would take Zenyatta out of her comfort zone...I understand protecting her record but let's take her out for a spin! :-)

Calico

Oct. 11, 2009, 10:25 AM

As of this moment, the Classic is on the table. From the DRF
http://www.drf.com/news/article/108019.html

The win led to an instant discussion about whether Zenyatta will start in the Breeders' Cup Classic against males on Nov. 7, or defend her title in the BC Ladies' Classic the preceding day. No answers were immediately forthcoming from Team Zenyatta.

"I think the horse will make the decision," owner Jerry Moss said in the winner's circle.

saratoga

Oct. 11, 2009, 02:22 PM

I cant really get into Zenyatta either. For some reason, she just doesnt inspire me. Of course, I cant deny her talent or accomplishments, but honestly her races are really not very exciting, especially this year- second rate fields and she runs exactly the same way every time, lumbering up on the outside and only in CA. It would be really neat to see her challenged in some way, see what she can do. It would have been awesome to have her run at Saratoga.
It seems the main thing they care about is her record so I doubt they will run her in the Classic. I dont think she would win the Classic- its hard to say though based on how she's been running this year, because her competitors are so weak and she does just enough to win.
Rachel, on the other hand, I've been watching racing for 30 years and there is just something incredible about her. I think the way she lays everything on the line every time. I also think that her campaign was wonderful for the fans.

Glimmerglass

Oct. 12, 2009, 06:36 PM

As expected the Breeders Cup Classic is more of a possibility (http://drf.com/news/article/108041.html) however she's never taken on the boys and the BCC could have some really unknown shooters in the fight.

"Both races are very much open to discussion," Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs said Monday morning. "It will depend on who's coming, the size of the field."

John Shirreffs on Sunday morning was savoring the Lady's Secret, in which Zenyatta equalled the win streak of Personal Ensign and received a rousing cheer when she returned to the winner's circle.

"It was really special because Zenyatta equaled Personal Ensign's record," Shirreffs said.

The only disappointing aspect of the day for the Mosses and Shirreffs was that a half-hour before the Lady's Secret, Tiago finished last in the Goodwood Stakes.

"He's not the same horse right now," John Shirreffs said.

Calico

Oct. 13, 2009, 03:21 PM

The Classic is coming up chalky and that might be their best bet to keep her undefeated. The Distaff division is strong this year, and I think she could be more vulnerable there - I especially have doubts that she could run down Careless Jewel while giving her weight. That is one freaky fast talented filly.

VirginiaBred

Nov. 1, 2009, 07:44 AM

It seems that Zenyatta has recovered nicely from her last race (from Bloodhorse):

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/53224/zenyatta-sends-right-message-in-final-bc-work

No decision yet however.

WINDYpops

Nov. 1, 2009, 09:56 AM

Fantastic news!! May a trend will beging to keep horses in training.:eek:

To do that, they'd have to start paying more attention to their breeding. BAD FEET. >.<

TouchstoneAcres

Nov. 1, 2009, 12:47 PM

Laurierace

Nov. 1, 2009, 02:25 PM

It sounds like the breeding plan includes real time off for next year. She didn't catch this year with AP Indy so the thinking is she needs to rest and not be racing fit. She will be bred to Medaglio D'Oro next season around March/April.

Are you sure? When was she in KY long enough to be mated to AP Indy and why has no one ever spoke of this before? I am sure it would have been huge news.

Laurierace

Nov. 1, 2009, 05:47 PM

Ok answering my own question here. Zenyatta was NOT bred to anyone this year as I suspected. No way in hell they could keep that one from the media especially since the only time she was anywhere near the vicinity of A P Indy was derby time when the whole racing world is under a microscope. They did breed Unbridled Belle to him, maybe that is what you were thinking?

VirginiaBred

Nov. 3, 2009, 05:47 PM

Zenyatta is favored 5-2 in the Classic.

DLee

Nov. 3, 2009, 06:12 PM

Zenyatta is favored 5-2 in the Classic.

Woohoo!! I now have a favorite! :yes:

VirginiaBred

Nov. 3, 2009, 09:23 PM

Good Luck Zenyatta!!!!!!!!! :):):):):):):)

Sugarbrook

Nov. 3, 2009, 09:51 PM

I LOVE LOVE LOVE HER!!!!!!!!!

Glimmerglass

Nov. 4, 2009, 10:10 AM

She'll certainly earn her stripes if she does find victory in the BCC :)

Some points to consider, good or bad:

* Hasn't been asked to go 1 1/4 mi distance, but nothing suggests it would be a problem
* Favorite has only won 28% of the time in the BCC
* The largest field she's ever had to cope with is 8 challengers; she's facing 12 here and none are easily discarded
* She's never run against males
* She is an off-pace closer which (as noted above) would require slipping past 12 horses

ivy62

Nov. 4, 2009, 10:33 AM

It will be interesting to see who sits farther off the pace Zenyatta or MTB...

VirginiaBred

Nov. 6, 2009, 01:36 PM

She'll certainly earn her stripes if she does find victory in the BCC :)
Some points to consider, good or bad:
* Hasn't been asked to go 1 1/4 mi distance, but nothing suggests it would be a problem
* Favorite has only won 28% of the time in the BCC
* The largest field she's ever had to cope with is 8 challengers; she's facing 12 here and none are easily discarded
* She's never run against males
* She is an off-pace closer which (as noted above) would require slipping past 12 horses

Great points to consider. I'm curious to know if Mike will have her closer up in the early go.

Glimmerglass

Nov. 6, 2009, 01:43 PM

Great points to consider. I'm curious to know if Mike will have her closer up in the early go.

Actually one of those stats was incorrect - she faced 11 in her very first start. My error for that.

I wouldn't recommend any horse be taken out of their routine style unless thats the way she's been trained as of late. From the video I saw of her last work she isn't been conditioned to do so. It will be a race to the finish ...

Marney

Nov. 6, 2009, 02:21 PM

I know she is going to have to run big to win the BCC but it would be awesome to see her eat up the ground with that huge stride and win!!!

VirginiaBred

Nov. 6, 2009, 07:02 PM

I wouldn't recommend any horse be taken out of their routine style unless thats the way she's been trained as of late. From the video I saw of her last work she isn't been conditioned to do so. It will be a race to the finish ...

I completely agree, but will be so interested to see if there is *anything* different with his approach.

Good Luck Zenyatta!

Andrew

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:51 AM

I completely agree, but will be so interested to see if there is *anything* different with his approach.

Good Luck Zenyatta!

I'm a bundle of nerves alreay!!!!!!!!! GO GIRL GO!!!!!

DLee

Nov. 7, 2009, 09:35 AM

So if she wins, is she HOY? I think that's a tough one, I'd still have to go for Rachel.

vineyridge

Nov. 7, 2009, 11:12 AM

Really nice NYTimes story today.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/07/sports/07breeders.html

This is supposed to be her last race before she becomes a baby factory.

VirginiaBred

Nov. 7, 2009, 12:23 PM

Really nice NYTimes story today.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/07/sports/07breeders.html

This is supposed to be her last race before she becomes a baby factory.

Nice article! Thanks for posting it!

Bethe Mounce

Nov. 7, 2009, 06:27 PM

As I watch this lovely mare go to be saddled, I am just impressed with her. My heart belongs to Rachel Alexandra, but this mare...WOW! What a show she puts on for the crowd and unbeaten in 13 races...what a record. I am on pins and needles just watching...and of course how can any of us forget Ruffian and a few other mares who have come before her. I so wish Zenyatta a safe race....

VirginiaBred

Nov. 7, 2009, 06:59 PM

SHE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tha Ridge

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:01 PM

Wow. After all of the energy she spent with the whole gate debacle, I knew she'd have to run her best race to win and well, she did. :eek:

VirginiaBred

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:02 PM

14!!!!!!!!!

HORSE OF THE YEAR!!!!!!

Horseforthecourse

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:02 PM

I'm crying like a baby. The greatest horses ever have decided to grace us with their presence this year. Living legends. Sea the Stars, Rachel Alexandra, and ZENYATTA!!!

danceronice

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:03 PM

Sorry, RA, but Zenyatta just beat all the big boys at 1 1/4 miles.

Pony Soprano

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:03 PM

WoW :eek: Awesome!

VirginiaBred

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:04 PM

Holy Hell.

She looked like a freight train heading home.

Tha Ridge

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:04 PM

So, how about a Sea the Stars-Zenyatta baby? Wonder what that one would fetch at auction.

Blacklabs

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:06 PM

Look at the great reception for her.

What a beautiful mare!!!

Foxtrot's

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:06 PM

Magnificent. A story book ending.

Daydream Believer

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:10 PM

Incredible...just incredible. I know I just witnessed history. Wow, wow, wow! I was in tears also and I'm not even really a racing fan...but no one can not be blown away by such a show of class.

danceronice

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:15 PM

So, how about a Sea the Stars-Zenyatta baby? Wonder what that one would fetch at auction.

I was just thinking the same thing! Book her a plane flight to the UK and get her a date with Sea The Stars...think of what you might get from that mating!

AppJumpr08

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:17 PM

OMG. Any questions about her now???

What an amazing race.

kcmel

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:18 PM

Best. race. ever!!!:):)

ivy62

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:27 PM

HOTY in my book. She went 1 1/4 miles against everyone!!!! YEAH!!!!
I am looking for the complete replay anyone?

Huntertwo

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:33 PM

GREAT Race!!!

dressagetraks

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:37 PM

Wow.

She took on the best males from both sides of the pond and made them look like fillies. And all that in a race where things went wrong for her.

Horse of the Year.

Laurierace

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:38 PM

This is a first for me and its a pretty cool feeling. I must admit I have been a Zenyatta fan from the beginning. While Rachel kept racking up win after win and Zenyatta sat in her stall I began to switch camps. Not so much as to which horse I liked better, who cares who I like, but which horse would win in a head to head match up. I didn't think there was a horse on the planet that could beat the Zen mare but especially after the Woodward I had my doubts. Now I don't have a freaking clue who would win but am really enjoying two specatacular females. Godspeed to both of them.

Claudius

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:42 PM

Does not Zenyatta epitomize this ??? What an incredibly magnificent looking specimen, and then she puts it all to work and looks like a superior species passing the rest of the pack!!! She must be the greatest filly of all time.

Arab/WBGirl

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:54 PM

An incredible animal, and she is apparently quite aware that she is an incredible animal. I love her antics, especially her version of the Spanish Walk! I bet she is quite the character in the barn LOL. I was in awe as I watched her come through the stretch. I must admit though, I thought she had blown it to start with. But when she blew around those last horses, I had no doubt she would get there first. Just amazing.

Have her owners/people indicated who she would be bred to in 2010?
Dawn

War Admiral

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:55 PM

Awesome race! I've seen the replay but it did not show the whole thing w/ Quality Road. Can someone fill me in as to what happened?

VirginiaBred

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:55 PM

From Bloodhorse:

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/53354/its-all-zenyatta-in-the-bc-classic

La Gringa

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:56 PM

Awesome race!! :winkgrin:

War Admiral

Nov. 7, 2009, 07:59 PM

From Bloodhorse:

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/53354/its-all-zenyatta-in-the-bc-classic

Thanks VB! :)

Vandy

Nov. 7, 2009, 08:01 PM

YES! That was probably the best race I've ever seen. Zenyatta definitely gets my vote for HOTY. Anyone hear any further updates on Quality Road? He looked really off to me as he was led off and unsaddled...

GB Trail Rider

Nov. 7, 2009, 08:02 PM

Rachel Alexandra HOTY.

Larksmom

Nov. 7, 2009, 08:04 PM

is she da man? or what!?!?!?!:yes: She da woman!
Did you see Mike Smith's mom in the winner's circle. His body language said he didn't really want her there. Shame on him.
I have kinda been in the RA camp, but I think there is plenty of time to argue the merits of them both. Right now we should pay homage to perfection.:yes::eek::winkgrin:
I was fortunate enough to be in the crowd in '88 when the last perfect filly won. That is supposed to be one of the most favorite moments in BC history. I think this will surpass that. BY A MILE!

nickers@dawn

Nov. 7, 2009, 08:13 PM

Wow, hats off to the gate crew who were brave enough to wrap their arms around Quality Road's butt to try and load him. Wicked back end action! Felt bad for the horse when he panicked from the blindfold.

Silvercrown90

Nov. 7, 2009, 08:17 PM

Jeremy Plonk of HorsePlayerPRO summed it up nicely:

"Today, what we saw was brilliance under pressure, success in the face of failure, and perfection continued when it should not have. Sparkling."

Zenyatta rules!

Tha Ridge

Nov. 7, 2009, 08:19 PM

How can anyone say that Rachel Alexandra should be HOTY? A good filly in her own right, but I see something in Zenyatta that RA just doesn't have.

Also: BC Classic replay is up on YouTube now - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud_XPH6Eix4

VirginiaBred

Nov. 7, 2009, 08:20 PM

Can't wait to get the take on the race from Glimmerglass.

Renn/aissance

Nov. 7, 2009, 08:34 PM

I was unfortunately not able to see it live--but on the video replay, it looked like she wasn't even trying. Like she was out for a stroll. Good big mare, you run like a girl!

MintHillFarm

Nov. 7, 2009, 08:43 PM

I am glad I remembered to record this one...Quite a drama with Quaility Road at the gate...

Zenyatta was amazing; not enough adjectives to describe her effort and heart. A well deserved retirement. Congratulations to all her human connections; what a tremendous race and an outstanding mare.

VirginiaBred

Nov. 7, 2009, 08:57 PM

And, just remember (from the Bloodhorse article):

"Zenyatta was consigned to the 2005 Keeneland yearling sale by Don Robinson’s Winter Quarter Farm as agent for Maverick Production. She was purchased by the Mosses for $6,000."

:eek::eek::eek:

blue&blond

Nov. 7, 2009, 09:19 PM

Holy Hell.

She looked like a freight train heading home.

Haha! VB, you took the words right out of my mouth.

azeventer

Nov. 7, 2009, 09:21 PM

VirginiaBred

Nov. 7, 2009, 09:22 PM

I think it was actually $60,000, but still......quite a bargain, I'd say!

I took that quote from Bloodhorse. I agree that it was insanely low! $60,000 is more realistic.

cottagefarm

Nov. 7, 2009, 09:28 PM

Zenyatta, HOTY for sure. A true athlete that overcame the gate debacle and finished as cool as a cucumber.
What class:yes:

Poor Quality Road was not a happy horse with the gate guys. I hope he is okay he looked like he banged himself up on the gate.

Scaramouch

Nov. 7, 2009, 09:28 PM

Actually, I think that article misprinted. According to the interview with Mr. Moss in the ESPN broadcast and the auction history on Zenyatta's page on the Bloodhorse site, the auction price was $60,000. I think it light of her performance today, it doesn't matter *what* they paid for her! :yes:

blue&blond

Nov. 7, 2009, 09:39 PM

Awesome race! I've seen the replay but it did not show the whole thing w/ Quality Road. Can someone fill me in as to what happened?

He didn't want to load. I think there was only one back after him and he just threw a fit. A few rears, kicking out...scary stuff.

Then they blind folded him. They were able to almost walk him all the way in (with the blindfold still on) and he went ballistic. He was kicking and kicking with both hind feet. The jockey jumped off. You could hear the clanking of shoes (I guess) against the gate.

Then instead of backing him out (I don't think they could have) he pushed through the gate. Still blindfolded, he started to panic. He had one handler that had a hold of him but QR was just running in circles in a bit of a panic.

Someone else was able to get to his head (lots of people were trying) and got the blindfold off. He calmed down somewhat after that.

It was ugly and scary.

They ended up backing all horses out and re-loading all over again.

It was a bit nerve wracking for everyone I'm sure. QR has a reputation for not being an easy loader but I'm sure this was probably the worst he's ever been. I hope he came through it unharmed.

Horseforthecourse

Nov. 7, 2009, 09:40 PM

Rachel Alexandra will be horse of the year. It's a shame that you can't give it to two horses, but it will go to the horse that has accomplished more this year, won more group Is, set records, beat the boys three times, and beat Summer Bird by the larger margin (on a track that he liked much more than the synthetic surface no less). She won twice after setting fast fractions on surfaces that she didn't like against the boys (Preakness and Woodward). She was a tick off the stakes record in the KY Oaks and off the track record in the Haskell (on a sloppy track). She broke other stakes records and margins of victory. Her Oaks performance was one of the most brillant performances I've ever seen and she was never asked to run. She is like Secretariat. Only she likes to win more.

No doubt that Zenyatta's performance was sensational. It made me cry. It was a historical moment that will go down in the history books. She is one of the greatest of all time. But so is Rachel. Summer Bird had not been working well on the synthetic surfaces according to my eyes and one of the best known and highly regarded clockers on the west coast. Before Summer Bird started racing, he was in the very capable hands of a trainer named John Sadler. Sadler sent the colt east. He didn't think he was very good because he showed nothing on the synthetics. He thought that the colt may would improve on the dirt. Like Curlin, he finished fourth off of class alone because he didn't run his best in the Classic. He wasn't grabbing the track efficiently in the stretch at Santa Anita. He hadn't been in his workouts either. He didn't run as well as he did in the Haskell.

There is no use pretending that Zenyatta will be horse of the year. It was written in the stars before the BC Classic was ever ran. But, we have something to look forward to. If Rachel stays sound, they are all running for second in the BC Classic at Churchill Downs next year. And I have a feeling that she will win by more than a length. Watch her Oaks, and you may agree.

Horseforthecourse

Nov. 7, 2009, 09:44 PM

Also Quality Road was lame before they ever tried to put him in the starting gate. He had looked awful all week. It was a blessing that he was scratched and I can't believe that they wanted to run him anyway. He had no shot. He wasn't 100%. He hasn't ever liked to go in the starting gate, but he had never acted quite like that and there was probably a reason.

Delaware TB

Nov. 7, 2009, 09:56 PM

Laurierace

Nov. 7, 2009, 10:07 PM

HOTY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No way RA wins after that incredible race. Plus, I think Pletcher sould get days for the worst training job in history, that is unless QR went to the gate EVERYDAY for the last month!

Good lord if they gave days for bad training jobs you couldn't fill more than a few races in the entire country.

TouchstoneAcres

Nov. 7, 2009, 10:22 PM

Are you sure? When was she in KY long enough to be mated to AP Indy and why has no one ever spoke of this before? I am sure it would have been huge news.

Yes, sure. I don't know whether it was her trainer or owner, trainer I think, who said this in an interview. It was on HRTV. He said she was bred twice and didn't catch, nothing wrong with AP Indy, probably she was too fit. He said Medaglio D'Oro next spring after a rest.

I hope it isn't her--a shame not to get some nice foals out of her. Of course they could just race her a couple years more. But if she rests too long and still doesn't get in foal, that wouldn't be good.

Beandog

Nov. 7, 2009, 10:58 PM

Well I ate more than my fair share of crow today after talking down Zenyatta all year with my friends.

Her owners stepped up, took a chance and let the big girl put an end to speculation about what she may or may not be able to do running with the boys. Major kudos for that risk of spoiling her perfect record should she have pulled up short. Helluva race, and helluva mare. It would be hard to justify keeping her running, playing the odds of her getting injured. But as a race fan it's even harder to think of her retiring to the broodmare herd instead of watching her charge down the track.

Do the great mares ever reproduce themselves? Or even an echo of themselves? It will be interesting to see where they go from here, and if it's to the breeding shed, what they come up with as crosses for the big girl.

As for HOTY... I'm beyond glad that one doesn't rest with me. There were two standout mares this year. Strong cases can, and will, be made for either. What a heck of a year it's been for racing eh? I'm just glad they both ended the year sound and healthy. And wait with baited breath to see what next year brings.

SuperSTB

Nov. 7, 2009, 11:04 PM

That was a fabulous race. I cried- I'll admit it. I've never been as choked up watching a race. You just *wanted* her to win for some reason.

I love Zenyatta- always loved her pre-race 'stalking'. I've been fascinated by her since her campaign last year. She knows her job and not to many racehouses cross the finish with such enthusiasm- like she's telling the crowd- bring it on!

In comparison to RA- both are superfillies. I just can't compare them because they haven't contested against each other- AND they both have beaten the boys. On an observation though- RA performance in the preakness seemed to take more out of her (I'm certain MTB would have caught her in just a couple strides) than Zenyatta who still seemed very fresh coming out of the classic.

Like all truly great athletes you wish they never stopped competing but I think her leaving now is best for her because honestly I'd be crushed if something happened to her on the track.

haligator

Nov. 7, 2009, 11:11 PM

[QUOTE=Horseforthecourse; There is no use pretending that Zenyatta will be horse of the year. It was written in the stars before the BC Classic was ever ran.[/QUOTE]

Hi All,
There is no doubt in my mind that Zenyatta will be HOTY. Written in the stars for RA? Maybe until today....then the Gods waved their hands over the sky and changed the history of horse racing.

Zenyatta beat the best colts, geldings, and horses the world had to offer this evening. Her run was pure magic, a bit of lyrical poetry that left us mere mortals gasping for air and wondering if we will ever see such a performance again.

When push comes to shove, RA skipped the Travers that had a tough, tough field and ran instead in another stakes. Zenyatta didn't back down from one of the finest fields ever assembled for the Breeders Cup Classic - she and her team went full speed ahead. Kudos to all of them for sticking to the plan and letting the world see what a real horse can do.

There are just a handful of races through the years that have showcased such class. Off the top of my head I'd have to include Secretariat's Belmont, Sunday Silence vs. Easy Goer in the Preakness, Affirmed and Seattle Slew engaging in a speed duel while Exceller soared past to victory, Genuine Risk taking the Derby, John Henry vs. The Bart, and several of Ta Wee's, Forego's, Dr. Fager's, and a few other game horses' great days.

But, I think all pales while watching and re-watching Zenyatta and Mike Smith get the job done today against all odds.

I am thankful that I've lived long enough to see the miracle that was shared with us today. I think RA is a wonderful horse - however, the tide has turned.

God Bless Zenyatta!

And, I hope Quality Road comes back A-Okay. I've been a huge fan of his and my deepest regrets to D, C, and E who have been a big part of his life. I know today was rough for them.

Hallie I. McEvoy
Racing Dreams, LLC

DLee

Nov. 8, 2009, 12:03 AM

Calena

Nov. 8, 2009, 12:34 AM

Wow. Just wow. What Zenyatta did today is beyond words. She won that race so easy, she's such a magnificent horse. She had every excuse to fail, but she's simply so much better than the rest. I'm just grateful I was able to witness that.

I love this video, it really sums it up:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kauPGFkzjvM

Rachel was nothing short of fabulous winning the Woodward, but she's only three and Ausmussen stated she was tired afterwards. Zenyatta has barely been tested. I'm glad the two never met up, though I have no doubt the big Amazon would have won. They both deserve HOY, but I'd also say that about Easy Goer & Sunday Silence or Affirmed & Alydar.

What a year for racing!!!!! Thank you God :D.

LearnToFly

Nov. 8, 2009, 12:41 AM

I think that regardless of who gets HOTY, 2 of the greatest fillies of all time are running right now. It will be a crying shame for years and years that they will never face each other.

Elly Mae II

Nov. 8, 2009, 01:20 AM

Boy, does she not have the biggest personality ever? Prancing around before the race like a queen among peasants. She's just regal.
I too am sorta glad she and Rachel never met. It just seems fitting that both had perfect seasons.

Essie

Nov. 8, 2009, 01:38 AM

What a great race!!! :D I think everyone would agree that both girls are rock stars. Would the powers that be award a dual HOY? To me that would be the perfect solution.

Pony Soprano

Nov. 8, 2009, 01:55 AM

Sebastian

Nov. 8, 2009, 02:18 AM

When I read that they bought her for *$6,000* I immediately thought, at that rate, I could have a couple of race horses too! :winkgrin:

Does anyone know where there is footage of them going to the start?

Found it... It's not pretty.
http://www.youtube.com/user/CagneyLamaze

Zenyatta was AWESOME!!! Congrats to her and all her connections.
Seb :)

cloudyandcallie

Nov. 8, 2009, 08:19 AM

That was a fabulous race today. Love Zenyatta, SO thrilled she won!
However I think Rachel had the toughest year, and rose to the top on every occasion. Personally I feel if she does not win, it will be because people voted against Jess Jackson. Which would be a travesty.
I also think it's pretty wonderful that the two leading horses are female. :)
I agree. And remember, the best owner, despite his quirks, is Jackson. If he had not bought RA, she'd never have raced in the Preakness. If RA had not raced and beaten the boys, Zenyatta's owners would never have pitted her against the colts. I hope both stay sound and race against each other in a big stakes race against the colts also. RA should be horse of the year. But Zenyatta did a great job yesterday and I hope she continues to race against the colts.

VirginiaBred

Nov. 8, 2009, 08:25 AM

I bet after yesterday Zenyatta is retired to the broodmare life.

War Admiral

Nov. 8, 2009, 08:32 AM

weproceededon

Nov. 8, 2009, 08:35 AM

What an exciting race, well ridden by Mike Smith. Zenyatta certainly showed her stuff. It will be interesting to see what they do with her now.
Good to hear Quality Road is okay. It was a good Breeders Cup this year - no tragedies!

cyberbay

Nov. 8, 2009, 08:36 AM

Just watched the attempted loading... wow, that always freaks me out to see a horse so distressed. And it throws off everything, and it's just luck paired with some cool heads to put that situation of getting the race back to functional.

mem

Nov. 8, 2009, 08:38 AM

Regarding HOTY- has it ever been given to a horse that didn't race at a "classic" distance (as in 10 Furlongs)?

JinxyFish313

Nov. 8, 2009, 08:40 AM

I've been too busy to pay any attention to racing this year, but I happened to be flipping through channels when I got home from the barn yesterday and saw the breeder's cup broadcast about 15 minutes from post time. Boy am I glad I did. What a showman (woman) that filly is. All I knew of her was what they had discussed on tv and I was already pulling for her. Great, great race especially after the gate nightmare. Boyfriend walked into the room and said, "why are you yelling get him out, take the blindfold off!! what are you talking about?".

I would love to have the offspring of a horse with a personality that big.

shawneeAcres

Nov. 8, 2009, 08:41 AM

I feel as did HRTV's review last night, that ZEnyatta did much more to deserve horse of the year. She ran and WON two back to back championships races, the Ladies classic last year, then the classic this year, against the boys, making history, and also beat Personal Ensigns record of 14 consecutive wins, retiring undefeated. What more could a horse do? She MORE THAN deserves the accolade. Rachel Alexander is good, but she didn't even show up for the BC, which IS the Champion of Champions race. I would have been more "on her side" if she had shown up and won the Ladies classic at least. But Zenyatta has out done her.

Mara

Nov. 8, 2009, 09:05 AM

That does seem to be the consensus. Would have been great to see a match race...

I agree w/ those of the opinion that Rachel should be horse of the year. This is NOT to belittle Zenyatta's amaaaazing race yesterday - but Rachel did more, under more pressure.

Too bad they both can't win though!

Why couldn't they share the title????
I think Rachel did more over the course of the year, which in no way diminishes what Zenyatta pulled off. She's a great mare.

But as we all know, it's always the Classic that decides HOY.

Blacklabs

Nov. 8, 2009, 09:18 AM

Any word yet from CA how Zenyatta looks this morning?

She sure didn't look tired yesterday and looked like she has a great sense of humor to make the boys think they could beat her.

War Admiral

Nov. 8, 2009, 09:22 AM

Why couldn't they share the title????

I don't know if they could or not; it's never been done but I think the unique circumstances of this year surely warrant a departure from the norm. Certainly they both deserve it and it's a tough call. It would almost make more sense to just call this "The Year of the Fillies" and have both of them win it.

GreenMachine

Nov. 8, 2009, 09:37 AM

Regarding HOTY- has it ever been given to a horse that didn't race at a "classic" distance (as in 10 Furlongs)?

Azeri in 2002.

vineyridge

Nov. 8, 2009, 09:37 AM

I'm still in favor of RA.

Zenyatta is a magnificent monster racehorse. She ran a spectacular race yesterday, no question. She beat the world's best at a mile and a quarter.

BUT

She never traveled as did all the world's best who met her. She was running on her home surface, and none of the others were synthetic specialists. She hasn't won in the mud.

RA traveled hither and yon, won in amazing times, over all kinds of surfaces, and is also undefeated this year against the best competition, male and female, of this year and her age.

While it's close in my mind, Zenyatta is still a California horse running on California synthetics and that makes all the difference in the world to me.

In short, Zenyatta, except for running against males for the first time and stretching the distance, has never left her comfort zone.

VirginiaBred

Nov. 8, 2009, 10:55 AM

Quality Road update:
(from Bloodhorse)

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/53355/quality-road-has-only-minor-cuts

NorCalDressage

Nov. 8, 2009, 10:58 AM

this was a nice piece - showing her dance moves!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXWDdFYmhkI

Marney

Nov. 8, 2009, 10:58 AM

I love them both but Zenyatta should be HOTY!!!!! RA had a tougher year but Zenyatta is the better horse IMO. She was amazing and she didn't even look like she was trying. I don't think it would have mattered what the surface or where it was she would win.... It was even mentioned by Shirreffs that she would like dirt better... SHE ROCKS!!!!

Calico

Nov. 8, 2009, 11:17 AM

Well she's a five year old that beat the best three year olds vs a three year old that beat other three year olds.

Um, both beat older this year.

alicen

Nov. 8, 2009, 11:31 AM

Something else is in her mouth besides the D ring. Is it a tongue tie down?

LearnToFly

Nov. 8, 2009, 11:40 AM

You think she likes running last because she likes looking at the boys' butts? "Oh, you silly boys- thinking you can outrun me. I'll just stay back here though because I don't mind this view!"

Oakstable

Nov. 8, 2009, 11:40 AM

It will be interesting to see what stallions get to breed these two amazing girls.

What boys are at the top of the most successful sires list these days?

DeucesWild11

Nov. 8, 2009, 11:47 AM

Ok. Seriously. Let's compare campaigns here.
Zenyatta:
At 5: Milady (same race as her 4 year old campaign)GRADE II!,lady's secret grI (Same race as last year), Clement Hirsch GrI(same as last year), vanity grI (same as last year), BCC grI (a longer distance than she has ever won at)
THIS year Zenyatta has not left California an only faced males once. These include KY derby winner (lost to RA, and lost WV derby GrII), Summer Bird, belmont and travers winner, (lost to RA), Regal ransom (last win was a GrII), Gio Ponti (turf horse switching to synthetics), several euro shippers the best who failed to shoot (as did most euros all weekend), And all of this on her very own home track, great yes.

RA:
At 3: Started out in Martha Washington in early spring, then 2 grII's fantasy/fair grounds oaks. Kentucky Oaks, GrI (won by +5 lengths, granted, less than stellar competition), Preakness stakes, grI, (beating ky derby winner among others while switching tracks and going longer), haskell stakes grI (different track beating belmont winner), Mother Goose Stakes, grI (new track) Woodward Stakes (older males, beating Macho Again, among others also new track) Included in this of course are class upgrades almost every race, including facing the boys THREE times, all in prestigious races at several different tracks, note there was also a trainer/owner/barn change after the Ky oaks.

Really, I think it comes down to campaign in the current year and level of difficulty, yes, both faced washed up fillies that were clearly out of their league, however, it is my opinion that RA stepped up more than Zenyatta. She faced males three times, even winning a triple crown jewel. Although the BCC will go down as one of the greatest, Zenyatta faced males as a 5 year old on her own home track ONCE. If she had continued to step up throughout the year, yes, I could have given it to her. Remember, that it is not all about the breeder's cup races- curlin got 4th last year and was still HOTY. Another point to add was that RA started her campaign early in the year, and zenyatta started quite late.

Horseforthecourse

Nov. 8, 2009, 11:58 AM

Regarding HOTY- has it ever been given to a horse that didn't race at a "classic" distance (as in 10 Furlongs)?

Secretariat as a two year old.

You don't have to run in the BC to be horse of the year. Mineshaft.

Paragon

Nov. 8, 2009, 12:03 PM

I'm relieved that Zenyatta and RA haven't met, and won't. We don't need to know who's better. We know we have two pieces of greatness. I don't need to see one of them fail in order to be happier for the other.

Love them both. What a race.

VirginiaBred

Nov. 8, 2009, 12:20 PM

Nice article:

http://www.theage.com.au/news/sport/horse-racing/street-cry-again-as-unbeaten-zenyatta-takes-classic/2009/11/08/1257614958719.html

Nikki^

Nov. 8, 2009, 12:36 PM

Horseforthecourse

Nov. 8, 2009, 12:44 PM

Hi All,
There is no doubt in my mind that Zenyatta will be HOTY. Written in the stars for RA? Maybe until today....then the Gods waved their hands over the sky and changed the history of horse racing.

Zenyatta beat the best colts, geldings, and horses the world had to offer this evening. Her run was pure magic, a bit of lyrical poetry that left us mere mortals gasping for air and wondering if we will ever see such a performance again.

When push comes to shove, RA skipped the Travers that had a tough, tough field and ran instead in another stakes. Zenyatta didn't back down from one of the finest fields ever assembled for the Breeders Cup Classic - she and her team went full speed ahead. Kudos to all of them for sticking to the plan and letting the world see what a real horse can do.

There are just a handful of races through the years that have showcased such class. Off the top of my head I'd have to include Secretariat's Belmont, Sunday Silence vs. Easy Goer in the Preakness, Affirmed and Seattle Slew engaging in a speed duel while Exceller soared past to victory, Genuine Risk taking the Derby, John Henry vs. The Bart, and several of Ta Wee's, Forego's, Dr. Fager's, and a few other game horses' great days.

But, I think all pales while watching and re-watching Zenyatta and Mike Smith get the job done today against all odds.

I am thankful that I've lived long enough to see the miracle that was shared with us today. I think RA is a wonderful horse - however, the tide has turned.

God Bless Zenyatta!

And, I hope Quality Road comes back A-Okay. I've been a huge fan of his and my deepest regrets to D, C, and E who have been a big part of his life. I know today was rough for them.

Hallie I. McEvoy
Racing Dreams, LLC

Rachel Alexandra will be horse of the year. Most of the people who vote are located on the east coast. I know a lot of people in racing that have said so even after Zenyatta's win yesterday, including west coasters. Rachel Alexandra accomplished more this year in a little bit more stunning fashion. I also think the key factor is Summer Bird. When you look at it from an unbiased point of view, Rachel beat Summer Bird a lot more impressively than Zenyatta did since Summer Bird didn't even like the synthetic surface. Also, a lot of colts in the Classic didn't fire. Gio Ponti is not nearly as good on the synthetics as he is on the turf, and he somehow managed to get second, only because horses like Einstein, Rip Van Winkle, and Summer Bird didn't fire their best shots.

You say that RA skipped the Travers that had a tougher:confused: field. I beg to differ. I know that Jerry Bailey said that, but I don't agree with him at all. RA had already beaten the winner of the Travers by 6 lengths in the Haskell. Did we just want to see her crush him again in the Travers, or did we want her to face new comers? After all, Rachel crushed Summer Bird much more than Zenyatta did, and Summer Bird "didn't like the synthetics". I gave more than enough proof to substantiate that claim in an early post.

Rachel took the harder route in facing an up and coming very nice older horse in Macho Again and a field of older horses. She had never faced these horses. Since Rachel had already conquered the best three year olds, she tried something new. There is a reason why very few three year olds have ever won the Woodward, and no three year old filly until the great Rachel. Not even Secretariat could win the Woodward facing older as a three year old. And she won on a surface she didn't like after setting fast fractions when horse after horse came after her in the early stages of the race. She never got a breather and she turned back all their challenges. Macho Again had the perfect setup, and he still couldn't get to her. No horse has ever passed Rachel on the gallop out. She always fights back.

But people only see what they want to see. I could never compare Zenyatta's performance in the BC Classic to Secretariat's Belmont. She didn't break a record by two seconds that has stood the test of time. She didn't win by 31 lengths. It was an amazing performance, but Zenyatta didn't run like that. It didn't give me the same feeling as that 1973 Belmont. Nothing ever has. Zenyatta should have won the Classic under the circumstances. She had the perfect set up and some of the best horses didn't fire. Rachel shouldn't have won the Woodward under the circumstances, but she did.

Before some of you all say that Zenyatta is better than Rachel, I think that you need to wait and see what Rachel does as a four year old. Zenyatta's career is finished. Rachel's is only beginning. A lot of times, horses improve as they grow older. Rachel is only three, and, hopefully, she will be running in the Classic next year at her home track at Churchill Downs. And I dare say that Rachel has had the most impressive three year old campaign of any dirt horse in the history of the American sport overall. Let's see what she does next year and if she can continue her amazing run of breaking records of all kinds, including stakes records and margins of victory records. Albeit great, Zenyatta has never been able to do those kinds of things.

Calico

Nov. 8, 2009, 12:56 PM

Secretariat as a two year old.

You don't have to run in the BC to be horse of the year. Mineshaft.

Along with Mineshaft, other recent Classic non-runners that were HOY include Point Given, Charismatic, and Favorite Trick (who won the BC juvenile).

cloudyandcallie

Nov. 8, 2009, 01:10 PM

I think it is great that all the argument over horse of the year is between 2 GIRLS!:cool: No colts in the running.

Calena

Nov. 8, 2009, 01:47 PM

I'd give it to Zenyatta, hands down, because she stepped out of her comfort zone in a big way by taking on the best of the best while facing males at 1-1/4 miles. Those horses she just obliterated all spent the second half of this year carefully prepping to peak for this particular race. Rachel's connections very carefully avoided running her that far, and that's fine. Hence the Preakness, not the Belmont; the Haskell, not the Traverse; the Woodward, not the JCGC.

As far as the traveling, different surfaces and hard campaign argument, I think Mine That Bird would win that contest (if there were such a thing).

Only ran on their favorite surface? Well, by that reasoning, Sea The Stars and Zarkava would be classified as 'also rans'. Neither one of them went out of their comfort zones, they each only travelled across the Channel, Zarkava only faced boys once, etc. It doesn't matter, they both nailed it when they finished their careers by winning the Arc. What's so different about Zenyatta and the way in which she won the Classic? Plus, she's held that world beating form two years in a row. How often do we see that?

Rachel Alexandra did great things for American racing this year, but Zenyatta took the world wide stage yesterday, a day purposely designed to attract the best of the Euros. She left no doubt in anyone's mind who was much the best horse. IMHO, her finishing move easily rivaled the way Sea The Stars won the Arc. And after the beating we've been taking from the Euros the last two years, we needed that. Of course, even if she hadn't been in the race, Gio Ponti had it covered.

As far as who they beat, the best 3-YO male has to be Summer Bird. Gio Ponti rivaled Rachel to beat Summer Bird. Zenyatta beat both Gio Ponti and Summer Bird. And she did it easily after a horrendous trip where nothing went her way.

So, we're down to the fact that Rachel raced more often than Zenyatta this year. Rachel wins this point. Is that what HOTY comes down to?

Totally off the subject, we FINALLY got to see Zenyatta's massive butt go stride for stride around the first turn next to little Mine That Bird. I love that little horse :). Is there an eclipse for 'win or lose, everyone's favorite'?

Rubyfree

Nov. 8, 2009, 02:03 PM

HOTY is not- or should not be, anyway- conferred based on one race. Zenyatta's performance yesterday was absolutely remarkable and will certainly be lighting up history books and memories for many years to come, but I really think that all it did was make a case against her for HOTY. Before you get out the torches and pitchforks, hear me out.

I think she demonstrated that she is capable of much, much more than what we've seen from her. Other than the Classic, she was put in races that were, for the most part, cake walks for her; and had the BC not been at SA, I'm not sure she would have been entered in the Classic anyway. I like the Moss's and Sherrifs; they seem to be good horse people who genuinely care about their animals and take great pride in their accomplishments; but the Moss's are also pretty conservative owners, and I think they sabotaged Zenyatta's HOTY chances by following the same path to the cup they did last year. She demonstrated that she could have been out there trouncing the boys all year, and she was not.
RA was. She had a very ambitious campaign, and she met every challenge with gusto. I say not only does RA deserve HOTY, JJ deserves OOTY for sending her out there the way he did. If Zenyatta wins, it will be based on sentiment, not accomplishments in this years races.

Personal Ensign never got HOTY nods either, and she is undisputedly one of the greats of all time. Now if they would come up with a new award- Horse of the last TWO years- that would be fitting.

As for pipe dreams- it sure would be great if they sent her to Dubai. She does like a synthetic track, has shown she can go 1 1/4, and has shown her heels to the best boys in the world already. THAT would be an epic end to an epic career. :D

Silvercrown90

Nov. 8, 2009, 02:43 PM

Any horse that wins $3.3 million in one year is not earning it from cake walks. LOL. Zenyatta earned more this year than RA has earned in her lifetime.

I liked RA early in the year, but she did not prove what Zenyatta proved in the BC Classic. The Woodward -- Against a less than stellar group of colts, RA carried 118 pounds compared to 7 boys who all carried 126 pounds. As someone suggested earlier, if RA was meeting every challenge, she would have been at the Travers and not the Woodward. Why the Preakness over the Belmont? Shorter distance? Knowing that many of the boys would not tackle the Preakness because of the turnaround time after the Derby?

To compare a win in the Woodward to the Breeders Cup Classic is folly. This year's Derby winner and this year's Belmont winner were both entered in the BC Classic. Where was this year's Preakness winner? Meeting challenges?

RA won the Woodward against a total field of 8 going 1-1/8 miles while having an 8-pound an advantage and winning $450,000 for her efforts.

Zenyatta won the BC Classic against a total field of 12 going 1-1/4 miles and only a 3-pound advantage over the highest weight of 126# and winning $2,700,000 for her efforts. Five of these boys were carrying 1# less than Zenyatta, including Belmont winner Summer Bird and Derby winner Mine That Bird.

dressagetraks

Nov. 8, 2009, 02:45 PM

Quite a debate going on. My vote, if I had one, would definitely go to Zenyatta, but I could see the case for dual HOTY. I think I've read that's been done before.

However, sorry but I can't resist a comment here,

Quote: And I dare say that Rachel has had the most impressive three year old campaign of any dirt horse in the history of the American sport overall. End Quote.

That's getting into ground that it is truly impossible to measure. Too many variables across history. At least Zenyatta and RA are both racing now and have no time lapse in comparison. If we're going to widen it to 3yos in all American racing history, though, I can think of plenty who would give Rachel very stiff competition for that imaginary most impressive 3-year-old season ever title. My personal favorite for that title would have to be Man o' War. Undefeated 3yo season. Set multiple track, American, and world records. Carried up to 138 pounds, giving his rivals up to 32. Defeated the older Triple Crown winner, albeit when Sir Barton wasn't in form. Won a race by 100 lengths. Won a race while suffering a tendon injury on a deep and cuppy track. Season spanned multiple tracks and even another country at a time when travel was not done on planes and the quick, easy methods of today.

My second favorite would be Count Fleet, undefeated 3yo season. Won TC by a cumulative 3-race margin that EQUALED that of Secretariat's TC margin. Inserted Withers in the middle of the TC campaign and won that, too, for good measure. Won Belmont by 25 lengths on a track that was absolutely horrible due to wartime gas rationing and consequently limited maintenance. Won that Belmont by 25 lengths while sustaining a career-ending injury, which Hertz always blamed on the wartime track maintenance restrictions. Won said Belmont by 25 lengths when his jockey had tried to pull him up after he was injured. As my personal opinion, I have always thought that those factors in his Belmont certainly cost him at least 1 length (which would break the tie with Secretariat for greatest cumulative TC margin) and probably cost him 6 1/2 or more (thus breaking Secretariat's Belmont winning margin record).

I'm sure lots of others could come up many remarkably impressive candidates, and everybody has their personal favorites. Lots of great ones throughout history. :yes:

This year, unquestionably the best American dirt horses are RA and Zenyatta. Seeing who wins the vote will be interesting, and that isn't up to us on COTH. Sure is fun to talk about them here, though.

Lauruffian

Nov. 8, 2009, 02:47 PM

I'm torn between the two fillies, and can justify both of them being HOTY. My heart, my sentimental side, is with Zenyatta. :)

I will say I watched this race at home with my groggy 3yro son next to me. He had just gotten up from his nap and was leaning against me as I loosely explained the race (he was most fascinated with the starting gate and the tractor :sigh: ). But when Zenyatta launched her move, I couldn't contain myself--I yelped and cheered and hooted, and my son said, "Mommy, you're scaring me!" When I explained I couldn't help it, I was so happy the horse I liked won I had to cheer, he seemed to accept that explanation and grinned while my tears of joy formed.

An amazing, amazing race.

cloudyandcallie

Nov. 8, 2009, 02:58 PM

There are some 2 yr old fillies out there who could if given the chance, become the first distaff Triple Crown Winner.
I look forward to the day when there are 5 or 6 filles in each of the TC races and all the stakes races. The rule, not the exception.

EMWalker

Nov. 8, 2009, 05:09 PM

3 cheers to the ladies!!! I can't possibly put one above the other because they are both awesome. What a great year in horse racing!

kcmel

Nov. 8, 2009, 06:00 PM

I think both trainers did an excellent job spotting their horses. Asmussen was agressive early, but clearly wasn't thinking ahead to a fall campaign, or he wouldn't have run RA in the Mother Goose (which proved little). He ran RA at a better distance for her in the Woodward against a weak bunch of older horses instead of trying a mile and a quarter against a tougher field in the Travers. Nothing wrong with that; he's placing her in the spot where he thinks he has the most likely chance of winning. Then he says she's done for the year; she's had a hard campaign. True enough. He's takes a bit of a gamble that if Zenyatta wins big in the BC classic he could lose HOY, but he takes his chances. He has convinced the media that HOY is wrapped up.
Shirreff's keeps Zenyatta in California, which also makes sense since the BC is there. How many times to you see a California based horse shipping east in the fall when the BC is back home (or vice versa)? It doesn't make sense to do this (the only example that comes to mind is Cigar running in the Pac Classic when the BC was at Woodbine. He lost both races, although was still HOY).
So basically, Asmussen took a chance by skipping Championship day, and he lost. Zenyatta is HOY; what she did yesterday eclipses RA's amazing year. Too bad these great fillies didn't get a chance to meet.

VirginiaBred

Nov. 8, 2009, 06:17 PM

From "The Canadian Press"

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5jv3jgQ4xc6g6vBM5jCINmEjQ-sYA

"Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird was beaten by Rachel Alexandra in the Haskell Invitational and by Zenyatta in the Classic. His trainer, Tim Ice, was critical of Rachel's absence Saturday at Santa Anita."Each sport has their championship game," he said. "If you don't compete in the championship game, then you shouldn't be a champion. This is the highlight of the year as far as all the great horses coming together. This should name Horse of the Year."

Laurierace

Nov. 8, 2009, 06:51 PM

I want Zenyatta to win HOTY because

She's undefeated.... in 14 starts!!!
She won the BC Classic. First time a Filly/Mare to win plus she's undefeated!!!
She had the odds stacked against her from the bad start, being last and pulled through to win.
She's freaking gorgeous!!!RA may have broken some track records but she isn't undefeated. I know if there was a match race, Zenyatta would blow the hoofs off of RA.....:winkgrin:

Anyone who claims to know who would win if the two fantastic females met up is full of baloney. You don't KNOW who is going to be the winner of any race before its run, that's why they run them. I don't think either of these horses had to give their all in any of the races they ran so we have no idea what they are really capable of.

VirginiaBred

Nov. 8, 2009, 07:08 PM

Great article on Zenyatta from today!

INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Zenyatta looked bright and alert Sunday morning here at Hollywood Park, one day after her popular victory in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic across town at Santa Anita's Oak Tree meeting.
"It's like she's saying, 'Want to run again? Let's do it,'" said her trainer, John Shirreffs.
The Classic likely was her last race, though. Jerry Moss, who owns Zenyatta with his wife, Ann, alluded to that during a postrace news conference Saturday night.
"Where else do you go?" Shirreffs said Sunday. "14-for-14, and top it off with a win in the Breeders' Cup Classic. On the biggest stage in the world, she performs. Isn't it amazing that a horse with her running style is 14-for-14? She's always stepped up."
Zenyatta, 5, returned to her base at Hollywood Park on Saturday night a few hours after her last-to-first rush in the Classic. Sunday morning, Zenyatta walked the shed row with groom Mario Espinoza for one hour, then was taken outside to graze on a small patch of grass adjacent to Shirreffs' barn.
"She's not tired," Shirreffs said. "I'm pretty numb. It was an emotional roller coaster. Adrenaline can carry you a long time."
Shirreffs said Zenyatta would remain at his barn for several weeks before going to Kentucky to be bred.
"She needs to be let down," he said. Her sweet disposition would make her "a great mother."
"But I feel sorry for the foal," he said. "How's he going to keep up with her?"
No decision has been made as to which stallion Zenyatta will be bred.
Shirreffs said Zenyatta's retirement is more than a big hole in his barn. "It's a big hole for racing, not just my barn," he said. "You saw the crowd."
Indeed, the crowd was squarely behind Zenyatta even before the race, but especially so after witnessing her dramatic rally under jockey Mike Smith.
"She plays to the crowd, and she just loves winning," Shirreffs said. "She walks with her neck out, stretches. Wasn't that crowd amazing? In so many different situations: when she came into the paddock, when she came out of the tunnel. Mike stopped her at the three-sixteenths pole during the post parade, and I could hear the people yelling down there.
"There are so many people that really love her and celebrate her," he said. "It was just an exciting moment. I'm just glad I was Zenyatta's trainer."

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/breederscup09/news/story?id=4635605

ivy62

Nov. 8, 2009, 08:32 PM

How does one top that! I wonder if she will miss the excitment of the track and settle in quietly somewhere to have a nice foal..Who to breed her to..?
Most great mares never reproduce themsleves., She would make a great eventer no? heehee...She has done her due and her connections have the utmost respect for her....

DLee

Nov. 8, 2009, 08:33 PM

ivy62

Nov. 8, 2009, 08:35 PM

Not to be picky but Rags was the first filly in 102 years to win the Belmont and she wasn't HOTY...So what does the age of the race have to do with it..
JMHO

Silvercrown90

Nov. 8, 2009, 11:33 PM

It's Horse of the YEAR. Not Horse of the Breeder's Cup Classic.

The Classic is what, 26 years old?

The Woodward was around in 1954 (not sure if that is the first year for it), RA was the first filly to win it. That is a 55 year old race.
The Preakness has been held since 1873. RA is the first filly to have won since 1924, and the only horse to have ever won from the farthest outside post.
The Haskell is 41 years old and has only been won by 2 fillies, one of which is RA.
And those are just three of her eight races this year, to Zenyatta's five.

Just saying.

The Breeder's Cup Classic and Breeders Cup weekend is the "championship" event of the season; the pinnacle of the year. Can you say Super Bowl or World Series?

The Woodward may be an old race--Saratoga is an old track with lots of history--but trying to insinuate that the Woodward is the same caliber of race as the BC Classic is grasping at straws.

I encourage everyone to read the Bloodhorse article released today entitled "The Morning After: All Zenyatta, All the Time": http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/53358/the-morning-after-all-zenyatta-all-the-time

Allow me a few quotes:

"I think she had to win the way she did yesterday to get it. I had my doubts about her, but she did it effortlessly. I don’t blame (Jess Jackson) for not coming. But you have to show up for the Breeders’ Cup (to win championships)." Bob Baffert

"Along with his belief that Zenyatta earned the Horse of the Year title in the Classic, Casner opined that consideration should be given to having the World Championships at Santa Anita on a permanent basis." Bill Casner, Co-Owner of WinStar Farms that races Colonel John.

Chip Woolley, who said Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred/mine-that-bird/2006?source=BHonline) did not really take to the surface in his ninth-place Classic finish, said of Zenyatta’s victory: "Unbelievable. It’s a great thing they (Mosses) did for racing. The fans got to see her true greatness." Although Mine That Bird was unplaced in his two previous starts over Santa Anita’s artificial surface, Woolley said he never considered not coming to the Breeders’ Cup. "I am not a big fan of synthetics, but you need great horses to show up. This is the championship." Chip Wooley

"All in all, the consensus among the morning after crowd at Santa Anita was that the track, Breeders’ Cup, and horsemen put on a great show Nov. 6-7. And that Zenyatta should be Horse of the Year."

The Woodward is a nice G1 on a track full of history, but it is not a championship race.

Paragon

Nov. 8, 2009, 11:44 PM

Regarding Chip Woolley Jr, I just read a fine article about the ladies -- http://msn.foxsports.com/horseracing/story/10334592/Rachel-vs.-Zenyatta-in-racing%27s-Year-of-the-Girl

Chip Woolley Jr., trainer of Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, said before the Classic that Rachel Alexandra had already clinched Horse of the Year.

"She's put up eight races on eight different racetracks, beat the boys three times and beat the fillies," said Woolley, whose colt finished ninth in the Classic behind Zenyatta.

"The one thing everybody keeps forgetting, she beat the fillies with authority," he said of Rachel Alexandra. "She didn't win by a neck or a length or two lengths. She beat 'em by 20 and in a big gallop. When you look at that and you put everything together, I think she's a very deserving champion."

....

Both horses were at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby week. Rachel Alexandra won the Derby-eve Kentucky Oaks for fillies by a record 20 1/4 lengths, while Zenyatta was scratched from her scheduled race because of a muddy track.

"She could've run just the same as everybody else on the mud that day. I think everybody's forgotten about that," Woolley said. "She's picked her spots very carefully."

And regarding the "championship" sentiments, you simply can't compare horse racing to sports which have a tiered system, where only those who've won the most go on to the finals, and only the winners of the finals go on to the last game. As great a race as the BC Classic is, and as great a race that Zenyatta ran, it's just not the same... and, apart from the marketing hype and the big purse, it's not drastically different from the other races.

kcmel

Nov. 8, 2009, 11:58 PM

And regarding the "championship" sentiments, you simply can't compare horse racing to sports which have a tiered system, where only those who've won the most go on to the finals, and only the winners of the finals go on to the last game. As great a race as the BC Classic is, and as great a race that Zenyatta ran, it's just not the same... and, apart from the marketing hype and the big purse, it's not drastically different from the other races.

No, this is incorrect. It is not at all marketing hype. The Breeders Cup is well-established as the championship races. Look at the number of Elipse Awards they decide year after year. The BC classic is not just another big race.

Larksmom

Nov. 9, 2009, 12:10 AM

does anyone here know if her dam has ever been bred back to Street Cry?:lol:
[and happy b day Linny!]

VirginiaBred

Nov. 9, 2009, 07:12 AM

The Morning After: All Zenyatta, All the Time

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/53358/the-morning-after-all-zenyatta-all-the-time?utm_medium=email&uid=22A6D465-D85E-4768-A2AF-C032BAE58B8D&utm_source=DailyNewsletter&utm_campaign=20091109

cloudyandcallie

Nov. 9, 2009, 07:39 AM

Not to be picky but Rags was the first filly in 102 years to win the Belmont and she wasn't HOTY...So what does the age of the race have to do with it..
JMHO
Good point. Also a good point that the Belmont is a "classic distance" and that a filly can go that distance and beat the colts.
I still think RA did the "mostest" this year, which should give her HOTY honors. But heck, if Zenyatta wins it, it's still all good! Jess Jackson deserves all the honors for running a filly against the colts, which started this whole RA vs. Zenyatta debate. I'll have to start drinking Kendall-Jackson wines now.

DLee

Nov. 9, 2009, 08:20 AM

Not to be picky but Rags was the first filly in 102 years to win the Belmont and she wasn't HOTY...So what does the age of the race have to do with it..
JMHO

My point (and I did have one) doesn't come out nearly as clear in a post as it is in my head. :lol:

I guess in as few words as possible, ONE big win against the colts, does not equal three big wins against colts. And the older the race, the more chances a filly has to win it. And when they don't.... ah, never mind. :)

MintHillFarm

Nov. 9, 2009, 09:51 AM

Both Rachel A and Zenyatta were outstanding this year. If only there were a way to give HOTY honors to both mares.

danceronice

Nov. 9, 2009, 10:03 AM

My point (and I did have one) doesn't come out nearly as clear in a post as it is in my head. :lol:

I guess in as few words as possible, ONE big win against the colts, does not equal three big wins against colts. And the older the race, the more chances a filly has to win it. And when they don't.... ah, never mind. :)

Except (see my post in HOTY thread) Zenyatta did it at a distance she hasn't run at, against a collectively better field, with a smaller weight allowance. When she did not have to--she could have gone for the Ladies' Classic or retired undefeated.

RA's connections I think created the biggest question mark by chosing the shorter Woodward with lower-tier older males (and a big weight gift) over the Travers with a narrower weight differential and the best three-year-old males. If she had won the Travers, she'd be a lock without having to show up at Santa Anita. Plus, compare MTB's connections and their feeling about the poly with Jackson's--first, they're right, when the best in the world is coming, you show up, and second, Jackson's objections about how horrible it is for horses are, going on the BC results, really hard to back up given that's two for two now with no catastrophic breakdowns. The only scary moment at all was Quality Road's epic snitfit in the gate. If, God forbid, anything happens next year, I really think that will be it for dirt surfaces. After Barbaro and Eight Belles the sport REALLY can't afford another big public disaster.

RA's connections made some choices that left some doubt. Zenyatta got a lousy trip doing something she'd never done before and won anyway going away. My vote would be Zenyatta (especially given the horse she passed to win is probably going to be #3 for HOTY, and he was also racing outside his comfort zone.)

If you're going to argue that your horse is the greatest ever, or at least the greatest right now, you cannot make safe choices--RA's connections made safer choices than Zenyatta's. They both won big, but Zenyatta's connections put her in a position to do it where it looks a lot harder.