Horse Racing Fantasy Community

Suuure it is, just wait until Rachel's camp makes up some excuse and doesn't show.

Whoa!!! The last time I read on bloodhorse that the connections with Rachel weren't running in the Apple Blossom. I am glad that both parties came to an agreement. I can't wait until April 9th.

~~~Sharon~~~

Whoa!!! The last time I read on bloodhorse that the connections with Rachel weren't running in the Apple Blossom. I am glad that both parties came to an agreement. I can't wait until April 9th.

~~~Sharon~~~

the new word for skeptic!

But I suppose many things can happen in the two months following a gentleman's handshake. They're maybe counting on Emerson's fantasy horse transport service to be operational, and he might just not be up and running by then!

Well, if they go, I hope there are other horses going too. I've never been a fan of Match races as I've stated many times.

But considering the purse size, And the fact that it isn't essentially a match race, but rather the Apple Blossom, maybe it will draw some international talent along with the good old American fillies. Third place still ought to pay pretty well, I would think, and there might be plenty of contenders for that.

Jackson said not at Oaklawn. He said he wanted a 3 race series. No comment from the West Coast yet.
Frelance

" to the owners of Rachel and Zenyatta
there's a floating business like no other
so get your champions booked right now
Use Emersons, we show others HOW!!"

If this race eventuates I'm takin a US holiday
Any offers of a place to stay?
Promise I will behave lol

joedracer79 Well I hope that this is in fact what happens.You'd think that Racheals camp will drag this along as long as they can, these horses could get a purse like this in just about any venue as long as there both in the same race.I hope that this race happens this soon, but realalistically I 'm sure that something will stall this race if it even happens at all.The horse of the year voters are a joke and that system just doesn't work..And if this race does take place Zenyatta will show every one who should have been horse of the year.. I also think that Racheals camp knows if this horse is not short of perfectly fit they'll have no chance of holding of the monster in the stretch.Us fans who truly love and enjoy this sport deserve a race of this magnitude just hope sonner then later.

...subsequent to the Jackson's last "offer"

They moved the date back a week to get Jackson to bite so his filly could be ready. He had been balking because he didn't think she'd be ready by the 2nd of April.

Here's the link to the full story.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/55341/rachel-vs-zenyatta...

I also read the story in the latest computer addition of Thoroughbred Times. I feel that both sides will try there best to make this race a reality. I don't think it's always as easy as some might think. Gosh, we see how difficult it is for us to have our horses ready in the HRF game.
I know, if I could put myself in the shoes of, Zenyatta, or, Rachale Alexandra's connections, I'd be very caucious too and want everything to be as perfect as it could get. The same could be said for any trainer in any race. I'm talking about top trainers with top horses.

And here comes ZENYATTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA she is flying, here comes the great mare...... shes gunna get there ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh yes what a champion.................
Think i wold be a good race caller. mmmmmmmm

LMAO.....

"Play Hard but Have fun doing it"

i hope rachael alexander fully smashes zenyatta she has the blood of carbine in her on both her dam and sires side...in saying that she has pharlaps blood in her long live the red terror

Let's see, race not in California, and not on synthetic. No brainer, Raechel easily the choice.

Rachael Alexandra goes on March 13th at Fairgrounds racetrack. And, Zenyatta goes in the Santa Margarita Handicap on that same day, at Santa Anita Park, in California. Got this news at around 03:00 pm pst Friday 12 Feb. 2010

mhm,time for zenyatta to show all those ingreats who voted for rachel for HOY that she is the better horse,who CARES about pharlap,i mean he was an amazing horse,but after all these years,it won't make the slightest dif,zenyatta is pure amazing,and she is much better than rachel,and she's gonna show them what shes made of
-Bailey-

Jess Jackson is gonna find some stupid reason to pull Rachel out because he's SCARED,mhm,I'll bet anyone that that'll happen.
-Bailey-

Hmm..... Let's see....facts:
Zenyatta is a synthetic specialist BUT she has won on dirt. 'Zen makes one masive run - from the back of the pack. Most of her wins have been on the West Coast. 'Zen beat the colts once. " Home track" has it's advanages- she is a horse for the course.

Rachel has won on different surfaces. Rachel has travelled and WON at different distances,on different tracks, under different weather conditions. Rachel beat the colts 3 times.

Rachel deserved HOY, hands down. The way she dug in and powered past her competition.... All I can say is WOW ( no offense to the horse by the same name)

Not to take anything from Zenyatta- her win in the BC Classic was one for the ages. But who did she beat all year? 1 race does not a champion make.

In regards to the "Match Race". There is a lot of time between now and then. so many things can happen. The best interest of the horses is the priority of each camp. I would expect nothing less.

I have a lot of respect for Jess Jackson. He puts his horses first. Look at HOY Curlin. Mr. Jackson could have retired curlin after his 3 YO season but, for the good of the sport, he kept Curlin in training.

Same thing with Rachel. He could have put her in the breeding shed broodmare.. He chose not to. He never hinted that 'Rach would be retired at any point in her career.

As for the Moss's. They had the ducks in a row for 'Zen to go to the breeding shed. 'Zen was retired and then brought out of retirement. I think they figured they had HOY wrapped up after 'Zen's fantastic win in the Classic.

If the race happens, I'll be watching. Hopefully, they can put together a international field for the Apple Blosssom. That would be even more intrguing.

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"And down the stretch they come!...."

It will be fun to watch, if it's broadcast on a channel I get. I wish both horses well and their connections too. They are both being well looked after, and yes, their welfare is what's most important. And whichever filly loses, she's still a phenomenal horse and a champion. No shame in losing that race!

I will be there, I have a friend in Hot Springs that has a box. I've been going many years and have seen some big races at Oaklawn Park,
Oaklawn Handicap Cigar vs Silver Goblin
Oaklawn Handicap Snow Chief vs Red Attack.
Apple Blossom Zenyatta vs Ginger Punch
Arkansas Derby Barbazon Streak vs Twist The Axe etc.
I can go on.
But nothing like this one.
This one is HISTORY
Frelance

zenyattabelle did i hit a soft spot or something ?!! i never said it would make a diffence that pharlap shares the same blood line as rachael lol i just stated that i want her to kick zenyatttas ass :) relax

but since you stated that ill state that carbine blood runs thru MANY champions of the past INCLUDING johren , nearco, northern dancer , secretariat, seattle slew , ballymoss ,shergar , arkle , never say die , mr prospector ,nasrullah, the great nujinsky II, royal palace better lossen up , kingston town , sunline , makiybe diva , also mind that bird (09 kentucky derby winner on both sire and dam)...... so you think breeding makes no difference zenyattabelle? i beg to differ ...... carbines blood is in all these champions and many more in saying that pharlaps blood is in many of these LONG LIVE PHARLAP AKA THE REDTERROR AKA BIG RED (THE ORIGINAL) AKA WONDERHORSE AKA BOBBY
and dont say whocares about pharlap i do and so do many aussies hes a legend down here in australia he is the equivilant to sea biscuit gave us hope in the great depression just like sea biscuit did

so if it makes no difference and if carbine never excisted then northern dancer wouldnt of been northern dancer cause there would of been no nearco, no nogara , no catnip and no spearmint who was sired by carbine ..

also if carbine never excisted there would of been no SECRETARIAT yup thats right no SECRETARIAT cause there would of been no bold ruler ,no nasrullah , no nearco , no nogara , no catnip , no spearment if there waas no carbine ...... and of course no pharlap these great champions ( northern dancer, secretariat , nijinsky II all have pharlaps blood in them )

so a lesson for you zenyatta belle ..... BREEDING IS EVERYTHING smile :) becasue saying that it makes no difference like you said!! you pretty much stated that breeding means nothing ....i laugh at that ... enough said smile :)

zenyatta is a shit hot horse and a favourite over there in america and thats all good shes a half brother to last years melbourne cup winner( shocking ). sired by a great sire street cry my favourite sire i always punt on the streetcry horses in australia but i simply like rachael better after watching all her replays on you tube and zenyattas i simply think rachael is superior .....my opinion im entitled to that . its 11 30 here pm and i gotta go lay some bricks in 6 hours im outta here . nighty night smile :)

To say that one is "far suprior" to the other is showing disrespect for the other. IMO Gosh, they both deseve respect. If I was on a debating team, where you to pick one over the other, then change and pick the other horse, I think/know good arguments could be made for either. These are two Champion fillys.
If one of these two great horses was "far superior" to the other, wouldn't that make a Match race between them laughable? It would be like running a claiming horse against a stakes horse. JMHO

Both filly's are Champions in their own right. Statistically and factually speaking, Rachel did more than 'Zenyatta on the race track in 2009. So, she deserved HOY 2009.
The fans and connections of both horses are passionate about them. Just like any sport, horse racing has it's horse" heroes". I like to see the friendly banter between the fans of both horses.

To put it another way, What's the difference in saying the Indianapolis Colts are " far superior" to the New Orleans Saints? We all saw how that one ended in the Super Bowl. :-)
Both are professional football teams. both play on an even field. Just like 'Rachel vs 'Zenyatta....

Personally, I'm a huge fan of Rachel Alexandra. Of Zenyatta and Rachel. I think 'Rachel is the better horse . Period.
Just like in this year's Super Bowl, that's why they play the game.........

" And down the stretch they come!...."

What I can't wait to see is the excuses made by the followers of the losing horse in this one. No matter who wins or why, the rabid followers of the other one will come up with all kinds of reasons why the other's win wasn't legitimate, and their horse is actually the superior one. Their horse ran into traffic, cut herself in the gate, was bumped, the stars weren't aligned properly, etc.

It's been going on here since fall of last year, it won't change after the Apple Blossom.

the ULTIMATE FINISH to the apple blossum would be racheal getting to the front with 3f to go. 2 lengths clear, zenyatta bolting hard from farback catching racheal with 1f to go, head to head, nose to nose fight, full on brawl over the last 1f......

THEN WAMMMMMOOOOO......................DEAT HEAT........

the commentator,,, the crowd,, the veiwers worldwide would be standing and screaming.......

"Play Hard but Have fun doing it"

That would be the Ultimate finish! :-) Best part of that is there is a real shot of that happening.........

"And down the stretch they come!.."

Stop putting words in my mouth (again like zenyatta belle did) i never said far superior ...haha i said superior meaning better then the other one . seriously chiilax abit meaning of superior ...One that surpasses another in rank or quality

And i didnt say WAS superior, i said i THINK ( MY OPINION) . Crack open a stubbie or smoke a joint what ever suits your fancy and relax

nobody's mentioned this... but one thing that could affect Zen is that she is older and its proven that the older a mare gets the more likely she not run as good as she is used too.. this can affect mare's differently but mare's usually stop running before the colts do because they are programed to want to breed and not run.. Im not saying this is going to affect Zen.. but she is starting to "get up there" in age and it might be a problem... just something else to consider...

Good points, dragon............ Also, I'm uncertain how they'd handle the weight assignments. Usually heavier weights are given to the older horses.

Good points Dragon and Soundofrum. But, the trainers give fillies and mares medicine that stops them from coming into "heat"- thinking about the boys instead of racing.
The weights might be an issue as well. I think it'll be even weights, or real close, for the race. They'd do that just to level the playing field. That would make sense for a race of this magnittude.

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"And down the stretch they come!..."

<<< The weights might be an issue as well. I think it'll be even weights, or real close, for the race. They'd do that just to level the playing field. That would make sense for a race of this magnittude. >>>> Mosesismine >>> Quote ::::::::::::::::::::::::

<<< If both stars race, the Apple Blossom will be run as an invitational instead of a handicap, with other top fillies and mares invited to race against them; all runners will carry 123 pounds (55.8 kg); and the race will increase in length to 1⅛ miles (9 furlongs). If one or both do not race, the race will be run under handicap conditions with its original purse of $500,000. It remains unclear whether the distance will revert to 8.5 furlongs if either Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta does not start. >>>>> Quoting an article.

I found this article above, today. It explains the weight issue for the Apple Blossom Handicap. Soundofrum

NICE soundo...
1....... weight
1.......track
1.......chance.

only 1..... winner !!!

i read also rachel will start on ,i think the 13th march in a race at fiar grounds...... i from memory think zen will also run first prelim on 13th march or close to it.....
BOTH these ladies will be on the same pre-race stratagy with lead up work.... i think the hidden cat and mouse games have begun......

Each owner/trianer/manager will be watching the other with binoculars everywhere they go......Reading EVERY media post about the others work and planning...... 10's of thousands of jockeys worldwide BUT only 2 right now have more pressure on them then they have ever had before.... These 2 guys will be sleepless just praying they dont make a mistake in this....
IF 1 of the ladies burps the vet will be rushed in by helicopter......

ANYBODY NERVIOUS????

I just hope nobody forgets a possible boggy in the field to ruin everybodies day...........
I love big horses with loads of power...... so for me it is go ZENNNN...

"Play Hard but Have fun doing it"

slavedave and soundofrum:
After I posted my comments I read on Bloodhorse.com about the Apple Blossom - the weights issue. You are right.

I'm sure each camp will be watching for any and all news about the other camp's activities. They might even pull a fast one- exercise their horses on off hours- to try and throw off the media, fans, and the other camp. It's been done before.......a la Scretariat, Ruffian, Seabiscuit. Should be interesting either way.

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"And down the stretch they come!..."

Are you also aware that, Rachale Alexandra races at Fairgrounds racetrack on March 13 as a conditioner. Zenyatta races at Santa Anita on exact same day, March 13 ( Santa Margarita Handicap )Also as a conditoner.
This is before they meet in the Apple Blossom Handicap, which apparently, is by invitation. The weights will be the same. I think, 123 pounds, as I recall reading. If one of the two filly's defects, the conditions will change and the purse will go back to original $500,000

if they drew an 8 horse field and both ran out would the show price pay 0ver 100-1?

Well, if that actually happened, there would sure be some big figures flashing on the tote board. That's for sure. Show prices would be based on who got in the money and the amount of money wagered on them all.

joedracer79 It's hilarious to hear how people (THINK) how bloodlines inthis race matter there both proven and perhaps to of the most special horses around in a long time, whats gonna matter here is how the hell Racheal will hold off a horse like Zenyatta?This is not a match race and the better the pace the more chance Zenyatta will blow right bye all of them as she does time by time.This horse hasn't lost yet and still has nothing to lose watch for a perfect performance, anything short of perfect from Racheal will lead to a loss.

One thing to consider too is, they're both going to run on the 13th of March at different tracks. The outcomes of those two races are going to either add, or subtract who's supporting who and why.
I like/love them both, but considering everything, I'm convinced, as Joe is, that the undefeated, Zenyatta will come out on top.

joedracer79 its funny how NO ONE said the blood lines in these horses will be a factor in this horse race .. Its also funny how people obviously dont know how to comprehend what their reading, and have a nack of bringing things out of propotion ...lol some people have no clue lol,.. think before you type obviously you need to go over what you read 2 or 3 or 100 times to understand what has been said ... geeeez .... smile :)

It is interesting that some are expressing their opinion that Jess Jackson may find some excuse not to run in the Apple Blossom. Only once did he have an "excuse" and that of course was in the Classic when he chose not to run on synthetic. If it had been my decision I would have done exactly the same thing. In addition, didn't the connections of Zenyatta scratch from a race at Churchill due to an off track? Might not that be considered and "excuse"?

Gosh, if either of these horses belonged to me and I was in the situation that their connections are in, I would have the best interest of the horse in mind. I'm sure that's mostly what's going on. Even when training your horses for this game, you pick the right spots.

Rusty
if zenyatta shows up she will win she won tthe classic and destroyed the bird In the preakness rachel barely held him off. The race is by know means over Zenyatta will win if she shows upthough sry for spelling

Well, I am fortunate to be able to witness Raechel at the Fair Grounds, and she is doing great. Zenyatta better bring her game. As far as Jackson ducking, please share some of those drugs you are on with the rest of us. You dont see that man retiring his horses right after their 3 year-old careers. He lets them race for the public to enjoy. Like it used to be.

Not showing up at the biggest race at the end of the year going up against the best horses in the world at that distance is an excuse. Especially blaming it on the surface, as if no horse can win on synthetics, he didn't even attempt to try her on it. I think it was more her form at the end of the year and the competition at 10F than the synthetics that he did not show.

Jackson is a great sportsman, but it's not like he doesn't have the luxary to race these great horses past 3yo (the guy is RICH money is not a factor with him), there is a lot of money involved and the cost to insure these horses past 3yo is not worth the cost or risk. If it weren't for the money, many more great 3yos would be running on as mature older horses.

And scratching the Churchill Downs race because of the off-track is nothing, why? Zenyatta was not going up against any worthy opponents, so she had nothing to prove. And comparing that to the Breeders Cup Classic is waaay outta proportion, poor analogy. If the race Zenyatta scratched from was an allowance race would you really have used that, probably lol.

Yes, I'm aware of the races that both Zen and Rach are entered in as conditioners. And, I'm aware of the conditions of the Apple Blossom.
Thanks for reminding me.

'Rach has been off since the Haskel, I believe- over 5 months. She's been stabled at Fair Grounds and hasn't had much work outs due to the bad weather they had there.
'Zen has been off since November-roughly 2 months. That's quite a bit of time for each horse considering most thoroughbred race horses race once per month- on average.
'Zen is a 5yo mare and 'Rach is 4-filly. Both have different preferences /style of racing. Both horses are beautifully bred. Actually, I'm a big fan of Zenyatta's sire, Street Cry. Medaglia D'Oro is no slouch either.
I hope the Apple Blossom is run with a full field. No matter what happens in the race there will be nay sayers and "excuses". May the BEST horse win. Sure hope it's Rachel Alexandra. :-)
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"And down the stretch they come!.."

You're right. People tend to over look what they don't want to know... "Zen scratched out of the CD race due to an off track that day. Excuse? You bet!

BTW: I checked and Rachel has raced and won on synthetic.

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"And down the stretch they come!.."

Come on Brian, you serious? Who was in that Breeders Cup race? Weakest field in years, and on synthetic besides. Gio Ponti, a turf horse, Richards Kid ( who? ), Einstein on his way to retirement. If Quality Road doesnt act an idiot at the gate, I doubt she wins that race to begin with. You are obviously blinded by your California bias, once again.

lol did you say CA bias? Something new you've made up? As was said in the post above yours, Rachel has raced and won on synthetics before so how could you tuck tail and run from the Breeders Cup Classic?

Weakest field in years? I don't know where you get this stuff from, on the ESPN coverage of the Classic Randy Moss and Bailey were actually talking about how it was one of the strongest fields in Breeders Cup Classic history. Summer Bird, Gio Ponti, Zenyatta and that European horse that did show run a good race, it was a very strong field. How many Grade 1 winners were in that field? A lot.

IMO, Rachel would not have placed if she ran in the Classic that year at that distance, that's why they did not show. And with the way Quality Road ran in the Donn Handicap, I don't see Rachel nor Zenyatta beating him when they face.

"The Classic field is one of the deepest in the 26-year history of the Breeders' Cup. Zenyatta is the top-ranked female in the country. Rip Van Winkle is widely regarded as the second-best horse in Europe. Gio Ponti is the best turf horse in this country. Summer Bird is the nation's leading 3-year-old colt.

The field features the winners this year of the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, Travers, Jockey Club Gold Cup, Santa Anita Handicap, Arlington Million, Pacific Classic, Florida Derby, Super Derby, Hawthorne Gold Cup, and three Group 1 races in Europe."

Yeah, I'm the biased one. racodo stop embarrassing yourself.