BLAME!

[Dance Fly]

Wow, those of you that said he was good, hat's off to you! He ran to perfection.

[FlowerEssence]

Bummed about Zen, but I've liked and had respect for Blame all along. Anyone know what the heck happened to QR?? I suspected he might be short, but it was like he hit a wall.

[CoronadosQuest]

Blame was all heart out there, he did NOT want to get beat. Did you see how he sped up when he saw Z coming at him. He was not going to get beat today. Didn't even let Z get by him in the gallop out. Fantastic effort by a fantastic horse!

[second_glance]

Bummed about Zen, but I've liked and had respect for Blame all along. Anyone know what the heck happened to QR?? I suspected he might be short, but it was like he hit a wall.

I'm wondering too. Chart says he stopped after 6F, and that's not him.

[second_glance]

Blame was all heart out there, he did NOT want to get beat. Did you see how he sped up when he saw Z coming at him. He was not going to get beat today. Didn't even let Z get by him in the gallop out. Fantastic effort by a fantastic horse!

Kudos to Gomez too; he was not 100% physically.

[Ty88]

Congrats to jock and rider, they performed like champs when it counted. :)

[Matt Converse]

I'm so happy with Blame, he really ran well. Plus, he helped add some more to a nice day with a daily double at the end of the day with Dangerous Midge. Really didn't expect to hit that bet but already had Zenyatta covered in the pic3 & 4.

[Allspice]

He ran really well, just like I thought he would. It was a great race all the way around. Except for Quality Road. Not a clue what happened to him.

[Dave in TJMex]

Give full credit to both Z and Blame.

The two best older horses in America this year, and they battled right to the wire.

Maybe QR caught whatever "illness" Life At Ten had. Wow, he went from third to last in about 100 yards on the far turn.

[Brooklyn Cowgirl]

Disappointed Zen didn't get her 20th but if she had to get beat I'm glad it was Blame.

Hmmm if they're both retired this year maybe get them back togeher for a little romantic interlude. Could get some hell of a hard knocking race horse out of that match.

[second_glance]

Give full credit to both Z and Blame.

The two best older horses in America this year, and they battled right to the wire.

Maybe QR caught whatever "illness" Life At Ten had. Wow, he went from third to last in about 100 yards on the far turn.

Yeah, maybe they should have that batch of Lasix tested.

[GreenasGrass]

Yeah, maybe they should have that batch of Lasix tested.
I wondered what happened to him, but how can a batch of lasix only affect one barn?

[Into_the_Mystic]

I know he saved my a$$ today :becky:


Great race to cap off a really bizarre Breeder's Cup.

[reverberate]

if zenyatta wasn't going to win i wanted blame to win. the comments seth made sound harsh but he's right i can't argue with that.id like to see zenyatta get it but its a longshot:sad:. the main reason why i think seth hancock said it was that he owns claiborne farm andthat id blame gets horse of the year blame could easily have a $100,000. but great race by both. Zenyatta thanks for the thrills!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[islandgirl45]

Give full credit to both Z and Blame.

The two best older horses in America this year, and they battled right to the wire.

Maybe QR caught whatever "illness" Life At Ten had. Wow, he went from third to last in about 100 yards on the far turn.

I think he's just not a 1-1/4 mile horse. Equibase results chart said "Quality Road close up along the inside, moved off the rail on the second turn and stopped after six furlongs."

In fact, he backed up so quickly Mike Smith said he had to "tap the brakes" as Zenyatta was moving up to and she had to angle out to avoid him. He said that cost her at least one jump, which would have made the difference in the race, as it turned out.

All the front-running horses faded badly..First Dude, Espoir City, Haynesfield and QR.

[the Ol'Line Rebel]

I put QR as my pick due to strict "computation", but I had misgivings. Mostly because I'd read the workout report in the DRF which said he didn't look good, and also I think someone mentioned it either in this broadcast, or maybe it was 1 of the workout shows this past week. Also, I was reluctant because of Blame's victory over QR recently.

So, bottom line, several sources said he wasn't training well this week.

[Flanders]

Hmmm if they're both retired this year maybe get them back togeher for a little romantic interlude. Could get some hell of a hard knocking race horse out of that match.
The foal would be pretty inbred, but it would be interesting, because the inbreeding is sex-balanced.
Blame is by Arch, a son of Kris S. out of Liable, by Seeking The Gold(by Mr. Prospector).
Zenyatta is by Street Cry(by Machiavellian(by Mr. Prospector) out of Vertigineux, by Kris S.

Hypo foal Blame - Zenyatta (http://www.equineline.com/Free-5X-Pedigree.cfm?page_state=ORDER_AND_CONFIRM&sire_reference_number=7762628&dam_reference_number=7156465&color=+&sex=+&hypo_foaling_year=&breeder=&nicking_stats_indicator=Y&x=20&y=12)

[violabella]

I was about as close to Quality Road in his saddling stall as the general public can get and he was WIRED before they even put a saddle on him. When I went back to my seat I told my friends "he'll either win for fun or finish way up the track".

Zenyatta...wow. She was much the best in the race. But Blame is one helluva racehorse and did NOT want to get beat. I'd have to give HOTY to Blame based on his accomplishments this year but, like last year, I think Zenyatta is the better horse. Ah well...that's what happens when you go all in for one race. (By the way, I had my souvenir Zenyatta ticket but couldn't shake that Blame was going to run huge. Had him across the board...kind of hurt to cash it....)

[Diver52]

Blame will deserve HOTY, but a $100,000 stud fee? $25,000 will be more likely; his pedigree isn't fashionable and he has no speed. I'd pass if I were a commercial breeder even at the lower figure. I think they're retiring him because they don't want Z to come after him next year! :evil:

[The Tin Man]

Blame will deserve HOTY, but a $100,000 stud fee? $25,000 will be more likely; his pedigree isn't fashionable and he has no speed. I'd pass if I were a commercial breeder even at the lower figure. I think they're retiring him because they don't want Z to come after him next year! :evil:

If they did ... Hopefully they wouldn't be spotting him a dozen lengths again. I would have kept her within 3 or 4 of him at ALL times.

[Diver52]

Yes, that was my imagining--but Z just wasn't on board with the program. I don't think Mike could have got her settled and comfortable any sooner. And that cost her the race--but not her place in my esteem!

[RHIOT]

YES!!!! Blame was not getting beat, watch the gallop out, he NEVER let Zenyatta get by him and was pulling to keep going, I also was so happy for Garrett , he took the spill and had the best Cup of any Jock, all I can say is Thank God Pegram that you had Martin Garcia, that way Garrett wasn't on him watching someone else on Blame knock him aside to win!! Eat crap Baffert!!! :target::) :evil:

[Flanders]

I really like his pedigree. He wasn't precocious but that doesn't mean he can't sire precocious horses, if bred to the right mares. The thing is, Claiborne doesn't shuttle their stallions and they limit the amount of mares that can be bred to them, so they could set his fee at what they want. I don't think it will be too high though. They seem pretty good about that.

[The Tin Man]

YES!!!! Blame was not getting beat, watch the gallop out, he NEVER let Zenyatta get by him and was pulling to keep going, I also was so happy for Garrett , he took the spill and had the best Cup of any Jock, all I can say is Thank God Pegram that you had Martin Garcia, that way Garrett wasn't on him watching someone else on Blame knock him aside to win!! Eat crap Baffert!!! :target::) :evil:

You need to watch the race again ... 1st stride past the wire she head bobs him ... 2nd stride she's past him ... Then she pulls up and he passes. Sorry.

Congrats are due to Blame though ... I thought he was top calibre and won a cover trifecta with him ... But he maybe even a little better than I thought.

Too bad he's not running next year ... I wouldn't mind a rematch with Zenny tracking him from a much closer distance.

[Apollo]

Now I know how all the Triple Crown rooters felt from the '80s through today. Deflated doesn't begin to describe it. I can't believe Jerry Bailey immediately asked Smith how he felt after the race. A little bit devastated, no kidding. Ask him something about the race, or better yet leave him alone until Gomez had been interviewed.

I thought that outcome was the difference between Zenyatta at 6 instead of 5 or 4. Not quite as explosive. A stride that seemed an inch or two shorter all year. Darn shame her legend was at stake when she's not at her absolute peak.

If she'd faced this field last year, and last year's field this year, 2-0.

Initially I thought Zenyatta flattened out. But after reviewing and pausing the replay many times, she gained a consistent amount on Blame throughout the final 200 yards, easily evaluated since ESPN planted those graphics on-screen.

I'm thrilled Smith got her clear and with a chance. My long held dread was traffic problems and a botched ride, ending with Zenyatta clearly flying past the winner a stride or two past the wire. As someone else posted, that was not the case. Zenyatta drew almost even -- perhaps totally even -- but never appeared to pass Blame beyond the wire. Of course, that's not always representative of what would have unfolded if the race indeed were longer.

I don't fault Smith. Zenyatta was choppy and uncomfortable early. Once she settled, maybe he should have hugged the fence for the bulk of the race until deciphering the final move, as Borel would have.

But he found the reasonable path, given that deficit, and I thought he did a great job encouraging Zenyatta inward once she cleared. It appeared Zenyatta wanted to angle further outside but Smith knew there wasn't margin for that.

Denman's call anticipated Zenyatta would get up. He wanted that moment. Nothing was out of the ordinary other than the caliber of the leader. Take Blame from the race and she roars past Lookin at Lucky identical to last year's scenario. In fact, I was shocked how similar the two races evolved from the top of the stretch forward.

Zenyatta had to be stunned she wasn't gobbling up a length every 25 yards, per norm. This time it was more like 1/2 length apiece from 100 yards out to 50, and 50 to the wire. Not quite enough.

Sigh. I'm not sure where I would slot Zenyatta in relation to Ruffian. I think that's where this defeat sends us. Tough call. Ruffian would always own the tactical edge. I'm sure I'll never see a one-dimensional deep closer who is Zenyatta's equal, from either gender.

And if it had to be someone in that ongoing morning nightmare for Zenyatta's connections, I'm glad it was Blame and not Quality Road, the stiff.

[sweettalk]

sry but I saw what Tin Man saw; she did pass him after the wire before pulling up and that's when he passed her again. i was there at the track, and ten more feet of race would of seen a different outcome. if anyone else had to win, i'm glad it was Blame. Big Claiborne fan here.

[Harrison Bergeron]

He ran really well, just like I thought he would. It was a great race all the way around. Except for Quality Road. Not a clue what happened to him.

The Draynay curse.

[PJMIII]

Hat's off to Blame and his connections. He ran a great race. Gomez gave him the perfect trip.

[halo]

He ran like he was possessed. What a great training job to have him ready for that effort.

[Spahny]

I thought it was a two horse race. In my pick 4 and pick 6 I singled the wrong super mare. I left him off and it cost me, but it wasn't from lack of respect. Mikey couldn't afford to let Blame get a jump on him and that's what happened. Blame deserves the spotlight. Zenyatta's trip wasn't the only thing that beat her yesterday. Blame's heart kicked in when she got along side. A normal good horse would not have held her off.

Congratulations to Al Stall. He seems like a good guy and he's worked hard for this.

It is too bad that they are retiring this guy.

[seahawkgal]

The foal would be pretty inbred, but it would be interesting, because the inbreeding is sex-balanced.
Blame is by Arch, a son of Kris S. out of Liable, by Seeking The Gold(by Mr. Prospector).
Zenyatta is by Street Cry(by Machiavellian(by Mr. Prospector) out of Vertigineux, by Kris S.

Hypo foal Blame - Zenyatta (http://www.equineline.com/Free-5X-Pedigree.cfm?page_state=ORDER_AND_CONFIRM&sire_reference_number=7762628&dam_reference_number=7156465&color=+&sex=+&hypo_foaling_year=&breeder=&nicking_stats_indicator=Y&x=20&y=12)

It's a GREAT match!!!!

[reverberate]

It's a GREAT match!!!!
take a look at it when shes bred to ciants causeway that was a good nick

[dustino140]

I've got to give Blame the kudos of the day. What a spectacular animal. The way some people are talking, you'd think that Blame was the Volponi of this year's field, and only won the race because he was given a head-start.

This is a horse that, without question, deserved to win yesterday. Unquestionably deserved it. He allowed Gomez to put him in the perfect position where he felt that he was close enough to move at the leaders on command, but also was holding closers at bay. He didn't freak out when dirt hit his face, and when Gomez told him to go, he went. He didn't have to rely on hoping that somebody wouldn't back up into him, or that somebody would cut him off, or anything like that - because he made his own trip by being a perfectly calm, and malleable competitor. He went where Gomez wanted him to. He didn't need luck, because he made his own. And when it looked like he was going to get passed at the 100 yard mark, he dug deeper. And at the 50 yard mark, he dug deeper. And two strides out from the wire, with one of the greatest racehorses ever just to his outside and closing like a flash, he found just enough to get himself to that wire in front.

Unfortunately for Blame, he'll always be regarded as the Birdstone to Zenyatta's Smarty Jones. And honestly, I can understand why that's the case, but he deserves better than that. It's not as if she lost to a bad horse - she lost to a spectacular horse, and labeling him as anything less denigrates what she did. She had a great career, a spectacular career, but on Saturday night, we witnessed two incredible thoroughbreds battle tooth and nail to the wire. And he got there first. There's no way I can fault him for anything, and I feel bad that he wasn't born a year later, because maybe then he wouldn't be the brunt of disgruntlement from people who wanted to see a different result.

My hat's off to Blame, though. He did everything asked of him, and when the real running counted, he dug deep and found a few inches more than she could. What a horse race. I'll never forget it.

[jenn52318]

It was impressive, and yes if she had been closer at the beginning or not had to go around QR maybe she would have gotten up, but I am not sure Blame would have let her, he was hanging on for dear life and was not going to let her get by. So I am not sure she would have gotten by him, he was not backing up and the wire came up too fast. Not to take anything away from Z, just saying she finally came up against a horse that was not going to let her by something she had not really had to fight for.

[second_glance]

Being reported by several on FB that Blame's BSF is 111.

[PJMIII]

I'll have to go back and watch the replay. During the race I was focussed on Zenyatta and not really really paying much attention to the other horses. But he sure was tough in the stretch.

[wooley85]

Blame will deserve HOTY, but a $100,000 stud fee? $25,000 will be more likely; his pedigree isn't fashionable and he has no speed. I'd pass if I were a commercial breeder even at the lower figure. I think they're retiring him because they don't want Z to come after him next year! :evil:

My favorite joke.."he doesn't have a 'fashionable' pedigree....only a pedigree that "money can't buy"...I guess that is unfashionable according to you:lock1:buy hey...who wants to breed to a race horse like Blame...a "beauty queen" with a "fashionable pedigree" is what the market demands:deadhorse: