Zenyatta News

[JT Dancer]

http://i594.photobucket.com/albums/tt24/Ezariah7/Zenyatta/ZenyattaJune15th-2a.jpg


Such a beautiful shot. Thanks for walking over and checking on her yesterday to ease everyone's worries.

[PJMIII]

thanks for the pics julie, they are beautiful. wish i had been there too!!!!!

Ditto from me.

[BornToWin]

http://i594.photobucket.com/albums/tt24/Ezariah7/Zenyatta/ZenyattaJune15th-2a.jpg


Such a beautiful shot. Thanks for walking over and checking on her yesterday to ease everyone's worries.


Beautiful. Purely beautiful.

[carbonite]

Assuming she goes to the Apple Blossom (and, as HR points out, it would really be stabbing Cella in the back if both parties duck the race, at this point), will she get the walkover?

Without Rachel, the race is a half million at level weight, with non-G1 winners getting 3 pounds, and non GSW getting 6 pounds. Is there any filly in the country who wants that action? That would be a 9 pound swing in Zenyatta's favor for her most recent runner-up; Zardana would drop three pounds off her most recent win, only to watch Zenyatta drop four.

[JT Dancer]

Assuming she goes to the Apple Blossom (and, as HR points out, it would really be stabbing Cella in the back if both parties duck the race, at this point), will she get the walkover?

Without Rachel, the race is a half million at level weight. Is there any filly in the country who wants that action?


I think there will be takers; I'm sure many will question whether she will be as good on dirt (despite the win two years ago). There are always connections happy to have a second or third in a graded race, so I am sure there will be at least four to five others in the starting gate.

[GinTalking]

Zetcher doesn't strike me as a guy who is afraid of competing.

Very nice shots, Ez ...

and very happy to see 'the Man' looking happy. You know I'm a big fan!! :wink:

[carbonite]

But if you wait 3 weeks, you have a shot at the La Troienne for $400K. Wouldn't Zardana--and most fillies--see that as an easier spot than receiving 3lbs from Zenyatta?

[GinTalking]

Oaklawn is nice in April. Louisville isn't always quite so pleasant in May. Plus, Churchill is a track some horses don't take to. Oaklawn has always been a track that everyone seems to fit ... particularly those shipping in from California, but also East Coasters too. It's probably the easiest to adapt to with a better chance of good weather.

There's something about the day before the Derby and the day before the Preakness .... both days often have incredibly poor weather for some reason.

[Rick1323]

Oaklawn is nice in April. Louisville isn't always quite so pleasant in May. Plus, Churchill is a track some horses don't take to. Oaklawn has always been a track that everyone seems to fit ... particularly those shipping in from California, but also East Coasters too. It's probably the easiest to adapt to with a better chance of good weather.

There's something about the day before the Derby and the day before the Preakness .... both days often have incredibly poor weather for some reason.


Yup to everything you said. Churchill is a track some hate while Oaklawn may be the most "neutral" track in the country.

[carbonite]

I haven't really been watching Oaklawn this year, but over the years it has had some remarkably quirky surfaces. Because of the weather extremes it sometimes goes through, it can undergo some changes. Though I believe that they had a pretty mild winter this year.

[Noble]

http://www.horseraceinsider.com/blog.php/west-coast-wash/03162010-post-zenyatta-day-at-santa-anita/


Post-Zenyatta Day at Santa Anita

ARCADIA, Calif., March 16, 2010--The day after Zenyatta won for the 15th straight time, Santa Anita still couldn't get enough of her. Ron Charles, who runs the joint when Frank Stronach isn't around, played the part of Janus. Looking backward, he was thankful that Zenyatta had single-handedly accounted for that rare day, a big crowd with betting inclinations. But then Charles looked ahead, and didn't necessarily like what he saw. "That might be the last time we see her at Santa Anita," he said gloomily. The dropoff for turnstile draws in racing is precipitous.

Allen Gutterman, Santa Anita's marketing chief, went into denial before our very eyes. "You sure?" he said to Charles. "She's got to run in the Zenyatta Stakes, doesn't she?" In a weak, knee-jerk moment, the Oak Tree people, who lease Santa Anita for a fall meet, renamed their best stake for fillies and mares late last year. After running the race 17 times as the Lady's Secret Stakes, they figured it was time for a change. Gene Klein, wherever he is, didn't get a vote.

"I don't think she'll make the Zenyatta," said Charles, which almost sounded like double-talk. "I think they want to race her in places she hasn't been before, to give the rest of the country a chance to see her. My guess is that she won't have a Santa Anita prep for the Breeders' Cup this time, especially with the Breeders' Cup at Churchill Downs."

Leaving Charles and Gutterman, my wife Pat and I sat down at a table on the glass in the FrontRunner restaurant. We were surrounded by jockeys, present and past. Don Pierce was on one side, and on the other side of Pierce were Eddie Delahoussaye, Ray York and Alex Maese. Behind me was Calvin Borel, who wasn't there to explain away Rachel Alexandra's defeat at the Fair Grounds the day before, but to pick up the trophy for winning the George Woolf Award.

Maese, who's 80, was the oldest Woolf winner in attendance. Tanned and trim, perfectly straight, he looks great. "Pete Moreno is older than me, but he's not here today," Maese said.

York is 77, and to show you how he's slowing down, he and his good friend, who goes by Michael but I find that hard to believe, were flying to London the next day. Every time I see York, I ask him for his business card, because it comes with a winner's circle snap of Determine, winner of the 1954 Kentucky Derby. The only other jockey I know who carries cards with his Kentucky Derby winner on them is Bobby Ussery. There are shots of Proud Clarion and Dancer's Image on Ussery's card. When I remind him that Dancer's Image was disqualified, Ussery says, "Yeah, but he still crossed the line in front."

York is a fount of stories from yore, and while his recounting of the night he tangled with 240-pound Les Richter of the Los Angeles Rams wasn't bad, I still liked best the story his friend Michael told about Johnny Longden. She was at Longden's barn one morning when they were talking about winner's circle pictures and photo finishes.

"If you want to see my favorite picture, come inside," Longden said.

In the stable office, Longden opened a drawer and produced his body X-ray.

If Borel was glum about Rachel Alexandra's defeat, it didn't show. In so many words, he said that with different instructions he might have had a better chance, and how that will fly with Steve Asmussen, the filly's trainer, we'll have to wait and see. Borel came to Santa Anita with his brother, the trainer Cecil Borel; his agent of almost 25 years, Jerry Hissam; and Lisa Funk, who some say has been his fiancee for almost as long. In the winner's circle, Borel, near tears, accepted the Woolf trophy and made a short speech. He always thanks his deceased parents and he didn't forget this time.

After the races, Santa Anita threw a party for Borel and the other Woolf winners at The Derby, the restaurant Woolf used to own. Mike Smith came in, and sat at the same table as Borel. Getting the jockey of Zenyatta and the rider of Rachel Alexandra in one another's company was a photo op that wasn't wasted. "Calvin is the hardest-working jockey in the country," Smith said. They both signed those trading cards--cards to promote a race that won't happen--put out by the Hot Springs Convention Bureau.

The trainer Bruce Headley, who saddled his first winner at Santa Anita in the 1950s, was there, and I asked him if Zenyatta was the best filly or mare he'd ever seen.

"I would have Two Lea number one and Zenyatta number two," Headley said. Interesting. Two Lea was part of the super era at Calumet Farm, when they seemed to have a champion in every stall. In a couple of respected polls, by the Blood-Horse in 1999 and the old Thoroughbred Racing Action a decade before, Two Lea was 77th in one and didn't even make the first 100 in another. She had a tendency to get swallowed up by tub-thumping for Citation, Coaltown, Bewitched, Armed, Hill Gail, Wistful and A Gleam, all part of the Calumet assembly line.

"When Two Lea ran against the colts from her own stable, Calumet wanted to make sure the colts won," Headley said.

Two Lea won the Hollywood Gold Cup in 1952, giving 13 pounds to the second-place horse, and two years before she might have been best in the Santa Anita Maturity, now known as the Strub. That was the only day Eddie Arcaro rode her. Turning for home, Arcaro had his filly in front, but he gave her only token encouragement through the stretch as Ponder, the 1949 Kentucky Derby winner, and Steve Brooks went on by. Two Lea was still only beaten by a length, and knowing Arcaro, he probably asked someone to cut his heart out afterwards.

Written by Bill Christine

I agree with Ron Charles as it might be the final time Santa Anita sees her race there. Maybe another farewell parade, but no race. There is still the Hollywood Park meet, her real hometrack where she trains on. The Hollywood Gold Cup might be her final race in Cali. Pretty sure no Del Mar. Their homestretch is just way too short.

If the 2010 Santa Margarita was going to be the last time Santa Anita gets to see her racing live, what a way to end it! On top with an undefeated 6 for 6 record at The Great Race Place.

Hollywood - 6 for 6
Santa Anita - 6 for 6
Del Mar - 2 for 2
Oaklawn - 1 for 1

Going to miss her, but hoping Jerry and Ann share her more with the East this year! Forget this East vs West rivalry. Who really cares except negative people who love to argue and hate? Enjoy them all and have a great time doing so!

[ManOTaz]

Noble:

That is what I have been saying. This year they will truly campaign her....mostly in East where the East coast writers can witness her efforts first hand...

[JT Dancer]

Noble:

That is what I have been saying. This year they will truly campaign her....mostly in East where the East coast writers can witness her efforts first hand...


...And see what they have been missing for the last three years. Seriously, I have known how special she was just from viewing her on t.v. for her previous 14 races, but to see her in the flesh on Saturday. She is a monster in the best sense of the word; she's gorgeous, built like no other horse I have seen, knows she is all that and a bag of chips. It doesn't come across on television; you need to experience seeing her live and in the flesh.

I hope all of you on the east coast who haven't had that opportunity get it this year because it is something special.

[Codysmom55]

Noble:

That is what I have been saying. This year they will truly campaign her....mostly in East where the East coast writers can witness her efforts first hand...


MOT,

Where ever the Z team sends her, it won't be for the writers. They couldn't care less about those people. It will be for her fans to see her and if she makes new fans along the way, fine.

[ManOTaz]

Noble:

That is what I have been saying. This year they will truly campaign her....mostly in East where the East coast writers can witness her efforts first hand...


...And see what they have been missing for the last three years. Seriously, I have known how special she was just from viewing her on t.v. for her previous 14 races, but to see her in the flesh on Saturday. She is a monster in the best sense of the word; she's gorgeous, built like no other horse I have seen, knows she is all that and a bag of chips. It doesn't come across on television; you need to experience seeing her live and in the flesh.

I hope all of you on the east coast who haven't had that opportunity get it this year because it is something special.


Exactly...and see what I have been missing for three years hopefully...though I know she is special from seeing her on TV there is nothing like seeing a horse in person...and there is nothing like the excitement of being track side...

I want that experience.... :grin:





Noble:

That is what I have been saying. This year they will truly campaign her....mostly in East where the East coast writers can witness her efforts first hand...


MOT,

Where ever the Z team sends her, it won't be for the writers. They couldn't care less about those people. It will be for her fans to see her and if she makes new fans along the way, fine.


Do they want to win HOTY?

You know they do...that is clear as day. The Mosses are waging a Horse of the Year campaign this year -- something that they did not do effectively last year.

I hope she races at both Saratoga and Belmont...with two of her races likely at Churchill...this leaves only two other races for her in a six race season...so perhaps it will be the Beldame and the Whitney or Woodward. I do not believe she will try 10 furlongs before the BC Classic like she did last year.

Will they do what they believe is in the best interests of their horse?

Of course they will.

But they also will showcase their mare in places she has never raced before to further demonstrate her versatility. Whether intentionally, or unintentionally this will get her before writers and other voters who have yet to see her race....and understand just how impressive she is...

[Noble]

Agreed with JT Dancer.

I remember so many people standing and waiting before she was heading out to the receiving barn. A guy randomly asked, "That's Zenyatta right there?" Another lady answered, "Yup, that's her. Can't miss her. She towers over every horse."

Standing 150 feet away and no saddle cloth, you instantly KNOW that's her. From her blaze and her sheer size.

Her physique is one of the best I have ever seen for a racehorse, male or female. She's a beast.

Thanks, Kris S. RIP. You helped passed on those genes to Rock and Zennie.

If the BC was NOT held in Santa Anita for two years, Zenyatta's 2010 might be what 2008 & 2009 could have been. A few times shipping outside CA. It's just that the BC was held on synthetics for the last two years, so what was the point for them to ship out?

MoT, hope you get to Zennie out in NY. You are going to enjoy her, buddy! Like comparing a rock concert on TV vs live. It just doesn't feel the same way unless you are there hearing the crowd reaction and the jumping and screaming.

I wear a I <3 NY shirt alot, so NYC is like my 3rd home in the States behind SoCal and Vegas. I know Manhattan better than anyone in my family. I am rooting for NY to lure Z over there. My fav race is the '73 Belmont. One of the reasons why was because of the crowd's reaction to it. I want the female "Secretariat" of MY generation to get the same applause. She won't win by much compared to Sec's 31, but the roar from the crowd could be just as loud. A one-time appearance by 6YO mare to make-up all those shattered dreams on Belmont Stakes day. I remember being at Belmont once in May of 2005. I want to see a picture of Zenyatta up there if she wins and races there. Santa Anita still honors Spectacular Bid when he wintered out here and he really was an East Coast horse. But we still love The Bid out here.

Zenyatta doesn't need to be more popular in NY than Rachel. *shrugs* All I ask is for Zenyatta to get her due out there from the crowd. After over two years and being undefeated, she's earned it...

[SecretariatForever]

I do not believe she will try 10 furlongs before the BC Classic like she did last year.


she didn't try 10F before the Classic last year. :wink:

[JT Dancer]

I remember so many people standing and waiting before she was heading out to the receiving barn. A guy randomly asked, "That's Zenyatta right there?" Another lady answered, "Yup, that's her. Can't miss her. She towers over every horse."

Standing 150 feet away and no saddle cloth, you instantly KNOW that's her. From her blaze and her sheer size.

The first time I saw her was on Friday when she schooled in the paddock, I was over on the other side of the saddling paddock divide, about 100 feet away and all of a sudden I just knew she was over there. She is a magnet-you just can't miss her; I have never seen a horse with more "X" factor. Zenyatta is the only creature who has ever left me star-struck.

[ManOTaz]

I do not believe she will try 10 furlongs before the BC Classic like she did last year.


she didn't try 10F before the Classic last year. :wink:


Right...like I said...I do not believe she will try 10 furlongs before the BC Classic like she did last year...sorry for the ambiguity... :cool:

[SecretariatForever]

there's a photo up on Zen's fanpage of her as a youngster!

[Bean]

Where? Link?

[Ezariah]

Zetcher doesn't strike me as a guy who is afraid of competing.

Very nice shots, Ez ...

and very happy to see 'the Man' looking happy. You know I'm a big fan!! :wink:


Thanks Gin! I do know that and hopefully when you get out here next time you can go visit him. The guy holding him in the photo is the one who rides him now. I know his name, but did not ask how to spell it, so I'm not going to attempt it. lol He loves him though, and truly feels honored that he was chosen as the one to teach him how to be a pony. Lava is still learning, but he's coming along very well and is adjusting to his new life. If anyone is wondering why Leandro doesn't ride him, it's cause Lava is Leandro's hero and he could never get after him if he were to need it.

[Blue Jeans]

Ezariah, love the pics! You've made a lot of folks very happy. :smiley:

[Ezariah]

Such a beautiful shot. Thanks for walking over and checking on her yesterday to ease everyone's worries.


Thanks and you're welcome, but it certainly wasn't an inconvience. I just wish I had left when you first sent me the text so I could have got pics of Life is Sweet while she was outside. At that moment I was watching Jimmy change the shoes on Mystical Plan and they were using some new technology to assist them. It was quite interesting to watch.

I wish you could have made it down too Dr John H. I know you would have enjoyed seeing Miss Z, as well as visiting Lava Man.

[Ezariah]

Ezariah, love the pics! You've made a lot of folks very happy. :smiley:


Thanks BJ! I'll post more of Z, LIS and Lava Man, but I'll put them over in the photo section so as not to take up large amounts of space in this thread.

[Psychotic Parakeet]

Thanks for the pics.

I hope those that have tickets for the Apple Blossom are still going to go because she is truly a sight to behold. She has such a presence and an aura about her.

[Blue Jeans]

Where? Link?


If you mean where's Z's baby pic, Moonwalker posted the pic here .... in one of the many "Z" threads just the other day. I'm still looking for it, but it's here! :azn:

[SecretariatForever]

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4803445&op=2&o=global&view=global&su bj=67035090018&id=685892428


http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs053.snc3/14129_389248712428_685892428_4803445_7645318_n.jpg

[Bean]

My what a big and lovely girl she was

[Hermes Redux]

Per DRF, she jogged on training track today and is fine, not even a nick from the race per JS. And still on target for AB.

[Portofogo]

New JS video up ...March 15...Zen and Life is Sweet. Check out Zenyatta's head shot at the very end. Talk about the look of eagles!
mar15training (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PrdLMKYi1U#ws)

[msasl]

and another new video up:

mar18training (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmllcoFCVUQ#ws)

[terpsichorist]

What a nice treat these clips are , thanks !

[Cantant]

Posted this in the Rachel thread, here again just as a naive question:



Exactly who could even compete with her anywhere?

Maybe im naive. But as a foreigner, i dont understand why not even think about letting her race in Europe or any other foreign country. Just as a theory. Arent synthetics similar to turf? Zenyatta, a champion as she is, wont probably bothered with a different ground as long as she have fun catching the horses in front of her.
To be regarded as one of the greatest or probably the greatest ever one has to take the risk to travel und conquer unknown surfaces and countries - in my opinion, at least. But i can understand that it is a difficult task for american horses because of the differencies in racestyle and ground (only dubai provides a lucrative target at the moment), still...it is a pity. Some years ago (60's, for example Sea Birds Arc) it was common for american horses to contest in the Arc.

Forgive me if i sound naive and one sided, just my view though.

[ElPrado]

I think it's a difference in training style. American horses are stabled at the track, for the most part. Euro horses have home stable yards and ship to individual races. They are far more used to this from a young age. American trainers tend to make a big deal out of it. Horses are creatures of habit. If they are used to shipping all over, it doesn't upset them. Changing the routine of a horse puts it at a disadvantage.

[Alex]

Maybe im naive. But as a foreigner, i dont understand why not even think about letting her race in Europe or any other foreign country. Just as a theory. Arent synthetics similar to turf? Zenyatta, a champion as she is, wont probably bothered with a different ground as long as she have fun catching the horses in front of her.


I totally agree. I would love to see her try turf, although if that ended up preventing her from meeting up with Quality Road, Rachel Alexandra, and any top three year olds that emerge, that would be a tough choice. But she certainly seems to have a running style that would be well suite to turf.

[JT Dancer]

Shirreff's youtube channel is so fun; I love the opportunity to glance into his barn and see a glimpse of the inner workings. You can hear in his voice how much he enjoys his job, and the horses all look happy and his staff seems happy. I thought the feed time video was really cute.

Poor Isabel-I hope she will be able to visit LIS at some point after LIS is settled into farm life. I am sure the whole barn will miss her dearly.

[BornToWin]

New JS video up ...March 15...Zen and Life is Sweet. Check out Zenyatta's head shot at the very end. Talk about the look of eagles!
mar15training (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PrdLMKYi1U#ws)


They are a treat. Life Is Sweet is a real beauty, isn't she? She has a look of her sire only more refined. And Zenyatta....what can one say that hasn't been said. She is a picture of power and strength. Where the others on lead dropped their heads to graze, she was watchful and alert. Nothing moved that she didn't note.

Zardana looked great too, especially after her long trip.

Thanks for sharing the videos and the baby pictures of Zenyatta.

[Miss Woodford]

I love this video! An "interview" with Zenyatta in her stall. What a ham!
Zenyatta - the interview (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A4MLmmJYNc#ws)

[littlelate]

She really is too; she loves people and glows with attention. When I visited her I took one picture and had her undivided attention once she heard it; posing and looking at us like a true diva.

[Came Home]

Rachel slayer hahahhahahahh :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[ManOTaz]

Rachel slayer hahahhahahahh :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:


Without actually racing against her?

Isn't that kind of like saying Rachel "beat Zenyatta" last year for HOTY even though they never faced each other? :wink:

And Miss Woodford that video is great!!!! :azn:

[personalensign79]

Rachel slayer hahahhahahahh :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:


Without actually racing against her?

Isn't that kind of like saying Rachel "beat Zenyatta" last year for HOTY even though they never faced each other? :wink:

And Miss Woodford that video is great!!!! :azn:


No, it is what Larry calls Zardana in the video.

[ManOTaz]

Rachel slayer hahahhahahahh :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:


Without actually racing against her?

Isn't that kind of like saying Rachel "beat Zenyatta" last year for HOTY even though they never faced each other? :wink:

And Miss Woodford that video is great!!!! :azn:


No, it is what Larry calls Zardana in the video.


Oh, must have missed that part...selective hearing and all... :laugh:

[Noble]

I really enjoyed that vid. Nice commentary by Larry. One of the reasons why I am drawn to Zenyatta is not only her looks and talent, but her personality. Unique. It's the #1 reason why I love Free House so much. Personality can go a long way with me. Once you finally meet these horses in person, opinions can change so much even if you're very jaded toward them in the beginning or never seen them in the flesh.

Thanks for sharing, Miss Woodford. Larry's best vid on YouTube.

"Go ahead. Take some blood. I don't care."

"I'll never wash that hand again."

LOL

[seahawkgal]

That was an awesome video. Thanks for posting that. :grin:

[Noble]

I am open-minded Zenyatta will lose to a horse someday. That's horse racing. But I doubt Zenyatta will lose to Zardana who couldn't even beat St. Trinians and Life Is Sweet a month ago. If Zardana does beat her own stablemate, start calling her Prove Out who defeated both 3YO and Older Male champs of '73. It won't break my heart if that happens and I won't lose sleep over it. Mike Smith could screw up the ride as well. Better odds next time! My main hope is to see Zenyatta win the BCC again and ride off into the sunset. Don't care if she finishes 19-1 or 18-2, I want to see Zenyatta win the BCC like Tiznow did.

If Rachel does beat Zenyatta, the distance will be below 8.5F. The longest distance Rachel ran was 9.5F, and it was a slow Preakness (1:55, 105 Beyer) where Mine That Bird was closing ground on her. Great effort because she ran wide and broke from that outside post. Zenyatta gets 10F for the first time, and she earns a career-best Beyer. But looking at the raw times, even if the surfaces / track are different, you can see Zenyatta is consistently faster than Rachel even at the 8.5F. Where Rachel was brilliant was in the Mother Goose (souped up Belmont) and the speed-favoring Haskell in the slop. I just think Zenyatta is still FASTER or FAST ENOUGH when she needs to be and she is at the mercy of the pace every time. That's even if you give an allowance to Rachel because she is younger. Don't matter. Faster is still faster no matter what age. Potentially carrying that X-factor gene helps Zenyatta too when she runs longer and longer. It's in her DNA.

As stallions -
Street Cry > Medaglia d'Oro

That's if you take out both daughters out of the equation. Street Cry is just more valuable and versatile with his offspring. I can't wait when Zennie is a broodmare whether she ends up with the perfect career record or not. I want her first foal to be a son. She could have a profound legacy on the breed long after she retires. The next superhorse will run through her bloodline.

X-FACTOR (and intelligence in her eyes)...

http://theaspiringhorseplayer.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/rachel-alexandra-zenyatta-2009-horse-of-the-year2.jpg

^^^ I have that picture on the right as a wallpaper for my phone right now. Perfect fit. My fav pic of the Big Z in portrait mode.

[Photo Finish]

^^^Street Cry not Street Sense

Okay, you fixed it as I was typing. :tongue:

[seahawkgal]

I think both gals are simply amazing. Kinda makes me crazy on this board. I know. :wink:

[GinTalking]

Noble, I hope you realize the chance of Zenyatta (or any mare, for that matter) having a profound influence on the breed is slim.

You can almost name on one hand (certainly on two) the number of superstar female runners who became above average producers.

[ManOTaz]

I am open-minded Zenyatta will lose to a horse someday. That's horse racing. But I doubt Zenyatta will lose to Zardana who couldn't even beat St. Trinians and Life Is Sweet a month ago. If Zardana does beat her own stablemate, start calling her Prove Out who defeated both 3YO and Older Male champs of '73. It won't break my heart if that happens and I won't lose sleep over it. Mike Smith could screw up the ride as well. Better odds next time! My main hope is to see Zenyatta win the BCC again and ride off into the sunset. Don't care if she finishes 19-1 or 18-2, I want to see Zenyatta win the BCC like Tiznow did.

If Rachel does beat Zenyatta, the distance will be below 8.5F. The longest distance Rachel ran was 9.5F, and it was a slow Preakness (1:55, 105 Beyer) where Mine That Bird was closing ground on her. Great effort because she ran wide and broke from that outside post. Zenyatta gets 10F for the first time, and she earns a career-best Beyer. But looking at the raw times, even if the surfaces / track are different, you can see Zenyatta is consistently faster than Rachel even at the 8.5F. Where Rachel was brilliant was in the Mother Goose (souped up Belmont) and the speed-favoring Haskell in the slop. I just think Zenyatta is still FASTER or FAST ENOUGH when she needs to be and she is at the mercy of the pace every time. That's even if you give an allowance to Rachel because she is younger. Don't matter. Faster is still faster no matter what age. Potentially carrying that X-factor gene helps Zenyatta too when she runs longer and longer. It's in her DNA.

As stallions -
Street Cry > Medaglia d'Oro

That's if you take out both daughters out of the equation. Street Cry is just more valuable and versatile with his offspring. I can't wait when Zennie is a broodmare whether she ends up with the perfect career record or not. I want her first foal to be a son. She could have a profound legacy on the breed long after she retires. The next superhorse will run through her bloodline.



Remember the Preakness time was that of a three year old...

All of Zenyatta's timies...fast and respectable as they are...were as a four year old...which Rachel is right now...

And I would expect if Rachel is to continue racing this year her times would be better this year than last year...

And the Haskell surface was not souped up...no other horses that day were getting remarkable times...only Rachel... :wink:

As for the next superhorse running through Zenyatta's bloodline...I would not expect much at least not from her....maybe a gandchild...the attempted superhorse marriages of the past have not worked...have they?

The only superhorses to have superhorses I am aware of were on the male side...Man of War/War Admiral and Gallant Fox - Omaha...and the breeding was not super....since the dams were not spectacular...but who knows...maybe with our advances in technology...and the ability to choose better matches....but can you imagine a horse better than Zenyatta or even Rachel?

I cannot...I think you would be lucky if you had a horse that was comparable...having a horse that would be better would like take flight... :azn:

[The Tin Man]

Here's my girl ... Isn't she adorable? I hope she runs at Hollywood cause I'll be moved back home then and be sure to catch her. :grin: And she even starts doing her foot thing at the end of the video ... What a ham!

Zenyatta joins Hollywood Park's George O for a sneak preview of the upcoming 2010 Spring/Summer Meet (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOt94UTGrE0#)

[SecretariatForever]

Remember the Preakness time was that of a three year old...

All of Zenyatta's timies...fast and respectable as they are...were as a four year old...which Rachel is right now...

But also remember, Zenyatta didn't start racing until she was well into her 3 year old year.




And I would expect if Rachel is to continue racing this year her times would be better this year than last year...


They aren't so far...




And the Haskell surface was not souped up...no other horses that day were getting remarkable times...only Rachel... :wink:


Noble never said Monmouth was souped up that day. She said "speed favoring" :wink:






but can you imagine a horse better than Zenyatta or even Rachel?


yes, considering we've had them in the past.

[ManOTaz]

I know she did not start racing...but when she did...she had almost completed three full years of growth...for all intents and purposes she started as a 4 year old...

Well, Zenyatta has not shown the best Beyers she showed last year either...

Oh, yeah...he said speed favoring...though the track did not demonstrate that the for the rest of the races that day... :wink:

Bred from similarly spectacular horses?

I think not...which was the point... :cool:

[Noble]

I'm a "he", Sec, but thanks for replying for me. ;)

Monmouth is known to be speed-favoring, and running in the slop helps speed types even more.

I never said Rachel is a bad horse or her performances were poor. She will round back to form in the summer if they keep her happy. The competition is getting much deeper for her this year. No weight breaks, different age groups, many 3YOs from last year may also catch-up to her and mature. Even if she runs as fast as last year, she still will have it tough. This isn't JV anymore, she is battling grown-ups that are male and female.

I'm glad Rachel won HotY. Never would have got a chance to see more of Zenyatta this year.

[Photo Finish]

I'm glad Rachel won HotY. Never would have got a chance to see more of Zenyatta this year.


This, as well as the fact that Rachel deserved HOTY for her campaign, is what I say to people when the conversations turns to Rachel beating Zenyatta for the award. The horses could care less who wins, it's only the humans who get hung up on who's name gets inscribed on it. I'd much rather see Zenyatta still racing then to have seen her win it, and I'd feel the same way if the roles were reversed.

[Jinx]

Loved the video, especially the part where she's looking away and that guy is running his mouth and she turns one ear toward him as if thinking, 'what is that little twerp saying about me?" No wonder she starting pawing...it was time for him to shut up! :azn:

[Native Diver]

The video cracks me up. Could this announcer be any cheesier? Zenyatta clearly seems to feel this appearance is beneath her and would much rather get back to the barn. Poor Mario, he's just waiting for it to be OVER. At the very end of the video, when the recording is over, the announcer immediately drops the act and quickly walks away from Z and Mario. Funny. It's kind of hard to believe that guy was a real announcer. He seemed like an actor hired to play an announcer....lol

[Spahny]

She certainly is a very composed individual. Personally, I would have kicked him.

That is one contented and happy mare.

[carbonite]

I wonder how many people would show up for a George O bobblehead giveaway?

Nothing puts money in the till like a bobblehead giveaway.

[Citation07]

Short, funny article about the whole RA v. Zenyatta phenomenon.

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/columns/story?columnist=cronley_jay&id=5019329

[Hermes Redux]

Short, funny article about the whole RA v. Zenyatta phenomenon.

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/columns/story?columnist=cronley_jay&id=5019329


I cried
From LOL.

[carbonite]

Short, funny article about the whole RA v. Zenyatta phenomenon.

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/columns/story?columnist=cronley_jay&id=5019329


And this, in a nutshell, is what's wrong with racing today. That column ends:


But anybody raised to anger over the Rachel Alexander-Zenyatta ordeal, you're so sure of who will win if and when, you're such a great handicapper, the third at Delta is up next, you're so smart, go pick up some easy money.

It is a clever, pointed line. But the dateline on Cronley's piece is March 22, 2010.

Delta's meet ended on the 20th.

Maybe he isn't betting like he's pretending.

[Blue Jeans]

Short, funny article about the whole RA v. Zenyatta phenomenon.

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/columns/story?columnist=cronley_jay&id=5019329


"What fun!" Really, that was fun! :azn: They call horse sense horse sense for a reason, folks!

[Codysmom55]

This notice is to inform you that one or more of your horses has worked out.

Zenyatta (6-Year-Old Mare)

Date: March 25, 2010
Track: HOLLYWOOD PARK
Distance: Six Furlongs
Time: 1.14:60 Breezing
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: All Weather Track
Rank: 7/10 - See the day's workouts

[Blue Jeans]

Z's foot work toward the end of video is telling that fella to wrap it up; she's had enough of that bobblehead! What a hoot. Mario looked like he was trying not to laugh through the whole thing.

Thanks for posting.

[starrydreamer]

Z's foot work toward the end of video is telling that fella to wrap it up; she's had enough of that bobblehead! What a hoot. Mario looked like he was trying not to laugh through the whole thing.

Thanks for posting.


The first time he touched her, she swung her head over to him, like "Touch me again and I'm out of here." Then he touches her again and she looks at him again, like "What'd I just say?" Then she looks at Mario and says, "What a tool." Mario looks like he agrees. I kind of wish she had bitten him. Maybe that makes me a bad person.

[Photo Finish]

Autistic Boy connects with Zenyatta
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/56104/autistic-boy-connects-with-zenyatta

[Hermes Redux]

Autistic Boy connects with Zenyatta
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/56104/autistic-boy-connects-with-zenyatta


That's amazing.

on another note, I think her breeze today might be the first time I have seen handily vs. breezing notation in DRF clocker report...and in CA, breezing means going easily. I see another poster has it as breezing so I am wondering if it was changed?

Horse name Zenyatta
Notes
Activity type Workout
Activity date 03-25-2010
Track Hollywood Park
Surface All Weather Track
Distance 6 Furlongs
Workout type Handily
Workout time 1:14.60
Track condition Fast

Oh yes it was changed after my email notification. LOL. Although there are a couple of handily's in there...

Zenyatta
03/25/2010 HOL 6F 1:14.60 All Weather Track Fast B
03/05/2010 HOL 6F 1:11.80 All Weather Track Fast H
02/26/2010 HOL 6F 1:13.20 All Weather Track Fast B
02/18/2010 HOL 6F 1:14.00 All Weather Track Fast B
02/11/2010 HOL 6F 1:13.80 All Weather Track Fast B
02/03/2010 HOL 5F 1:01.60 All Weather Track Fast B
01/25/2010 HOL 5F 1:00.20 All Weather Track Fast B
01/17/2010 HOL 5F 1:01.40 All Weather Track Fast B
01/06/2010 HOL 4F :48.00 All Weather Track Fast H

[Spahny]

I think it's safe to assume that Jack does not hate Rachel Alexandra. Poor kid lacks the requisite intelligence, emotional stability and social skills to summon up his sports hate.

It's a very nice story. I hope they take him along to Oaklawn. And, hopefully, to Churchill in October.

[Native Diver]

Is there not anything this mare does not do well?! She really is amazing. What kind of horse IQ must this girl have? lol I hope this will be a real turning point for Jack. Equine therapy can be a powerful benefit to autistic children.

[RIPBarbaro]

Where can we expect her to race next?

[Railbird]

Where can we expect her to race next?


Welcome to the forum! She is still heading for the Apple Blossom at Oaklawn. Is it still April 9 guys? I have no idea where they stand on the musical race dates with Rachel out.

[GinTalking]

Welcome to the forum! She is still heading for the Apple Blossom at Oaklawn. Is it still April 9 guys? I have no idea where they stand on the musical race dates with Rachel out.


I have to think that unless Oaklawn wants to deal with another publicity nightmare ... changing the date of the race and worst of all, not allowing people a refund who had purchased tickets for the prior date ... they'd be smart to leave things as they are. Besides, I'll bet the Z folks are just fine with having another week to work with.

Seems as if no one wants to run back in three weeks anymore.

[JT Dancer]

It's still April 9.

[BornToWin]

Welcome to the forum! She is still heading for the Apple Blossom at Oaklawn. Is it still April 9 guys? I have no idea where they stand on the musical race dates with Rachel out.


I have to think that unless Oaklawn wants to deal with another publicity nightmare ... changing the date of the race and worst of all, not allowing people a refund who had purchased tickets for the prior date ... they'd be smart to leave things as they are. Besides, I'll bet the Z folks are just fine with having another week to work with.

Seems as if no one wants to run back in three weeks anymore.


Likely you're correct GinT--people's chains were jerked enough. They've scheduled the date, booked the rooms, and made travel plans --again after the first changed date.

[DesertHeat]

Zenyatta (6-Year-Old Mare)

Date: April 2, 2010
Track: HOLLYWOOD PARK
Distance: Six Furlongs
Time: 1.13:40 Breezing
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: All Weather Track
Rank: 2/11 - See the day's workouts

[luvsgeldings]

heading out on tuesday to visit our friends at oaklawn park - just praying our big girl enjoys her trip and stays safe and healthy - wishing all the fans who go out to see her a great time - i am looking forward to seeing zenyatta back on the dirt!!

[Big Red]

I just had so much fun looking at The Queen's 187 pix posted on Zenyatta Statue on facebook!

[Hermes Redux]

Is this going to be a walkover? Maybe they can let a certain 3 yr old filly in and see if she can lap her?

[JT Dancer]

When is she leaving for Oaklawn?

[Huaka]

^ Next Tuesday. The only horse I've heard that was working for the Apple Blossom was Just Jenda. o-o.

[luvsgeldings]

bob baffert was just interviewed by roger stein on the radio and he made an interesting comment about zenyatta - he said because she ran on synthetics all last year, thats what cost her the HOY - he said on dirt, she would have 'destroyed' horses - he was talking about how he isn't much of a fan of the synthetic surfaces and how great horses might not show their best because of them - oaklawn should be fun for zen this week.

[Noble]

Synthetics has been a "stigma" to Easterners. The bastard child of the three. The unwanted stepchild. That's why aside from Lookin At Lucky, nobody is taking the other CA 3YOs seriously because they are an enigma on dirt and this is an industry brainwashed by Beyers and dirt being the superior surface. The standard when there really shouldn't be one.

I just saw Blind Luck win the Fantasy. Like a little Zenyatta to me or the next Life Is Sweet. This renews my confidence even higher that Zenyatta will win the Apple Blossom. Shirreffs could be right, Zenyatta might be better on dirt more. Zenyatta could have very well destroyed horses on dirt last year just like she did in her lone start on it. Also, remember the SoCal tracks have some of the shortest homestretches compared to many other well-known tracks outside Cali.

If Zenyatta is still in good form by the BCC, she will win that race. No horse in the country, male or female, will overcome the most devastating late-kick in the sport. Not Battle Plan, not Quality Road, and not Rachel going 10F.

Beyers are irrelevant to Zenyatta. Too big, too fast, too strong, too smart, and too confident. There are no Ghostzappers right now. Zenyatta is the first horse since GZ where I was am now confident she will win any race no matter what they put her in. Only the Arc de Triomphe is where I'm 50% sure she can win or lose. I can't say that for any other American horse right now. My confidence level dips even from our very best turf horses.

[CoronadosQuest]

^ Before you say there are no Ghostzapper's in this field.. you may want to watch the Donn Handicap again. While Quality Road may not have the record of Ghostzapper... he isn't some slow pony. He will release a front end run that Zenyatta has NEVER faced.

[luvsgeldings]

i guess we won't know until zenyatta has to run a horse like quality road down - smith says he hasn't gotten to the bottom of her yet - i have faith that when he does, it will be more than enough to get the job done.

[SecretariatForever]

^ Before you say there are no Ghostzapper's in this field.. you may want to watch the Donn Handicap again. While Quality Road may not have the record of Ghostzapper... he isn't some slow pony. He will release a front end run that Zenyatta has NEVER faced.


We don't know if QR can release that same type of speed going 10F yet though. If he can, he'll be very dangerous.

[britishtwilight]

Zenyatta aka the Titanic --- oops, remember what happened when she was called unsinkable :huh:

[littlelate]

Zenyatta aka the Titanic --- oops, remember what happened when she was called unsinkable :huh:
Personal Ensign, remember when she.. oh wait. How about Pepper's Pride, we all called HER... huh, she was undefeated, too /headscratch.

[Native Diver]

^ Before you say there are no Ghostzapper's in this field.. you may want to watch the Donn Handicap again. While Quality Road may not have the record of Ghostzapper... he isn't some slow pony. He will release a front end run that Zenyatta has NEVER faced.


QR is indeed the best of his crop imo, and I love him. However, I am confident that Zenyatta would still find a way to win. If and when they face off, Mike knows how formidable QR is, and I believe he would confer and adjust with Z accordingly, lay a bit closer and send her sooner. She wins barely warmed up good and hardly breaks a sweat. I think there's a ton of horse left in her that we've not seen. She has not failed yet, and I have no reason to doubt her now in any race with any horse.

[GinTalking]

This renews my confidence even higher that Zenyatta will win the Apple Blossom.


Did you really need to "renew" your confidence. There was a doubt that she'd not win?

[CoronadosQuest]

This renews my confidence even higher that Zenyatta will win the Apple Blossom.


Did you really need to "renew" your confidence. There was a doubt that she'd not win?


I was thinking the same thing. There is not a single filly in that race now that Zardana and Rachel aren't going, who even have a hope of beating her IMO. Zenyatta is going to win the AB for fun Friday.

[daisy]

Don't say things like that! That's why they run the race. EVERY horse gets beat sometime. Remember when Carthage beat Lost in the Fog?

I, for one, will be soooo nervous Friday.

What time does the race go off? I have to beg off work early so I can watch it, but I need to time it right.

[Big Red]

When was it announced that Zardana is not going?

[seahawkgal]

Are people actually worried that Zenyatta will lose this weekend? :huh:
There is nothing in the race, it's a paid public workout.

[horseracinggrl15]

When was it announced that Zardana is not going?


http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=5032043

4th paragraph. Shes pointing to the La Troienne

[carbonite]

Are people actually worried that Zenyatta will lose this weekend? :huh:
There is nothing in the race, it's a paid public workout.

I haven't read a post like that since, uh, the New Orleans Ladies.

[seahawkgal]

Are people actually worried that Zenyatta will lose this weekend? :huh:
There is nothing in the race, it's a paid public workout.

I haven't read a post like that since, uh, the New Orleans Ladies.

Apples to Oranges here. I never thought the New Orleans Ladies was a walk in the park for a horse that was out of shape against a fit and ready stakes horse. That must have been the idiots talking, many of which I ignored.
Once again, Zenyatta is a fit monster and there is nothing in this race to challenge her. Paid public workout. I can't wait to see it even though it should be a boring romp.

[TK]

Are people actually worried that Zenyatta will lose this weekend? :huh:
There is nothing in the race, it's a paid public workout.

I haven't read a post like that since, uh, the New Orleans Ladies.

No kidding. That's taking this fabulous horse for granted. Athletes aren't machines and need to be fully appreciated for their accomplishments. Lots of things can happen in a race or how they feel pryor to a race.

[seahawkgal]

Are people actually worried that Zenyatta will lose this weekend? :huh:
There is nothing in the race, it's a paid public workout.

I haven't read a post like that since, uh, the New Orleans Ladies.

No kidding. That's taking this fabulous horse for granted. Athletes aren't machines and need to be fully appreciated for their accomplishments. Lots of things can happen in a race or how they feel pryor to a race.

Well, Duh.....
There are many factors but considering how they have been training is a big one for me. Zenyatta is a monster and had been training like one to boot and now I am taking a horse for granted for saying so? :undecided:
I really don't understand the thinking and logic of both the Zealots and Rabids... I really don't.
Sorry.
This race will be a public workout.

[Somnambulist]

Are people actually worried that Zenyatta will lose this weekend? :huh:
There is nothing in the race, it's a paid public workout.


I was almost hoping no one would show up just so I could see a walkover.

[SecretariatForever]

Okay, so honestly how many horses are planning on showng up? I haven't heard anything about anyone else going lately.

[SecretariatForever]

When was it announced that Zardana is not going?


http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=5032043

4th paragraph. Shes pointing to the La Troienne



As is Careless Jewel.

We could possibly see Rachel vs Zardana vs Careless Jewel...sounds like a race!

[Blue Jeans]

Um, Rachel lost by 3/4 of a length in the NO Ladies ... not 3 or 4 lengths. It's a horse race and anything can happen; no matter how much better one horse is supposed to be over another.

Nothing is a sure bet ... and especially horse racing. You bettors should know that! :azn:

Rachel lost ... Zardana won. Period. Better luck next time. :cool:

[GinTalking]

Are people actually worried that Zenyatta will lose this weekend? :huh:
There is nothing in the race, it's a paid public workout.


I was almost hoping no one would show up just so I could see a walkover.


There's really nothing interesting about a walkover. They're rather dull to be honest and I'd be ticked if I spent a lot of money to go and realized that all I was going to see was a horse two-minute licking around the Oaklawn oval.

No doubt as long as she stays on her feet and her rider stays aboard, the chances of her losing are slim and none, but as folks have already said, there's no such thing as a sure thing ... until after it's over and the sure thing has won!

[ManOTaz]

Before you say there are no Ghostzapper's in this field.. you may want to watch the Donn Handicap again. While Quality Road may not have the record of Ghostzapper... he isn't some slow pony. He will release a front end run that Zenyatta has NEVER faced.


Noble says that with such confidence because none of the other horses have won at 10 furlongs that he is comparing Zenyatta to...

But I wonder if he is willing to match Zenyatta in a 9 furlong race against Rachel and Quality Road...at Saratoga race course...

[Somnambulist]

There's really nothing interesting about a walkover. They're rather dull to be honest and I'd be ticked if I spent a lot of money to go and realized that all I was going to see was a horse two-minute licking around the Oaklawn oval.

I get your point, but I think it's just the novelty of it. Well, for me at least. I'm sure someone will enter... 2nd or 3rd gets you a nice check, but... it's still be cool to see one. I feel like it's a requirement for being a well rounded racing fan. :wink:

And sadly, I don't think Z is gonna step foot in NY as long as the detention barns are still there. Which is most unfortunate for us East Coasters.

[carbonite]

Are people actually worried that Zenyatta will lose this weekend? :huh:
There is nothing in the race, it's a paid public workout.

I haven't read a post like that since, uh, the New Orleans Ladies.

Apples to Oranges here. I never thought the New Orleans Ladies was a walk in the park for a horse that was out of shape against a fit and ready stakes horse. That must have been the idiots talking, many of which I ignored.
Once again, Zenyatta is a fit monster and there is nothing in this race to challenge her. Paid public workout. I can't wait to see it even though it should be a boring romp.






Omg, I had a horrible dream where she finished 4th (last?) and pretty far back behind the other horses. Like she got extremely tired in the stretch and just saded. Nooo! I hope that doesn't happen.

With her fitness level right now, it just could. Better to expect her NOT to win than to be let down if she loses. She is basically training today.

[GinTalking]

And sadly, I don't think Z is gonna step foot in NY as long as the detention barns are still there. Which is most unfortunate for us East Coasters.


I think that's just nuts. It's okay for everyone else who races in New York, but "not for one of MY horses".

I just don't get the big deal about this. So she has to walk a little bit and go into a barn with other horses. Like the hundred or so who do that every day at tracks in the Mid-Atlantic when they ship into a Receiving Barn. Craziness, I tell you, craziness.

Just spouting ....

[Miss Woodford]

And sadly, I don't think Z is gonna step foot in NY as long as the detention barns are still there. Which is most unfortunate for us East Coasters.


I think that's just nuts. It's okay for everyone else who races in New York, but "not for one of MY horses".

I just don't get the big deal about this. So she has to walk a little bit and go into a barn with other horses. Like the hundred or so who do that every day at tracks in the Mid-Atlantic when they ship into a Receiving Barn. Craziness, I tell you, craziness.

Just spouting ....

Could there be another reason the detention barns would be so horrible for them? I'm not insinuating anything, but why wouldn't they at least consider a race at Saratoga if there wasn't another reason besides "oh, Tiago hated it, ergo ALL of our horses will hate it"?

[seahawkgal]

Are people actually worried that Zenyatta will lose this weekend? :huh:
There is nothing in the race, it's a paid public workout.

I haven't read a post like that since, uh, the New Orleans Ladies.

Apples to Oranges here. I never thought the New Orleans Ladies was a walk in the park for a horse that was out of shape against a fit and ready stakes horse. That must have been the idiots talking, many of which I ignored.
Once again, Zenyatta is a fit monster and there is nothing in this race to challenge her. Paid public workout. I can't wait to see it even though it should be a boring romp.






Omg, I had a horrible dream where she finished 4th (last?) and pretty far back behind the other horses. Like she got extremely tired in the stretch and just saded. Nooo! I hope that doesn't happen.

With her fitness level right now, it just could. Better to expect her NOT to win than to be let down if she loses. She is basically training today.


Your point is that I was right? Rachel was unfit and it showed in her comeback race. Zenyatta is very fit and she will not lose(or it is very UNLIKELY to), much like her first race. Dead fit and ready.

[carbonite]

No, my point is that the last time I read someone saying that a stakes races was just a training exercise was the New Orleans Ladies. That you were one of those is merely amusing.

[Native Diver]

And sadly, I don't think Z is gonna step foot in NY as long as the detention barns are still there. Which is most unfortunate for us East Coasters.


I think that's just nuts. It's okay for everyone else who races in New York, but "not for one of MY horses".

I just don't get the big deal about this. So she has to walk a little bit and go into a barn with other horses. Like the hundred or so who do that every day at tracks in the Mid-Atlantic when they ship into a Receiving Barn. Craziness, I tell you, craziness.

Just spouting ....

Could there be another reason the detention barns would be so horrible for them? I'm not insinuating anything, but why wouldn't they at least consider a race at Saratoga if there wasn't another reason besides "oh, Tiago hated it, ergo ALL of our horses will hate it"?


I think they just literally had such a bad experience with it that they simply aren't willing to chance it again. Unless they were to absolutely have to, and they don't. Who knows though? JS may go up and scope out the receiving barn just to see if it might be any better for them. As far as it being bad for the "East Coasters", you are still a heck of a lot closer to be able to see her race than from where I live. There's many, many fans of hers that have little to no chance of ever seeing her race. Or in person period.

[Somnambulist]

I think that's just nuts. It's okay for everyone else who races in New York, but "not for one of MY horses".

I just don't get the big deal about this. So she has to walk a little bit and go into a barn with other horses. Like the hundred or so who do that every day at tracks in the Mid-Atlantic when they ship into a Receiving Barn. Craziness, I tell you, craziness.

Just spouting ....


Spout away! It's irritating, I'd love to see her race in person, and there are so many presitigous races, be it at Belmont or Saratoga that it's just a shame not to see her here. Or anywhere on the Eastern Seaboard. Hopefully she ends up in Kentucky so at least I have a shot to see her.

It's just a shame. They had one bad incident with Giacomo, and despite what that camp says, no one was running past Afleet Alex that day at all. Give us a piece of what SA's been getting!

[seahawkgal]

No, my point is that the last time I read someone saying that a stakes races was just a training exercise was the New Orleans Ladies. That you were one of those is merely amusing.

I really think you like to misunderstand. Zenyatta is fit. Nothing will touch her in this race. So, in a way it's a GLORIFIED workout(you do understand why I use that word?).
THE Difference is that I had certain doubts about the NO Ladies(regarding some other's opinion that it was a walk in the park for her) and I have NO DOUBTS about the AB. In fact, I was very confident in Zenyatta's sure victory in her comeback race because of her FITNESS LEVEL(and training pattern) just like I have in this upcoming race.
There will be no competition for her is all.

[carbonite]

I think I understand you very well.

[shark776]

http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/apr/06/fans-greet-zenyatta-airport/

[Blue Jeans]

http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/apr/06/fans-greet-zenyatta-airport/


Thanks for posting ... glad her many fans were able to enjoy her arrival.

[Blue Jeans]

From DRF: http://www.drf.com/news/article/111956.html

>She will be out to improve her career records to 16 for 16 on Friday.

The complete Apple Blossom field from the rail with riders is Be Fair, Calvin Borel; Taptam, Cliff Berry; War Echo, Shaun Bridgmohan; Zenyatta; and Just Jenda, Terry Thompson.

The Apple Blossom will go as the 10th of 11 races Friday at Oaklawn. <

Do I dare add Mike Smith's name after Zenyatta's, or did they take for granted we know her rider? :azn:

Added: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/56304/zenyatta-faces-only-four-in-apple-blossom

$500,000 Apple Blossom (gr. IT, Race 9, 6:25 p.m. CST), 4 & Up, 1 1/8 Miles (Dirt)
PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer

1. Be Fair (FL), 4/F L C H Borel, 120, D W Lukas
2. Taptam (TX), 5/M L M C Berry, 117, W B Calhoun
3. War Echo (KY), 4/F L S Bridgmohan, 120, S M Asmussen
4. Zenyatta (KY), 6/M L* M E Smith, 123, J A Shirreffs
5. Just Jenda (KY), 4/F L T J Thompson, 120, C Jones

[ezgoerbaby]

It just makes me want to cry. I saved my money just so I could go to the Apple Blossom and see this horse. I made the mistake of making my reservations long before the 5 million was announced and then got jacked by Travelocity when I tried to change the reservation. Lost my money ($250) and don't get to see one of the best I've ever seen. :cry: :cry: :cry: It makes my heart hurt to know she's so close and I can't go.

[Blue Jeans]

It just makes me want to cry. I saved my money just so I could go to the Apple Blossom and see this horse. I made the mistake of making my reservations long before the 5 million was announced and then got jacked by Travelocity when I tried to change the reservation. Lost my money ($250) and don't get to see one of the best I've ever seen. :cry: :cry: :cry: It makes my heart hurt to know she's so close and I can't go.


That's terrible! I bet they wish many times they had never changed that date! I'd be upset too!

[ezgoerbaby]

I'm sure there are a ton of others in my boat, but what adds insult to injury is my best friend gets to go with a group of girls from where she works! Will be her first time at the races. What a horse to see for your first time. (she likes racing, but only because I introduced her) Needless to say, I'm jealous as all get out! But, at least she can send me pictures by phone! Hope travelocity is enjoying my money. They said it's the hotel's policy to charge you a 2 night room charge when you have to cancel or change, but I called the hotel and they said they weren't doing that in this situation at all and refunding everyone that reserved with them directly but travelocity wouldn't hear of it. Lesson learned. Just had no idea that they would've ever changed the date of that race.

[GinTalking]

Clearly it's too late for you, but I don't understand why anyone would make a hotel reservation with anyone but the hotel/chain. You can usually cancel any reservation up to the morning of, sometimes the day before, so why risk losing your money.

I made a reservation recently for a hotel in another week and a half and I don't even have to tell them I won't be there until after 11 p.m. They'll hold the reservation until the next morning.

Plane tickets ... a whole different ballgame ... but while you might want to do a search using one of those services, make your reservations with the hotel.

[Funny Bird]

^Yeah, the group I'm going with had everything reserved for the 3rd, and we managed to get it changed. The hotel was very nice about it.
Now what I'm wondering about is crowd...we don't have tickets, we're hoping to get in on general admission. We're leaving very early to get there when the gates open. Because Rachel scratched and it's a tiny field anyway, what do you think the crowd'll be like?

[Photo Finish]

I've never used Travelocity, only Expedia, but your situation makes me curious. Did you by chance book at a special rate where it stipulated that the rate was non-refundable? The reason I ask is that some hotels on Expedia do this. They have a special rate, usually $15-$20 cheaper than their regular Expedia rate, but the funds are non-refundable. I never book at that rate unless I am 100% certain I will using the reservation.

Either way, I'm very sorry for your situation, and I would be very upset as well.

***Edited to say: I should have continued reading before posting.***

I've booked many times with Expedia, and unless it's a rate like I described above, I have never had a problem cancelling my reservation provided I did so by the hotels policy. That is usually by 5 or 6pm, the day before my scheduled arrival. Booking with a site such as Expedia can save a person quite a bit on a room, but as always, a person needs to know the cancellation policy of each hotel and that's provided for each reservation.




It just makes me want to cry. I saved my money just so I could go to the Apple Blossom and see this horse. I made the mistake of making my reservations long before the 5 million was announced and then got jacked by Travelocity when I tried to change the reservation. Lost my money ($250) and don't get to see one of the best I've ever seen. :cry: :cry: :cry: It makes my heart hurt to know she's so close and I can't go.

[Native Diver]

It just makes me want to cry. I saved my money just so I could go to the Apple Blossom and see this horse. I made the mistake of making my reservations long before the 5 million was announced and then got jacked by Travelocity when I tried to change the reservation. Lost my money ($250) and don't get to see one of the best I've ever seen. :cry: :cry: :cry: It makes my heart hurt to know she's so close and I can't go.

That's terrible! I bet they wish many times they had never changed that date! I'd be upset too!


That is pretty awful, ezgoerbaby. So sorry that had to happen to you. I had made all arrangements to be at Oaklawn on the original date too. Then he changes his mind, and that prevented us from going. We could not get through to get tickets. I was able to cancel our reservations without problem, thank goodness. We are going to the Derby, which will be fun, but nothing would ever take the place of seeing Zenyatta in person to me. If only he had left the date alone. Oh well.

I am soooo tempted to dash up to Hot Springs Friday. I don't think I can stand it that she's only maybe six hours away. My husband has to work. Time for me to go to plan B. ....lol

[ezgoerbaby]

Nope, it wasn't a special offer, they just said it was the hotel's policy, and it was in the fine print, which I failed to read!! Yay me! It's my fault, but it's hard not to be mad about it. And Gin, I would've not done such a stupid thing had I ever IMAGINED that they would change the date of the race back in January when I booked this room. As I said, lesson learned. I'd had a really good experience with them when I booked flight and hotel when I went to the BC at Lone Star. Never again. Might just have to drive my butt to CD in November.



I've never used Travelocity, only Expedia, but your situation makes me curious. Did you by chance book at a special rate where it stipulated that the rate was non-refundable? The reason I ask is that some hotels on Expedia do this. They have a special rate, usually $15-$20 cheaper than their regular Expedia rate, but the funds are non-refundable. I never book at that rate unless I am 100% certain I will using the reservation.

Either way, I'm very sorry for your situation, and I would be very upset as well.

***Edited to say: I should have continued reading before posting.***

I've booked many times with Expedia, and unless it's a rate like I described above, I have never had a problem cancelling my reservation provided I did so by the hotels policy. That is usually by 5 or 6pm, the day before my scheduled arrival. Booking with a site such as Expedia can save a person quite a bit on a room, but as always, a person needs to know the cancellation policy of each hotel and that's provided for each reservation.




It just makes me want to cry. I saved my money just so I could go to the Apple Blossom and see this horse. I made the mistake of making my reservations long before the 5 million was announced and then got jacked by Travelocity when I tried to change the reservation. Lost my money ($250) and don't get to see one of the best I've ever seen. :cry: :cry: :cry: It makes my heart hurt to know she's so close and I can't go.

[ezgoerbaby]

Oh Diver, believe me, I hear ya. She's about 6 hours away from me too and I really did consider driving to Hot Springs and home all in the same day after a day at the races, but I will not be able to do that since my daughter now has football practice that evening. Just can't swing it. I could just kick myself. :cry:







It just makes me want to cry. I saved my money just so I could go to the Apple Blossom and see this horse. I made the mistake of making my reservations long before the 5 million was announced and then got jacked by Travelocity when I tried to change the reservation. Lost my money ($250) and don't get to see one of the best I've ever seen. :cry: :cry: :cry: It makes my heart hurt to know she's so close and I can't go.

That's terrible! I bet they wish many times they had never changed that date! I'd be upset too!


That is pretty awful, ezgoerbaby. So sorry that had to happen to you. I had made all arrangements to be at Oaklawn on the original date too. Then he changes his mind, and that prevented us from going. We could not get through to get tickets. I was able to cancel our reservations without problem, thank goodness. We are going to the Derby, which will be fun, but nothing would ever take the place of seeing Zenyatta in person to me. If only he had left the date alone. Oh well.

I am soooo tempted to dash up to Hot Springs Friday. I don't think I can stand it that she's only maybe six hours away. My husband has to work. Time for me to go to plan B. ....lol

[TizTheOne]

It just makes me want to cry. I saved my money just so I could go to the Apple Blossom and see this horse. I made the mistake of making my reservations long before the 5 million was announced and then got jacked by Travelocity when I tried to change the reservation. Lost my money ($250) and don't get to see one of the best I've ever seen. :cry: :cry: :cry: It makes my heart hurt to know she's so close and I can't go.

That's terrible! I bet they wish many times they had never changed that date! I'd be upset too!


That is pretty awful, ezgoerbaby. So sorry that had to happen to you. I had made all arrangements to be at Oaklawn on the original date too. Then he changes his mind, and that prevented us from going. We could not get through to get tickets. I was able to cancel our reservations without problem, thank goodness. We are going to the Derby, which will be fun, but nothing would ever take the place of seeing Zenyatta in person to me. If only he had left the date alone. Oh well.

I am soooo tempted to dash up to Hot Springs Friday. I don't think I can stand it that she's only maybe six hours away. My husband has to work. Time for me to go to plan B. ....lol


Travelocity charges a cancellation fee, and they refund the remainder. I would check into that. I recently canceled my trip and there was a $44 cancellation fee, but I got the rest of my hotel money refunded. Sometimes it is different on certain busy days, but I never heard of losing all the money.

[DesertHeat]

Zenyatta Comes to Oaklawn (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUHsTOj7vcs#ws)

Video of her arrival at Oaklawn, I didn't see it posted here yet.

[The Colonel]

Aw, look at my home girl, arriving in style.

[Curlin]

Aw, look at my home girl, arriving in style.



And did you notice, she is one big walking DAPPLE. Holy cow, batman! :shocked:

[Photo Finish]

Wow, the people were pretty close to the plane too. She looks really good, and pretty comfortable considering. It's nice to see how she just soaks it all in, enjoying all the cameras, and the people.

I've never seen footage of Oaklawn's barn area before. Their barns looks really nice, much like Hollywoods.

[DesertHeat]

Even better video

http://www.arkansasonline.com/videos/2010/apr/06/3914/

[Diver67]

Thanks for posting those--she looks fabulous. Ready to rock and roll, I hope!

[Roc525]

Very cool, thanks for posting the videos.

[moonwalker]

My eyewitness account of her arrival at Hot Springs this morning (scroll down to "moonwalker"):

http://community.tvg.com/t5/The-Grandstand/The-Queen-has-arrived/td-p/145828

Mary MMM

[moonwalker]

Zenyatta Comes to Oaklawn (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUHsTOj7vcs#ws)

Video of her arrival at Oaklawn, I didn't see it posted here yet.


hahaha, I'm in the video near the beginning!

Mary MMM

[luvsgeldings]

awww... she looks so great! thanks to everyone for posting the stories and links and pix - the arkansas folks have really done a lovely job of making zenyatta feel welcome (and special too! wow - police escort! thats a hoot) - they would do the exact same for rachel - both girls deserve it - its such a happy thing to see racing fans excited about a horse - i am sorry the fans at oaklawn won't see the big rachel/zenyatta showdown but its really sweet that they are embracing zenyatta - believe me, just wait until john sherriffs gets there... he will really enjoy seeing the people so happy to see his horse - i betcha he will be smiling all the time - he loves watching the people loving on his horse.

[Native Diver]

Lucky you, moonwalker! How memorable it would have been to have seen her arrive. Thanks for describing it in enjoyable detail. I am again impressed with how collected and professional she is. She is a glorious horse, really, she is a marvel. Those dapples! I wonder does JS keep the cotton in her ears most all of the time and just changes it out, or does he ever take it out and leave them open for a while. Whatever he is doing, obviously she is very comfortable and happy with it.

[Photo Finish]

I really enjoyed reading that. Thank you for sharing, and I hope you have a great time.



My eyewitness account of her arrival at Hot Springs this morning (scroll down to "moonwalker"):

http://community.tvg.com/t5/The-Grandstand/The-Queen-has-arrived/td-p/145828

Mary MMM

[dr john h]

i don't see her doing well in a detention barn situation, she gets worked up enoughin the saddling area, why would they put her in a situation that would be tough on her..there are plenty of places she can race without going to new york

[dr john h]

thanks for posting those videos, and a great eyewitness report..thanks moonwalker
also, i agree that those barns look like HP, that should make her feel right at home

[Huaka]

Just in case you guys missed it in the Apple Blossom thread, here's another video of Zenyatta arriving at Oaklawn.

Zenyatta arrives at Oaklawn Park (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RIIzwxgBDA#ws)

She looks awesome!

[SecretariatForever]

She looks great! So professional!

[PJMIII]

Zenyatta takes show on the road to Hot Springs

It's not the race everyone had hoped for. Nor is it one that will have hotels from Arkadelphia to West Memphis filled to near capacity with out-of-towners.

http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/article.cgi?id=18057

[Majella from Ireland]

It's really amazing to see she has so many fans, that a lot of people are taking interest in her. It reminds me of Seabiscuit. Moonwalker you are so lucky you were there :grin:!

[carbonite]

I'm surprised that they still have the plastic up on the windows this late in the year.

[moonwalker]

Lucky you, moonwalker! How memorable it would have been to have seen her arrive. Thanks for describing it in enjoyable detail. I am again impressed with how collected and professional she is. She is a glorious horse, really, she is a marvel. Those dapples! I wonder does JS keep the cotton in her ears most all of the time and just changes it out, or does he ever take it out and leave them open for a while. Whatever he is doing, obviously she is very comfortable and happy with it.


It was so exciting to see her at the airport, but I got another encounter with "the Queen" this morning on the racetrack itself:

http://www.dmtc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3729&p=21692#p21692

Mary MMM

[moonwalker]

I really enjoyed reading that. Thank you for sharing, and I hope you have a great time.



Thank you! I'm having an awesome, one of a kind vacation.

Mary MMM

[Blue Jeans]

Zenyatta Comes to Oaklawn (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUHsTOj7vcs#ws)

Video of her arrival at Oaklawn, I didn't see it posted here yet.


hahaha, I'm in the video near the beginning!

Mary MMM


Desert Heat, Moonwalker and all the other kind folks .... a huge thank you! I really felt like I was there in person! Have never seen a video like this one .... even for a human celebrity! :azn:
Moonwalker, your post in the link you provided was wonderfully written .... thank you for sharing.

One person's comment about Z's plane .... "Air Horse One" .... and the poster, "Marry Me, Zenyatta" .... were great. :azn: You folks made my day! Thanks to all.

[Photo Finish]

It was so exciting to see her at the airport, but I got another encounter with "the Queen" this morning on the racetrack itself:

http://www.dmtc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3729&p=21692#p21692

Mary MMM


Another great read, thanks so much. Glad you are having such a wonderful time. Wish I was there too!

[Portofogo]

Thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences. It is great that we have our own team of reporters. And Mary, it sounds like you are having a blast...you need to get over to the hot springs for a soak! Z looks fabulous. I have never seen a horse look so robust and relaxed at the same time. Those dapples blow my mind.

[Blue Jeans]

http://www.drf.com/news/article/111957.html

>Per usual, Zenyatta had cotton balls stuffed in her ears, standard equipment to keep her calm. She has her ears stuffed with cotton when she trains in the mornings, and when she races, but the cotton is pulled out when she is put into her stall for the day after her morning training regimen.

Frank Leal, an assistant to trainer John Shirreffs, and Zenyatta's groom, Mario Espinoza, accompanied Zenyatta. Leal said the abrupt landing at the airport, where brakes and reverse thrust have to be applied aggressively because of a short runway, got Zenyatta stirred up.

"She was a little excited," Leal said as he walked Zenyatta in a grassy area between barns in the Oaklawn stable area. "But she's good now."<

[Blue Jeans]

Slideshow from B-H: Pic 7 out of 7 is the winner. :kiss:

http://gallery.bloodhorse.com/SlideShow/default.aspx?gallery=Zenyatta_Apple_Blossom&photo= 7

[Citation07]

Slideshow from B-H: Pic 7 out of 7 is the winner. :kiss:

http://gallery.bloodhorse.com/SlideShow/default.aspx?gallery=Zenyatta_Apple_Blossom&photo= 7


She looks wonderful. Thanks for posting that!

[GinTalking]

I see Ruffian in there, front and center. And a racing groupie is in a shot too.

[Native Diver]

http://www.drf.com/news/article/111957.html

>Per usual, Zenyatta had cotton balls stuffed in her ears, standard equipment to keep her calm. She has her ears stuffed with cotton when she trains in the mornings, and when she races, but the cotton is pulled out when she is put into her stall for the day after her morning training regimen.

Frank Leal, an assistant to trainer John Shirreffs, and Zenyatta's groom, Mario Espinoza, accompanied Zenyatta. Leal said the abrupt landing at the airport, where brakes and reverse thrust have to be applied aggressively because of a short runway, got Zenyatta stirred up.

"She was a little excited," Leal said as he walked Zenyatta in a grassy area between barns in the Oaklawn stable area. "But she's good now."<


Thanks for posting that about her ears. I've wondered about how John uses the cotton, how long, etc. I wonder about everything. Lol.

[BornToWin]

I love all these videos and photos. The airplane landing felt like an event in itself. Weepy. Made me weepy, for goodness sake.

Was she the only horse on that plane?

[moonwalker]

I love all these videos and photos. The airplane landing felt like an event in itself. Weepy. Made me weepy, for goodness sake.

Was she the only horse on that plane?


No, there were two other horses. Someone said one of them was her lead pony.
Don't know about the other. From what I heard, it was a private charter plane.
I got a kick out of them unloading her feed and packing it onto the horse van with
her; the Queen eats nothing but her own brand of horse food! She accepts no
substitutes!

The two other horses were loaded *after* she rocked the van. She moved that whole silver trailer, the size of a semi, by herself. I kid you not. She is a four legged Wonder
Woman.

Mary MMM

[GinTalking]

I think most horses who are away from home for several days have their own feed, sometimes water, shipped with them; i.e., it's not all that unusual.

That plane had the Tex Sutton logo. I wonder if that's the one they just bought from one of the airlines. The story was somewhere not too long ago. They were excited about having a newer plane. The story's out there somewhere, but I don't know if this is the plane.

[Citation07]

She apparently travels with her own Fiji water. :azn:


Be Fair and Just Jenda won't be helped by the fact Zenyatta shipped in quite well, spending some of her time in Arkansas grazing and sipping the Fiji bottled water that accompanies her whenever she travels. In addition, she has had the chance to train on a dirt training track back home at Hollywood Park in preparation for Friday. That fact and the excellent race she ran over this track in 2008 help erase most surface concerns, said Shirreffs.
http://www.drf.com/news/article/111993.html

Interesting, though. I didn't know that Hollywood's training track was dirt.

[starrydreamer]

She apparently travels with her own Fiji water. :azn:


Be Fair and Just Jenda won't be helped by the fact Zenyatta shipped in quite well, spending some of her time in Arkansas grazing and sipping the Fiji bottled water that accompanies her whenever she travels. In addition, she has had the chance to train on a dirt training track back home at Hollywood Park in preparation for Friday. That fact and the excellent race she ran over this track in 2008 help erase most surface concerns, said Shirreffs.
http://www.drf.com/news/article/111993.html

Interesting, though. I didn't know that Hollywood's training track was dirt.


I don't like Fiji water. Smart Water > Fiji Water :wink:

This quote from Lukas, from the article, cracked me up: "I hope Be Fair doesn't hate me for going against Zenyatta," trainer D. Wayne Lukas said of his horse, a petite front-runner. "I might put full-cup blinkers on her and cover her up completely until they get to the gate so she doesn't see Zenyatta."

If Be Gentle takes a bite out of Lukas after the race, we'll know why!

[ZJ]

Zenyatta's on Slate today!

And Down the Stretch She Comes
How can a female horse like Zenyatta beat all the males at the racetrack?

When Zenyatta runs in the Apple Blossom Invitational on Friday, she'll be going for her 16th straight victory, which would tie a record held by Citation and Cigar. Last November, she became the first mare to win the Breeders' Cup Classic, defeating a field full of males, including Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. How is it that females can beat males at the racetrack?and why don't they do it more often?


The rest here ... http://www.slate.com/id/2250100/

[Native Diver]

I think the article was geared towards the readers of Slate, who might not necessarily be followers of horses or racing. I found it out of place to throw in the evolutionary reasons for the greater difference in gender strength in humans than horses like they did. Thoroughbreds have been selectively bred for hundreds of years for speed, endurance, physicality in general, whereas humans are a totally different story. And horses are quadrupeds, to boot. Maybe they could have used another quadruped. Cattle or buffalo come to mind.

It's great to see Zenyatta and/or racing in Slate, though!!!! Always good to see positive exposure. :smiley:

[Noble]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/09/sports/09zenyatta.html

Horse Racing's Rockette, Zenyatta Steals the Show

By JOE DRAPE
Published: April 8, 2010

INGLEWOOD, Calif. ? Zenyatta turned 6 last week and there were plenty of reasons to celebrate at her barn beneath the palm trees of Hollywood Park. Her exercise rider, Steve Willard, bought Zenyatta a birthday cake: the massive mare wiped it out in no time. Later in the afternoon, she downed a bottle of Guinness.

Her trainer, John Shirreffs, has been rewarding her with cold ones ever since she came to the racetrack. Zenyatta, you see, is no ordinary racehorse.

In fact, between the starting gate and the finish line, Zenyatta is simply extraordinary. A perfect 15-0, she is the prohibitive favorite to capture the Apple Blossom Invitational on Friday at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark. If she wins, she will tie the record for most consecutive victories for a top-class racehorse held by Cigar and the 1948 Triple Crown champion Citation.

For the people who are closest to Zenyatta, however, it is her kindness and quirks, her charisma and contradictions that make them swear that she is heaven sent. She may be an imposing mare ? taller and broader than most male horses ? but by nature she is as gentle as a kitten.

Zenyatta allows her masseuse, Michelle Jensen, to crouch beneath her in her stall for her daily, hourlong rub. She licks the ear of her groom, Mario Espinoza, the way small children suddenly kiss their mothers.

She dances, too, in the barn, on the shedrow and into the paddock. Willard describes Zenyatta?s signature move as a sort of ?dressage goose-step.? Watch her and Espinoza tango into a saddling area, however, and she looks more like a Clydesdale.

Last fall at the Breeders? Cup Classic, Zenyatta introduced herself to a broader audience by entering the paddock in full Rockette mode, even stopping to let the spotlight and her adoring audience find her. When the gates popped in the $5 million Classic, she passed the best horses in the world ? all of them boys ? in a breathtaking last-to-first victory.

Upon her return to the winner?s circle and a thunderous ovation beneath her jockey, Mike Smith, Zenyatta drank it in like a veteran Broadway show-stopper. All that was missing was the triumphant bow.

?She has just sort of morphed into this great character,? her owner, Jerry Moss, said. ?You know, the show-business-is-her-life kind of thing. Yet when she gets to the racetrack she?s all business.?

Shirreffs said Zenyatta possessed a trusting soul and a Zen-like calm even as a gangly 2-year-old who was slow to fill out her expansive frame.

?I have a picture of a groom lying in the straw beneath her, stroking her legs, which is a really unusual display of confidence for a young horse,? he said.

Willard, 65, was immediately struck by Zenyatta?s curiosity and expansive personality. Hollywood Park, her training base, is close to Los Angeles International Airport. Sometimes, the planes cast shadows; Zenyatta?s morning jogs are accompanied by the rumble of aircraft.

?It never has bothered her,? said Willard, a former jockey. ?She?ll look up and watch them. Sometimes we?ll be walking to the track and something will catch her eye and she?ll just stand still two or three minutes and stare. She likes to know what?s going on around her.?

When it is time to start running, however, Zenyatta really becomes a transcendent athlete. She is a stone-cold closer who often spots her rivals a dozen lengths and lopes along behind them until Smith asks her to go get them. She often looks uninterested ? unless you are watching her ears.

They prick and wiggle and are pretty much the barometer Smith, Willard and Shirreffs read to gauge how hard Zenyatta is working, how much fun she is having. One morning, Shirreffs put a camera in Smith?s helmet for one of Zenyatta?s workouts, and the ensuing video has become a YouTube staple for racing fans with Zenyatta?s flickering ears as the star.

?After she goes by the last horse, the ears will go forward like ?What?s next?? ? Willard said.

Zenyatta?s intricate paddock dance before races has evolved. It began accidentally two years ago before the Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park.

?She may have been overheated or bothered, but she came in on her toes,? Shirreffs said. ?After that, it was like something went on inside her, and she began to notice the crowd in a positive way.?

Ever since, Smith, who has ridden Zenyatta in all but three of her victories, has sensed a transformation from race to race, and has adjusted accordingly.

?She goes out there, and does her dance or ritual, and she?s loosening herself up while she?s doing that,? said Smith, a Hall of Fame rider. ?That?s why I don?t warm her up much before we run. She stretches so much doing all that dancing that she?s actually ready to go. You don?t have to do a lot with her. She knows that people around her are watching. She knows that she not only has to go out there and compete, but she has the whole package. She?s a great entertainer.?

Just as each race burnishes Zenyatta?s status as a great racehorse, there are less-publicized moments that occur here and have meant far more to the mare?s human connections. Not long ago, Zenyatta had a special visitor, a 5-year-old boy named Jack, who is autistic.

?He loves her and wanted to touch her, but really didn?t know how to pet her,? Shirreffs said. ?So he starts poking her with his finger, and screaming and laughing. He was so happy. Zenyatta didn?t even flinch.?

Shirreffs paused, smiled and offered a theory.

?She?s so large and so strong that some people are intimidated by her,? he said. ?As she got into racing and winning, we kind of lost track of her underlying kindness. Zenyatta has evolved into something much bigger than we ever imagined: she?s the coolest horse in the world.?

[moonwalker]

I see Ruffian in there, front and center. And a racing groupie is in a shot too.


I'm in picture 2 of 7. It was on the front page of the Hot Springs paper yesterday and page 3 of the DRF today.

Also ended up on the channel 16 news:

http://www.fox16.com/news/local/story/Fans-gear-up-for-Arkansas-Derby-Saturday/KlSorIo-0kWfkGV5D8tcWA.cspx

And my Facebook community about this Arkansas Apple Blossom trip is here (called "Desperately Seeking Zenyatta"):

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Desperately-Seeking-Zenyatta/112050828819969?ref=mf

I took a short movie today of Zenyatta schooling in the paddock, a dark, sleek figure walking beneath the snowy apple blossoms (so beautiful!) and dancing in the homestretch. She was dappled like a dark leopard and moved with the lazy grace of a giant cat; her muscles rippled. She knew she was the center of attention. Her neck was arched and she pawed the ground like one of the horses of the Book of Job:

"Hast thou not given the horse strength? Hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?"
Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? The glory of his nostrils is terrible. He
paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth at his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men.
He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted. The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield. He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage: neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet. He saith among the trumpet, Ha ha, and
smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting."

She is indeed a mighty warrior preparing for her battle; she paweth the ground, she mocketh at fear, and she is not affrighted. And her neck is clothed with thunder.

Mary MMM

P.S. Will post movie link as soon as I figure out how to get it on YouTube.





Mary MMM

[Native Diver]

Mary, thank you for sharing your experience. I love your descriptions, beautiful.

[SecretariatForever]

Zenyatta loving Oaklawn's dirt

http://drf.com/news/article/112007.html


"She was bouncing on the track," said her exercise rider, Steve Willard, after Zenyatta took a one-lap gallop on the one-mile track. "She loves real dirt. She was happy as a pig in pie."


Jerry Moss said Zenyatta will travel quite a bit this year.

"Our focus is on the Breeders' Cup, as it has been the last two years," he said. "We'll be happy to show up at Churchill Downs. We want to let everybody see her. We're proud of her. She's a star."



Zenyatta gets royal welcome in Arkansas, minus Rachel

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/horses/2010-04-08-zenyatta_N.htm



Moss emphasized that Zenyatta will be given more exposure to dirt racing this season because the Breeders' Cup will be held at Churchill Downs.

"We've always said we're Breeders' Cup people," Moss said. "That's been ? and will be our focus."

He envisions a campaign that will involve shipping to New York and Kentucky for races.

"We'd definitely like to be at Belmont (Park) at some point, and we'd like to be at Churchill Downs in some prep situation prior to the Breeders' Cup," he said. "Those two would be on our radar if everything is right with the horse."

[Noble]

Big Zen headed to Big Sandy?

From Hollywood to Broadway. Enjoy, New Yorkers! :cool:

2010 Zen tour -
Santa Anita
Oaklawn
Belmont
Churchill

[Commentator]

I won't get my hopes up but... Belmont would be fabulous.

[CoronadosQuest]

So.. they changed their mind about detention barns?

[SecretariatForever]

So.. they changed their mind about detention barns?


maybe. I'm sure they haven't put too much thought into it yet. They like to take it one race at a time. They might just think Z will handle it better than Giacomo did.

I would love for Z to go to Belmont. I have a feeling she would love it there.




Zenyatta commands attention

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/blog?post=



"She is like Marilyn Monroe," the Frenchman remarked. "Marilyn Monroe would walk into the room and -- boom! Everyone just stopped to stare. Zenyatta is the same. She has the presence, she is unbelievable. For me, I love just to watch her."

Later, Biancone changed his assessment to a comparison of Whitney Houston. And when Zenyatta only completed one lap of the Arkansas oval, he was severely disappointed.

"Oh please, I would have liked to see her just one more time," he said.

[luvsgeldings]

yeah biancone is smitten with zenyatta - and he has seen her plenty of times out here in cali but that he still has to stop to watch her at oaklawn, thats sweet - he was the one who said 'horse of the year is an insult to her... she is horse of the decade.'

[Noble]

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/sports/ci_14850150


HORSE RACING COLUMN: Zenyatta simply the best

By Art Wilson, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/08/2010 11:22:00 PM PDT

In October 2008, shortly after Zenyatta won the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic at Santa Anita, I ranked her fifth behind Ruffian, Lady's Secret, Personal Ensign and All Along on the list of all-time distaffers I'd seen run.

Here's what I wrote on my racing blog:

"Stamped herself as one of the all-time greats with her BC Ladies' Classic score, and she could move up the ladder if she stays healthy and competes as a 5-year-old."

Six victories later and fresh off the most dramatic Breeders' Cup moment ever when she became the first female to win the Classic, she indeed has climbed up that ladder.

She's not only the best female I've seen race, but the best horse period.

Spectacular Bid is the best male horse I've seen, but he lost four times in 30 races. Given his chance at immortality when he attempted to win the Triple Crown in 1979, he instead stepped on a safety pin and lost to Coastal.

Given her chance at immortality, Zenyatta seized the moment. She outran the boys in the Breeders' Cup Classic, all the while showing what a good sport she is by spotting them a length at the start with a slow break.

Zenyatta, a little more than 17 hands high and weighing about 1,200 pounds, is what they call a freak in racing parlance. She's also called the queen of racing and referred to as an amazon because of her enormous size and the way she makes up ground so quickly.

Hollywood Park track announcer Vic Stauffer called Zenyatta "a future superstar" in only her second career start, and Trevor Denman, Santa Anita's race caller, described her as "a living legend" when she rallied to win the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic.

Denman's call of her Breeders' Cup Classic victory on Nov. 7 at Santa Anita, when she blew by double 2009 Eclipse Award winner Gio Ponti like he was in quicksand, was one of his best ever.

"This is un-be-liev-able," Denman told a national television audience as Zenyatta and Mike Smith made racing history.

But I'll go Denman one better. Unbelievable is a good place to start, but there really are no words out there to describe what Zenyatta did on that fall afternoon. It was the most dramatic moment in any sport I've ever witnessed in person.

Never mind that she should be a two-time Horse of the Year. As Smith said after the Breeders' Cup Classic, "She's horse of the decade."

Maybe horse of a lifetime.

When Zenyatta enters the starting gate today at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark., in the $500,000 Apple Blossom Invitational Handicap, she'll be trying to match the record of 16 consecutive victories in high-level competition shared by Citation, Cigar and Mister Frisky.

She's 3-5 on the morning line to beat her four overmatched rivals in the mile and an eighth race on dirt - a surface she's run on only once before when she took the 2008 edition of the Apple Blossom by 4 1/2 lengths and left defending Eclipse Award winner Ginger Punch in her wake.

Zenyatta's trainer, John Shirreffs, believes she's better on dirt. Her exercise rider, Steve Willard, concurs. Smith maintains he hasn't needed to ask her to dig down deep in any of the 12 races he's won with her.

D. Wayne Lukas, who trained Lady's Secret and has run fillies against Rachel Alexandra, has entered Be Fair in the Apple Blossom. She's a 4-year-old daughter of Exchange Rate who runs on the lead, has won three of five starts at Oaklawn and could be dangerous if allowed to run free and easy today.

Remember, even a horse as great as Secretariat had his Onion and Prove Out.

This is horse racing, and as the Rachel Alexandra camp found out not too long ago there are no gimmies in this sport.

Still, we're talking about a 6-year-old mare who has been nothing but perfection. Slow, fast, moderate pace, it just doesn't matter to Zenyatta.

In a sport where you hear trainers and jockeys talking all the time about their horses' chances being compromised by slow fractions, Zenyatta just runs and wins when it's time. It's as if she scoffs at the timer and just does her thing.

She'll most likely be last again today down the backside, but when the field turns for home she'll be the one moving fastest of all and in all likelihood make it 16-0 as she prepares for another try at the Breeders' Cup on Nov. 5-6 at Churchill Downs.

We should all thank Jerry and Ann Moss for bringing her back and for giving us the opportunity to watch the greatest horse of our lifetime for one more year.

As Trevor would say, "She is un-be-liev-able."

All this time, we searched for the "Chosen One." The Savior to our sport. We kept searching for it in the Triple Crown. Didn't happen with names like Silver Charm and Smarty Jones.

Who knew the greatest horse of the past three decades would be a female racehorse? A CA girl for that matter? The greatest horse was found in my own backyard of SoCal! The search is over. The Chosen One has been found when many of us were searching for the next superhorse in the wrong places. Big Z is like a female version of Man O' War of this early new century. Our modern-day Forego.

I thought none of that would ever happen. It has. She made those dreams possible. That truly is un-be-liev-able!

[Curlin]

Nicely written article, Noble. I couldn't have said it better myself, and as an old fartette whose favorite horse growing up was Native Diver, I've never seen a horse capture the imagination in my own back yard since that big black gelding. Native Diver had his own personality / strut like Zenyatta. He was much beloved and died before his time, at age 8 when he was at his best. When he reached $1M in earnings in the 60's that was a feat only matched by Round Table and Citation at the time.

It's wonderful to see Zenyatta get the crowds and love like Native Diver did. Had she arrived on the scene 40 years earlier, she'd be getting crowds of 60K instead of 30K. But it still beats the 10K or less on normal weekends at SA. Now if she can attract more than 10K at HP, she'll truly make my day.

[Noble]

All this time, racing fans kept searching for "THE CHOSEN ONE." The Savior to our sport. We assumed we would find racing immortality with a Triple Crown winner. We thought Smarty Jones and Big Brown would do it. Didn't happen. We assumed the next superhorse would likely be a male. We assumed a 3YO or older male who runs mainly on dirt. We kept searching for the next superhorse in all the wrong places. This superhorse is right in front us. Hello! Anybody home? Think, McFly, think! Open your heart and mind to her. Zenyatta IS that SUPERHORSE! Don't let Andy Beyer or TC races that is media-driven try to brainwash you on what a superhorse should be. Think outside the box here. New era. Our new superhorse has been found, but you need to have a slightly unconventional way of thinking on how to picture this superhorse will be like.

Don't let your dirt-lovin'/anti-synthetic opinion prevent you from seeing the light. Try to enjoy witnessing GREATNESS no matter what...

Triple Crown races = the hype
Breeders' Cup races = the substance

*screams to the heavens*

Zenyatta winning today will pay homage to Personal Ensign. This win is from one from immortal to the next. God and PE smiling down on us all...

This one is for you, Personal Ensign! I hope Big Z becomes just as great of a mama like you... RIP ;)

[ManOTaz]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/09/sports/09zenyatta.html

Horse Racing's Rockette, Zenyatta Steals the Show

By JOE DRAPE
Published: April 8, 2010


:grin:

My wife just e-mailed me this and I couldn't wait to post some East coast press for Zenyatta but you are too on the ball...you've done it already...

Joe actually voted for Zenyatta to win HOTY last year...if you did not know that all ready... :wink:

[Big Red]

Thanks for posting Art Wilson's letter, Noble. I am crying ... again! They are tears of joy to be alive and seeing this un be lievable horse race!

[SecretariatForever]

Zenyatta wows them again at Oaklawn

http://drf.com/news/article/112083.html


"I have to say, I really believe she's even better this year," said Mike Smith, Zenyatta's regular rider.

^^^ :shocked: Is it possible!?!




"I think she was reveling getting back on dirt," said Jerry Moss, who co-owns Zenyatta with his wife, Ann.

Shirreffs said Zenyatta would now head back to Hollywood Park before plans for her next race are determined.

"I have every condition book from around the country lined up on a desk at our house," said Dottie Ingordo Shirreffs, the wife of John Shirreffs and racing manager for the Mosses.

Moss said the long-term goal is a return to the Breeders' Cup, which this year will be at Churchill Downs.

[SecretariatForever]

horsephotos has some very nice photos up already!

http://horsephotos.com/searchresults.jsp

[PJMIII]

Zenyatta romps in Apple Blossom

Cigar, Citation and Hallowed Dreams all racked up 16 straight wins during their careers and, on Friday, ZENYATTA (Street Cry [Ire]) joined that elite club when galloping home in the $500,000 Apple Blossom (G1) at Oaklawn Park. The massive mare looked like she was out for a morning run under regular rider Mike Smith as she closed on the field nearing the turn and surged past entering the stretch. Never appearing to get out of second gear, the six-year-old galloped home in 1:50 3/5 for 1 1/8 miles on the fast main track.

http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/article.cgi?id=18105

[moonwalker]

Zenyatta dancing in the post parade of the Apple Blossom at Oaklawn Park, 4/9/2010
Neck arched, dressage type moves.

Zenyatta dancing in Apple Blossom post parade (4/9/10) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05gLi7LJUsk#)

Mary MMM

[Majella from Ireland]

Thanks for posting! :grin:

[Spahny]

She is the complete package. I hope they can keep her happy and healthy all year.

Hot Springs folks don't seem to have a cynical bone in their bodies. It was refreshing to see how they embraced her and the unadulterated joy displayed over having the chance to see her close up. There doesn't seem to be a jaded soul in the state. Unless some shipped in?

I think I might arrange a vacation to go there next year for this Festival. I can't imagine not having a great time there.

[Huaka]

Loved the video! I have to see Zenyatta race once this year, I just have to! I don't care if it's going to cost me more than three months worth of paychecks! Haha. I wonder where she races next? I'm definitely betting on the Stephen Foster. Since Moss said they liked 1 1/8 races and they wanted to get a race over the Churchill Downs surface. Ehehehe. Can you imagine? If Quality Road popped up in that race! Wowee!

[PJMIII]

Great video. As someone, she is the complete package.

[Flair]

Zenyatta does the Spanish Walk.

Man, she's all that isn't she? Great racehorse and capable of dressage.

[SecretariatForever]

http://www.ntra.com/blog/index/view/OTk4

Call Her The People's Horse


At 74, Lukas has seen many of the industry's greatest champions on the racetrack.

"You go through different eras, different generations," he continues. "Lady's Secret, Personal Ensign, those mares all had presence and a fan following. But this one's taken it to another level."

[littlelate]

I'd love to see a video of the fan reaction from yesterday. I was at the '09 Clement Hirsch and I've never heard any track so loud as when they announced she won the photo.

[Blue Jeans]

She is the complete package. I hope they can keep her happy and healthy all year.

Hot Springs folks don't seem to have a cynical bone in their bodies. It was refreshing to see how they embraced her and the unadulterated joy displayed over having the chance to see her close up. There doesn't seem to be a jaded soul in the state. Unless some shipped in?

I think I might arrange a vacation to go there next year for this Festival. I can't imagine not having a great time there.


Good post. Reading about the HS folks made me think of "Thesaurus", a former poster at this forum. Anybody else remember her? Anyway, she was always generous with her Oaklawn pics ... and favorable comments. She was especially kind sharing Win Willy info and pics last year.

Thanks, too, for the video and the very nice NTRA article. Z really is the people's horse .... with the right connections. Complete package is right!

[GinTalking]

She is the complete package. I hope they can keep her happy and healthy all year.

Hot Springs folks don't seem to have a cynical bone in their bodies. It was refreshing to see how they embraced her and the unadulterated joy displayed over having the chance to see her close up. There doesn't seem to be a jaded soul in the state. Unless some shipped in?

I think I might arrange a vacation to go there next year for this Festival. I can't imagine not having a great time there.


I think there's a good reason for this ...

everyone has to come to them. They're not in Southern California or New York or Florida or Kentucky where people routinely see champions run. For a few months every year, horses ship from the West Coast and the East Coast and like 99.9% of most fans, they are thrilled to see them run at their track.

Plus, it's a very nice track with a lovely infield on a pretty spring day.

[JT Dancer]

Hot Springs folks don't seem to have a cynical bone in their bodies. It was refreshing to see how they embraced her and the unadulterated joy displayed over having the chance to see her close up. There doesn't seem to be a jaded soul in the state. Unless some shipped in?


Funny because I did not think the crowd embraced her; a number of them couldn't even pronounce her name. It felt totally different from watching her in person at Santa Anita. It seemed to me that she had devoted fans that obviously travelled specifically for her, but most of those just there to be at a big race seemed convinced she would lose.

[JT Dancer]

I'd love to see a video of the fan reaction from yesterday. I was at the '09 Clement Hirsch and I've never heard any track so loud as when they announced she won the photo.


It wasn't anything like the fan reaction at the Santa Margarita; not even close. For those who want to really experience the whole Zenyatta experience, find a way to get to California if she races there again. California fans know how great she is and give her her full due.

[GinTalking]

It wasn't anything like the fan reaction at the Santa Margarita; not even close. For those who want to really experience the whole Zenyatta experience, find a way to get to California if she races there again. California fans know how great she is and give her her full due.


You're grasping at straws here. You can't possibly compare Oaklawn versus Santa Anita. Oaklawn has a tiny grandstand, it's closed if I recall, and a midget apron. Heck, most of the apron would fit into clocker's corner. Well, okay, it's not that small ...

but the reaction depends entirely on the number of people standing or sitting outside that you can actually hear. Oaklawn has a Pimlico paddock so there can't be the same kind of walking ring reaction as Santa Anita.

I thought it was huge ... at least from what I could tell from the Youbet feed. And Oaklawn has been known to fudge their attendances ... at least that's what I was told.

[JT Dancer]

It wasn't anything like the fan reaction at the Santa Margarita; not even close. For those who want to really experience the whole Zenyatta experience, find a way to get to California if she races there again. California fans know how great she is and give her her full due.


You're grasping at straws here. You can't possibly compare Oaklawn versus Santa Anita. Oaklawn has a tiny grandstand, it's closed if I recall, and a midget apron. Heck, most of the apron would fit into clocker's corner. Well, okay, it's not that small ...

but the reaction depends entirely on the number of people standing or sitting outside that you can actually hear. Oaklawn has a Pimlico paddock so there can't be the same kind of walking ring reaction as Santa Anita.

I thought it was huge ... at least from what I could tell from the Youbet feed. And Oaklawn has been known to fudge their attendances ... at least that's what I was told.

No, I am talking about pure crowd reception. There were a lot of non-Z fans at Oaklawn yesterday; I loved seeing her again, but the crowd was definitely not as filled with Zenyatta fans as California tracks. It doesn't matter how many people were there or not; it was about the feeling in the crowd and that was totally different and not nearly as exuberant as her reception in California.

[StarGirl11]

So I admit I was one of the people that thought there was no way in hell that Z would go to New York becuase of the Mosses and detention barns. However according to a couple of article I've read it may be a possibility. Here is one from the associated press: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gRODsxIBz20r9r30Iq533BHoW3FAD9F0F5700

[GinTalking]

No, I am talking about pure crowd reception. There were a lot of non-Z fans at Oaklawn yesterday; I loved seeing her again, but the crowd was definitely not as filled with Zenyatta fans as California tracks. It doesn't matter how many people were there or not; it was about the feeling in the crowd and that was totally different and not nearly as exuberant as her reception in California.


Oh, okay, but I'd expect that. Wouldn't you?

Oaklawn doesn't really have any "hometown heroes" like other places where horses are stabled and run most of their races.

[JT Dancer]

Oh, okay, but I'd expect that. Wouldn't you?
Oaklawn doesn't really have any "hometown heroes" like other places where horses are stabled and run most of their races.


Yes, it is to be expected; I just wanted people who really love Z who have yet to see her in person to know that if she runs again in California- find a way to get there (beg, borrow, steal) because that is the state where they will have the best total race experience.

[Bozo]

It would be fitting to send her to Saratoga and run in the Personal Ensign. Sheriffs has sent others before here and should think about it.

A mile and a quarter on dirt would be awesome and who cares about Rachel. She would not show up in any race at a mile and a quarter against Z. Saratoga would appreciate Zenyatta with Breeders Cup enthusiasm. Just ask the trainer of Lost in the Fog. Delmar is a waste of time and ran pretty bad last year over that stuff. Maybe then run her back in the "Zenyatta" at home.

Just my 2 cents.

[SecretariatForever]

http://hovdeyblog.drf.com/hovdeyblog/

Now What

(the article is mostly about where Zenyatta could go next but I thought this part was interesting)


There is another group, over there in the quiet part of the room, still clinging to the hope that Rachel Alexandra will evolve into a formidable 4-year-old presence and take Zenyatta by the throat. We can only hope. I was not encouraged, however, while listening to her trainer, Steve Asmussen, interviewed by Roger Stein during his Saturday morning, Southern California-based radio show.

Asmussen was entertaining on a variety of subjects, but when it comes to Rachel Alexandra, he sounds like a man trying to discuss nuclear capabilities without the proper security clearance. What he did say, and it was revealing, was that while Rachel Alexandra is in fine fettle physically, his crew has been so far "unsuccessful" in returning her to what Asmussen defines as her competitive level of last year.

[littlelate]

I read that as "Asmussen told us 'Well, we saw her win the BC, and even in heavy traffic, even at a slow pace, she still steam rolled the fields. I am scared.'"

[daisy]

Just note that the filly he DID elect to run against her got her *** beat.

[moonwalker]

Zenyatta's stretch run in the Apple Blossom, April 9, 2010.

Zenyatta's stretch run in the 2010 Apple Blossom (4/9/2010) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vrd-8p-2ih0#)

I am working on uploading the whole winner's circle ceremony with flowers (about 6 minutes long) but it's taking hours. Don't know if it will work, as the internet connection at the hotel is "iffy." I keep checking on it when I come back here and it's still going, though.

I wanted to go to the paddock on Friday, but it's a *very small* one indoors with an underground feeling. People stand around the top and look down at the horses as they are being saddled as if looking down at a zoo exhibit. There are a number of support columns around the edge that block the view of the whole thing. It has a distinct horsey aroma, and the medicine-y liniment smells before some of the races sear the nostrils.

I was taking still pictures in the paddock Wednesday and Thursday, so I have some funny photos of Calvin Borel sitting on the stairs leading down from the jockeys' room, pulling and adjusting his boots like a chorus girl straightening her stockings, with a cigarette dangling from his lips. He then leaves it on the stairs when he goes off to meet the horses, and picks it up on his way back. The other jockeys like to lean against the wall in the stairwell, striking nonchalant sexy poses for the ladies.

Anyway, with Zenyatta's popularity, there was no way to go to the paddock and still keep my place along the concrete wall above the track (where I had been *all day long* -- though some kind people spelled me for bathroom breaks and I for them. I had one beer around the time of the first race, and realized that was a bad idea.) I parked myself in the small part of the apron, just south of the entrance to the paddock. It was just past the regular finish line and across from the horseshoe shaped hedge that served as a winner's circle. I chose that spot so I could see the horses come from the entrance to the barn area off the first turn and pass in front of me to go to the paddock. It was also (I felt) strategically one of the best places to see Zenyatta during the Apple Blossom and afterwards (I was counting on her to go into that winner's circle, LOL!)

It was a long, long day and I am sunburned as red as an embarrassed lobster now --- but it was all worth it!

Mary MMM

[moonwalker]

Zenyatta comes back after the Apple Blossom. Mike shows her off to the crowd. She accepts a blanket of pink flowers, and goes into the winner's circle.

Zenyatta with flowers in winner's circle after Apple Blossom (4/9/2010) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYUllkMXcNI#)

A man (I think he was drunk) started making some rude comments about the groom while they were in the winner's circle, and the ladies around me jumped all over him and told him to hush his mouth. We were trying to get Mario (Zenyatta's groom) to wave to us earlier, but he was all business and his attention was focused on his lady. He's a real professional.

Mary MMM

[JT Dancer]

Mary, your videos are great; thanks for sharing. Your side of the paddock entrance divide seemed to be filled with more real Z fans. My husband and I set up shop on the opposite side of the paddock, and there were some Z haters around us.

We stood by the paddock for one of the early races, and a guy standing next to us leaned in front of me and sniffed for a long minute, then told my husband, "Bet the 9 horse, I smell something."

[PJMIII]

Novak: "Forget Horse of the Year. Let's just make Zenyatta horse of the century."

Forget Horse of the Year. Let's just make Zenyatta horse of the century. She earns the title by sheer chutzpah, for showmanship and for the delivery ? again and again ? of solid racing thrills. In an industry desperately in need of promoting, this beautiful bay runner speaks volumes without saying a word.

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=5072350

[GinTalking]

http://hovdeyblog.drf.com/hovdeyblog/

Now What

(the article is mostly about where Zenyatta could go next but I thought this part was interesting)


There is another group, over there in the quiet part of the room, still clinging to the hope that Rachel Alexandra will evolve into a formidable 4-year-old presence and take Zenyatta by the throat. We can only hope. I was not encouraged, however, while listening to her trainer, Steve Asmussen, interviewed by Roger Stein during his Saturday morning, Southern California-based radio show.

Asmussen was entertaining on a variety of subjects, but when it comes to Rachel Alexandra, he sounds like a man trying to discuss nuclear capabilities without the proper security clearance. What he did say, and it was revealing, was that while Rachel Alexandra is in fine fettle physically, his crew has been so far "unsuccessful" in returning her to what Asmussen defines as her competitive level of last year.


This kind of thing really bugs me ... because how are they going to know that unless they RUN HER! Geez Louise ... pick a race, run her and see what happens. If she stops at the eighth pole to get a pick of grass, then retire her. If she is competitive, then find another race.

Sometimes I just can't contain myself with some of these people. To know what you have, you have to run them. It's that simple. So she worked a bullet a week ago, but she has no competitive edge? How is that possible?

Let's see how she works tomorrow since she's on a Monday, Monday schedule.

This is Zen's thread .... so that's all I'll say about Rachel in Zenyatta's thread .... but UGH! :grin:

[BornToWin]

Mary, those are great videos. Bless your heart for standing in the sun all day to get them and then for sharing them with us.
All those beautiful apple blossoms must have filled the air with fragrance.

[starrydreamer]

Thanks for sharing those videos, Moonwalker! They are fantastic.

[Photo Finish]

Thanks for sharing those videos, Moonwalker! They are fantastic.


I'll second this comment. Your videos are the next best thing from being there in person. You did a great job and we very much appreciate you sharing them with us and the effort it took to get them on YouTube for us to enjoy. I hope you and your cats have a safe trip home. I know you'll have a smile from ear to ear for a long time to come.

[Codysmom55]

Zenyatta's stretch run in the Apple Blossom, April 9, 2010.

Zenyatta's stretch run in the 2010 Apple Blossom (4/9/2010) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vrd-8p-2ih0#)

I am working on uploading the whole winner's circle ceremony with flowers (about 6 minutes long) but it's taking hours. Don't know if it will work, as the internet connection at the hotel is "iffy." I keep checking on it when I come back here and it's still going, though.

I wanted to go to the paddock on Friday, but it's a *very small* one indoors with an underground feeling. People stand around the top and look down at the horses as they are being saddled as if looking down at a zoo exhibit. There are a number of support columns around the edge that block the view of the whole thing. It has a distinct horsey aroma, and the medicine-y liniment smells before some of the races sear the nostrils.

I was taking still pictures in the paddock Wednesday and Thursday, so I have some funny photos of Calvin Borel sitting on the stairs leading down from the jockeys' room, pulling and adjusting his boots like a chorus girl straightening her stockings, with a cigarette dangling from his lips. He then leaves it on the stairs when he goes off to meet the horses, and picks it up on his way back. The other jockeys like to lean against the wall in the stairwell, striking nonchalant sexy poses for the ladies.

Anyway, with Zenyatta's popularity, there was no way to go to the paddock and still keep my place along the concrete wall above the track (where I had been *all day long* -- though some kind people spelled me for bathroom breaks and I for them. I had one beer around the time of the first race, and realized that was a bad idea.) I parked myself in the small part of the apron, just south of the entrance to the paddock. It was just past the regular finish line and across from the horseshoe shaped hedge that served as a winner's circle. I chose that spot so I could see the horses come from the entrance to the barn area off the first turn and pass in front of me to go to the paddock. It was also (I felt) strategically one of the best places to see Zenyatta during the Apple Blossom and afterwards (I was counting on her to go into that winner's circle, LOL!)

It was a long, long day and I am sunburned as red as an embarrassed lobster now --- but it was all worth it!

Mary MMM



I "homesteaded" from the 8th race on at the paddock. It is quite tight in there and of course, it didn't take long for the crowd to be like 10 deep around there. I was able to video Zenyatta as she came into the paddock and she passed underneath me about 4 times. LOL. What a horse. I have seen her twice now and hope she ships where others can see her in person. Simply the best.

[animalsRme]

Great videos. I appreciate all the effort you put into them.

[luvsgeldings]

i also heard the roger stein interview yesterday morning with steve a - when asked how rachel was doing, he said they want to get her to where she was last year, and she 'is not there yet' - when asked what steve thought of zenyatta... he said 'she is one happy and talented mare' - um, well, yes steve that is certainly true.

[Big Red]

Is The Queen back safe and sound yet to her home today?

[Big Red]

And what celebrations are taking place?

[Blue Jeans]

Is The Queen back safe and sound yet to her home today?


I've been thinking about this all day. At least the runway in CA is longer, so that should make her and Mario happier when they touch down. Wish all the horses a safe trip back.

[Roc525]

And what celebrations are taking place?


Do any celebrations need to take place? If so, I believe it has already taken place. In the Oaklawn winner's circle.

[CoronadosQuest]

http://www.drf.com/news/article/112109.html


Shirreffs said the $600,000 Stephen Foster Handicap over 1 1/8 miles at Churchill Downs on June 12 is a possibility. The race has appeal since it is run on the same track as the Breeders' Cup Classic in November, a long-term goal for Zenyatta. Last fall, Zenyatta became the first female to win the BC Classic, doing so at Santa Anita.

On the local front at Hollywood Park, the $250,000 Vanity Handicap for fillies and mares over 1 1/8 miles on June 13 or the $500,000 Hollywood Gold Cup over 1 1/4 miles against males on July 10 are also possibilities. Shirreffs expressed concern about the Hollywood Park races, worried that Zenyatta would be burdened with a high weight in those handicaps. She carried a career-high assignment of 129 pounds in the 2009 Vanity Handicap.

"What kind of weight will she carry?" he said. "It would be tough to do that."

[Citation07]

Steve Haskin's neat article. I don't agree with everything, but it gives both RA and Zenyatta their due as fantastic horses. I didn't see it, so forgive me if it's been posted before.

http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2010/04/10/a-world-of-their-own.aspx

I really hope she goes in the Foster...then hopefully comes home for the Gold Cup!

[SecretariatForever]

http://www.drf.com/news/article/112109.html


Shirreffs said the $600,000 Stephen Foster Handicap over 1 1/8 miles at Churchill Downs on June 12 is a possibility. The race has appeal since it is run on the same track as the Breeders' Cup Classic in November, a long-term goal for Zenyatta. Last fall, Zenyatta became the first female to win the BC Classic, doing so at Santa Anita.

On the local front at Hollywood Park, the $250,000 Vanity Handicap for fillies and mares over 1 1/8 miles on June 13 or the $500,000 Hollywood Gold Cup over 1 1/4 miles against males on July 10 are also possibilities. Shirreffs expressed concern about the Hollywood Park races, worried that Zenyatta would be burdened with a high weight in those handicaps. She carried a career-high assignment of 129 pounds in the 2009 Vanity Handicap.

"What kind of weight will she carry?" he said. "It would be tough to do that."


I hope they decide on the Stephen Foster.

But first, hopefully she comes back from the trip in good order and it doesn't take too much out of her!

[ShuveesGirl]

I really hope she goes in the Foster...then hopefully comes home for the Gold Cup!


The way I read it she would do either the Stephen Foster or the Hollywood Gold Cup, but not both.

[Photo Finish]

Someone last week asked in another thread where and what race will she go in next. I said Chuchill and likely the Foster. I hope I'm right. I think it's the perfect race for her and they'd like to get a race over the surface for obvious reasons.

[dustino140]

I really hope she goes in the Foster...then hopefully comes home for the Gold Cup!


The way I read it she would do either the Stephen Foster or the Hollywood Gold Cup, but not both.


Yes heaven forbid they'd push her a bit. Only 4 weeks between those races. There's no way in hell she could make both :undecided:

Maybe we'll get 6 races into her this year. God, this mare has so much more to show than the connections allow her to.

[SecretariatForever]

I really hope she goes in the Foster...then hopefully comes home for the Gold Cup!


The way I read it she would do either the Stephen Foster or the Hollywood Gold Cup, but not both.


Yes heaven forbid they'd push her a bit. Only 4 weeks between those races. There's no way in hell she could make both :undecided:

Maybe we'll get 6 races into her this year. God, this mare has so much more to show than the connections allow her to.


Let's not get greedy.

[dustino140]

I really hope she goes in the Foster...then hopefully comes home for the Gold Cup!


The way I read it she would do either the Stephen Foster or the Hollywood Gold Cup, but not both.


Yes heaven forbid they'd push her a bit. Only 4 weeks between those races. There's no way in hell she could make both :undecided:

Maybe we'll get 6 races into her this year. God, this mare has so much more to show than the connections allow her to.


Let's not get greedy.


Greedy? I'm looking at a perfectly healthy mare who legitimately ran 'hard' for about 6 seconds on Friday and now can't race again for about 8 weeks, and then can't run back in 4 weeks? What exactly are they sheltering her from?

[SecretariatForever]

I really hope she goes in the Foster...then hopefully comes home for the Gold Cup!


The way I read it she would do either the Stephen Foster or the Hollywood Gold Cup, but not both.


Yes heaven forbid they'd push her a bit. Only 4 weeks between those races. There's no way in hell she could make both :undecided:

Maybe we'll get 6 races into her this year. God, this mare has so much more to show than the connections allow her to.


Let's not get greedy.


Greedy? I'm looking at a perfectly healthy mare who legitimately ran 'hard' for about 6 seconds on Friday and now can't race again for about 8 weeks, and then can't run back in 4 weeks? What exactly are they sheltering her from?


I'm just saying. I would rather her get to the BCC safe, sound, and ready to roll rather than injured (which means not going at all) or completely tired out. Remember she also has to ship a lot farther than most horses she'll be going against this year.

[daisy]

Don't be a dipsh*t. The trainer is on the record as saying if they run in the CA handicaps, weight will factor in. If they don't want to pack weight, they've got to run elsewhere and against the boys.

[dustino140]

Don't be a dipsh*t. The trainer is on the record as saying if they run in the CA handicaps, weight will factor in. If they don't want to pack weight, they've got to run elsewhere and against the boys.


Don't worry, the folks at Hollywood, Santa Anita, and DelMar are far too afraid to lose a potential Zenyatta race to assign her the weight she actually deserves to carry. Santa Anita imposting her at 129 in the Santa Margarita was just a sign of things to come in Cali as well as in Ky, NY, and anywhere else. She'll never surpass 128lbs against the boys, and I wouldn't be surprised if she isn't asked to carry more than 130 in gender-restricted races. The integrity of 'handicap' will go out the window for the bottom-line.

[dustino140]

I really hope she goes in the Foster...then hopefully comes home for the Gold Cup!


The way I read it she would do either the Stephen Foster or the Hollywood Gold Cup, but not both.


Yes heaven forbid they'd push her a bit. Only 4 weeks between those races. There's no way in hell she could make both :undecided:

Maybe we'll get 6 races into her this year. God, this mare has so much more to show than the connections allow her to.


Let's not get greedy.


Greedy? I'm looking at a perfectly healthy mare who legitimately ran 'hard' for about 6 seconds on Friday and now can't race again for about 8 weeks, and then can't run back in 4 weeks? What exactly are they sheltering her from?


I'm just saying. I would rather her get to the BCC safe, sound, and ready to roll rather than injured (which means not going at all) or completely tired out. Remember she also has to ship a lot farther than most horses she'll be going against this year.


You're acting as if she's anything less than the monster she is. The Foster and HGC are 4 weeks apart. Horses, even horses at the elite levels of racing, run back in 4 weeks or quicker on a very regular basis. Zenyatta ran 8 times in 2008 and was still in top form by the Breeders' Cup, and she's still at that level. I'm not sure why 6 or 7 races would put her into the "tired out" zone now. It's not like she's even really been asked to run so far. She's probably in as good of shape right now, probably better actually, than she was before the Margarita.

I keep coming back to - what are they protecting/sheltering her from? This is probably the best racemare...ever. Yet they're still out to find excuses not to run in some places (weights too high in handicaps, 4 weeks not being enough time between races). Just let her runnnnnnnn!

[Photo Finish]

I took it as ShuveesGirl did at first, but then I thought maybe Shirreffs is just being cautious and not trying to get people's hopes up for races that may not happen. Then again, maybe I'm over thinking it. Hopefully they are actually going to test her more this year. Considering how well she shipped to Oaklawn, and considering how long it is until the SF, I see no reason why she can't do both of these races.







I really hope she goes in the Foster...then hopefully comes home for the Gold Cup!

The way I read it she would do either the Stephen Foster or the Hollywood Gold Cup, but not both.

Yes heaven forbid they'd push her a bit. Only 4 weeks between those races. There's no way in hell she could make both :undecided:

Maybe we'll get 6 races into her this year. God, this mare has so much more to show than the connections allow her to.

[Railbird]

Some people will just never be satisfied with Zenyatta. First they were upset because she was undefeated but pussyfooting around beating up on the girls in California. So they put her in the Classic, she wins emphatically, but of course that's not good enough because it was on a synthetic surface and of course it can't be a fair race if it's on synth. So they bring her back as a 6YO and in her second start of the year ship her halfway across the country and run her in a Grade I on the dirt. But of course that's not enough either because it was against a four-horse field (never mind that you can only beat who gets in the gate with you) and it wasn't good enough because it was just a paid workout, why don't they find some REAL competition? So now a legitimate place for her next start is a Grade I, on the dirt, on a track that's new to her, against the boys, and we're going to start complaining ALREADY about the number of starts she may or may not have this year? Ugh. Go complain all you want guys. I'm gonna just enjoy a great racemare for as long as she's around.

I think they'll test her more this year. Apple Blossom and then Foster, that would be SUPER. But they're also going to go with the M.O. which has worked so well the last two years, which is getting her to November with something left in the tank. Can't argue with their handling of her one bit in that regard.

[CoronadosQuest]

I think she will run in the Vanity. I can't imagine that she will get a light load in the Stephan Foster because I doubt many horses will show up if Zenyatta is in the field. And I would hope they'd run her before July... so I can't imagine her waiting almost 3 months for the Hollywood Gold Cup.

[Came Home]

Milady H(may 16, Grade 2) or Mervyn Leroy(May 8, Grade 2) or Shuvee H(May 15, Grade 2)and then Stephen Foster (June 12, Grade 1) then Ruffian H (August 1, Grade 1) or The Whitney (August 7, Grade 1) maybe a little break then The Woodward (September 4, Grade 1) or the Pacific Classic(August 28, Grade1) then Breeders Cup Classic
Horse of the Year and Champion Older Mare

Hey I can dream can't I

[Photo Finish]

Totally agree with Dustino140. 7 races is not too much to ask of her this year, even if most of those are on the road.

[SecretariatForever]

You're acting as if she's anything less than the monster she is. The Foster and HGC are 4 weeks apart. Horses, even horses at the elite levels of racing, run back in 4 weeks or quicker on a very regular basis. Zenyatta ran 8 times in 2008 and was still in top form by the Breeders' Cup, and she's still at that level. I'm not sure why 6 or 7 races would put her into the "tired out" zone now.


You can't use the fact that she ran 8 times in 2008 and was able to stay in top form for the BC to prove that she can do it this year too because this year will be a whole different story.

1. She could be bouncing back and forth from the west to the east then back from east to west.
2. So far it looks like she'll be going from synth. to dirt, dirt to synth.
3. Facing males.
4. She could possibly run into Rachel. And even Careless Jewel. If both those two can come back to top form.
5. The BC is at Churchill this year. Not her home state.
6. She won't be trying to stay in top form to face the girls in the BCLC at 1 1/8, she'll be trying to stay in top form to face the males in the BCC at 1 1/4. Whole different ball game.
7. She 6 years old this year. Not 4.

Based on all of that. I highly doubt her connections are trying to throw as many hard races at her as possible, considering they need to have her at her very best come this years Classic.

And honestly, what is there to prove by running her in the HGC? We already know she can beat the best males on synth. at a 1 1/4. Would it be a good race? yes. But there's no reason to have to fit it in.


I'm not saying I want another 4 race year for her, cause I don't. I would love to see her race 5 or 6 times before the Classic. But let's not get ahead of ourselves and expect her to show up in every male G1 race this year.

[dustino140]

Some people will just never be satisfied with Zenyatta. First they were upset because she was undefeated but pussyfooting around beating up on the girls in California. So they put her in the Classic, she wins emphatically, but of course that's not good enough because it was on a synthetic surface and of course it can't be a fair race if it's on synth. So they bring her back as a 6YO and in her second start of the year ship her halfway across the country and run her in a Grade I on the dirt. But of course that's not enough either because it was against a four-horse field (never mind that you can only beat who gets in the gate with you) and it wasn't good enough because it was just a paid workout, why don't they find some REAL competition? So now a legitimate place for her next start is a Grade I, on the dirt, on a track that's new to her, against the boys, and we're going to start complaining ALREADY about the number of starts she may or may not have this year? Ugh. Go complain all you want guys. I'm gonna just enjoy a great racemare for as long as she's around.

I think they'll test her more this year. Apple Blossom and then Foster, that would be SUPER. But they're also going to go with the M.O. which has worked so well the last two years, which is getting her to November with something left in the tank. Can't argue with their handling of her one bit in that regard.


You're coming off as quite pompous. However I'm sure that was your intent. Now if you'd like to step off your soapbox...

You're right. Zenyatta is 6 and she's a treat to watch.

However, seriously...go look at the PPs of some of the past 'greats.' How many had seasons where they ran 5 or 6 times? Cigar ran 10 times at 5, and 8 times at 6. And don't even ask me to look up horses like Kelso, Citation, Secretariat, etc. Most of them already had 5 races under their belt by May 1. I can understand the whole "let's just be content with the fact that she's around" sentiment, but c'mon - I just have to know. What is so scary out there that they're handling her with such kid gloves? I mean, no disrespect, but Stronach campaigns Ghostzapper 4 times from July - October, and that's a joke to most people. But Moss campaigns Zenyatta with 5-6 races from March - October and we should "just be happy she's here." Doesn't that seem a little two sided?

They handled her in 2008 far more aggressively than they did last year, and guess what - she still made it to the Breeders' Cup in top shape. This isn't a mare who has been riddled with injuries, and this also isn't a mare who has run a long string of races that would cause her exhaustion, nor is this a mare that is even seemingly tired after her first 2 starts of the year. Moss/Shirreffs/Smith keep raving about the form she's in and how she comes out of these races in such great shape.

[SecretariatForever]

I think she will run in the Vanity. I can't imagine that she will get a light load in the Stephan Foster because I doubt many horses will show up if Zenyatta is in the field. And I would hope they'd run her before July... so I can't imagine her waiting almost 3 months for the Hollywood Gold Cup.


I'm pretty sure Shirreffs was referring to the Vanity when talking about getting too much weight.

[dustino140]

You're acting as if she's anything less than the monster she is. The Foster and HGC are 4 weeks apart. Horses, even horses at the elite levels of racing, run back in 4 weeks or quicker on a very regular basis. Zenyatta ran 8 times in 2008 and was still in top form by the Breeders' Cup, and she's still at that level. I'm not sure why 6 or 7 races would put her into the "tired out" zone now.


You can't use the fact that she ran 8 times in 2008 and was able to stay in top form for the BC to prove that she can do it this year too because this year will be a whole different story.

1. She could be bouncing back and forth from the west to the east then back from east to west.

She's been East once so far this year. She did it once in 2008 as well. This is 2010 and horses ship very regularly. I'm not sure how that would be an excuse, just so long as they don't go crazy and ship like 6-8 times. Like I said, if they go in the Margarita (which they did), the HGC, and the Zenyatta, they'd end up shipping 4 times over 9 months. I'm really not sold that's a 'lot.'



2. So far it looks like she'll be going from synth. to dirt, dirt to synth.

I'm not sure how that is any problem whatsoever. She's dominant on both and I've never seen anything where it's claimed that synth -> dirt -> synthetic is detrimental.



3. Facing males.

Which she hasn't done yet. And if she does, I'm not certain she'll be pushed harder than she was in 2008. Some of those races got pretty tight.



4. She could possibly run into Rachel. And even Careless Jewel. If both those two can come back to top form.

Yea, where? CJ isn't going to race against the males this year, and she won't be heading back out to California. So unless they decide to ship Zenyatta to Saratoga to take on the girls, she's safe from CJ. As for Rachel, who knows? I'm not holding out for a RA/Z race, though.



5. The BC is at Churchill this year. Not her home state.

All the more reason to run her in the Foster. And she'll have to ship for the Classic - about 12 other horses in the field will as well. Big deal.



6. She won't be trying to stay in top form to face the girls in the BCLC at 1 1/8, she'll be trying to stay in top form to face the males in the BCC at 1 1/4. Whole different ball game.

How so?



7. She 6 years old this year. Not 4.


You're right, she's better now.



And honestly, what is there to prove by running her in the HGC? We already know she can beat the best males on synth. at a 1 1/4. Would it be a good race? yes. But there's no reason to have to fit it in.

What is there to prove by running her anywhere? She's the best main-track horse in the world. Once she beats the boys on the dirt, should they just retire her? And you say "fit it in" like it's not a full month after the Foster.



I'm not saying I want another 4 race year for her, cause I don't. I would love to see her race 5 or 6 times before the Classic. But let's not get ahead of ourselves and expect her to show up in every male G1 race this year.


"Every Grade 1 race"?

How about Margarita (March) -> Apple Blossom (April) -> Foster (June) -> HGC (July) -> Woodward (Sept) -> Zenyatta S. (Oct) -> BC Classic (Nov)

That still gives her 2 full months off (May, August), gives her very adequate time between starts, a breather of a race in October, a total of 7 starts, 4 against males.

[Photo Finish]

Shirreffs tends to be an altra conservative trainer when it comes to spotting his horses, especially away from SoCal. Moss seems to be the type of owner who's history indicates he allows Shirreffs to dictate his horses' schedules. BUT, I think Moss is going to have a bit more input this year and I really think we'll see over half of Zenyatta's races away from California. I also think she'll race in at least a have dozen races. I'm going to say 7 though, and hope she has that many.

[horseracinggrl15]

Zenny meet Lil Zenny (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5zHsQiRDFI#ws)

[SecretariatForever]

She's been East once so far this year. She did it once in 2008 as well. This is 2010 and horses ship very regularly. I'm not sure how that would be an excuse, just so long as they don't go crazy and ship like 6-8 times. Like I said, if they go in the Margarita (which they did), the HGC, and the Zenyatta, they'd end up shipping 4 times over 9 months. I'm really not sold that's a 'lot.'

The key words there "so far"

She did it once in 2008. This isn't 2008.




I'm not sure how that is any problem whatsoever. She's dominant on both and I've never seen anything where it's claimed that synth -> dirt -> synthetic is detrimental.


Each horse is different.




Which she hasn't done yet. And if she does, I'm not certain she'll be pushed harder than she was in 2008. Some of those races got pretty tight.


So you're saying male horses she could run into like Quality Road, Battle Plan, etc. are at the same talent level as the mares she was beating in 08? Interesting.





Yea, where? CJ isn't going to race against the males this year, and she won't be heading back out to California. So unless they decide to ship Zenyatta to Saratoga to take on the girls, she's safe from CJ. As for Rachel, who knows? I'm not holding out for a RA/Z race, though.

How do you know CJ won't face males at all this year? If she comes back as good or better than last year, I think there's a strong chance she may face males at one point.

And shipping Zenyatta to take on the girls could be a possibility. Remember they have mentioned going to NY which is where there are races like the Beldame, Personal Ensign, etc. Yes, there are races against the males too, but who knows which one they will choose. You surely don?t anymore than they do.




All the more reason to run her in the Foster. And she'll have to ship for the Classic - about 12 other horses in the field will as well. Big deal.


12 other horses will too? Can you tell me the order of finish while you're at it?





How so?

"6. She won't be trying to stay in top form to face the girls in the BCLC at 1 1/8, she'll be trying to stay in top form to face the males in the BCC at 1 1/4. Whole different ball game."

How so? Are you serious?

A 1 1/4 race against the top males around the world vs 1 1/8 race against very good fillies/mares.

I'll leave you to think about it.






You're right, she's better now.

And everyone would like to see her stay that way.





What is there to prove by running her anywhere? She's the best main-track horse in the world. Once she beats the boys on the dirt, should they just retire her? And you say "fit it in" like it's not a full month after the Foster.

I'm saying they may have another race that is not too long after the HGC that they have their eye on, and if not now they may in a few weeks. That's what I mean by "fitting in".

You have this whole schedule mapped out for her, yet you have no idea what races her connections have in mind besides the ones mentioned. So before you go mapping out a schedule and start getting your hopes up, let's give it some time and leave it up to the Mosses and Shirreffs to mention the races they are seriously considering.





"Every Grade 1 race"?

How about Margarita (March) -> Apple Blossom (April) -> Foster (June) -> HGC (July) -> Woodward (Sept) -> Zenyatta S. (Oct) -> BC Classic (Nov)

That still gives her 2 full months off (May, August), gives her very adequate time between starts, a breather of a race in October, a total of 7 starts, 4 against males.


I had no idea you were John Shirreffs! Or are you one of the Mosses? It's nice to meet you!


Anyways, there are so many other options than what you just mapped out for her. Options that may not allow her to safely fit in the HGC right after the Foster.

[Dusty]

I really hope she goes in the Foster...then hopefully comes home for the Gold Cup!


The way I read it she would do either the Stephen Foster or the Hollywood Gold Cup, but not both.


Yes heaven forbid they'd push her a bit. Only 4 weeks between those races. There's no way in hell she could make both :undecided:

Maybe we'll get 6 races into her this year. God, this mare has so much more to show than the connections allow her to.


Let's not get greedy.


Greedy? I'm looking at a perfectly healthy mare who legitimately ran 'hard' for about 6 seconds on Friday and now can't race again for about 8 weeks, and then can't run back in 4 weeks? What exactly are they sheltering her from?


I'm just saying. I would rather her get to the BCC safe, sound, and ready to roll rather than injured (which means not going at all) or completely tired out. Remember she also has to ship a lot farther than most horses she'll be going against this year.


You're acting as if she's anything less than the monster she is. The Foster and HGC are 4 weeks apart. Horses, even horses at the elite levels of racing, run back in 4 weeks or quicker on a very regular basis. Zenyatta ran 8 times in 2008 and was still in top form by the Breeders' Cup, and she's still at that level. I'm not sure why 6 or 7 races would put her into the "tired out" zone now. It's not like she's even really been asked to run so far. She's probably in as good of shape right now, probably better actually, than she was before the Margarita.

I keep coming back to - what are they protecting/sheltering her from? This is probably the best racemare...ever. Yet they're still out to find excuses not to run in some places (weights too high in handicaps, 4 weeks not being enough time between races). Just let her runnnnnnnn!


You are talking like she is a machine - she is not - she is a very talented mare - her owner's and trainer have gotten her to this place by being mindful of HER - they do have her best interests at heart - not yours. Let her be Zenyatta - let HER dictate her effort - my goodness can we not JUST ENJOY HER? And be glad she is happy - sound AND running?

[ElPrado]

Dusty, you'd better watch out. You're making sense, that's dangerous on this board.

Don't you know that you could have her try to join the million mile club by July, run in 14 Gr 1 races before August, then have a 2 week rest before running in about 5 more before the BCC, beat horses shipped in from every country other than Samoa (unless they have racing there, of course, then all those bets are off), run on Easter Island (but it better be on concrete)(maybe Tex Sutton's company has a regular run to there), stay unbeaten while running against 11 horses that are dead, 42 that are alive and 12 that aren't born yet, knit booties for seven foals, plow half of New Zealand while she's bored not running in August, and run in 3 F/M races on the Friday and 4 C/G races on the Saturday at the BC (winning all of course) and still the people of this board would say they wanted her to do more?

[Huaka]

How early in advance do you think they announce her next race? Summer is the perfect time for me to go because there's no school. My grandma said she'd come with me to just to watch her. That's pretty amazing in and of itself because we live in Hawai'i so travel to ANYWHERE is really expensive and for the fact that we don't have horse racing here.

She doesn't love horse racing as much as I do but she really likes Zenyatta. Haha. If I saw her in person I'd take pictures and videos and scream my head off! I hope she makes at least one more start in California (it'd definitely be cheaper) but if not I'd definitely try for the Churchill Downs. New York is way too expensive for me, even though I went there once as a child.

I'm planning to visit Japan again in the winter so have to budget myself severely. Oooh, I'm so excited. Can't wait!

[Somnambulist]

I have never seen so many excuses for a horse that doesn't need them.

[peeptoad]

IMO this would be the perfect Z-schedule for the rest of the year, barring injuries/form decline/etc:

Stephen Foster June 12
Hollywood Gold Cup July 10
...give her a short break...
Woodward Sept. 4
Goodwood or JCGC (not sure the dates on those)
BC Classic

They could even slide the Whitney in there on August 7th without too much difficulty, although it would mean shipping cross country another time.

I don't think they should hesitate about shipping her unless it's obvious it's causing a problem. She's a strapping horse and seems to be able to handle most situations both mentally and physically.

[Oxfarm]

Dusty, you'd better watch out. You're making sense, that's dangerous on this board.

Don't you know that you could have her try to join the million mile club by July, run in 14 Gr 1 races before August, then have a 2 week rest before running in about 5 more before the BCC, beat horses shipped in from every country other than Samoa (unless they have racing there, of course, then all those bets are off), run on Easter Island (but it better be on concrete)(maybe Tex Sutton's company has a regular run to there), stay unbeaten while running against 11 horses that are dead, 42 that are alive and 12 that aren't born yet, knit booties for seven foals, plow half of New Zealand while she's bored not running in August, and run in 3 F/M races on the Friday and 4 C/G races on the Saturday at the BC (winning all of course) and still the people of this board would say they wanted her to do more?


And don't forget walking all over Manhattan in Macy's Christmas parade. Seriously, people, unless you are in the barn in the morning feeling the horses legs, how can you say so boldly "She should do ABC and then XYZ race?" Sure the parts that we get to observe seem like they come easy to the horse, but behind every good horse is a world of work, concern, consideration and day2day tweaking to be done. You can't guarantee that ramp up each time, so you allow yourself enough time to boost your odds of getting it right. In all seriousness, why is that concept so hard for people to grasp?

[Native Diver]

Dusty, you'd better watch out. You're making sense, that's dangerous on this board.
Don't you know that you could have her try to join the million mile club by July, run in 14 Gr 1 races before August, then have a 2 week rest before running in about 5 more before the BCC, beat horses shipped in from every country other than Samoa (unless they have racing there, of course, then all those bets are off), run on Easter Island (but it better be on concrete)(maybe Tex Sutton's company has a regular run to there), stay unbeaten while running against 11 horses that are dead, 42 that are alive and 12 that aren't born yet, knit booties for seven foals, plow half of New Zealand while she's bored not running in August, and run in 3 F/M races on the Friday and 4 C/G races on the Saturday at the BC (winning all of course) and still the people of this board would say they wanted her to do more?

And don't forget walking all over Manhattan in Macy's Christmas parade. Seriously, people, unless you are in the barn in the morning feeling the horses legs, how can you say so boldly "She should do ABC and then XYZ race?" Sure the parts that we get to observe seem like they come easy to the horse, but behind every good horse is a world of work, concern, consideration and day2day tweaking to be done. You can't guarantee that ramp up each time, so you allow yourself enough time to boost your odds of getting it right. In all seriousness, why is that concept so hard for people to grasp?


It is presumptive to think that one can just rattle off all these races she should be in for the remainder of the year, just because she seems so hale and hearty, from where ever it is you may be watching her. From tv? From the rail? I doubt you are in the stall with her night and day like the people who know her best virtually are. She is in superb condition and makes everything look very easy, but don't people realize there is also alot of work that goes into that? And perhaps one of the reasons she makes everything look so easy is the impeccable care she receives. I question and doubt how well people that need her to do more and more based on their requirements, actually know horses at all. JS lets Zenyatta tell him what she is ready to do. He listens to her. Like others here have said, how hard is that to understand? Get over it. Or maybe find a different horse to follow that you are more satisfied with and could get more enjoyment from.

[StarGirl11]

I've got a question. When does the Churchill Downs meet start and if it starts in late October like I thought it did will someone please explain what Moss could be suggesting in this quote from an AP article?




Owner Jerry Moss says he and his team will plot a schedule for Zenyatta that may include a race at New York's Belmont Park and a prep race at Churchill Downs ahead of the Breeders' Cup there in October.



Here is the small article that contains the quote: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gRODsxIBz20r9r30Iq533BHoW3FAD9F09BQG2

Also this isn't the first article I've read where Moss has been considering bringing her to New York for a race. Maybe he is finally starting to his change minds about detention barns?