Zenyattas Weight

[winds]

It would be one thing if it was Rachel winning by a nose, since she always distances herself from the field. But this is Zenyatta who never wins by more than 2. As a handicapper BDW you should know to look at the whole race, how it ran, how she ran and the fact that the last 1/4 was in 22 n change should tell you, she's not like Curlin, she's just as strong and just as good as ever.

Don't judge just on a nose win, look at the total picture.
Thanks.

winds

[Aug27]

That was an impressive win!

The race was simply too short for her (distance), and the field lacked a legitimate Grade 1 pace setter. It was amazing she could overcome those circumstances and still get up to win.

Race shape (pace) plays a HUGE factor in races like this. That’s why a runner with tactical speed will almost always have the advantage over a confirmed closer. The only time a closer has the advantage over the speed horse is when the race is filled with confirmed front runners or the track bias is playing to closers. (Which doesn’t happen all that frequently.)

I’d give Rachel Alexandra the advantage over Zenyatta in races with a normal mix of running styles up to 8.5f , while Z would have the advantage at 9f+. If the race lacks any other front runners, than RA would still have the advantage at slightly longer distances (9f-9.5f), while Z would rate the edge in my opinion at 10f

The danger now is that Mike Smith “learned a lesson” in this race, and “knows” he can’t let her fall too far behind. So, some time down the road Mike gets afraid of a front runner setting a dawdling pace and decides he needs to take Z out of her game and sit close to the lead. THAT will be her downfall, in my opinion.

Why can’t some people just appreciate how special Z has been: this isn’t Peppers Pride. We’re talking about G1 and G2 wins time after time after time … And with Mike Smith in the irons, no less!

Cigar had Jerry Bailey, and he was a difference maker in many cases. I don’t think Z will reach 16, but that doesn’t diminish what she’s already accomplished – in my eyes, at least. What a race mare!!

[karenkarenn]

Oh Aug27
I agree however now we are worried that Mike smith will cause the loss and not Zenyatta. She s just to good for him. She deserves a jock that will pay attention. I am starting to not like what hes been doing with MTB and now our Zenyatta.

[Hotwalker]

she is a handful in the paddock. Her groom really earns his money. And she always looks immaculate on race day.

I was definitely worried going down the backstretch. But she uses that second turn almost like a slingshot to gain momentum and take over. The final furlong must have been fast because the final time was decent off of slow early fractions.

[wilf]

Guys I don't know about you but this mare is positively Ataxic and getting worse,she goes like a crab and displays an abnormal hind movement especially when her head is up. Her effort yesterday was extraordinary but she was very uncomfortable on the home turn until she levelled out and turned on the afterburners. Wish I had one like her.

[Georgerz]

That was an awful race. Here is the opinion of a gentleman who knows a lot about racing:

http://thehomestretch.yuku.com/topic/4531

[walaa]

Poor girl, maybe she is just completely bored with her racing MS is lucky he constantly gets these kind of horses to ride despite himself, from everything I read, but maybe she is bored, you know?? Why not throw her in some real races, with real competition and see if that perks her up , I agree with the folks who say no way she gets HOY or even female HOY. Maybe older female thats all. RA, who I really dont even like, ( I agree she is great!!) just doesnt strike any personal strings with me the way some horses do, has beaten the boys in G1 twice, no one in their right mind could give any award to Z over her, any day of this year. I would love to see Z in a race where she was really challenged, not just struggle to get up in time, and see a horse hook and look her in the eye and see the battle!! maybe then she will start to look herself again!! I love them, no arguments here, just neither one pulls at my heart strings, just too old I guess seen too many others I like better, hell, I like MTB better than either os these mares!! let the war of words begin, just dont hate me for it

[Georgerz]

There is no Female Horse of the Year title, whatsoever. There is only a HOY, be it a male or a female.
If Rachel Alexandra runs a couple of more races like the Haskell, she will be HOY.

[walaa]

Well, exxccuussee me George! Guess I am old cuz there used to be 3yr old awards for the year in male and female category way back when, I sure could have sworn, guess I am wrong again

[karenkarenn]

Well Walaa I think you meant older mare - she would be it.
Karen

[walaa]

Thats what I was thinking, thanks Karen

[karenkarenn]

Cool Beans anything to cheer you up!

[Shergar]

That was an awful race. Here is the opinion of a gentleman who knows a lot about racing:

http://thehomestretch.yuku.com/topic/4531

Would that be THE Dr. Steve Roman of Chef-de-Race and dosage figures?

If so, You can are welcome to his opinion. His opinion doesn't carry a lot of weight with me.

I reckon to each his own.

Cheers,
Shergar

[karenkarenn]

Shergar
Is he the man that only conciders stallions and their dams to add to the D I ?
Karen