Woodward Right Race For Rachel

[Stevie Belmont]

The Woodward for Rachel Alexandra is the right race for a few reasons. And they all make solid sense.

First, connections have Kensei who is in top form right now, and, of all the other horses in the Travers, stands a good chance in the very least to hit the board with a solid effort in the Travers. With a victory in the Travers he would certainly rocket up in value as a stallion. You have to admit, Jess Jackson has a pretty good hand right now.

The ducking talk is a weak argument, especially for a horse the caliber of Rachel Alexandra. She has already proven she is a spectacular filly.

Rachel Alexandra has already done just about everything a filly can do. She has defeated her own and the colts. The Woodward is another opportunity for her to do something new and great, defeat the older handicap horses and become the first filly in history to win the Woodward.

There is no doubt that if she did run in the Travers she would be facing her stiffest challenge yet in the likes of Quality Road, but there is no urgency there to prove anything. It would be a tougher race for her. And with that being said Quality Road would face the best horse he has seen to date as well. No one is ducking anyone.

A lot of people wanted to see it, but from the business perspective it makes more sense for Jess Jackson to select the Woodward for various reason already mentioned. There is no doubt though, if she ran in the Travers, it would have been a spectacular race. Thee race of the year, up until now.

I’m pretty sure Quality Road’s people are happy they picked the Woodward as well—not because they are afraid or anything—but let’s face it, the path to victory in the Travers is a lot easier with her not running in it.

And the other big positive here is the fact you have two stars that will remain separated in different races. That is actually a good thing for everyone. They both get the spotlight on different days. It helps Saratoga, racing, and just everyone else.

So sit back, get the wagers ready to go, and watch Thoroughbred Racing’s best close out another spectacular summer season of racing at Saratoga. It does not

[karenkarenn]

Is this a commercial ad?
Are you a commentator?

[Toral]

What's wrong with stating an opinion?

I agree with most of the points, although I don't think Quality Road would have been a stiff challenge- I'm kind of expecting him to bounce after running the way he did in the Amsterdam, and then having to stretch out to a mile and a quarter.

[karenkarenn]

No, its just RA is starting to get boring. Same thing, people think that they know that horse and where it should run. Not like there are other horses that run too. I mean really how many posts have to start with RA?
Karen

[Rachel Alexandra]

No, its just RA is starting to get boring. Same thing, people think that they know that horse and where it should run. Not like there are other horses that run too. I mean really how many posts have to start with RA?
Karen

You should enjoy her while she is racing because you will probably never witness another like her.
I don't understand how anyone could not appreciate this filly.

[wallinga]

No, its just RA is starting to get boring. Same thing, people think that they know that horse and where it should run.

You don't have to know RA to see she can win just about anything she contests in the states. She could run in the New York marathon and we'd be able to find reasons for her winning... I personally think she wants a strong 200 freestyle against Michael Phelps, now that would be a match race!!! plus they both consume grass

[Stevie Belmont]

That was actually an entry I posted on my site. I thought I would give a quick mention of it considering some people had some strong opinions on where she should run next.

I will be the first to admit that there have been a lot of RA posts. I have put a lot up myself. I guess she is the story in racing right now. And for good reason, she is something we have not seen in quite some time...

[pfrsue]

No, its just RA is starting to get boring ... I mean really how many posts have to start with RA?

One of the things about these forums is that if you see a heading you aren't interested in, you don't have to click on it. Ain't technology grand?

Anyway, I agree that the Woodward is a good spot for RA, and I'm going to be interested to see how Kensei fares in the Travers. I think he's a very nice individual.

[karenkarenn]

You know its interesting.
To say that we shall NEVER see one like her. I cant believe how quickly people forget great fillies and mares of the past.
What? does nobody remember the GO FOR WAND, Bayakoya, Peppers Pride, Landaluce, Winning Colors, Zenyatta, Azeri, ect. female horses of this sport that has made us talk in history.
THEY COME AND GO. Its not like they don't. Last year the talk was CURLIN, This year is R.A. , Whats next year like?
People, they are horses, they come and go... Really they do.
Rachel Alexandra- presumingly you named yourself after a horse thats running ( R.A.) do realize that she will go eventually, and then what? What are you going to do with your life, now that you named yourself after a horse - yes a horse- that will exit horseracing. - They all do.
Take a grip, stop brown nosing, and realize that there are hundreds of horses out there that are making history. Horses that desereve our attention, horses that have touched our lives,not just through seeing the horse through a lense or a T V. - that you know little about.
Steve I dont mean to be harsh, I really don't - But I see these awesome photos of yours and see that you are a well rounded individual when it comes to racing. There are hundreds of stories out there, why do something that everyone else does just because shes popular?
You have a gift. Why cant you make something that wont reflect the current trend?

[RuffianT21]

Karen, every day I read this site, and every day I come on here feeling good about this sport that I love so much, excited to share my passion with others. And yet now it seems that every day I read some negative, unpleasant, critical post from you, and it always kind of ruins my time on this site.

I personally have always enjoyed reading Stevie Belmont's posts. I find them interesting and well thought out.

Certainly good horses come and go. That doesn't mean that they're not special or that we should not spend time talking about them! You make it seem as though you wish for mediocrity. The truth is that Rachel Alexandra is a special filly. How special, exactly, remains to be seen. But she certainly has the potential to be just as great as the other fillies you mentioned-- other stars in history, whom I have certainly not forgotten.

In 5 years, Rachel Alexandra the horse will be done racing forever, but I suspect that Rachel Alexandra the person here posting will still be proud to have RA as her moniker.

Personally, my username consists of the names of two horses. Ruffian died years before I was born-- I never saw her race in person. T-2 was my first horse, who I loved very much. He died several years ago. Have I "gotten on with my life"? Yes. Will I ever forget either of these horses-- one famous to so many and one so important to me personally? No. Will I still be proud in five years to have this as my username? Yes!

Why be so negative about something as wonderful as a filly?

[pfrsue]

BRAVO, RuffianT21!!!! I could not have said it better!

[karenkarenn]

Ruffian
If you really think that my posts are negative-and I ruin your day? I cant believe how much power you give me and how much you dont understand. What! just because Im not part of the CLINQ of the R.A. thats makes me negative! What!?
Im not sorry that you feel that way. If you really think that you go on this site day after day and you find my - just my - comments negative? What other people can express their opinion and I cant? So blamming me for your problems is supposed to make me feel bad?? NOOO
What part of taking I aking a stand and not going with the trendy clique dont you get. If that offends you to bad!
P.S. I DIDNT say she wasn't special you should be thanking me for putting her in the same class as the greats fillies and mares of our time, or perhaps you didnt read that part. Or are you still blaming me for your bad times.

[RuffianT21]

Sorry Karen, I'm not going to feed your troll anymore...

[Elusive City]

You know its interesting.
To say that we shall NEVER see one like her. I cant believe how quickly people forget great fillies and mares of the past.
What? does nobody remember the GO FOR WAND, Bayakoya, Peppers Pride, Landaluce, Winning Colors, Zenyatta, Azeri, ect. female horses of this sport that has made us talk in history.
THEY COME AND GO. Its not like they don't.

LOL you forgot the "iron Lady" Lady's secret. LOL


Lady's Secret had 25 and oh yes a HOTY.

or Serena's song 18.

RA has a long way to go in her career to catch those two.

wake me up when Rachel hits 15.

[foothillsequine]

Moderator? The negativity is becoming rather tiresome...