Let the debate begin! It’s not like we didn’t have a debate already brewing behind the scenes regarding thoroughbred racing’s top ladies, but with her ultra impressive victory in the Grade 2 Milady Handicap at Hollywood Park on Saturday, the undefeated Zenyatta said “not so fast” to any would be challengers in her quest for a Horse of the Year title. The win sets up the potential for an eventual showdown between the 5-year-old daughter of Street Cry and Preakness champion Rachel Alexandra in one of the Breeders’ Cup Classic races this fall. Only time will tell if that will be a Friday or a Saturday showdown.
Breaking towards the rear of the pack, Zenyatta and stable mate Life Is Sweet spotted the field double digit lengths in the early going, and then set down for their runs with about 3 furlongs to go. Garrett Gomez, aboard Life Is Sweet, did everything in his power to prevent the eventual overpowering stretch run of Zenyatta, causing her to check momentarily. Nothing could stop Zenyatta though as in true “Slow Cheetah” style she circled wide, perked her ears, and then inhaled the field.
Zenyatta returned $2.40 for the win, her 8th in graded stakes company. Life Is Sweet ran on gamely for 2nd, and if not for the presence of Zenyatta would have prevailed. Allicansayis Wow ran on for 3rd, making my pre-race selections 1,2,3 finishers. Unfortunately their was no value to be had, as the Trifecta returned a paltry $13.20.
Today was not about value from a betting standpoint though. Today was about star power and what it can do for the sport. If you haven’t noticed, we’re a bit thin in terms of superstars in this sport at the moment. It’s a bit hard to detect thanks to the publicity that the Triple Crown receives, and the instant celebrity status awarded both Rachel and Mine That Bird for their victories in the Preakness and Kentucky Derby. Beyond them though, who do we have? Einstein is versatile enough that he’s probably the top older male in the nation (on any surface, it would seem). Perhaps Well Armed will return in top form from his massive victory in the Dubai World Cup back in March. We do have some star power in Forever Together in the turf female division, but how many folks outside of diehard horse racing fans have ever really heard of her? All that we are, for the moment at least, hinges on the success of Zenyatta, Rachel Alexandra, and Mine That Bird.
What a matchup we might get this fall if their worlds do collide? Rachel running from the 1st step out in front early on. Zenyatta biding her time and then setting down for her run in the turn. Personally, I think Zenyatta would have distinct advantage if the desired showdown were to occur on Breeders’ Cup weekend. While she’s proven in the past that she doesn’t need to be in California to win, clearly it’s where she’s at her most comfortable. Things might be more evenly matched if the two were to meet on a true dirt surface, say in Saratoga this summer. I doubt that will happen though, as Zenyatta’s connections may feel there’s no need to ship her across the country to prove anything. She can stay where she is, win the Classic, and waltz away with Horse of the Year honors.
For Rachel, the path is more difficult. First and foremost, she has a potential rematch with Mine That Bird looming in the Belmont, if Jess Jackson and trainer Steve Asmussen decide to send her. Then she must prove she has something in the tank after the Triple Crown races when she eventually squares off against older runners. Then the decision will have to come as to whether to ship her for the Ladies’ Classic on Friday, or the main attraction on Breeders’ Cup Saturday.
Of course, while we’re debating these fillies, let’s not loose sight of Mine That Bird, who has a tendency to jump up and bite those that count him out of the equation. How silly might we look later in the year if we’ve wasted months arguing about Rachel and Zenyatta, only to get “Birdstoned” again in the Classic? It could happen, I’m just sayin’. Let’s not get too carried away with the Rachel vs. Zenyatta debate.
One thing is certain, it’s an exciting time to be a racing fan. We’re blessed with two of the most talented female runners in recent memory. These are our two superstars. Here’s hoping they each continue to progress, and that one day we might be lucky enough to witness them in direct competition with one another in a race for the ages.
For now, hats off to Zenyatta, trainer John Shirreffs, and jockey Michael E. Smith, who rode one of his signature races in timing when to launch his runner nearing the stretch of the Milady. What a magnificent creature Zenyatta is to behold. Clearly one of a kind. She’s one of those horses you feel lucky just being able to watch. Well done, Slow Cheetah!
What a great race. (sorry I only got to see it in replay.) GEEZ! ZENYATTA! And great timing, Mike Smith. Somewhere I read that in some races she actually lingered at the gate as if to say, give you a head start girls, I’ll catch up later.
Kevin and Sally C,
The utter disdain that she had for that field was amazing…I’m through trying to beat her. I tried it in the BC Ladies Classic… you’d think I’d have learned a lesson. GARRETT GOMEZ tried to put MIKE SMITH in tight, nothing dirty just race riding, and still couldn’t beat her.
ZENYATTA running the last 1/16, galloping with her ears pricked, was a picture of health a beauty. Personally, I hope there are two races between RACHEL and ZENYATTA before they’re both likely to call it a career. I’m lobbying for them to meet in the Lady’s Secret, the Oak Tree prep for the Breeders’ Cup, then on to meet the boys in the BC Classic.
If they’re healthy, I WANT REVENGE and QUALITY ROAD could join MINE THAT BIRD, MUSKET MAN, and SA Derby winner PIONEEROF THE NILE against the girls…not to mention some Euro shippers.
What a game! Let’s hope they all get/stay sound.
The image of her pricking her ears as she made her move is one I’ll never forget. TVG did a great job of focusing on that in the replays they showed right after the raze. Just a one-of-a-kind runner with an unbelivable determination to win.
Right after her win they showed a commercial stating that Secretariat’s heart was over twice the size of a normal horse….I’m wondering if we might not find out one day that Zenyatta’s is the same.
I never try to beat her because I’ve been on board with her since her debut. Each race I start to think “oh man, she’s leaving herself a lot to do…maybe today isn’t her day”, and then in the blink of an eye she’s to the front and surging past everyone….and it always looks so easy for her.
I don’t think there’s a runner on this planet that can beat her out in California without getting a litle traffic help somewhere along the way.
It is easy to tell the horses that are into racing. Those are the ones you want to own. She is pretty amazing.
Hey Kevin, Naughty New Yorker I think is coming back soon. He had some fast workouts even at 7 years old! He should be over $1 million in earnings if he comes in the money next out. Getting over $1 million in career winnings is a great milestone for any horses. He is my favorite horse that is still running.
Awesome performance, great to see her back in action, and looking just as good (if not better) than last year.
Also nice to see Brass Hat come back with a kick!!
[...] Goldikova last year in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Mile? And is there anyone who really thinks after the Milady that Zenyatta wouldn’t thrash the California boys at Hollywood, Santa Anita, or Del Mar? I just don’t get it. Surely not all fillies are [...]