neither schedule is clear. missing a race isn't ducking, but you know that.

CA is great to visit.. great weather and beautful. But the state is SOO messed up with its politics (I think only CA could give us the wonderful Nancy Pelosi) and it is SO expensive.

I'd pick AZ, FL, OR, and WA over CA. Especially with the no state income tax in FL.

AZ is just wonderful! (IMO)

The only thing wrong with California is Californians.

Exterminate them and all will be well.

he should just buy Z.......

Zenyatta is the best horse ever.

She's a mare, not a horse--unless you are implying she has a dong (and by "dong" I don't mean Smooth Operator).

"Apple Blossom showdown back on..."

http://drf.com/news/article/110719.html

Apple Blossom Showdown Back On!
 

Oaklawn Park | Posted 2/11/2010, 4:20 pm
Apple Blossom showdown back on
By Jay Privman

Oaklawn Park's owner, Charles Cella, said the connections of Zenyatta (above) and Rachel Alexandra have agreed to race on April 9.

The Rachel Alexandra-Zenyatta matchup is on, according to Oaklawn Park owner Charles Cella.

Cella said on Thursday that the Apple Blossom has been moved back six days, from April 3 to April 9, and that the owners of both Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta have agreed to run.

"The Apple Blossom Invitational has been renegotiated," Cella said Thursday afternoon. "Both principles are on line, and have pledged to me they will enter their horses and race. The date will be Friday, the 9th of April. All other conditions remain the same."

The Apple Blossom will be run at 1 1/8 miles, and if both Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta run, it will have a purse of $5 million. Otherwise, the Apple Blossom reverts to its original $500,000 purse.

On Wednesday, Jess Jackson, the majority owner of Rachel Alexandra, said in a prepared statement that Rachel Alexandra would not be ready by the original date of the Apple Blossom, April 3, and that his request to have the Apple Blossom moved back one week had been denied by Oaklawn Park.

Cella on Thursday said he had been in touch with the owners of both horses over the previous 24 hours. The two horses have never met.

"I've never had so much trouble giving $5 million away," Cella said. "We've got a solid commitment, assuming, of course, their health continues."

I guess they might get 5 horses with three hoping for 3rd money

Sweet!! Now if they could get Durkin to call it, that would be perfect.

on a FRIDAY?

That is really really stupid.

Something like this can be marketed to the moon on a Saturday, or better yet a Sunday, but they go and put it on a Friday.

WTF. On a Friday??

Makes a lot of sense for Oaklawn... eve of the Arkansas Derby... now it's the biggest weekend Hot Springs has ever seen.

It makes sense for no one.

Yes you freakin tool, I have an idea of Rachel's schedule this year:

March-Prep Race

April 9th-Whip "Big Z"s ass all the way around Oaklawn Park in an Apple Blossom Trouncing...

It's not perfect, but it's better than no match-up at all.

It has zero chance of happening it is all about keeping the interest level up IMO

They won't have both the Arkansas Derby and Apple on the same day, won't happen. Cant say that I'd blame Cella for not wanting to do it either. The man is going to make the biggest race in racing happen, let him do it the way he wishes. I wished I had some vacation left over from my heart stent because I'd be there for sure. If you do make plans to be there stay at the Baymont out on Hwy7. Over looks the Lake and it's nice out that way.

I think it's far from a done deal... a lot can happen.

kicking is still a go..:tro:

I think Ass/Jackson thought there was no shot Cela would move the date a week and Cela called the bluff.. Rachel wont make it..Unfortuate but true

I think Kensei should run

it would be funny if some lesser horse beat both of them........cause this **** is beyond tired.

Agreed

good grief

I was all set for the weekend before
now this

I don't believe they would take a $5 mil race like this and stick it on a friday. That's silly. With the lack luster Arkansas Derby they would be better off running the Apple Blossom as the feature on Saturday.

:tro:

Your most accurate opinion to date.

Ladies run on Fridays. The real horses run on Saturdays.

Or at least thats the Breeders Cup Way!!

i don't think they can put it on sunday, the ark derby is the last day of their live meet. altho, with having lost racing days, perhaps they could get permission to extend? i was going, but friday is a work day-have to check the schedule.
but i agree with freddy, it's not going to happen. but no doubt oaklawn is pre-selling tix like mad. i may still call just to reserve.

Which is the most likely scenario:

1. RA backs out.
2. Zen backs out.
3. They both run.

I'm going with 10% on RA backing out.
45% on each of the other two possibilities.

Just covered RA vs Zenyatta on opening of ESPN Sportscenter

what about they both back out?

all operators busy...

100+k for 5th

Unlikely, as the one that runs in the event the other backs out will have a huge leg up in the ego/PR battle.

Me too

but if rachel backs out, the purse drops dramatically. mosses could stay home to run for the same money then. now, if zenyatta doesn't show, rachels right here so i wouldn't see her backing out.

any problem getting SRO tickets for the big day if you can't get a reserved seat?

I'm glad I'm not the jockey of either of these horses.The one who loses will be hung out to dry,then crucified.

They get like 65,000 on Ark Derby day, so what do you think?