It seems odd to compare Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra because they've done all their accomplishments on a different surface.
A lot of the horses Zenyatta beat are not going to run the same way on dirt. Lethal Heat probably won't run the same on dirt, given who her sire is. Life is Sweet was mostly a turf horse before coming here wasn't she?
Likewise, Macho Again isn't going to run the same way on synthetics or turf. Mine That Bird seems a notch below his best at Santa Anita. It remains to be seen what Summer Bird will do, but are we to judge Summer Bird by the same standards on synthetics? Even if he loses the Classic, wouldn't you bet him right back once he starts on dirt again?
If Zenyatta were to race in the Classic and beat Summer Bird, people would be saying, "Look Zenyatta beat Summer Bird...she must be as good or better than RA!"
These horses are being compared to each other as if they're the same type. I just figure things would be more clearer if there was a synthetic HOY, then maybe there wouldn't be so much argument over who deserves HOY more.
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