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Originally Posted by copying
These RA backers are the same ones that think Easy Goer was better than SS. They also loved Alydar over Affirmed. War Admiral over Seabiscuit. They ignore what's done on the track.
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I haven't done point by point comparisons of Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta this year. I believe I did see most of their races with varying degrees of interest each time.
I was at Churchill Downs the day Sunday Silence defeated Easy Goer. By happenstance I ended up in the same box as the trainer and family of Northern Wolf to watch the race. We "moved down" in the mid-40 degree and rainy Louisville chill that day. Northern Wolf's trainer insisted we stay as he came to the box with his family before the race. My money was elsewhere, but I do have to say it was super cool to see Northern Wolf in contention around the final turn that day. The trainer was a fine and gracious man and I remember often how he graciously insisted we stay as the Kentucky Derby post parade began.
I found a way to get to Belmont the day Easy Goer beat Sunday Silence. My memories of that race are clouded a bit undoubtedly because I was captivated by a girl who I met that Belmont morning who knew "the ropes" and horses and got me up close and personal with her in the paddock. She had a wonder fragrance and a strong calmness.....yet she was delicate. We had a great day, though the part at the end where she was teary eyed and whispered she was not so happily married was a bit of a downer. Losing my money on Sunday Silence that day was less of a downer. I moved on.
I have an autographed head on photo of Steve Cauthen crossing the finish line in front of Alydar in the Belmont on the wall to my left. Next to it is the NYRA finish photo of the Affirmed "by a neck" win from the side.
I've always revered War Admiral. Nice name. "Seabuiscuit" as a name seemed to lose a little luster when
Mr.Ed referenced him when I was a kid.
OK, none of this meandering has any relevance. Other than noting that I've been a betting fan of thoroughbred racing for a pretty long time.
I've been an easterner. I watched Spectacular Bid win the Florida Derby live and in person. His winning photo with my exact view from the apron is up with the Affirmed group in this room.
I have no skin in the Horse of the Year Award.
With my snapshot observations of 2009 Rachel Alexandra, and my snapshot observations of Zenyatta and my history of loving the history of horse racing my vote goes to
Zenyatta by a whisker.
Rachel Alexandra had an easy opportunity to show up in SoCal and she opted out. I respect the reasons of the connections and respect the concern for the well being of the horse.
I really do.
But Zenyatta came to compete, and she won.