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Originally Posted by Merlinsky
In defense of Mine That Bird, I still think he's the Rodney Dangerfield of last year's group despite winning the Derby. Also, Derby winners as of late have done pretty well in the Preakness, note the number of dual winners over the last decade or so especially. With the exception of Barbaro (for obvious reasons), Grindstone (who got hurt as well) and Monarchos, the Derby winners have finished 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in the Preakness since 1994, and in 1993 the 2nd place KD finisher won the Preakness. There's something to be said for form and momentum even when they aren't major players for the rest of the year. It's hardly surprising MTB was on his game against Rachel.
Secondly, Zenyatta is 17 hands, gorgeous, and likes to do dressage before a race. It's clear why folks would be enamored by her just from that. No need to imply anything about RA. It's not her fault she's not ginormous, doesn't pirouette in the post parade, or has a blaze that looks like it got smudged before the paint was dry. What happens between the start and finish line is what matters. It's not a beauty contest and the talent portion excludes the paddock. Z's on her game right now. Let's cut the smack talk and enjoy it.
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I hear you. Not intending to talk smack at all. I don't like it either.
I do think that Zenyatta is the better "story" for thoroughbred racing now, and has been for several months.
Rachel Alexandra could have come west to face Zenyatta in the Breeders' Cup and elected not to do so.
Zenyatta and her connections declared to go east to face Rachel Alexandra on the supposedly dreaded dirt.
And again Rachel Alexandra and her connections wussed out.
"Horse of The Year" is a big eastern 'elite' conspiracy.
(and "Christmas is run by a big eastern syndicate"......so sayeth Lucy)