[Thunder Gulch]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Horseracing differs from most other sports in that the schedule isn't set. However like boxing the path that is taken and the choice of opponents/races that the competitors choose makes all the difference. Floyd Mayweather is a great fighter, extremely skilled, smart, tough, quick, fast, etc. Watching him fight is pleasing to the boxing fan. But he hasn't fought a serious threat in years and as such will continue to face criticism and doubters until he agrees to fight the other star fighter in his class, Manny Pacquio. If they do finally get together it will be a huge event which will not only be good for the sport but will go along ways towards determining each fighters place in history.

How is that relevant in a horse racing discussion? Well we get to choose our competition as well and until Zenyatta starts to run in better races, against better horses all her races are simply undercard events. I am old enough to remember when horses were pointed to all the top races without regard to a PR campaign for horse of the year. While I don't expect people to suddenly revert to 1975 schedules, taking off the shackles and trying to prove your horses greatness instead of talking about it isn't too much to ask for. I love Zenyatta, I really respect John Sheriffs as a trainer, Mike Smith is my friend. I just want to see her do memorable things. Carrying 129 is harder than most think but let's face it, like Joey said, she is supposed to win these races. Horseracing is supposed to be competitive, not a continuing coronation ceremony. If wishing to see the best horses meet or to see a 6 year old do something different is wrong then I suppose I am not enough of a fan anymore.

Can I get an AMEN?!

Yes, Zenyatta has thrilled me twice now in 2 years. Quality Road has drawn the "wow" from me twice in two months, and Rachel Alexandra dropped my jaw everytime she went into the gate starting with the Oaks last year.