Rachel Alexandra-Zenyatta set for Apple Blossom confrontation

[mbahadur]

Per Bloodhorse article on Oaklawn website (sorry if this article is mentioned in another thread), "an announcement should be coming within the next week about a major network signing on to carry the race. Once that deal is finalized, an advertising pitch can begin to take form."

"Many have questioned Cella's decision to have the race on a Friday instead of a weekend. I may be in the minority here, but I think it can be a good move. For those of you that think it will be a late afternoon post, you are way off. I was told by the same source that the race will likely be scheduled for 6:45 p.m. CDT, which would make it a prime time event on the East Coast. If it were held on the Saturday or Sunday of that weekend, the Masters golf tournament might overlap the pre-race coverage. A Friday night horse racing might seem a bit unorthodox at first mention, but it will also have a new, exciting feel that could work out just fine.

The other exciting thing about the Apple Blossom is that we can expect a full field in the gate and it probably will include some pretty decent horses. This was insured by Cella when he created an enticing purse structure that will earn the third-place finisher $500,000 and guarantee $100,000 to the last-place horse. Who wouldn't want to show up with those crazy numbers?"


http://www.oaklawn.com/News/Story.aspx?Id=234

[2Hot4TV]

Originally Posted by Merlinsky

Oh sorry, read that as "dual Eclipse champion." This is what happens on low blood sugar. I need to go eat some Peeps or something.

PEEPS!!!! Thats alot of sugar. Have you ever tried Circus Peanuts?

[Antitrust32]

Originally Posted by Danzig

and i'm sure you're far off the mark. very far. but yeah, many consider us an easy target. i've lived all over, there aren't more idiots here than any other state i've lived.

the whole banning gays from adopting kids took the cake for me.. though I'm sure you are right.

[Revidere]

Originally Posted by mbahadur

The other exciting thing about the Apple Blossom is that we can expect a full field in the gate and it probably will include some pretty decent horses. This was insured by Cella when he created an enticing purse structure that will earn the third-place finisher $500,000 and guarantee $100,000 to the last-place horse. Who wouldn't want to show up with those crazy numbers?"

As Stardom Bound runs by them both!

Relax

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

the whole banning gays from adopting kids took the cake for me.. though I'm sure you are right.

Technically, the Arkansas law prohibits couples, straight or gay, "cohabiting outside of a valid marriage" from adopting. Gays and lesbians who are not in a relationship can still adopt. Utah has the same law.

[AeWingnut]

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

the whole banning gays from adopting kids took the cake for me.. though I'm sure you are right.

yes, I'm certain NAMBLA is really upset about this as well

[Antitrust32]

Originally Posted by AeWingnut

yes, I'm certain NAMBLA is really upset about this as well

fuc.k off

[AeWingnut]

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

fuc.k off

now that I think about it
you are right
I am wrong

sorry

[Smooth Operator]

Ohhhhhhh I like this Zetcher guy's style … sending this Zardana beast to FG to raise some hell at RA's creampuff-fest.


Now if he can just get Bailey to come out of retirement and do an 'Eddington' with her.

[TouchOfGrey]

Rachel/Zenyatta Trading Cards Distributed

Original plans were to print 25,000 of each card, but high demand for the cards in advance of the March 2 free distribution prompted Arrison to obtain 25,000 more of each card from the printer. As of March 2, mailed-in requests for the cards had arrived from 23 states, Arrison said. In addition, Churchill Downs in Louisville and Lone Star Park in Texas had contacted Arrison asking for cards to distribute free to their patrons in advance of the Apple Blossom.

“We found we could double the order for only $975 in addition to the original $2,395 printing cost,” he said, “so we got more of each card.”

Those who want one of each card mailed to them may send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Apple Blossom Cards, PO Box 6000, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, 71902, Arrison said. Requests will be answered as long as supplies last.

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by TouchOfGrey

Rachel/Zenyatta Trading Cards Distributed

Original plans were to print 25,000 of each card, but high demand for the cards in advance of the March 2 free distribution prompted Arrison to obtain 25,000 more of each card from the printer. As of March 2, mailed-in requests for the cards had arrived from 23 states, Arrison said. In addition, Churchill Downs in Louisville and Lone Star Park in Texas had contacted Arrison asking for cards to distribute free to their patrons in advance of the Apple Blossom.

“We found we could double the order for only $975 in addition to the original $2,395 printing cost,” he said, “so we got more of each card.”

Those who want one of each card mailed to them may send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Apple Blossom Cards, PO Box 6000, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, 71902, Arrison said. Requests will be answered as long as supplies last.

Woohoo! Thanks for posting that. Makes my day!

[TouchOfGrey]

Originally Posted by GenuineRisk

Woohoo! Thanks for posting that. Makes my day!

My envelope is already in the mail.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by GenuineRisk

Technically, the Arkansas law prohibits couples, straight or gay, "cohabiting outside of a valid marriage" from adopting. Gays and lesbians who are not in a relationship can still adopt. Utah has the same law.

Arkansas has laws?

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Arkansas has laws?

They sure do! Some of the best Arkansas laws include:

The Arkansas River can rise no higher than to the Main Street Bridge in Little Rock.

Teachers who bob their hair will not not get raises.

A man may only legally beat his wife once per month.

In Fayetteville, it's illegal to kill "any living creature." (Killing dead creatures and inanimate objects is apparently okay.)

And in Little Rock, flirtation on the streets between men and women will get you a 30-day jail term.

[DaTruth]

Interesting article in the New York Times on Thursday:

Jackson has questions about Rachel Alexandra’s fitness, which he gauged at “about 85 percent” of where she should be now. He is also trying to manage expectations for her coming 4-year-old campaign.

One thing that he guaranteed was that if his filly was not dead-solid perfect in the days leading to the Apple Blossom, she would not run.

“We are targeting the Apple Blossom,” he said. “We are stretching to get there. But if we’re not in top shape, we’re not going.”

Jackson also continues to lobby for Rachel Alexandra to face Zenyatta three times before the year is out.

“If they beat us in one race, they might just disappear and retire her undefeated,” Jackson said. “If they commit to the best of three, it would be great for the sport and a better way to judge both these great horses.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/04/sports/04racing.html

[Smooth Operator]

Pretty much everything in their favor … dirt track, shorter (9f) distance, much less travel to Arky … and they'll still probably DUCK the western monster.



Like I said before … with 5000 large on the table … you could've bet that Bobby would've had her ready to fire…

[MaTH716]

Originally Posted by Smooth Operator

Pretty much everything in their favor … dirt track, shorter (9f) distance, much less travel to Arky … and they'll still probably DUCK the western monster.



Like I said before … with 5000 large on the table … you could've bet that Bobby would've had her ready to fire…

Your going to poke fun about her traveling? That's pretty comical.

[Sightseek]

The video of Rachel's work is up at Thoroughbred Times, I would have to agree that it wasn't the best work we've seen by her..

[kgar311]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

The video of Rachel's work is up at Thoroughbred Times, I would have to agree that it wasn't the best work we've seen by her..

I really hope they dont rush her into racing if shes not ready. Personally I would like to see them meet up after both have had a few races under their belts, mid to late summer when they are both at their peak. Not being rushed to race at the beginning of the year when either or might not be ready. I want a no excuse race at SARATOGA!!!

[Thunder Gulch]

Hard to really evaluate the work other than to say she was too aggressive. She never had her head at any point until the last 1/16th.