Valiant loss puts Zenyatta's prowess in perspective

[Dunbar]

Here's a link to Beyer's Washington Post article on Zenyatta in the Classic:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...110704076.html

As Rupert predicted in another thread, Beyer lauds Zenyatta's performance. For example, Beyer writes "...With a quarter-mile to go, it appeared impossible that the mare could gain significant ground on a strong finisher like Blame, yet she almost made up all five lengths with a phenomenal rally through the stretch. "

His final paragraph was generous, too:

"...Zenyatta's fans can make a reasonable claim that she should be considered the greatest U.S. filly or mare of all time. Any argument on the subject will be complicated by the fact that Zenyatta's one-dimensional stretch-running style would put her at a tactical disadvantage on the dirt in a hypothetical matchup against other great fillies such as Ruffian and Rachel Alexandra. But Zenyatta's historic winning streak and her two performances in the Classic constitute a formidable body of work, and nobody ought to hold her one defeat against her."

I realize that Beyer is not endorsing the 'greatest U.S. filly or mare of all time' view as his own view. But he IS saying it is a reasonable view.

--Dunbar

Edited...sorry for starting a new thread. Somehow missed the original!