Shirreffs says Zenyatta deserves '10 Horse of the Year

[Antitrust32]

Originally Posted by somerfrost

I agree, she's a once in a lifetime horse...best since the Bid and Big Red!

best race horse?

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by somerfrost

I agree, she's a once in a lifetime horse...best since the Bid and Big Red!

There is little evidence that she is the best horse racing this year.

[knickslions2]

Originally Posted by pba1817

About how I feel about this forum's participants...

No one is holding a gun to your head to stay here

[pba1817]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Originally Posted by knickslions2

No one is holding a gun to your head to stay here

But you all would have one less guy to hate on... that would be un-American!!

[TouchOfGrey]

But wait! There's more!
Shirreffs Talks Zenyatta


On Zenyatta’s 2010 campaign, which was different than the one the Mosses talked about when they decided to keep her in training:
“I think (the Mosses’ comments) were a little bit misinterpreted because we race in California, which is on the other side of the Rockies. So it’s a little different shipping around California than it is on the East Coast. We wanted to have the opportunity to let other people see her; which was obviously one of the reasons we went to Oaklawn Park with her. But when you have to decide where to go again, it’s tough to turn down a grade I race and take her somewhere else when California supports her and stables her and takes care of her.”

On deciding not to take on males in California this year:
“I really didn’t consider it at all because I always thought we would do the same thing as we did last year; hoping to have her peaked at the Breeders’ Cup Classic and not do anything that would cause any interference with that.”

On whether there is a scenario where they wouldn’t race her in the BC Classic, including an off track:
“I don’t really want to talk about that because Churchill Downs has a real ability to handle water. So I think we have to wait and see.”

On his disappointment if she would not win Horse of the Year in 2010, even if she loses the BC Classic:
“I would think it would be almost too much. For what she does for the industry for the last three years, I would say that would be a real slap in the face. Not only on performance but what’s she’s done for racing.”

On being reminded that Quality Road, Lookin At Lucky, and Blame could all make very good cases for Horse of the Year with a win in the BC Classic:
“I think I said exactly what I wanted to say.”

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by pba1817

About how I feel about this forum's participants...

And to think, you're so popular here.

[pba1817]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

And to think, you're so popular here.

I'm not even popular in my own home...

[trackrat59]

I think she backs out of the BCC too.

[JDank34]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

Wait so now she doesn't even have to win and she still would get it....The whole gang surrounding this horse couldn't be less likable if they tried.

Maybe you could see if you can beg RA out of retirement so Zenyatta could prove herself! I find it hilarious that a "true fan" of this sport finds "the whole gang surrounding ths horse couldn't be less likable if they tried." Really? We have a DYING sport starved for stars and Z is an undefeated star with a trainer and owner that do whatever is best for their mare. The same as any of us would do. Maybe she could be managed by someone MORE likable such as Assmussen, Pletcher, Sadler, Dutrow, Wolfson, etc, etc, etc...How can it not be refreshing when a super horse with a CLEAN trainer gets the accolades?

[randallscott35]

Originally Posted by JDank34

Maybe you could see if you can beg RA out of retirement so Zenyatta could prove herself! I find it hilarious that a "true fan" of this sport finds "the whole gang surrounding ths horse couldn't be less likable if they tried." Really? We have a DYING sport starved for stars and Z is an undefeated star with a trainer and owner that do whatever is best for their mare. The same as any of us would do. Maybe she could be managed by someone MORE likable such as Assmussen, Pletcher, Sadler, Dutrow, Wolfson, etc, etc, etc...How can it not be refreshing when a super horse with a CLEAN trainer gets the accolades?

LOL, maybe you've missed Moss' comments at the Eclipse awards or the games Shireffs has played with TVG regarding her future plans. She is Peppers Pride on synthetic. Which is wonderful.

[letswastemoney]

Originally Posted by JDank34

Maybe you could see if you can beg RA out of retirement so Zenyatta could prove herself! I find it hilarious that a "true fan" of this sport finds "the whole gang surrounding ths horse couldn't be less likable if they tried." Really? We have a DYING sport starved for stars and Z is an undefeated star with a trainer and owner that do whatever is best for their mare. The same as any of us would do. Maybe she could be managed by someone MORE likable such as Assmussen, Pletcher, Sadler, Dutrow, Wolfson, etc, etc, etc...How can it not be refreshing when a super horse with a CLEAN trainer gets the accolades?

He has a big head thinking she should be horse of the year without winning the Classic. I don't see how anyone could like this trainer.

I agree that someone should punch him in the face.

[Dahoss]

I don't know if I agree that he isn't likeable. He seems like a pretty good guy. But he says some pretty dumb things when he is in front of reporters.

[Danzig]

zenyatta doesn't deserve even being mentioned with HOY thus far this year. someone ask again after next month. even then...one tough race makes a year? someone tell volponi that. or tiznow. or super saver for that matter-he won't even get top 3 yo!

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by JDank34

Maybe you could see if you can beg RA out of retirement so Zenyatta could prove herself! I find it hilarious that a "true fan" of this sport finds "the whole gang surrounding ths horse couldn't be less likable if they tried." Really? We have a DYING sport starved for stars and Z is an undefeated star with a trainer and owner that do whatever is best for their mare. The same as any of us would do. Maybe she could be managed by someone MORE likable such as Assmussen, Pletcher, Sadler, Dutrow, Wolfson, etc, etc, etc...How can it not be refreshing when a super horse with a CLEAN trainer gets the accolades?

I find it odd that people say this over and over and it couldnt be further from the truth. The sport is not starved for stars. In the last few years there have been quite a few "stars"; Smarty Jones, Big Brown, Curlin, RA, Zenyatta. Now they are only stars in the current climate because while very nice horses, their records dont stack up to the greats of yesteryear. However all got far more than the normal media coverage usually afforded to racehorses. Of course despite this and "all the good that Zenyatta" supposedly has done for rcing, the numbers continue to trend downwards.

And the idea that Zenyatta was campaigned on the cupcake tour for HER own good is laughable.

And I can't speak for anyone else there is zero chance that I would have not challenged her if I had the chance to choose her races.

[alysheba4]

cannon, as a trainer, do you think there is a possibility she has to be pampered
or is it a case of them being so hung up on the win streak they just decided to take the least amount of chances?

[2Hot4TV]

Originally Posted by alysheba4

cannon, as a trainer, do you think there is a possibility she has to be pampered
or is it a case of them being so hung up on the win streak they just decided to take the least amount of chances?

Grade 1 winner and winning streak? go figure

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by alysheba4

cannon, as a trainer, do you think there is a possibility she has to be pampered
or is it a case of them being so hung up on the win streak they just decided to take the least amount of chances?

Option 2

[JDank34]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

I find it odd that people say this over and over and it couldnt be further from the truth. The sport is not starved for stars. In the last few years there have been quite a few "stars"; Smarty Jones, Big Brown, Curlin, RA, Zenyatta. Now they are only stars in the current climate because while very nice horses, their records dont stack up to the greats of yesteryear. However all got far more than the normal media coverage usually afforded to racehorses. Of course despite this and "all the good that Zenyatta" supposedly has done for rcing, the numbers continue to trend downwards.

And the idea that Zenyatta was campaigned on the cupcake tour for HER own good is laughable.

And I can't speak for anyone else there is zero chance that I would have not challenged her if I had the chance to choose her races.

Chuck I respect your opinion as someone who has made a successful career in this industry. My comments about a dying sport and need for more starpower were not articulated well. My basic idea is that I am a 31yo sales and marketing professional, who attends CD regularly and gambles over 250 days a year. If I ran my business the same way the leaders of your industry run theirs I would be living on the streets of Shivley! They DON'T get it. I know this is nothing new to you or most on DT, but instead of the greed giant that is Kee charging $10 to park, $5 to enter, etc, etc, etc I wish people would focus on how to promote an undefeated star to the audiences that don't spend every spare minute combing sites, blogs, forms, etc to get our facing fix, ie the casual Saturday afternoon fan. I love this sport and have a passion for it and I have exactly ONE friend my age who feels the same and we live in Central KY, the supposed mecca of the sport. What does that say? Nothing to us, because we already know, but Sausage Man Evans or Nicholson refuse to listen because all they care about is MORE MORE MORE. This is a rambling mess and there was supposed to be a comment about promoting Zenyatta somewhere, obviously I am not as eloquent as I need to be! Good day.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by JDank34

Chuck I respect your opinion as someone who has made a successful career in this industry. My comments about a dying sport and need for more starpower were not articulated well. My basic idea is that I am a 31yo sales and marketing professional, who attends CD regularly and gambles over 250 days a year. If I ran my business the same way the leaders of your industry run theirs I would be living on the streets of Shivley! They DON'T get it. I know this is nothing new to you or most on DT, but instead of the greed giant that is Kee charging $10 to park, $5 to enter, etc, etc, etc I wish people would focus on how to promote an undefeated star to the audiences that don't spend every spare minute combing sites, blogs, forms, etc to get our facing fix, ie the casual Saturday afternoon fan. I love this sport and have a passion for it and I have exactly ONE friend my age who feels the same and we live in Central KY, the supposed mecca of the sport. What does that say? Nothing to us, because we already know, but Sausage Man Evans or Nicholson refuse to listen because all they care about is MORE MORE MORE. This is a rambling mess and there was supposed to be a comment about promoting Zenyatta somewhere, obviously I am not as eloquent as I need to be! Good day.

I agree with most of what you are saying. But the industry's ills are never going to be solved because there is a really good horse that is promoted well. You are 100% correct in suggesting that greed has done a lot of damage to this sport (and not just on the part of the tracks). What I dont understand is why we aren't promting the fact that you can bring a little bit of money to the track and leave with alot. Horses have a short shelf life and in the majority of cases always did. Zenyatta will soon be forgotten by most. But a guy who wins 5k at the track ? He will be back. I guarantee that. The pretty horse people? Yeah they will follow a bit after the retirement of their current love but they will look to find some reason (whips, drugs, PG1985, etc) not to follow the game soon afterwards.

[Pedigree Ann]

Originally Posted by JDank34

I know this is nothing new to you or most on DT, but instead of the greed giant that is Kee charging $10 to park, $5 to enter, .....

First of all, the $10 is only for valet parking; the closest-in lots are now $5 instead of free, but the largest amount of parking area is still free, with shuttle buses to get you closer to the grandstand. See http://www.keeneland.com/racing/list...irections.aspx

Keeneland is more than a racetrack for Lexington folks; it is a social ritual. Young people come out to have a good time, not bet on the horses, but they do a bit of that, too. The grandstands are crowded, so it doesn't look like the higher price has cut into attendance (up from $3.50).

Oh, and you do know that the Keeneland Association is a non-profit, right? Anything left over after operating expenses and servicing debt goes to charity; Keeneland has given millions to charities in the Central Kentucky area over the years. It was formed by local breeders after the old Kentucky Association track downtown closed (and later became a housing project) so that the center of the breeding industry would still have a showcase for its products. And the sales part of the business has always subsidized the racing to a certain extent. Maybe since sales commissions have been down over the last couple of years, the association decided that the racing side needed to pay more of its way.