Rachel Alexandra to Woodward

[SniperSB23]

Originally Posted by CSC

Are you kidding me, MTB? The Travers is no where close to being as interesting without RA in it!

Dude, look at the fields the past couple years. This one blows them away.

[The Indomitable DrugS]

At least they didn't run into Careless Jewel on short rest.

[SniperSB23]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

At least they didn't run into Careless Jewel on short rest.

Why, cause then no one would have noticed how far back it was from Careless Jewel to third place?

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

If he wanted an easy spot he'd run in the Personal Ensign. In my opinion he's looking for the biggest challenge and what would do the most for his horses' legacy. As fans, we are lucky that she is owned by someone with enough guts to throw his young filly in a race against anyone. I doubt there would be many owners out there willing to run her in the Woodward. This may be once and a lifetime stuff for us (well people my age who werent around for Ruffian/Go For Wand, etc). Owners duck competition these days, she runs in the top races in open competition where anyone could show up to face her.

I liked racing better when owners owned, trainers trained and horses ran. There wasnt talk of legacy or sportingness, just racing. When a guy would say here is where we are going to run, I dare you to beat me. Instead every little thing is micromanaged and we are supposed to bow down when a billionaire runs a horse he paid 8 million dollars for in a race where she will be a big favorite. As the Haskell was, this race makes sense for the filly based upon the schedule. And extra week after a huge run, a distance he knows she can handle and a weak field. What exactly is the stretch here?

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by boswd

I don't agree with you on the reasoning why she is racing in the Woodward but I do agree with you on her winning the Traver's against this field is more impressive then winning against the field that is being assembled in the Woodward.

I think the whole The Traver's would have a Triple Crown like atomosphere, more so than usual, especially with a national TV coverage. having all three triple crown winner's, Florida Derby Winner and former KY Derby pre race favorite all entering the starting gate.

It would have been a major Spectacle.

Traver's is still going to be a fantastic race but if RA was there, with this deep field it would have Ky Derby feel to it.

Agree

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by SniperSB23

Why, cause then no one would have noticed how far back it was from Careless Jewel to third place?

They have similar styles and she would not have won that race without a fight.

You look far better beating up on older males than winning a stretch battle with a 3yo filly who doesn't bring in a fancy resume.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by SniperSB23

I think the head to head win over both Quality Road and Mine that Bird is far more important than which race he wins.

Head to head isnt that big of a deal if he is beating "older" horses in a grade 1, especially if they lose the Travers to RA. Quality Road has virtually no chance of winning 3 yo of the year without winning the Travers and possibly the BC or at least the Gold cup or something like that. It is ridiclous that we are even talking about three year old of the year and poutting QR and Kensai in the conversation with the sparse resumes they have at this point.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by SniperSB23

Dude, look at the fields the past couple years. This one blows them away.

You cant seriously say that the Travers with RA in it wouldnt be a much better race. That point cant be disputed. While you say that the race is still a good one which I agree you cant help think that there will be something missing regardless of what happens.

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

You cant seriously say that the Travers with RA in it wouldnt be a much better race. That point cant be disputed. While you say that the race is still a good one which I agree you cant help think that there will be something missing regardless of what happens.

We had a Travers two years ago that didn't include Curlin, Hard Spun, and Any Given Saturday... all Haskel horses like RA

[cakes44]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

We had a Travers two years ago that didn't include Curlin, Hard Spun, and Any Given Saturday... all Haskel horses like RA

Yes, and it was awful.

[johnny pinwheel]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

You cant seriously say that the Travers with RA in it wouldnt be a much better race. That point cant be disputed. While you say that the race is still a good one which I agree you cant help think that there will be something missing regardless of what happens.

i agree, thats why i said she took the easier route. c'mon, if she went the travers it would of been BIGGER than the derby. it would of been the biggest travers since affirmed and alydar. which is when i got into horse racing. its been many years. jackson usually does not "duck" the competition. i feel he did this time.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

We had a Travers two years ago that didn't include Curlin, Hard Spun, and Any Given Saturday... all Haskel horses like RA

And...

[SniperSB23]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

You cant seriously say that the Travers with RA in it wouldnt be a much better race. That point cant be disputed. While you say that the race is still a good one which I agree you cant help think that there will be something missing regardless of what happens.

Oh, I agree that the Travers would have been much bigger with her in it. Personally I prefer both the Travers and Woodward being interesting instead of just the Travers especially since I am looking for excuses to skip the Travers.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by SniperSB23

Oh, I agree that the Travers would have been much bigger with her in it. Personally I prefer both the Travers and Woodward being interesting instead of just the Travers especially since I am looking for excuses to skip the Travers.

At least you are honest!

[Antitrust32]

Originally Posted by CSC

I understand your reasoning however historically things are starting to change in regards to horseracing in general, we simply do not see quality horses campaign into years 4 or 5 anymore, there is much more emphasis being placed on breeding that the best races often seem to be the 3 yr old series of races. Gone are the days of The Cigar's, Forego's ect...For me personally a Travers win in 09 far outweighs a win in the Woodward. I don't think even the intermediate horseracing fan would have heard of Bullsbay prior to his win in the Whitney nevermind the novice. On the other hand even the novice's know who wins the derby.

I understand your reasoning also.. for me, she's been there done that.. I'd love to see her beat older horses in September of her 3yo year.

[Sightseek]

Looks like they are still on the fence with MTB for the Travers and the Goodwood could be his next start instead:

http://www.drf.com/news/article/106660.html

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

And...

Jones went to Turfway next for the fake dirt, Pletcher took on Tasteyville next, and your boy Jess Jackson took his horse and ran him against the red hot Lawyer Ron.

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

Looks like they are still on the fence with MTB for the Travers and the Goodwood could be his next start instead:

http://www.drf.com/news/article/106660.html

They are ducking Warrior's Reward.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

They are ducking Warrior's Reward.

I laughed

[Indian Charlie]

Originally Posted by Indian Charlie

Wow.

The day is still young and the promise for more such retardation is great!

Great call dude, and it's not even been another two full hours!