Zenyatta

[Smooth Operator]

…running 1 1/4 miles on dirt is regarded as the definitive test of American thoroughbreds. -- Andy Beyer 12/26/09



Still find it amazing … incredulous really … that, even after making the above statement in his latest article, Beyer is still gunna vote for a 3-year-old filly which never proved that she can win a G1 contest at the classic 10f distance for HotY.


Frankly, I think SB would've gotten to her in the Travers … and I doubt she'd have a prayer of holding off the monster western mare at ten panels … regardless of venue…

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Smooth Operator

…running 1 1/4 miles on dirt is regarded as the definitive test of American thoroughbreds. -- Andy Beyer 12/26/09



Still find it amazing … incredulous really … that, even after making the above statement in his latest article, Beyer is still gunna vote for a 3-year-old filly which never proved that she can win a G1 contest at the classic 10f distance for HotY.


Frankly, I think SB would've gotten to her in the Travers … and I doubt she'd have a prayer of holding off the monster western mare at ten panels … regardless of venue…

as opposed to zenyatta who didn't achieve the above either?

[Smooth Operator]

Originally Posted by Danzig

as opposed to zenyatta who didn't achieve the above either?

Wonder how much money AB and the other RA lickers would've been willing to risk on a RA win ticket if this year's BC was at CD instead of SA and RA, Z, SB, QR and some of the others were in that BCC field.


My guess … little to none…

[DaTruth]

Originally Posted by Smooth Operator

Wonder how much money AB and the other RA lickers would've been willing to risk on a RA win ticket if this year's BC was at CD instead of SA and RA, Z, SB, QR and some of the others were in that BCC field.


My guess … little to none…

RA might not win the race, but she would finish ahead of the Z mare.

[Smooth Operator]

Originally Posted by DaTruth

RA might not win the race, but she would finish ahead of the Z mare.

LOL … too funny




KILLS me that the lemmings are gunna hand the big prize to the inferior filly…

[Indian Charlie]

Originally Posted by Smooth Operator

LOL … too funny




KILLS me that the lemmings are gunna hand the big prize to the inferior filly…

One can only hope.

[DaTruth]

Originally Posted by Smooth Operator

[i]
Frankly, I think SB would've gotten to her in the Travers … and I doubt she'd have a prayer of holding off the monster western mare at ten panels … regardless of venue…

You ought to watch the Haskell again. RA doesn't need the lead, and for part of the Haskell, SB was even in front of her.

[Smooth Operator]

Originally Posted by DaTruth

You ought to watch the Haskell again. RA doesn't need the lead, and for part of the Haskell, SB was even in front of her.

Um, a few things, sir …

First, as you know, the Haskell is nine-furlongs. SB is clearly better going ten or more.

Second, the race was SB's first start since the Belmont score … a nearly two-month layoff … so he likely wasn't at his absolute best.

Third, he had to spot her a significant amount of weight (5 lbs) in the contest.


In other words, RA had a lot going for herself that day … some of which wouldn't have been in her favor had they squared off again a few weeks later in the Travers.

SB got to compete at the more suitable 10f distance … and he had that 9f prep race, if you will, under his belt … which made him a sharper horse.