Rachel Alexandra-Zenyatta set for Apple Blossom confrontation

[Thunder Gulch]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

I'd have to imagine Zenyatta would scratch if it rains.

For the record, I think this whole deal is pretty much the worst idea in horse racing in a long time. A Friday? Seriously?

It's the only way Oaklawn could make it work in their schedule and they were the ones to step up and offer the $5M purse. Saturday is the Arkansas Derby and the last day of the meet. If they put the Apple Blossom on Saturday, there would only be a nominal increase in the attendance, while they truly have a fantastic two day event now.

I wish Churchill had stepped up and tried to put something together Derby weekend, but they know they already have 250,000+ fans for the weekend, so why bump a purse?