Rachel Alexandra-Zenyatta set for Apple Blossom confrontation

[outofthebox]

yea, it does amaze me sometimes when they match these horses up in works. I think Pletchers the only one these days who matches up stakes horses with stakes horses.

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by outofthebox

yea, it does amaze me sometimes when they match these horses up in works. I think Pletchers the only one these days who matches up stakes horses with stakes horses.

Yeah ... and even if you're going to use a cheap horse ... why not use a cheaper horse with a little more natural speed?

It's hard to blame the guy in front for going 51 flat in a morning workout - when he's on top of a horse who went 50 in his last race and faded.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

Yeah ... and even if you're going to use a cheap horse ... why not use a cheaper horse with a little more natural speed?

It's hard to blame the guy in front for going 51 flat in a morning workout - when he's on top of a horse who went 50 in his last race and faded.

I have no idea what other horses Jackson has at FG or if Depaul is even owned by him but some owners wouldnt look kindly on using their horse as a promptor for another guys horse. Especially if they are going to get smoked.

Was this work between races or in the morning?

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

I have no idea what other horses Jackson has at FG or if Depaul is even owned by him but some owners wouldnt look kindly on using their horse as a promptor for another guys horse. Especially if they are going to get smoked.

He's owned by Third Street Partners.

[outofthebox]

So what your saying is that if Dom had yelled at Brian to pick it up some, it's most likely he would not have had enough horse to do so...lol...

[cannonman]

I do think she may "get someting out of it" but................ she has put on at least a hundred pounds since last seen and she has short written all over her with only a Assmussen Monday half before competition.

The disturbing items during that work are notable ( notwithstanding the work 2/12/10 when even nickle claimers did not work because of the surface) with the position of her head at certain points indicating a lack of fitness.

Being rank early is OK, but Dominic badly lost his balance early in the work then took a bigger hold. As soon as she caught the punching bag she tossed her head and he had to grab some serious left hand rein. Approaching the wire is interesting; is she lugging in; fitness........... OR .........is he asking her by intentionally moving to the rail?? The down sticks after the wire; are clearly a sign that she is short.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by cannonman

I do think she may "get someting out of it" but................ she has put on at least a hundred pounds since last seen and she has short written all over her with only a Assmussen Monday half before competition.

The disturbing items during that work are notable ( notwithstanding the work 2/12/10 when even nickle claimers did not work because of the surface) with the position of her head at certain points indicating a lack of fitness.

Being rank early is OK, but Dominic badly lost his balance early in the work then took a bigger hold. As soon as she caught the punching bag she tossed her head and he had to grab some serious left hand rein. Approaching the wire is interesting; is she lugging in; fitness........... OR .........is he asking her by intentionally moving to the rail?? The down sticks after the wire; are clearly a sign that she is short.

You are seeing a whole lot more signs than the rest of us. The gallop out with the smacks on the shoulder were almost certainly planned. It is pretty obvious in reading Steve's comments and the fact he felt the need to work her in company that he was looking for a strong work. If they dont get tired in the morning they will get tired in the afternoon.

[cannonman]

Totally agree. The question is is she fit enough to win after the break, and at least at this point the answer is no...pending. How often have you had a short horse win?

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by cannonman

Totally agree. The question is is she fit enough to win after the break, and at least at this point the answer is no...pending. How often have you had a short horse win?

Off of viewing one work on video it would be presumptious of me to act like I have any idea how fit the filly is. She may not be dead fit going into the race but she has that other little thing that will usually carry them through. Talent.
And I have had a few horses over the years that I thought were a little short off of a layoff win.

[cannonman]

Were they under class or did you misjudge their level of fitness?

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by cannonman

Were they under class or did you misjudge their level of fitness?

It is an inexact science with a lot of variables. Every horse and situation is different. The results dont often show how fit a horse is. It is the length of recovery after the race that is telling.

[freddymo]

Rachel shouldn't be dead fit 4 weeks awayfrom her first start since 9/09..If she was then her trainer would be a moron and he has won way too many races to be considered that..