For all the talk of not liking the BC. This BC and in particular the BCC has the makings of the race of the decade, there's alot riding on this particular one, many reputations will be made or broken on one race. Perhaps unfairly so but it is what it is.

Sucks that shes going to be judged on this one race right? Thats what happens when you coddle your horse and put all your eggs in one basket. Maybe if they tested her a little bit more this wouldn't of happened. Her rep is def going to be crushed after she gets beat.

I agree. If all these horses (Quality Road, Zenyatta, Rail Trip, Rachel Alexandra, etc.) continue to stay sound and in good form, this could be the best BCC in years.

What if Quality Road or Rachel win and Zenyatta runs 2nd? Will Zenyatta's reputation be crushed?

No, but it ought to quell the "deification" that goes on in the press and might shed some much needed critical light on her win streak.

In other words, reality will set in.

because she'll be facing top dirt horses?
yes, she won at 10f on synthetic. she won two dirt races, both restricted, neither at 10f. she won't be taking on a turfer or a dirt horse on synthetic, but dirt horses on dirt. it's got to make a difference.
now, she'll still be a top choice-but the one to beat? i hope we get to see!

Depends on her trip

:tro::$::tro::$:

If I owned Zenyatta (and was rich and didnt need the money) I would run her in the Beverly D.

Paulicks site has surpassed PA in having the most morons posting

If they did something like that, and really took a big chance with her, I'd be rooting her home down the stretch as much as some of the biggest Zen-heads one could find. I bet a lot of people would, including those of us who try to bring some rational thought to her worshipers' worlds.
It would be really fun to see something like that....but alas.

Discussing this horse is like a drug. These threads go on and on and they are all the same, but I just can't seem to stay away even though I recognize how pointless they are.

I would be OUT OF MY MIND that day. Seriously.

There haven't been too many races of the decade this decade since it started 6 months ago.

True, but I seriously doubt anything in the next ten years will ever be able to top this year's Belmont Stakes. I think it already has the title locked up.

I didn't say she would be "the one to beat". I said she would be "one of the horses to beat".

10 furlongs will help her. She has a better chance of beating Quality Road at 10 furlongs than at 9 furlongs. I don't know anyone that would argue with that.

In defense of Steve
 

Let's see what Smooth Operator has to say about this comparison:
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/hor...nda&id=5295105

You can keep the win streaks. I would rather remember a horse for races like these: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FS0aimp4Y0

In the Champion Stakes, Pebbles dusted Helen Street, the dam of Street Cry.

Means she was better than Zenyatta.

lol:D:tro::p all in this order.

Add Blame, let's not forget Mine That Bird, everyone loves a former derby winner, and Godolphin and Tabor always send a horse or 2. Could be quite the field.

Isn't that what Beyer Speed Figures are for?

I think there are a lot of very good points being made on both sides of the issue. Personally, it bothers me that people keep ripping on the Mosses for not shipping or taking on the best boys or whatever. I mean, she DID win the BC Classic. She DID go to Oaklawn twice. And she was willing to take on Rachel. Has it been the most daring career in history? Of course not. But maybe the Mosses just like having an undefeated horse who has amassed a bunch of Grade I wins while really never ducking anyone in the traditional sense of the word. Maybe they are enjoying themselves and the ride that Zenyatta is giving them, and they get some kind of satisfaction out of seeing a goose egg in the loss column. Who cares if they are hoping to retire her undefeated? I'm sure they've pumped a bunch of money into the sport over the years, and I don't think they owe anyone anything. If people wanted to challenge her, they knew where to find her at the BC last year. And they'll probably be able to find her at the Classic this year.

Also, no way she would have beaten Azeri on dirt at 8.5 furlongs.

Steve and Steve II

This time Byk vs. Haskin, enjoyed it, great radio again.

I laughed.

You go, Steve!
 

I just heard Hour 2, and you were speaking for me!! Good for you - great radio, and you don't back down!!

I can't understand why Zenyatta's team brought her back if not to forge new trails!! Unless she is given a chance at history by taking on all comers, in new venues, why bother? Why risk her? She should have been bred to Smart Strike.

She could be the greatest mare of all time but she isn't being given the chance to prove it.

Why not the Ogden Phipps? Why not (if staying on West Coast), the Hollywood Gold Cup and Pacific Classic? After all the hoopla of her "retirement", this campaign is not worthy, and certainly is not historic or bold (see Goldikova management).

I vote for the Vanity. Should hold up no problem

:tro:

Her advancing age will be the biggest issue, in my estimation

Not even a 6yo male has been able to take the BCC

Heard she loved the CD strip the short time she was there last year … and she's clearly a legit 10f runner … so if she can catch a dry track, she's got a shot … but I'd feel a hell of a lot better if she was a year younger.

Just listened myself and agree, reminded me of last year when Steve made his thoughts known about Dunkirk to a caller.

Can think of at least a half dozen members who would probably blow their brains out … lol

Your honesty is admirable … and you clearly have plenty of company on this board.


By the way, Z is a VERY cool horse.

:tro:

Not to mention the fact that she's a deep closer … which makes the streak even more remarkable.


By the way, some really outstanding work on this thread, Mr. Pumpkin

Bullshit, on synthetic it is an advantage to be a closer.

Check out TC sometime

Time for Goldilocks to step up and compete against the best horses in the biggest, richest, and most prestigious race in North America … the BCC.

A deeeeeeeeeep closer?

Do you watch races? Do you bet? I just can't see how someone with a marginal grasp of horse racing could be so far in the tank.

Was at HP last Sunday and wholeheartedly agree with this

There are two excuses already...

If what we have here are the best horses than Euro racing should just be abolished.