Rachel Alexandra-Zenyatta set for Apple Blossom confrontation

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by DaTruth

If the last two years are any basis, I think they fear leaving Southern California.

As I'm sure you know, the BC was at Santa Anita the last two years. Since obviously its taken hold with many in the racing business as the end-all to every racing season and that to run outside CA is to not run on synthetics, one can hardly blame Zenyatta's connections for not shipping. I doubt fear was involved in her campaigning last year.

As far as Moss or her fan base being tired of her beating on the same old rivals, I think today's race reveals a somewhat disappointing possibility. Zenyatta faced the worst field of her career today, but because of a less than stellar trip, she made things quite exciting.

Is it possible that these "one hand tied behind my back" efforts will be enough to keep the public satisfied that she's an all-timer?

[DaTruth]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

As I'm sure you know, the BC was at Santa Anita the last two years. Since obviously its taken hold with many in the racing business as the end-all to every racing season and that to run outside CA is to not run on synthetics, one can hardly blame Zenyatta's connections for not shipping. I doubt fear was involved in her campaigning last year.

As far as Moss or her fan base being tired of her beating on the same old rivals, I think today's race reveals a somewhat disappointing possibility. Zenyatta faced the worst field of her career today, but because of a less than stellar trip, she made things quite exciting.

Is it possible that these "one hand tied behind my back" efforts will be enough to keep the public satisfied that she's an all-timer?

The reasonable route is often not the most challenging or exciting path. I want to see Zenyatta stray from her comfort zone. If Moss has the best horse in North America, then he should prove it beyond all reasonable doubt by racing her against top males on a conventional dirt surface at least once this year. If Zenyatta runs in the BC again, it will be interesting to see whether she shows up in the Distaff or the Classic.

[copying]

Originally Posted by DaTruth

The reasonable route is often not the most challenging or exciting path. I want to see Zenyatta stray from her comfort zone. If Moss has the best horse in North America, then he should prove it beyond all reasonable doubt by racing her against top males on a conventional dirt surface at least once this year. If Zenyatta runs in the BC again, it will be interesting to see whether she shows up in the Distaff or the Classic.

Why face males on dirt? I thought RA already showed she is better than any of them. If you can't beat little Z, how you gonna beat big Z? Too bad Sherriff retired LIS, you could have shot for the moon and tried to beat his second string.