The Stakes
Steve Davidowitz on the two champions returning Saturday (DRF+ sub req):
More is at stake for Zenyatta, who will enter the Santa Margarita with a lifetime unbeaten string of 14 victories. Should she run strongly but lose, she still might head to Oaklawn with that foundation to build upon, but she will drop from the rare ranks of undefeated horses. Considering that her connections were willing to bring her back out of retirement to risk defeat is a testament to their commitment to this sport. But the moment this mare loses — if she loses — their decision will be second guessed throughout the sporting world. Then if Zenyatta were to go on to lose a second race to Rachel Alexandra at Oaklawn, there will be many who will downgrade her standing among the great racemares of modern times.
And if those should be her only two losses in an otherwise flawless career? History will be kinder than contemporary commenters. It’ll be remembered that she won 14 straight, then lost giving weight, and then to a brilliant filly.
3/14/10 Addendum: After Saturday’s results, and the ferocious reaction to Rachel Alexandra’s one-length loss, it seems as though the stakes were higher for the filly, whose Horse of the Year award suddenly became a matter of debate once again. Zenyatta, now 15-for-15, was surely the better horse yesterday (and may be the better horse if the two ever meet), but Rachel Alexandra legitimately earned her honor, running an aggressive campaign in 2009. What happened on Saturday doesn’t diminish her achievements.
