JC / Railbird

Rachel Alexandra

Not Like the Other

One last post about Zenyatta or Rachel Alexandra (for a couple days, at least), as I can’t help noting that the reasons both trainer John Shirreffs and owner Jerry Moss are giving for ruling out shipping the mighty mare to New York for a race at Saratoga or Belmont is the detention barn and Giacomo’s meltdown before the 2005 Belmont Stakes. Interesting how they’re citing the one thing that makes NYRA tracks different, just as Jess Jackson did with his mentions of Curlin’s Breeders’ Cup Classic loss and the Santa Anita Pro-Ride when he said Rachel Alexandra was unlikely for the Breeders’ Cup. Excuses to duck? Or legitimate concerns for both camps?

Posted in Racing on June 30, 2009 / Tagged Detention Barn, NYRA, Pro-Ride, Rachel Alexandra, Santa Anita, Zenyatta

Hustling for a Meeting

… between Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra. From the Times-Union:

“NYRA generally does not sweeten pots or provide incentives but this could be a situation that might warrant that consideration,” NYRA president and CEO Charlie Hayward said in an e-mail.

And the New York Post:

“As you know, Mr. Moss opened the door to running in the East, and we will be spending this week to find out exactly what that means,” NYRA president Charles Hayward told The Post. “As you also know, we have two great older filly races at Saratoga [where Rachel Alexandra is now stabled], the [Aug. 2] Go For Wand and the [Aug. 30] Personal Ensign that might have some appeal to the parties. Early days, but we will stay on top of it.”

The two at Saratoga? Can’t imagine anything better. Good luck, NYRA.

Posted in Racing on June 29, 2009 / Tagged Distaffers, Go For Wand, NYRA, Personal Ensign, Rachel Alexandra, Saratoga, Zenyatta

Just Super

Both Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta, that is, who accomplished exactly what was expected of them on Saturday in winning, respectively, the Mother Goose Stakes and Vanity Handicap. But if the outcome of both races felt unsurprising, there was nothing boring about how they won (and for more reaction, plus replays and photos, visit R360), with Rachel Alexandra breaking records (and creating a minus win pool) and Zenyatta giving away 13-18 pounds to her six challengers (the approximate equivalent of 7-9 lengths). Despite appearing to labor slightly under her 129 pound impost, the most the mare has ever carried, Zenyatta dug in gamely to bring her undefeated record to 11 straight.

Now, if only the two could meet …

Beyer speed figures: 111 for Rachel Alexandra, a career best; 104 for Zenyatta.

Posted in Racing on June 28, 2009 / Tagged Mother Goose Stakes, Rachel Alexandra, Vanity Handicap, Zenyatta