JC / Railbird

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

Wednesday Notes

– Congratulations to Dana of Green but Game and her pal Swifty on the launch of the Hello Race Fans Network. Neither Railbird nor Raceday 360 is currently part of the racing ad group, but I do support their goals and wish HRF, member sites, and their charter advertisers much success.

– John Pricci reblogs without links reaction to trainer John Shirreff’s announcement of a conservative campaign for Zenyatta. (Original post and comments here.) I suspect Ed at Big Event Blog is onto something: “[M]aybe Shirreffs is just playing coy with the media.” It is early in the year …

– Brooklyn Backstretch recounts our Saturday trip to Monmouth. I can’t say enough good about spending a day at the New Jersey track — the visit was my first since the 2007 Breeders’ Cup, and I left raving about what a jewel of a place it is to enjoy the races. Another visit this summer is certain.

Posted in Industry on May 27, 2009 / Tagged Advertising, Congratulations, Friends, Hello Race Fans, Monmouth Park, Zenyatta