Zenyatta!!
November 8th 2009 02:25
Zenyatta today produced an historic and electrifying performance to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic (Group One - 2000m).
(photo: Jae C. Hong / AP)
She remains undefeated after 14 starts.
She is the only female to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
And yet she still may not be voted Horse of the Year in a year that boasts another female equine superstar in Rachel Alexandra. But somehow I think this win has an emotional and historical significance that will give Zenyatta the edge. How could you explain a horse with such credentials not winning?! My opinion on this matter has changed several times this past year. Horseracing in the US is blessed to have two such great champions. Perhaps it is best that they should never meet in a race.
Mike Smith (jockey, Zenyatta, 1st) – “I still never got to the bottom of her. That’s the
amazing thing. She still had run left. She’s incredible. She’s sent from heaven. She’s gods
horse. I was able to cut the corner with her off the turn, and that made the difference right
there. When we loaded the second time, she sure stood there when the gates opened. I needed to help her out of there, but once I got out of there, she settled into stride really well. She started to get to them in the stretch, and the crowd started screaming. Then she started
looking at the crowd, so I had to get after her a little bit, but she still won within herself.”
John Shirreffs (trainer, Zenyatta, 1st) – “There are tears coming to my eyes. I can’t believe it.
She is a great, great filly. She is all heart. The way the crowd took to her was just amazing.
They cheered for her, they clapped for her; they love her. What a wonderful relationship.
When asked if she is Horse of the Year “You tell me.” - from Breeders’ Cup website.
and another word on the controversy:
“If they don’t reward her with Horse of the Year, it would be a travesty, or at least co-Horses of the Year,” said Bob Baffert, who trained sixth-place finisher Richard’s Kid. “It was the only time in horse racing that I didn’t mind getting beat in a big race. Zenyatta made the Breeders’ Cup, and the way she won! I’ve never seen a crowd so captivated.” - NBC Sports.
Watch her incredible performance:
Zenyatta!
(photo: Jae C. Hong / AP)
She remains undefeated after 14 starts.
She is the only female to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
And yet she still may not be voted Horse of the Year in a year that boasts another female equine superstar in Rachel Alexandra. But somehow I think this win has an emotional and historical significance that will give Zenyatta the edge. How could you explain a horse with such credentials not winning?! My opinion on this matter has changed several times this past year. Horseracing in the US is blessed to have two such great champions. Perhaps it is best that they should never meet in a race.
Mike Smith (jockey, Zenyatta, 1st) – “I still never got to the bottom of her. That’s the
amazing thing. She still had run left. She’s incredible. She’s sent from heaven. She’s gods
horse. I was able to cut the corner with her off the turn, and that made the difference right
there. When we loaded the second time, she sure stood there when the gates opened. I needed to help her out of there, but once I got out of there, she settled into stride really well. She started to get to them in the stretch, and the crowd started screaming. Then she started
looking at the crowd, so I had to get after her a little bit, but she still won within herself.”
John Shirreffs (trainer, Zenyatta, 1st) – “There are tears coming to my eyes. I can’t believe it.
She is a great, great filly. She is all heart. The way the crowd took to her was just amazing.
They cheered for her, they clapped for her; they love her. What a wonderful relationship.
When asked if she is Horse of the Year “You tell me.” - from Breeders’ Cup website.
and another word on the controversy:
“If they don’t reward her with Horse of the Year, it would be a travesty, or at least co-Horses of the Year,” said Bob Baffert, who trained sixth-place finisher Richard’s Kid. “It was the only time in horse racing that I didn’t mind getting beat in a big race. Zenyatta made the Breeders’ Cup, and the way she won! I’ve never seen a crowd so captivated.” - NBC Sports.
Watch her incredible performance:
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Comments (1)
Comment by Leonard Marlborough
on Melbourne Cup nominations: early thoughts
Racing Write
I agree with your views on Unsung Heroine. She was a very good staying juvenile in England - her St Leger effort behind Conduit was very good. A second to Conduit looks to be an exceptional form line. Be very interested to see her Australian debut.
Vigor has the advantage of being adaptable and able to get up on the speed. Would need to take another step up this campaign to beat the very best though - but that may not be beyond him (his current speedfigures not quite at Group One level).
Changingoftheguard (racing tomorrow in UK) is another likely visitor of great interest.
Speed Gifted looked sensational with his Winter win here - but just average speedfigures. But he can only improve over ground (and what a brilliant turn of foot!).
Shocking could be anything this next campaign.
Can’t discount Master O’Reilly either as he has had superior staying speedfigures for the past two years now.
and...
Hopefully Luca Cumani will improve his recent Italian acquisition, Basaltico, and bring him to Melbourne. The Melbourne Spring would not be the same without the ‘Cumani’s’ in attendance.