Who is the better out of the two undefeated females, Zenyatta or Rachel Alexandra?
Rachel Alexandra leading for home in the Preakness
(photo: AP. This is as close as they ever get to Rachel Alexandra, shown here leading around the home turn in the 2009 Preakness Stakes).
Zenyatta as an older female has proved durable over several seasons and returned in 2009 where she left off in 2008.
While Rachel Alexandra toys with her opposition - apart from her narrow(ish) win against the males in the Group One Preakness Stakes - she has just completed her seventh straight victory when winning (ever so easily) the Group One Mother Goose Stakes of 1 1/8 miles by a staggering 19 1/4 lengths. And in doing so breaking the record for the Mother Goose Stakes running 1: 46.33 and bettering the previous record which was set in 1994 by Lakeway. Calvin Borel eased her down so much in the straight that perhaps Secretariat’s record of 1: 45 2/5 for the distance may have been threatened had she been tested. Nothing seems to trouble this super filly - instead of racing on the speed as she had done at her previous wins her two rivals concocted a way of defeating her by taking the race out at breakneck speed with the first 6 furlongs being run at a sizzling 1: 08.86. But Rachel just camped off their speed and gave them windburn in passing.
Rachel Alexandra has now a combined winning margin of 63 3/4 quarter lengths from her seven victories.
"How about that! I am a modest guy. I was hoping for maybe ten lengths. She is a special filly, she is a champion, she is a lady. We don't know where her bottom is. She has beauty combined with speed, so fast. I think she's the best three-year-old, right now. She just broke a track record and she wasn't even asked." - Jess Jackson as told to The Thoroughbred Times.
Zenyatta gave weight and a 2 1/2 length beating to her rivals in the Group One Vanity at Hollywood Park. The US Champion Older Mare will not relinquish her crown without a fight.
Both stables anticipate the prospect of a clash between these two racing superstars. Jess Jackson is adamant that Rachel Alexandra will not race on a synthetic surface and that Zenyatta will have to travel east for them to race.
“Hopefully, we will meet somewhere. If not the Breeders’ Cup [on the synthetic surface at Santa Anita Park in November], maybe it will be somewhere else. I think time will tell on something like that, and we will go from there.” - Jerry Moss, owner of Zenyatta, as told to The Thoroughbred Times.
My opinion is that the versatility of Rachel Alexandra may be the deciding factor in any race they contest. Zenyatta will be out the back and set to produce her withering finish - while Rachel Alexandra may be on the speed, smothered just behind the speed, or even shoulder to shoulder with Zenyatta out the back. The pace of the race dictates her racing position. This is a decided advantage.
Reigning Australian Horse of the Year Weekend Hussler has been diagnosed with a rare injury (only 6 reported cases in Australia) that may herald the premature end to his career.
Weekend Hussler defeating Scenic Blast in the Caulfield Guineas
(photo: Vince Caligiuri The Age)
When running in the Group One Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in the Autumn the champion galloper jumped a shadow and wrenched his off fore fetlock.
Weekend Hussler was then spelled and it was expected that rest would be the only provision required for cure. But come the early preparation for this Spring it was discovered that he was still struggling with the same injury and an arthroscopic operation was then advised.
It was during this that vets discovered that Weekend Hussler was suffering from residual inflammation as result of leaking synovial fluid.
joint showing relation of synovian fluid
"It is a one-off thing and we are still working out which is the best way to treat it. He is definitely out for the spring. He might just need time."
"We gave him time off and he looks great but, unfortunately, he has not recovered. We have just got to get the horse nice and sound and then work out where we go from there,” - trainer Ross McDonald. (as reported on the Racing Victoria website)
"You can only diagnose the problem via an arthroscope because nothing shows up on the x-rays, and hence radiographs after his poor performance on 14 February didn’t show anything."
“Once he hadn’t responded to the normal treatment regimes for a wrenched joint as we diagnosed initially we spelled him, but it (the injury) didn’t improve out in the paddock, hence he was brought back into the stables and the arthroscope was put in."
“We flushed it out and we have given him quarterzone steroids postoperatively and it hasn’t responded so far.”
“I’ve contacted different vets around the world and there’s nothing we haven't done so far that would normally help the condition so we’re now just investigating the possibility of further treatments rather than just rest."
“There are reported treatments that involve the injection of a radioactive isotope into the joint to destroy the synovial membrane which they do to humans with the same condition and they have a good response to it."
“If we decide to go down the path of the radioactive isotope it would have to be flown over from France.” - Weekend Hussler's Vet, Rob McInnes. (as reported on the Racing Victoria website)
The recent stellar success of Scenic Blast in Australia and England sit in stark contrast to the sorry situation that has befallen Weekend Hussler. Four times Weekend Hussler met Scenic Blast, and except for his very unlucky 4th behind him in this year’s Lightning Stakes (Tightened for room. Struck interference near 400m. Lost a plate) Weekend Hussler has easily defeated him on each occasion.
We can only wonder what might have been had not Weekend Hussler been redesigned in the Spring of 2008 into a stayer instead of a champion sprinter/miler. His last start in the Spring of 2008 was a 12th place finish in the Caulfield Cup - pulling up lame after the race.
To enlighten us all more on the injury I have turned to Horses and Horse Information and an article from this resource from the Spring of 1997:
Synovial fluid is made of large molecules of hyaluronic acid, tangled together to form a thick barrier that prevents inflammatory cells from gaining entrance to the joint. These molecules are a basic need for healthy joints.
When a joint is subjected to repeated stress or trauma, such as can occur with everyday riding, training, or racing, it often leads to damage of the synovial membrane and joint capsule. At this point, lameness is not always present. However, as the damage worsens, the horse becomes lame and the joint becomes hot and swollen. The damage to the tissue allows white blood cells to escape nearby blood vessels and invade the joint space.
These white blood cells then release destructive substances which start to degrade the joint’s cartilage. Enzymes from the white blood cells also begin to break down the hyaluronic acid molecules. This results in synovial fluid that is thin and watery, and has poor cushioning and nourishing qualities. If left untreated, the joint damage progresses to arthritis and, eventually, degenerative joint disease that can become crippling.
Once it has been damaged, the cartilage does not heal well. Since it does not have a blood supply of its own and must depend on the synovial fluid, which has also been degraded by the inflammatory process, the cartilage often does not repair itself at all. Once DJD (degenerative joint disease) is established, there is no way of curing it. It can be managed, but often leads to a horse’s premature retirement. Sometimes, horses with severe DJD must be put down.
Seldom has a 3/4 length victory been as impressive - or devastating in its sheer brilliance - than was Scenic Blast in victory in the Group One King’s Stand Stakes (5 furlongs) at Royal Ascot.
Scenic Blast winning King's Stand Stakes
(photo: PA)
The speculation preceding the race centred around Scenic Blast drawing ‘the wrong side’ of the straight track in barrier 15. Drawing the ‘wrong side’ is something all too familiar in straight track racing at Flemington in Melbourne, where Scenic Blast was to defy any bias to register two brilliant victories in the Melbourne Autumn in the premier sprint events of the Group One Lightning Stakes (1000m) and the Group One Newmarket Handicap (1200m).
Scenic Blast is very well suited to straight track racing. His only, although unlucky failure in the Autumn was in the 1100m Group One Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield - around a turn. Tightened and checked. Down straight tracks Scenic Blast is allowed to cruise at his leisure before being eased (even to the tail of the field if necessary) into clear ground and producing spectacular sectional (or closing) sprints. Around a turn he needs to find cover - then clear running - before then circumnavigate the turn and unleashing his sprint. He is a superior straight track horse.
As it eventuated the field did not split as some had expected and this allowed Scenic Blast to settle near the rear of the field - as is his preference - before moving into clear galloping room down the centre of the track.
Steven Arnold admitted later that he may have allowed Scenic Blast to get to the front too soon - but the horse moved so easily through the field under his own steam that when Steven Arnold ‘pressed the button’ the race appeared over at the halfway point.
The runner-up Fleeting Spirit closed strongly late to get within a length. Her placing would add merit to the performance of Scenic Blast as she was placed 3rd last year in the same race when starting a short priced favourite and finishing within a length of Equiano, with Takeover Target 2nd. This year Equiano could do no better than 8th -while Takeover Target is being saved for the Golden Jubilee Stakes next Saturday.
Scenic Blast will not attempt to back up and instead will proceed with the plan devised by trainer Dan Morton and race next in the July Cup. To those in England not familiar with Scenic Blast they may think that the apparent closing effort of Fleeting Spirit would indicate that he is vulnerable over more ground. Nothing could be further from the point. Scenic Blast needs to be very fresh to race over 1000m. Considering that he is a Group One placegetter over 1600m behind champion performer Weekend Hussler he is well suited by the additional trip of the July Cup.
Scenic Blast announced his arrival as a champion sprinter when he won the Lightning Stakes second up during his Autumn campaign. This race was expected to be a match race between champions Weekend Hussler (6-4 fav) and Apache Cat (15-4). Neither would be placed.
That was the first occasion that Scenic Blast had managed to beat Weekend Hussler in 4 starts - losing at 1200m; 1400m & 1600m. But now Scenic Blast is a world class champion sprinter - and Weekend Hussler will be out to resurrect a career after a fruitless Spring where it was attempted to turn him into a stayer. It makes you wonder how different it may have been if Weekend Hussler was kept for races between 1200 - 1600m.
I was looking forward to the clash between Scenic Blast and the Hungarian champion Overdose ever since Dan Morton accepted the invitation to run at Royal Ascot. But unfortunately Overdose missed running after developing a hoof infection. Now that would have been a race. The champion speedster clashing with the champion closer. Sustained speed against the fastest sectional speed. Maybe another time.
Scenic Blast has now won two legs of the Global Sprint Challenge. A win in Hong Kong or Japan later this year will earn connections and additional $US1 million bonus. This now looks very achievable.
At this time there is very little between three champion Australian sprinters (Scenic Blast; Takeover Target and Apache Cat) on speedfigures. On soft ground Takeover Target has managed to produce the best sprint speedfigures for 2009. His only failure this campaign was last start on firm ground in Singapore. The pillage of the English sprint races may not be over yet.
Scenic Blast won the Group One Newmarket Handicap @ $12.50 - but he was top rated by Speedratings and did have the best speed performances for the race.
The Belmont Stakes victory by Summer Bird, ridden by Kent Desormeaux, displayed the fairy tale nature of horseracing. Stories with conclusions rich in drama, rich in irony, and always full of surprises.
The outcome of any race may depend on many factors. A jockey may be caught wide; a jockey may place his horse in a pocket; a jockey may time his run perfectly or take off too soon. Win or lose - luck good or luck bad.
And sometimes even if something goes wrong - everything still goes right
The World Thoroughbred Rankings for the period 1st of November 2008 to the 17th of May 2009 have just been released by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.
My main criticism of Damien Oliver is that he often rides for luck (or show) - on horses that just need to be kept out of trouble. Last Spring a shocker on Heart Of Dreams when beaten by Tindal, and last week on Keano a similar error of judgement (but he would not have won anyway).
Oliver rode an exceptional along the rails ride to win on All Silent at his first Melbourne run. Looked brilliant in execution - but it could just as easily have come unstuck and been a disaster if the seas had not parted in last 150 metres. Dwayne Dunn kept All Silent out of trouble and he won the Group 1 Emirates eased down by 3.5 lengths. There is no need to ride pretty or for luck on good horses. They really just need to be balanced and given clear sailing.
From my understanding Seventh Rock is a 'straight track specialist'. He hangs like crazy. They originally planned to take him to the grandstand rail (wish they had). Not sure if it will get much better (or easier) for him from here on.
I heard an interview on Radio National (The Bookshow) today about the work of Richard Yates who wrote Revolutionary Road. A seriously flawed individual, but sublime observer of the human condition. The literary expert said it (RR) was about reminding each of us that we are ordinary, and not special (as special as we think or would wish to be). Reality meets dreams.
Apparently the book is better (that's always a good debate).
I have not read the book, or seen the film yet. I enjoyed your review.
The reason that movies are so special is that they take us to so many places (in every sense). They don't need always to make us happy. I can easily move from Fight Club to Bowfinger to 21 Grams to Before Sunrise (not to forget Sunset) to American Beauty to Truly,Madly,Deeply or Memento. It sounds like Revolutionary Road takes us to places and thoughts we seldom visit.
Thanks for the tip about looking out for cars (parked or otherwise) on the way home from the movies. Great review.
I heard an interview on Radio National (The Bookshow) today about the work of Richard Yates who wrote Revolutionary Road. A seriously flawed individual, but sublime observer of the human condition. The literary expert said it (RR) was about reminding each of us that we are ordinary, and not special (as special as we think or would wish to be). Reality meets dreams.
Apparently the book is better (that's always a good debate).
I have not read the book, or seen the film yet. I enjoyed your review.
The reason that movies are so special is that they take us to so many places (in every sense). They don't need always to make us happy. I can easily go from Fight Club to Bowfinger to 21 Grams to Before Sunrise (not to forget Sunset) to American Beauty to Truly,Madly,Deeply or Memento. It sounds like Revolutionary Road takes us to places and thoughts we seldom visit.
Thanks for the tip about looking out for cars (parked or otherwise) on the way home. Great review.
This is a debate than needs to be encouraged to improve the welfare outcomes for racehorses. Horseracing is not the great sin that extreme views would suggest. And neither is it perfect.
Horseracing is an easy target because of its very high profile. The abolition of steroids and hormones is a must - though this is a problem primarily now more so for the US than other jurisdictions. And this year they have mandated in several states to be drug free. A national policy is gathering.
I wrote an article about this subject earlier this year after a tragic racetrack death. I will refer you to this for further reading.
Eagle Mountain won brilliantly at good odds ($5.70 with Sportingbet). Viva Pataca started odds-on favourite and ran 4th. Lush Lashes had a hard run in transit and faded.
This year's Melbourne Cup has thrown up a couple of anomalies.
The first being that Bauer actually ran 100th of a second faster than Viewed. Bauer was the fastest horse to cover the 3200m (microchip in the saddle). I thought he was certain to win 100 metres out - and even on the line I was not sure - but in the photo finish print you can see him 'tucked up' and not at full length. Viewed is around 17 hands - and Bauer 15.2 - so sometimes it seems that size does really matter after all.
When I wrote the first part of this story on the day prior the stewards' were not going to conclude the inquiry until Terry Henderson (part owner) returned from England. And they wouldn't declare openly the reason for the inquiry - apart from it not being drug related. The rumours and guesses were flying thick & fast and they were forced to bring forward the inquiry to the next day. Imagine leaving all this hanging for another week!
Yes - if Bauer had won I wonder if this would have changed opinions. But knowing that it was (would have been then) Bart Cummings & Dato Tan Chin Nam 2nd; Lloyd Williams 3rd & Danny O'Brien 4th - I doubt if any trainer/owner from this group would have pursued it further. I believe that their comments are sincere. They represent (much of) the cream of Australian racing. If a struggling owner & trainer were 2nd then a legal appeal may have been a possibility.
The Cumani's are extremely popular in Melbourne and well respected. Even though some racing journalists are taking a different line to me (and the QC & Racing Victoria) I think the outcome is the best possible.
And surely next time any veterinarian used and recommended by Racing Victoria will be well versed in the rules of racing! There is still an ongoing inquiry into the vet.
I will keep an eye and ear out for information about David while he is in Victoria. To date the local press have not really noticed - but that can change soon when he starts riding winners.
Good Ba Ba was beaten into 3rd placing in the International Mile Trial. Egyptian Ra (ridden a brilliant race by F Coetzee) lead all of the way and ran his rivals ragged. Good Ba Ba was 12 lengths behind in last position for most of the race before closing late to just grab 3rd position. All credit goes to the winner.
Hi (excuse me not using your name - but I don't know which one to choose),
I rated Mad Rush to win.
There were two strong speed events this Spring: The Caulfield Cup & The Geelong Cup. The speedfigures by Bauer in the Geelong Cup less than those gained by Media Puzzle - and Bauer achieved a result also slightly less in the end.
I didn't give Viewed much chance. Although he did come through the best speed race with an unlucky performance - but difficult to gauge how much improvement he would make. I assessed Mad Rush much the same as I had Delta Blue two years earlier.
I am loathe to select an overseas horse that does not have a lead up run. It becomes too much like guesswork. And as I use speed data all year I don't see why the Melbourne Cup should be an exception and a pure lottery (any more than it already is given the 'chaos theory' of racing). We like to base our decisions on some form of study or formula. I rated Septimus 4th. Because All Things Good was scratched Nome De Jeu & Barbaricus had best speedfigures and I rated them at 2nd & 3rd - believing Mad Rush had most improvement.
Luca Cumani deserves a win. He has worked it out with type of horse and tactics. The wheels seem to have fallen off the Aidan O'Brien juggernaut as the long racing year draws to an end. And I'm not sure if he will take advice.
If it had rained C'Est La Guerre would have been my first preference. Brilliant performance to thrash Nom De Jeu on a heavy track in the NZ Derby. And Lloyd played possum with him all Spring - saying for most of it that he was too immature and he would not even bother to start him. Listening to Lloyd is like taking a tip from a bookmaker.
The Oaks is similar to the Derby - if the favourite Samantha Miss does not win, then any number of possibilities remain. The best 'roughie' might be Tobouggie Woogie - like Viewed it has had no luck in lead up races.
Obama got in to $1.08 - much too short - but I didn't fancy losing on McCain @ $6.00.
Betting on Bart would see you ahead. So would betting on Lloyd I would think with What A Nuisance & Efficient both at long odds.
I'm just waiting for the Japanese horses to return. Delta Blues was a great result.
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Comment by Leonard Marlborough
on Indian Giver - Apache sacking
Racing Write
My main criticism of Damien Oliver is that he often rides for luck (or show) - on horses that just need to be kept out of trouble. Last Spring a shocker on Heart Of Dreams when beaten by Tindal, and last week on Keano a similar error of judgement (but he would not have won anyway).
Oliver rode an exceptional along the rails ride to win on All Silent at his first Melbourne run. Looked brilliant in execution - but it could just as easily have come unstuck and been a disaster if the seas had not parted in last 150 metres. Dwayne Dunn kept All Silent out of trouble and he won the Group 1 Emirates eased down by 3.5 lengths. There is no need to ride pretty or for luck on good horses. They really just need to be balanced and given clear sailing.