Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Zenyatta in the Classic? Horse of the Year?

I'm going to make this one short and sweet.

Trainer John Shirreffs says he's "definitely" leaning toward running champion older female Zenyatta against males -- going 10 furlongs for her first time -- in the Breeders' Cup Classic, rather than defending her title in the Breeders' Cup Used-to-be-Distaff. (Is it obvious enough yet that I think "Ladies Classic" is a lame name?)

She's entered for both, but an anticipated weekend workout should determine, said Shirreffs, whether she's peaking and ready to face the boys.

My question to you: If Zenyatta wins the Classic, can she supplant Rachel Alexandra -- who is the front-runner in the clubhouse with three wins over males -- atop the leader board for Horse of the Year?

Poll at left.

3 comments:

  1. This is a very difficult situation. RA is (was?) fantastic. I think horses can be specialists, however, I always believe that the great ones can do it all throughout the racing calender....I really get so tired of the surface whine (other than weather changes). The only reason I voted for Zenyatta and that she should get HOY (barring other notable horses still running) is because she will probably show up. I'm not thrilled about the possibility of the BC Classic for her, but a decent WP or S is worth a nod in my great horses of the year check off list. Unless she gets absolutely waxed (pun intended), the horse and connections should get the nod. But she and they are in a difficult arrangement. I think the Eclipse folks will give her the older horse nod as a consulation prize. Sadly, it may be missed on them that she and her connections are still supporting this year's racing circuit....RA can't say that.

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  2. No. I'm a huge Big Z fan, and not much of a RA fan (Jess Jackson is, if I'm allowed to say it, a douchebag). But I'd give HoY to RA no matter what happens next weekend.

    But Big Z is always HoY in my heart :)

    -extemporaneousexpressions

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  3. If Zen wins the BC Classic she deserves to be HOTY. RA will proably get it reguardless, due to her popularity but Zenyatta at 14-0 would deserve it.

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Thanks!