New Poll, Zenyatta in the Classic?
First off, thanks to everyone who voted in the Jeremy Rose suspension poll, everyone had an opinion about it, and a good discussion was had by all!
No surprise that that results were close as votes just kept pouring in… Not Enough won out by a nose at 27 over Too Much at 26 while Just Right saw a decent amount of action with 21.
Turning to something positive, regular reader/commenter and west coast photog extroadinare Charles Pravata brought up an intriguing idea here that maybe Zenyatta should run in the Classic. Regular reader/commenter and east coast guitar playing, odds making phenom Ernie Munick noted that while it was something he hadn’t thought of that it was certainly intriguing… she is, after all, big as if not bigger than many of her male counterparts.
Since Curlin aced his first turf test it’s pretty safe to assume we won’t be seeing him in the Classic. And with Heatseeker retired the pickins are getting slimmer and slimmer. But it’s not just about the lack of competitiveness in the handicap division, it’s also about Zenyatta not having any real competition yet.
She’s undefeated with 5 starts and she made short work of champion Ginger Punch in the Apple Blossom. In her most recent start in the Milady, she had a rocky beginning getting pinched back out of the gate but came on strong to over the take the field in an effortless looking stretch run. She’s also closed off of both slow and fast paces, won on dirt and several synthetic tracks… one them being Santa Anita, host of the Classic.
Her next start is this Saturday in Vanity at Hollywood Park where she faces the solid Tough Tiz’s Sis and Canadian Sealy Hill.
Have a look for yourself…
Milady Handicap:
Apple Blossom:
I think the prospect of Zenyatta in the Classic is one of the most exciting things I’ve heard in a while (in addition to the problematic 20% of Curlin being transferred to a court-appointed receiver, putting him one step closer to running at Belmont next weekend)!
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, let’s just get through this weekend, shall we? In the meantime, go Zenyatta!
Posted by dana on Jul 03 2008
Filed Under: Charles Pravata, BC Classic, 2008, Poll, Zenyatta, Ginger Punch, YouTube, Curlin, Retirement, Breeders' Cup, Race Replay, Turf, Racing
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
Loading ...
I spoke with John Shireffs today for a few minutes. Zenyatta was coming back from a gallop and we were following her back to the barn. I commented on the unfortunate demise of Nashoba’s Key, and how awesome it would’ve been to see the two mares, along with the filly Eight Belles put eachother to the test on the track. He agreed of course. Too bad it won’t come to pass. That would’ve been amazing
About Eight Belles; What a monster race she ran in the derby. Most of the emphasis has been on her breakdown of course and the mainstream media never really celebrated how magnificent she ran that day. what an amazing filly. I’m sure you guys agree. Sad we’ll never know what could’ve been.
I didn’t dare mention the BC Classic to Mr. Shireffs. I’d be too afraid to jinx a trainer with such a suggestion; especially with a grade 1 a few days away. But, my fingers are crossed of course.
Zenyatta wins the BC Classic, and the Police play a free concert on the Santa Anita infield following the race.
Funny, I was thinking about Eight Belles just last night. I was wondering if Eight Belles were still around if we could have our own version of Winning Colors vs. Personal Ensign in the DISTAFF… throw Nashoba’s Key in there and indeed, it would have been incredible.
Ha, thanks for not jinxing Shireffs… and I like your fantasy ending for the Classic!
I would love to see Zenyatta in the Classic! If she continues her current form, she’ll have a good shot. Plus, I feel we need a counter to Eight Belles’s breakdown in the Derby. It was just a freak occurrence, but to casual racing fans it may leave the impression that fillies shouldn’t be running against colts because they’re ovematched. It would leave a much better taste in everyone’s mouths to see Zenyatta walk away with the Classic Cup.