Insult to Injury
Zenyatta big foot sighting outside of California (churchilldownsflickr)
If you’re of the mind that you’d like to see the mighty Zenyatta challenged this summer, you will probably find this little news item as annoying as I did.
Apparently there’s a chance that Life is Sweet, touted as a potential “rematch” for Zenyatta in the Vanity might be pointed to the Hollywood Gold Cup, you know, open company.
Mind you, she’s just nominated, but still… at least she’s nominated! Perhaps Shirreffs and Wygod think she’s gotta a better chance against the colts than Zenyatta?
Posted by dana on Jun 10 2009
Filed Under: 2009, Zenyatta, Churchill Downs, John Shirreffs, Racing
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Dana, There is no doubt that they are hell bent on Zenyatta retiring undefeated and beating Personal Ensign’s mark. I rather see a horse lose in fine fashion against other solid horses than see a horse not challenge anyone. Last year’s Breeder’s Cup was not a challenge, the best of the other fillies in the race couldn’t handle the surface (ie. Ginger Punch).
In an unrelated matter….checkout the ratings for the Belmont this year compared to other sports. The other sports get a hell of a lot more publicity and promotion by the big networks compare to the paltry promotion the Belmont received.
http://saratogatrack.blogspot.com/2009/06/tv-ratings-belmont-beats-out-french.html
Agreed re: retiring her undefeated. I’s also rather see a horse truly challenged and lose giving it their all then just barely be challenged and stay undefeated.
I noticed that! I have a post in the works that references that and some personal anecdotal evidence. Very interesting!
If anyone is going to beat Zenyatta, they’ll have to do it at her house.
Jess Jackson is talking like Rachel Alexandra might not even go to the Breeders’ Cup (doesn’t want to race her “on plastic”), but I find that hard to believe. I can’t imagine having a horse of her caliber and not giving her the chance to beat Zenyatta, even with all the cards on Zenyatta’s side of the table. Nobody would fault Rachel if she lost.
Could just be Jackson sandbagging.
@Glenn: Well, Jackson holds a grudge about the surface. Plus, I think (and would totally understand) that he may be annoyed that his filly is still build up to be a “challenger” against a mare who has an Oaks and a Preakness win less on her record.
re Zenyatta: at least we know now that it’s the Mosses rather than Shirreffs pampering the horse. I have yet to find out why they are always referred to as such great owners (yes, yes I know, “full of class, extremely articulate” and that awesome collection of demo tapes).
Maybe they should stop obsessing about numbers for a minute and think about why no but hardcore racing fans gives a peep about Personal Ensign.