Although, when 2 horses are so evenly matched it can be hard to tell. Like American Eclipse and Sir Henry of the 1800s they ran 5 races, Sir Henry won twice, and American Eclipse 3 times. Each race was a harsh on the horses and close finishes (except when American Eclipse`s replacement jockey in the first race started beating him, after that the regular rider mounted). I have a strong feeling that it could be similar with Rachel and Zenyatta, but I wouldn`t recommend running in heats.
If Rachel put on a Kentucky Oaks performance in a full field against Zenyatta, Rachel would win.
If Rachel were in top shape, her front running style and run away speed vs. Zenyatta`s back running style and catch up speed, rachel would win. I`ve seen hundreds of races, and I`m sure of how it would play out, if Zenyatta pulled it off, I`d put her over Man O War as greatest American racehorse of all time.
In a match, neither can really have front or back, its just a raw contest of who`s better.
Beatlegirl4eva, A match race, often times, also becomes a test of will, and physical stamina. Looking at the physical structure of these two mares, which one do you honestly think holds that advantage? I think that's pretty clear. Zenyatta is just a big mare that can run all day long. Rachel can run fast, no doubt, but her stamina would break long before Zenyatta's. IMO.
I doubt they`d be running a 2 mile match, any trainer with an ounce of brains would run for the hills at the mention of it. At least nowadays with our fragile American horses. Rachel can hold up for a 1 1/2 mile test, I`m sure. Sometimes size isn`t everything, I`ll refer again to Seabiscuit and War Admiral.
Rachel held off Macho Again in the Woodward Stakes, if she really wants to win, she can, so if it cae down to a challenge, either way Zenyatta would have a hard time of it.
@Beatlegirl4eva RACHELS's last quarters SUCKS. There is no way Rachel's is going to hold off Zenyatta's 22 23 last quarters to Rachels 25 26. Just no possible. Why do you think they are trying to teach Rachel to rate. Unfortunately, Rachel can't rate. She just goes all out and after about a mile, she starts to suck wind.
Why do you think they pulled her out of the Apple Blossom? They rushed her, a big mistake, and she wasn`t ready.
She did great in the KY Oaks and won the Preakness Stakes, the Haskell, and the Woodward. If they get Rachel back in top shape, then she`d most likely beat Zenyatta. Now in a 1 1/2 mile race, Zenyatta would win, but Rachel could hold up under the strain. 1 1/4 would be close.
Zenyatta has never won a race by 20 lengths. So if it were a group race and if Rachel was at her best, chances are that she`d beat Zenyatta.
Rachel is a successful front runner, Zenyatta is a successful back runner. They`re both great horses, I`m just saying that if Rachel was in the kinda form she was in in the KY Oaks, she could win over Zenyatta. As long as its in a feild of horses, in a match, its pretty much an open game.
Zenyatta herself was not yet at peak level in this race as well. But substandard for Zenyatta is still always plenty to beat an inferior field of fillies. Because of her size and physical ability, she's just too much mare for other horses to hold off when she uncorks that devastating late charge. It really is, once she hit's her best stride, a total late closing onslaught to handle. But it's hard to hold back or run off from a "runaway locomotive." JMO.
For anyone worrying why Mike was starring at her left from leg i think he was just checking if she got knicked. With the size of the holes she went through there was a good chance he may have thought she clipped the heals of the horse in front of her before going to the rail. And if he had noticed anything he wouldn't have let her jog back to the winners circle.
@Beatlegirl4eva , Match race or full field. Grass, synthetics, conventional dirt, or even on asphalt racing across a Wall-Mart parking lot, Zenyatta will always be just "TOO MUCH MARE" for Rachel Alexandra to hold off in the stretch once she unleashes the devastating power that comes with her closing drive. She's just too big and physical for Rachel to withstand that onslaught. It's a nature thing. Better foes than Rachel have tried and failed to withstand the power of her closing charge. JMO.
I haven`t been into racing long, actually, only since Afleet Alex`s Preakness run. Barbaro`s Derby was the first time I`d ever seen the KY Derby. But I`ve been doing research, watching old clips, etc... to make up for the lost time.
It`s one of those wait and see things.
Rachel is too much for other fillies as well, so that`s not a legitamit arguement. And as for her second place finish, Secretariat had off days too. Was he not beaten by Onion? Did he not finish 3rd in at least one race?
I hope they race sometime too. Then people will finally see that Zenyatta was too much of a beast with that physical ability for Rachel. That, and seeing her in the New Orleans Ladies, she may never be as effective again as a 4yr.old as she was as a 3yr.old. Other than needing maybe one more race, Zenyatta looked as though she hasn't skipped a beat. It amazes me the people who really honestly think that Rachel will be able to withstand Zenyatta's closing onslaught.
I respect your logic and experience. But sometimes the beast doesn`t win. Rachel normally finishes a ways ahead, Zenyatta finishes only 4 lengths ahead at best. Of course, I do take into account that she may be capleable of more then Mike Smith lets on. Even Man O War was never allowed to fully extend himselfe.
Rachel was rushed, Zenyatta wasn`t. You can`t rush a horse, all you`ll get is a dud, unfortunately people are greedy and all too often rush what shouldn`t be rushed.
@Beatlegirl4eva, "Sometimes the beast doesn't win." That's your comments, not mine. Would you please point out one single time to me that "this beast hasn't won?"
Seabiscuit/War Admiral match race, American Eclipse/Sir Henry match race (American Eclipse was beaten in 2 of the 5 heats), Ruffian/Foolish Pleasure match race (although if she hadn`t broke down she most likely would have won, I`m just throwing in the possibility of breakdown), and probably some others. Honestly, you should do some research before you ask questions, the Seabiscuit/War Admiral rivalry is one of the most famouse in horse racing history.
wow mike smith. i dont know what the hell he was thinking in this race but he damn near lost it. if he was riding any horse other then zenyata he would of lost. what a preformance
I have been on of the ones in the Rachel camp for a while now. I always thought Rachel would get too far in front of Zentatta for her to be caught. I now believe that Zenyatta can't be beaten by anyone. Too bad she did not ship over for the Dubai Cup. It would have capped off a brilliant career. I am glad to say I got to see her!!!
I got so scared at the top of the stretch! Mike wanted to go inside, while Zenny wanted to go outside! Not just a furlong left, she goes to the rail, and I thought she was beaten! But wow, She was playin' with her! I couldnt believe and i had goosebumps! What a superhorse! Now, go get Rachel!
@ericcontroversy , Granted, neither mare was anywhere near their peak condition going into their respective 2010 debut races. But 3 months from now, Rachel Alexandra will be better, but Zenyatta will be a monster. TJMO
Rachel isn`t a mare, a female has to be 5 to be considered a mare.
It all depends on what happens between now and then. You never know. If you`ve really been watching races since the 70s, you should know that you can`t say anything for sure when it comes to horses, especially race horses. You should also know anything can happen.
There is one match race I would like to see... Vodka, Zenyatta, and Rachel. Who do you think would win that one?? Lol
SelmerLibertyOwner 1 year ago
The big mare is back with a vengence and she's gonna keep on rolling...
RuffianRunsForever16 1 year ago
Just another day at the office for the queen!!
GBeret83 1 year ago
Just another day at the office!!
GBeret83 1 year ago
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GBeret83 2 years ago
Although, when 2 horses are so evenly matched it can be hard to tell. Like American Eclipse and Sir Henry of the 1800s they ran 5 races, Sir Henry won twice, and American Eclipse 3 times. Each race was a harsh on the horses and close finishes (except when American Eclipse`s replacement jockey in the first race started beating him, after that the regular rider mounted). I have a strong feeling that it could be similar with Rachel and Zenyatta, but I wouldn`t recommend running in heats.
Beatlegirl4eva 2 years ago
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GBeret83 2 years ago
If Rachel put on a Kentucky Oaks performance in a full field against Zenyatta, Rachel would win.
If Rachel were in top shape, her front running style and run away speed vs. Zenyatta`s back running style and catch up speed, rachel would win. I`ve seen hundreds of races, and I`m sure of how it would play out, if Zenyatta pulled it off, I`d put her over Man O War as greatest American racehorse of all time.
In a match, neither can really have front or back, its just a raw contest of who`s better.
Beatlegirl4eva 2 years ago
Beatlegirl4eva, A match race, often times, also becomes a test of will, and physical stamina. Looking at the physical structure of these two mares, which one do you honestly think holds that advantage? I think that's pretty clear. Zenyatta is just a big mare that can run all day long. Rachel can run fast, no doubt, but her stamina would break long before Zenyatta's. IMO.
GBeret83 2 years ago
I doubt they`d be running a 2 mile match, any trainer with an ounce of brains would run for the hills at the mention of it. At least nowadays with our fragile American horses. Rachel can hold up for a 1 1/2 mile test, I`m sure. Sometimes size isn`t everything, I`ll refer again to Seabiscuit and War Admiral.
Rachel held off Macho Again in the Woodward Stakes, if she really wants to win, she can, so if it cae down to a challenge, either way Zenyatta would have a hard time of it.
Beatlegirl4eva 2 years ago
@Beatlegirl4eva RACHELS's last quarters SUCKS. There is no way Rachel's is going to hold off Zenyatta's 22 23 last quarters to Rachels 25 26. Just no possible. Why do you think they are trying to teach Rachel to rate. Unfortunately, Rachel can't rate. She just goes all out and after about a mile, she starts to suck wind.
duhru4real 1 year ago
@duhru4real
Why do you think they pulled her out of the Apple Blossom? They rushed her, a big mistake, and she wasn`t ready.
She did great in the KY Oaks and won the Preakness Stakes, the Haskell, and the Woodward. If they get Rachel back in top shape, then she`d most likely beat Zenyatta. Now in a 1 1/2 mile race, Zenyatta would win, but Rachel could hold up under the strain. 1 1/4 would be close.
Beatlegirl4eva 1 year ago
@Beatlegirl4eva I dont think Rachel could ever beat Zenyatta, even on her best day.
SelmerLibertyOwner 1 year ago
@SelmerLibertyOwner
Zenyatta has never won a race by 20 lengths. So if it were a group race and if Rachel was at her best, chances are that she`d beat Zenyatta.
Rachel is a successful front runner, Zenyatta is a successful back runner. They`re both great horses, I`m just saying that if Rachel was in the kinda form she was in in the KY Oaks, she could win over Zenyatta. As long as its in a feild of horses, in a match, its pretty much an open game.
Beatlegirl4eva 1 year ago
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GBeret83 2 years ago
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GBeret83 2 years ago
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GBeret83 2 years ago
Zenyatta herself was not yet at peak level in this race as well. But substandard for Zenyatta is still always plenty to beat an inferior field of fillies. Because of her size and physical ability, she's just too much mare for other horses to hold off when she uncorks that devastating late charge. It really is, once she hit's her best stride, a total late closing onslaught to handle. But it's hard to hold back or run off from a "runaway locomotive." JMO.
GBeret83 2 years ago
For anyone worrying why Mike was starring at her left from leg i think he was just checking if she got knicked. With the size of the holes she went through there was a good chance he may have thought she clipped the heals of the horse in front of her before going to the rail. And if he had noticed anything he wouldn't have let her jog back to the winners circle.
flipflopchick101 2 years ago
I`m in the Rachel camp, but IDk which is better, I can`t say either way until there`s a match race, not a race, a match race.
Rachel just wasn`t in top condition and she wasn`t focused enough.
I hope they`ll race sometime.
Beatlegirl4eva 2 years ago
@Beatlegirl4eva , Match race or full field. Grass, synthetics, conventional dirt, or even on asphalt racing across a Wall-Mart parking lot, Zenyatta will always be just "TOO MUCH MARE" for Rachel Alexandra to hold off in the stretch once she unleashes the devastating power that comes with her closing drive. She's just too big and physical for Rachel to withstand that onslaught. It's a nature thing. Better foes than Rachel have tried and failed to withstand the power of her closing charge. JMO.
GBeret83 2 years ago
I haven`t been into racing long, actually, only since Afleet Alex`s Preakness run. Barbaro`s Derby was the first time I`d ever seen the KY Derby. But I`ve been doing research, watching old clips, etc... to make up for the lost time.
It`s one of those wait and see things.
Rachel is too much for other fillies as well, so that`s not a legitamit arguement. And as for her second place finish, Secretariat had off days too. Was he not beaten by Onion? Did he not finish 3rd in at least one race?
Beatlegirl4eva 2 years ago
I hope they race sometime too. Then people will finally see that Zenyatta was too much of a beast with that physical ability for Rachel. That, and seeing her in the New Orleans Ladies, she may never be as effective again as a 4yr.old as she was as a 3yr.old. Other than needing maybe one more race, Zenyatta looked as though she hasn't skipped a beat. It amazes me the people who really honestly think that Rachel will be able to withstand Zenyatta's closing onslaught.
GBeret83 2 years ago
I respect your logic and experience. But sometimes the beast doesn`t win. Rachel normally finishes a ways ahead, Zenyatta finishes only 4 lengths ahead at best. Of course, I do take into account that she may be capleable of more then Mike Smith lets on. Even Man O War was never allowed to fully extend himselfe.
Rachel was rushed, Zenyatta wasn`t. You can`t rush a horse, all you`ll get is a dud, unfortunately people are greedy and all too often rush what shouldn`t be rushed.
Beatlegirl4eva 2 years ago
"Sometimes the beast doesn't win." Your comments, not mine. But when hasn't this beast not won?
GBeret83 2 years ago
@Beatlegirl4eva, "Sometimes the beast doesn't win." That's your comments, not mine. Would you please point out one single time to me that "this beast hasn't won?"
GBeret83 2 years ago
Seabiscuit/War Admiral match race, American Eclipse/Sir Henry match race (American Eclipse was beaten in 2 of the 5 heats), Ruffian/Foolish Pleasure match race (although if she hadn`t broke down she most likely would have won, I`m just throwing in the possibility of breakdown), and probably some others. Honestly, you should do some research before you ask questions, the Seabiscuit/War Admiral rivalry is one of the most famouse in horse racing history.
Beatlegirl4eva 2 years ago
wow mike smith. i dont know what the hell he was thinking in this race but he damn near lost it. if he was riding any horse other then zenyata he would of lost. what a preformance
simpsonluva 2 years ago
I have never seen any horse perform better than Zenyatta, and I don't think I ever will. I hope she continues to do well.
Keep on winning, Zenny! I have faith in you.
iluvdogs1987 2 years ago 3
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iluvdogs1987 2 years ago
I have been on of the ones in the Rachel camp for a while now. I always thought Rachel would get too far in front of Zentatta for her to be caught. I now believe that Zenyatta can't be beaten by anyone. Too bad she did not ship over for the Dubai Cup. It would have capped off a brilliant career. I am glad to say I got to see her!!!
mizuno291 2 years ago 2
I got so scared at the top of the stretch! Mike wanted to go inside, while Zenny wanted to go outside! Not just a furlong left, she goes to the rail, and I thought she was beaten! But wow, She was playin' with her! I couldnt believe and i had goosebumps! What a superhorse! Now, go get Rachel!
SamiThePsycho 2 years ago 2
perfection
YouLuckieMann 2 years ago
she not beating much and she racing on whatever that is they race on out there
ericcontroversy 2 years ago
@ericcontroversy She and Rachel both had Grade 2 types in the fields against them. The difference is that Zenyatta beat them.
Venckman 2 years ago 2
true...but 6months off is a long time..she wasnt ready to race to be honest..zen the better horse at this point..
ericcontroversy 2 years ago
@ericcontroversy , Granted, neither mare was anywhere near their peak condition going into their respective 2010 debut races. But 3 months from now, Rachel Alexandra will be better, but Zenyatta will be a monster. TJMO
GBeret83 2 years ago
true...i like my horses to run on dirt i cant get into that polly crap...zen is awesome just wish she was on dirt more..
ericcontroversy 2 years ago
Rachel isn`t a mare, a female has to be 5 to be considered a mare.
It all depends on what happens between now and then. You never know. If you`ve really been watching races since the 70s, you should know that you can`t say anything for sure when it comes to horses, especially race horses. You should also know anything can happen.
Beatlegirl4eva 2 years ago
what a call....you gotta have goosebumps!
paulipeanuts 2 years ago
checked at full speed and won...comon, this horse is 1 on a kind.....
paulipeanuts 2 years ago 2
wow she truly is a superhorse.....
redneckracehorse01 2 years ago 4