Denied a clash of filly titans

Written by George Pepis Thursday, 25 June 2009 10:44

Horse Racing News

This week there are two Grade 1 races, but you might as well call them exhibitions as we will have 2 great fillies on both coasts running this weekend. It would be pointless for me to preview them as there is nothing gained.

Rachel Alexandra who we last saw knocking off the boys in the Preakness is going to show her wares in New York at Belmont Park on Saturday in the Grade 1 Mother Goose while the reigning distaff queen Zenyatta will run at Hollywood Park in California in the Grade 1 Milady on Saturday.

Zenyatta will haul 129 pounds for her battle. It doesn't make a difference as she clearly outclasses her competition. What I want to chime on is the decision by Jess Jackson, co-owner of Rachel Alexandra, not to head West for this year's running of the Breeders Cup.

As a fan, my first thought is that this decision is horrible. In theory I agree, and  from the very beginnings of this sport you do what is best for the horse not for the fans. Those who attend the races on a daily basis do not truly understand the hard work it takes to get a horse ready to run.They aren't at the barns before the crack of dawn to see the meticulousness it takes to get a horse ready to race.

Why doesn't Jackson want to ship his prized filly to California? Just watch what happened to Curlin in last year's Breeders Cup Classic.

But one criticism specifically is that Jackson is ducking Zenyatta. Wrong. The decision is obviously because Santa Anita has the Pro-Ride surface. Although it is a much safer surface, there is still much bias against the fake track. I am of the opinion that Rachel Alexandra is a better horse than Zenyatta. But how can we really know without a head-to-head battle?

I do have an idea that to me makes a ton of sense. Why not take these 2 great fillies away from their comfort zones and put them on a neutral track to decide who truly is best?
Where you ask would I want to see these 2 tigresses run? Well why not Louisiana Downs in Bossier City. Especially on the biggest day of their meet falling in late September. I am talking about the Super Derby for 3 year old colts. Why not put these 2 fillies in a race for all of us to enjoy?

Don't tell me this cant work. The Super Derby card falls 5 weeks before the Breeders Cup. That is ample time for both fillies to recover, especially Zenyatta who will probably defend her title in the Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Classic while Rachel Alexandra will either run another race or retire and head to a date with Curlin in the breeding shed. It can be done.

I challenge you out there to tell me why this idea is not a great one.

WEEKEND PREVIEW: There is one race of signifigance this weekend - the Cornhusker Handicap, a Grade 2 race for older colts and geldings at Prairie Meadows in Iowa. This race is part of the festival of racing that is run every year at Prairie Meadows.

--Cornhusker Handicap Analysis
This race looks ultra competitve and features horses we may very well see this fall at Santa Anita in the Breeders Cup. The morning line favorite is Jonesboro at 7-2. That alone tells you how tough this race is to figure.

Other horses to keep an eye on include My Pal Charlie who seems about set to put it together and attracts Robby Albarado for the ride. Secret Getaway is similar to My Pal Charlie as he has Kent Desormeaux as his pilot.

One who might fly under the radar is Victory Pete who sits at 6-1 but brings California-based rider Jose Valdivia.

Wayzata Bay, who won this race last year, is back to defend his title. Shadowbedancing is yet another one who should have a say so in this affair.

My Selections
1-My Pal Charlie - puts it all together in a very tough heat to figure.
2-Shadowbedancing - another who has the looks of a major contender.
3-Victory Pete - will be ignored but don't rule out as he has a great shot as well.

If you don't like the action this weekend, look out for the next one. With Independence Day next Saturday, there are a plethora of huge races to enjoy. I will have a look at the ones of most signifigance. It's the road to The Breeders Cup, and I will be your guide on this journey.

Until next week, may your winners be plentiful and your wallets be fat.