Rachel vs. Zenyatta: Now We Wait
by MattGSeattle on Feb 4, 2010 12:11 PM EST
in General Horse Racing
8 comments
Let the hype machine begin!
This morning Oaklawn Park announced an increase to the purse of the Grade 1 Apple Blossom on April 3rd from $500,000 to $5 million if both Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra and Breeders' Cup Classic champion Zenyatta enter. Oaklawn also announced that the distance of the race will also be lengthened from 1 1/16 miles to 1 1/8 miles and that entries will be by invitation only. The purse increase, while likely to entice both Rachel and Zenyatta to enter, should also ensure that a host of other fillies and mares enter for the chance (albeit unlikely) to win the richest race ever run for fillies.
The question now becomes: will the two show up in Arkansas? It seems to me that Oaklawn officials must have a sense that they will otherwise why make even make an announcement like this?
News surrounding Zenyatta indicates that the mare will target the G1-Santa Margarita at Santa Anita on March 13th as her comeback race. If Zenyatta were to run at Santa Anita, that would leave her with three weeks prior to a potential match-up with Rachel in the Apple Blossom. Some commentators have argued that there will not be enough down time following that race to prepare for the Apple Blossom. However, the reality is that Zenyatta will most likely dominate whatever field she faces in the Santa Margarita and I seriously doubt that race will tax her to any extent.
Rachel Alexandra just recently returned to the track to begin serious training for her upcoming campaign. As of yet there are no indications as to where the filly will make her initial start of 2010 but if her connections decide to get a race in her prior to the Apple Blossom they are gong to have to choose that spot fairly soon.
There will be plenty of time to dissect this possible match-up in the future but I want to add one thought: the history of horse racing is littered with great match-ups on the track. Whether it's Alysheba and Ferdinand, Affirmed and Alydar, Sunday Silence and Easy Goer, or countless others, the big race transcends the sport because it's why we watch. The chance to see the best of the best face each other on the track does not come around all that often; there are many "big" races but there are very few "great" ones. Rachel against Zenyatta could be one of the all-time great races.
Now we wait.
0 recs |
8 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
I agree
this race (if it materializes) could be one for the ages. I’m dubious on whether it will happen though. Zenyatta’s folks still haven’t shown they want to be away from the synthetics of SoCal (although she can do it and was entered on Derby weekend in a race but was scratched because of too much rain). Also, I’m not sure if they would want that to be her second start. and for Rachel Alexandra I’m not sure if they want to be her first or second start of the year if Zenyatta’s team agrees to travel to Hot Springs. I’m thinking both camps might want to look at a race a little later in the season. Zenyatta’s camp have to be enticed by the added distance though, let alone the big purse. Rachel’s camp would probably race her at any middle distance, though 1 1/16 may be more to their liking. If it does happen…it’s Rachel all the way. So pony up a few grand to try and hit that 1/9 shot pay off. Or be like me and just not bet, sit back and watch history unfold.
Maddie in Portland, Oregon
by kentuckybred on Feb 4, 2010 2:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I figured they wouldn't meet until BC at Churchill
I’m wondering about the race from RA’s side, as well. First race off a long layoff, that’s a tough task. I think, however, that Zenyatt’a’s folks will be up for it – she did win the Apple Blossom two years ago in her only dirt start, so at least there is a history of success over the track.
Speaking of betting for this race: can you imagine the bridge-jumpers in the show pools for this? Could be insane.
If it happens I’ll sit back and watch what will hopefully be a fantastic event for horse racing…or perhaps I’ll play a light pick 3 going with every horse not named Rachel or Zenyatta in the last leg….you never know. : )
"A bad day at the race track is better than a good day at the office."
by MattGSeattle on Feb 4, 2010 2:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
wow
this would be pretty damn exciting. might even be worth a trip to emerald downs for some off track betting.
www.nwfan.com
by coug2828 on Feb 4, 2010 2:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
newbie question
where does the extra money come from to raise the purse from 500k to 5mil?
www.nwfan.com
by coug2828 on Feb 4, 2010 2:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
That will come from the track, Oaklawn Park, and the tracks owners, the Cella family.
Oaklawn has had a history of creating large cash incentives in order to increase the profile of the track. In 2004, for their 100 year anniversary, Oaklawn Park created a bonus of $5 million for any horse that could win the Rebel Stakes, the Arkansas Derby, and the Kentucky Derby. Smarty Jones ended up winning all three and took home the cash.
"A bad day at the race track is better than a good day at the office."
by MattGSeattle on Feb 4, 2010 3:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
smarty jones
that guy was a cash machine
www.nwfan.com
by coug2828 on Feb 4, 2010 3:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Cella family is amazing
they do a lot of things to make Oaklawn the place to point horses to in the winter to spring. I’d love to head down there. Everybody says it’s a great festive atmosphere and that the Arkansas Derby day is a blast.
They can raise the purse like that because they know if it actually happens they will at least break even with on track/off track betting, attendance, alcohol sales, etc. And it’s good publicity. With Zenyatta having won this race a couple of year’s ago I’m sure they think they can get her camp out of SoCal. We’ll see.
Oh yeah, if the race happens you can bet ESPN will pick it the rights to it. Still don’t think they will meet until later in the year though, but we can always dream.
Maddie in Portland, Oregon
by kentuckybred on Feb 4, 2010 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I've also always heard great things about Oaklawn...
definitely a goal to get down there one of these days.
"A bad day at the race track is better than a good day at the office."
by MattGSeattle on Feb 4, 2010 5:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
