RACE TO THE BREEDERS' CUP UNDERWAY THROUGH SUMMER

Ralph Siraco's Blog

July 2009

The Triple Crown is fading in the sunset of spring. Summer will swelter in the Spas of Del Mar and Saratoga. Along with some equines with familiar names, that pair of historic racing emporiums will also launch dreams of the Classics--version 2010--as they provide the debut proving grounds for some classy, well-bred sons and daughters of Classic winners past. The "babies", or freshly taught two-year-olds, will take to the summer season ovals looking to impress with precocious performances for their well-heeled dreaming owners.

And, while searching for the first glimpse of a champion of the future, we will await those who have taken a well-deserved "time out" to get back on trac and track for the second season run to the Breeders' Cup.

Controversy for this year's Breeders' Cup has already broken out with the declaration of owner Jesse Jackson on behalf of his superstar filly Rachael Alexandra. Jackson wants no part of a repeat that led his Horse of the Year Curlin to a worse career finish--4th in the BC Classic 2008. Although Rachael has already mastered the Poly Track with an early career win at Keeneland, Jackson doesn't want her to run on the "plastic" version of synthetic surface at Santa Anita, which will host an unprecedented second consecutive Championships. By the way, did anyone ask her? Anyway, with Rachael a "no show" for the big show, a throw-down with Zenyatta will have to happen--if at all--on Mother Nature's good old organic tan. Meanwhile, Zenyatta is approaching Personal Ensign's undefeated 13-race win streak. With her recent victory in the Vanity--for a second year in a row--while toting the grandstand package of 129 pounds, the Zen-lady now stands at 11 undefeated career victories. Thus, a victory at the seaside in Del Mar and a tightener at Oak Tree, and Zenyatta could come into the Breeders' Cup with a chance to surpass Personal Ensign's baker's dozen on the big show stage. Then, all her connections have to ponder is a repeat try in the Ladies version of the Classic, or the main event on Saturday against all comers--boys, and any girl that wants to show up?(the "RA"-word)--for THE Classic.

Although Jerry Moss--one of the nicest guys in the business--entertains the notion of a "road trip" in search of Rachael, his sportsmanship will not be dictated by others. Thus, another Big Brown-Curlin "dream burst" is more likely than a damsel showdown. We wait with cautious anticipation. Hey, either way, these two are going to create the "buzz" any time they hit the track. Even if it is 3,000 miles apart. Speaking of Vanity day, about 20 minutes earlier, Rachael Alexandra romped in the Mother Goose. As if she didn't have the only two challengers over a barrel anyway, they decided to "ice" the deal with a suicide duel to hand Rachael and afternoon exercise on a "souped up" Belmont main that yielded a new stakes record. Don't let that zip code victory fool you, the Zenyatta victory, by a measly 2+ lengths, was every bit as impressive as Rachael's runaway twenty. Let the summer games begin.

HAVE A GREAT RACE DAY.