Alexandra The Great!
May 17th 2009 00:33
Unlike the English classic races, those from the US are run at a most convenient (breakfast) time for those of us living in Australia. Of course we always tape the races in the UK and watch them in replay - but there is something special about being in the moment. Being part of history.
(Photo: Jason Szenes/European Pressphoto Agency)
If Rachel Alexandra had been running in the UK I would have set the alarm clock and made an early rise. This attempt at winning the Preakness by a (super) filly I was not going to miss.
I had - like many here - seen the replays of Rachel Alexandra winning the Oaks. Her physique and stride (to say nothing of the 20 length margin) indicated that this record breaking opportunity was well within her grasp.
The lead up to the Preakness had been full of intrigue. There was the sale to Jess Jackson (considered to be around $4 to $5 million); the resulting change of trainers from Hal Wiggins to Steve Asmussen; and the offer (and acceptance) to ride for Calvin Borel who would chose her in favour of the horse he rode to a surprise victory in the Kentucky Derby, Mine That Bird.
And then there was the scheme of competing stables to run additional horses to keep (late entry) Rachel Alexandra from the final field (obviously this suggestion met with loud and unfavourabe commentary). Equally noteworthy though was the offer by the Hendrickson’s, owners of Luv Guv, to withdraw if it looked likely that she would not make the field otherwise. But thankfully good grace and common-sense prevailed.
And the race.
Well, from the outside gate Rachel Alexandra was made to work early as the speed horse Big Drama kept the lead and had the field running through the first 1200m in 1.11.01. Mine That Bird had drifted back to the tail of the field - but the solid pace always meant that he would have his opportunity to close late.
And although this was a far harder assignment than the Oaks, the wonder filly lengthened stride as asked before turning and moved away to a winning four length break. This time she would not increase that margin - neither could she be expected to - but she held out all of her rivals including the valiant Mine That Bird (proving his Kentucky Derby win no fluke) .
What is it with fillies! Last year the brilliance of a barnstorming Zarkava in France - and this year a long striding on the speed marvel from the US.
From this distance I must admit to thinking the quality of the 3 year old classics in the US far superior to 2008. But for the arrival of a new superstar, Mine That Bird would be shooting for the Triple Crown - and doing so against legitimate opposition.
Jess Jackson will wait on the fillies recovery to see if she will run in the Belmont against Mine That Bird. What a rematch that would be.
Jackson hopes to have Rachel Alexandra in training in 2010 as a 4 year old - gifting us, as he did with Curlin, another year of pleasure at watching greatness race (if only Zarkava had raced on for one more year). The filly has had some problems before which stopped her from being sold at an earlier time. Hopefully these will not hinder her progress into (further) greatness and she can book a date with Curlin in the breeding barn in 2011.
You might have noticed that I have not written anything new for RacingWrite for several months. I have found the demands (stress) of combining two other businesses (speedratings.com.au and another that will remain nameless) with a hectic writing schedule too much to sustain. I became ill.
RacingWrite remains a very popular blog that is read by a strong readership every day - even though that being read is now ancient history. But I do pride myself on writing articles of substance and interest instead of regurgitating news from the newspapers. Obviously the continued interest means that this was appreciated.
I have also returned to editing (rewriting) my novel. So I think I will be making only guest appearances rather than the (almost) daily writing of earlier.
But I think there is a place for interesting news (opinions, stories) about horse racing on Orble. I know that my articles have been read by many high profile members of the racing establishment, as well as all of those who just love horse racing.
So, I am requesting interest from anyone, anywhere, who would like to write for RacingWrite as a contributor, be it short term or long term. I welcome anyone to contact me at: leonard@speedratings.com.au if they have anything they would wish to offer.
Horse racing everywhere comes in for (easy target) unwarranted criticism. We love horses and we love the sport.
Can’t say when I will next write an article for RacingWrite. But I would love to introduce some new talent and opinions if anyone is interested.
Watch Rachel Alexandra win the Oaks in stunning fashion:
Rachel Alexandra winning the Preakness
If Rachel Alexandra had been running in the UK I would have set the alarm clock and made an early rise. This attempt at winning the Preakness by a (super) filly I was not going to miss.
I had - like many here - seen the replays of Rachel Alexandra winning the Oaks. Her physique and stride (to say nothing of the 20 length margin) indicated that this record breaking opportunity was well within her grasp.
The lead up to the Preakness had been full of intrigue. There was the sale to Jess Jackson (considered to be around $4 to $5 million); the resulting change of trainers from Hal Wiggins to Steve Asmussen; and the offer (and acceptance) to ride for Calvin Borel who would chose her in favour of the horse he rode to a surprise victory in the Kentucky Derby, Mine That Bird.
And then there was the scheme of competing stables to run additional horses to keep (late entry) Rachel Alexandra from the final field (obviously this suggestion met with loud and unfavourabe commentary). Equally noteworthy though was the offer by the Hendrickson’s, owners of Luv Guv, to withdraw if it looked likely that she would not make the field otherwise. But thankfully good grace and common-sense prevailed.
And the race.
Well, from the outside gate Rachel Alexandra was made to work early as the speed horse Big Drama kept the lead and had the field running through the first 1200m in 1.11.01. Mine That Bird had drifted back to the tail of the field - but the solid pace always meant that he would have his opportunity to close late.
And although this was a far harder assignment than the Oaks, the wonder filly lengthened stride as asked before turning and moved away to a winning four length break. This time she would not increase that margin - neither could she be expected to - but she held out all of her rivals including the valiant Mine That Bird (proving his Kentucky Derby win no fluke) .
What is it with fillies! Last year the brilliance of a barnstorming Zarkava in France - and this year a long striding on the speed marvel from the US.
From this distance I must admit to thinking the quality of the 3 year old classics in the US far superior to 2008. But for the arrival of a new superstar, Mine That Bird would be shooting for the Triple Crown - and doing so against legitimate opposition.
Jess Jackson will wait on the fillies recovery to see if she will run in the Belmont against Mine That Bird. What a rematch that would be.
Jackson hopes to have Rachel Alexandra in training in 2010 as a 4 year old - gifting us, as he did with Curlin, another year of pleasure at watching greatness race (if only Zarkava had raced on for one more year). The filly has had some problems before which stopped her from being sold at an earlier time. Hopefully these will not hinder her progress into (further) greatness and she can book a date with Curlin in the breeding barn in 2011.
You might have noticed that I have not written anything new for RacingWrite for several months. I have found the demands (stress) of combining two other businesses (speedratings.com.au and another that will remain nameless) with a hectic writing schedule too much to sustain. I became ill.
RacingWrite remains a very popular blog that is read by a strong readership every day - even though that being read is now ancient history. But I do pride myself on writing articles of substance and interest instead of regurgitating news from the newspapers. Obviously the continued interest means that this was appreciated.
I have also returned to editing (rewriting) my novel. So I think I will be making only guest appearances rather than the (almost) daily writing of earlier.
But I think there is a place for interesting news (opinions, stories) about horse racing on Orble. I know that my articles have been read by many high profile members of the racing establishment, as well as all of those who just love horse racing.
So, I am requesting interest from anyone, anywhere, who would like to write for RacingWrite as a contributor, be it short term or long term. I welcome anyone to contact me at: leonard@speedratings.com.au if they have anything they would wish to offer.
Horse racing everywhere comes in for (easy target) unwarranted criticism. We love horses and we love the sport.
Can’t say when I will next write an article for RacingWrite. But I would love to introduce some new talent and opinions if anyone is interested.
Watch Rachel Alexandra win the Oaks in stunning fashion:
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