The last time we spoke about the two biggest female horses to hit the track in years (Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta) the prospects of either two facing each other were few and far between of ever happening. But, when the talk of “Horse of the Year” prospects really started after the first of the year, things began to change. Zenyatta was sight by the California clockers working out, more and more. The connections first would not confirm that she was returning to training. But as the weeks went on, it became clear that Zenyatta still had to prove something more on the racetrack.
After the Eclipse Awards were presented and Rachel Alexandra was the overwhelming winner of 2009 “Horse of the Year”winner, another major announcement was made. The connections of both Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta agreed to a set of races this year where both horses would face each other. The hopes of the two meeting on the racetrack had come true again. After a few weeks of decisions by both of their connections, the date of April 9th, 2010 was set for Rachel and Zenyatta to face each other in the Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park. With the epic event now having a date and increased purse, only the progress in training of the two runners would be needed for them to reach the date. Today on different coasts, the two battle participants make there 2010 debuts on track for the lead up to what some are saying as the “Race of the Century”.
First off at 6:15 (EST) last year’s “Horse of the Year” – Rachel Alexandra make her four year old debut at the Fairgrounds versus four foes in the New Orleans Ladies Stakes (9TH). With a series of workouts, Rachel returns to action in a prep race for her date versus Zenyatta in a little less than four weeks. Although her competition may not be a big threat to her, it will be interesting how she returns off the long layoff. Last seen beating the boys in the Woodward Stakes in September at Saratoga, Rachel may not be totally “cranked up” for the race. But she should get the needed work from this mile and a sixteenth test. One of her opponents will be a John Sadler runner shipping in from California named; Zardana along with both local runners; Wing Fighter and Clear Sailing who have had a race over the Fairgrounds strip. The field is rounded out by the closer Unforgotten. This will be a test to see if Rachel Alexandra will be up to her task in a few weeks facing the still, undefeated Zenyatta with only two starts of a layoff.
About 20 minutes later at 6:36 (EST) at Santa Anita, Zenyatta returns to the races in the Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap (7th). She’ll face eight foes and travel the mile and an eighth distance on Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride surface. Zenyatta was last seen winning the mile and an quarter Breeder’s Cup Classic versus the boys and will carry the high weight for this race at 127 lbs. Here she faces an assortment of California based runners which have performed on both polytrack and turf. Although the field she faces only has two grade stakes winners (both grade II) her late kick running style always puts her in a vulnerable situation.
She’s been working well for the race, but unlike Rachel Alexandra has more to lose in this first start of the year. That’s because Zenyatta is putting her 14 race undefeated streak on the line today. The streak plays an important role in her match up versus Rachel Alexandra on April 9th.
Today we get to see a preview of two very talented ladies; it’s just a preview for what is to become maybe the most anticipated two horse match up in decades. As always, it is hoped that both horses come out of the race in top shape and with no ill effects. There will be no excuses when both meet in four weeks and do their thing!
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