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What About Eden's Moon???

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  • August 18, 2012 1:55 AM
The discussion over the last few weeks leading up to this weekend’s G1 Alabama Stakes has centered around the theme of clarity, or more specifically, how the Alabama Stakes will give more clarity to the 3-YO Filly division. Lined up to contest the mile and a quarter race are Grade 1 winners Zo Impressive and Questing and Grade 2 winners Grace Hall and In Lingerie. Sea Island, Uptown Bertie, and Via Villaggio are no slouches either, with the latter two having Grade 3 victories to their name. Without a doubt this is a loaded field, and whoever has their picture taken at the end will be a deserving victor. But I have to ask, what about Eden’s Moon???
 
 
Like a few other horses this season, the regally bred Eden’s Moon (Malibu Moon—Eden’s Causeway, by Giant’s Causeway) has quietly put together a season worthy of year end honors. With the exception of a poor showing in the G1 Kentucky Oaks, the bay daughter of Malibu Moon has not finished off the board in any of her other career starts. She has notched a Grade 1 and a Grade 2 victory along with a third in another Grade 1 race and a second in a Grade 2 race. Oh yea, and did I happen to mention that she is also entered to start in this weekend’s G1 Del Mar Oaks? She’s the second choice on the morning line, and only the equally talented Lady of Shamrock stands between her and morning line favoritism. So again I ask, what about Eden’s Moon?
 
 
What I think is that this is simply another case of East Coast bias rearing its ugly head. I mean no offense to the super talented fillies lined up to contest the Alabama, but the West Coast has some heavy hitters, too. The plus side to some of these fillies is that they are versatile and race on dirt, synthetics, and turf; Eden’s Moon has wins on dirt and turf this year. Aside from having wins on two different surfaces, her connections made the trek across country to run their filly in the Kentucky Oaks. She did not run well that day after being taken up at the first turn and then bumping with Amie’s Dini, but she and her connections showed up to give it a try.
 
 
So yes, this weekend will give some clarity to the 3-YO filly division, but Eden’s Moon simply cannot be left out of this discussion. She has already proved that she belongs at the top of the division, and if she were East Coast based, a lot more people would probably be talking about her. With her main competition coming from Lady of Shamrock, the Del Mar Oaks can only add more luster to her 2012 record if she continues to run to form. So what about Eden’s Moon? Don’t overlook her when discussing the 3-YO Filly division!

 

What the Nation is saying about What About Eden's Moon???...

True, icy.
As far as turf races go, Lady of Shamrock does have the advantage. She has a G3 win, a G2 place, and a G1 win all on turf; compare that to Eden's Moon's G2 turf win. As for the entire 3-YO filly division, Eden's Moon has the slight advantage, IMO. Of course, none of these fillies have multiple G1 wins, so if a G1 winner takes home one or both of the weekend's races, then she (or they) will automatically rocket to the top of the division.
footlick, either they like it CD or they don't. Unique base for that track that when dry can throw horses off their game.
Throw out the Kentucky Oaks for Eden's Moon, obviously. Eden's Moon handled the switch to turf very well, in fact, I think she's better on turf than dirt or synthetic. For the Del Mar Oaks, however, I hope personal fav, Lady Of Shamrock wins. It's up to M.Smith to find room for her stretch run. One that should like the shorter distance compared to the American Oaks, is Best Present Ever. I didn't like the ride he gave Byrama yesterday, though. Eden's Moon may make her mark in the filly turf races, but it may be a little late to overtake Lady Of Shamrock this year, and there isn't a separate award for 3yo turf filly. I think it could come down to Grace Hall and Lady Of Shamrock for top 3yo filly and they will not face each other. Grace Hall, Via Villaggio in the Alabama.
Sometimes you have to throw Churchill races out
Not necessarily, Mark. I wish I could remember how much time she had to prepare for the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs, but if it wasn't much time, there's always the possibility that she didn't have enough time to acclimate to the new environment. Throw that on top of a bad trip, and you can consider the KY Oaks a throw-out race for her.
IF she were east coast based she wouldnt be in conversatiin at all. just simply an also ran like she was in the Kenyucky oaks
Good observation Ashley, I agree Edens Moon can not be dismissed.

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Alabama Stakes Alabama Stakes (2012) Amie's Dini Del Mar Oaks Del Mar Oaks (2012) Eden's Moon Grace Hall In Lingerie Kentucky Oaks Kentucky Oaks (2012) Lady of Shamrock Malibu Moon Questing Sea Island Uptown Bertie Via Villaggio Zo Impressive
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Meet Ashley Tamulonis
 
Growing up, I cannot remember a time when I did not love horses. I also loved reading, so it was only a matter of time before my two obsessions combined into one; I have my mom to thank for that one. Knowing how much I loved horses, when she stumbled upon the book Ashleigh’s Diary by Joanna Campbell, she bought it and brought it home to me. After reading the book, I was hooked. Though horse racing was not mentioned in that book, which was a super edition chronicling events that happened before the main character and her family became involved in the sport, it was what the series was all about. Additionally, thanks to the series, I actually wanted to become a jockey.
 
The Thoroughbred book series kick started what would become a lifelong passion. Unfortunately, Georgia is not exactly big on horse racing, so I have never actually been to a live race. However, I watched every race that was shown on TV; and now, as an adult, I follow the races closer than ever, handicapping, betting on, and blogging about them.
 
I am in the process of earning my B.A. in History at Macon State College, in Macon, Georgia. Along with reading, I have always loved writing. Once I was done with the bulk of my college career and had the time to write for pleasure, I started my own blog, Wired with Ashley Paige, which you can read here. When I was offered the chance to write for Horse Racing Nation, I jumped at the chance. Though I did not pursue a journalism degree in college, I would love nothing more than to pursue a career in writing, especially if it means I can combine my love of writing with my passion for horse racing.