Gio Ponti

pozzulirulz · i heard on espn radio that rachael will be named · 21 days ago

sidechoke13 · rachel 103 zenyatta 99 · 21 days ago

bband · Can't believe Borel can't get a little credit - what he did in May was simply sensational! · 33 days ago

medlocke · No matter what's said or done, they're both great filly/mare's. They've both had incredible year's. But IMO, and only IMO, the only reason they're both being considered for HOY is both of their abilities to beat the colt's. When you look at that, the quality of competition factor has to come into play. Granted, Rachel had a couple of more win's on the year than Zenyatta. But take a look at the World Thoroughbred Rankings and see how many colt's in the top 20 or 25 that Zenyatta beat, then take a look at how many in that group that Rachel beat. It's not even close. Zenyatta beat the much tougher male opposition. As far as female opposition, they both beat good fillies, but fillies out of both of their leagues. But, even in that category, as it turn's out, Zenyatta beat the Ladies Classic Champion multiple times in 09' as well. No offense at all intended to Rachel Alexandra supporters, because I too think she's a remarkable filly. But for 09', if I had a vote, based on what I just laid out my vote for HOY would go for Zenyatta hand's down. JMO. · 30 days ago

Medlocke · I really love this colt. He's very talented and run's with a ton of heart. Best of luck in the Dubai World Cup Gio Ponti, you certainly have the talent to win it. · 85 days ago

Rossington · I take nothing away from Rachael Alexandra. She's a remarkable filly that's accomplished remarkable thing's that your average filly just doesn't get done against the boy's. But that said, this is how I break down the debate, and this is just my personal opinion, I speak for no one else but myself. While Rachael has looked amazing against males, Jesse Jackson is careful to pick races where only about 2 or 3 real tough contenders are in any one race she run's against males. Zenyatta dove right into the deep end of the pool. First time ever against males, first time ever at 1-1/4, defending her undefeated record, and against one of the most loaded with talent male field's assembled all year. She faced, she raced, and she won overcoming all of these obstacle's. I kind of feel like Rachael took the easy path at Saratoga this summer when she was working extremely well and had a choice to run against Summer Bird, Quality Road, Hold Me Back, and Kensei in the Travers and took the easier race in the Woodward facing very little other than Macho Again who is 20-6-6-0 lifetime, and Bullsbay. Or even moreover from a different point of view, if the Breeders Cup Classic would have been run back east on conventional dirt at Churchill Downs, Belmont, Monmouth, or Saratoga, take your pick, and you ask Jesse Jackson to race his filly against 8 Grade 1 winning, and most multiple Grade 1 winning males, plus Zenyatta would he have put her in the race doubtful. Even on dirt this field had more competition than Jackson is comfortable with in racing Rachael against males, imo. I think it would take her racing another 5 or 6 races to compete against every male that was in this race. Every one had R.A. already penciled in as HOY before the Classic because most of the people who cover horse racing gave Zenyatta little to no chance of winning the Classic. After the way she overcame the delay at the gate, broke on the wrong lead, and was last for a good bit of the race, then to explode in the stretch to go by Gio Ponti, which is not an easy task, not only did she win, she won impressively. IMO, if Zenyatta is denied HOY after her performance on Saturday, and Rachael as well was welcome to be in that starting gate, it will be absolutely CRIMINAL and will FOREVER be a DARK STAIN an the members of the thoroughbred racing industry who make the HOY decision. Remember, this is JMO. No one elses. · 89 days ago

ruby · This is an interesting debate, but I'm not sure why it is a close one. Rachel was exciting, but Zenyatta beat the best on Championship Day. End of Debate. · 88 days ago

Rossington · John Shirreffs must really be on cloud nine after the weekend he just had in the Breeders Cup. Zenyatta's run really needs no explanation, it speak's for itself. Life is Sweet, however, ran like a filly with a world of talent and look's like a filly that may even have better races ahead of her should she decide to stay in training for next year. Garrett Gomez really rode a masterful race on Life is Sweet. I kind of felt going into the Ladies Classic when she was sent off with morning line odds of 8-1 that she may be the one in the race that was being overlooked. Much like I felt Gio Ponti was in the Classic. Great job by Shirreffs and congrats to the connection's of Life is Sweet and Zenyatta. Great performances from both fillies. · 91 days ago