You have to think that Jackson and Asmussen are relieved in a way. Instead of losing the Apple Blossom in front of the entire world and 'proving' that Zenyatta is the superior horse, they lost off a layoff and can always explain that "it wasn't Rachel". To boot, they get a "get out of Apple Blossom free" card... and now can set the race schedule to Jackson/Asmussen's liking.
I just wonder, if Zardana hadn't been in the NOL would RA still be going to the AB. Unforgotten the thrid place finisher was 11 1/2 lenghts back. RA would once again be "praised" for her overwhleming victory.
Sad. But, not unexpected. Did anyone else think the Apple Blossom showdown was too good to be true?
Anyone who didn't see this coming just hasn't been paying attention over the last two weeks. Personally, I don't think Jess Jackson ever intended to race his mare against Zenyatta at Oaklawn in April. I think he asked for the extra week to train believing that Oaklawn would never agree to change the race date, therefore, saving face and Rachel Alexandra's reputation. But when Oaklawns President and the Moss's agreed to the extra week, it backed Jess Jackson into a corner. A corner, mind you, he's been trying to maneuver out of for the last 10 days to 2 weeks. Neither horse was at their peak racing level yet in their prep races yesterday. That to me is what sets the two of them apart. Zenyatta, certainly not at her peak yet, was able to do what champions do to get themselves to the winner's circle. Rachel Alexandra obviously didn't. At this point, I'm not sure the two will ever race each other. But even if they don't, sure as sunshine, yesterday will not be Rachel's only defeat in 2010, IMO. If they do ever square off, I still believe Zenyatta is just too much mare for Rachel to hold off in the stretch once she uncorks that devastating closing drive. Better foes than Rachel have tried and failed to withstand that onslaught. Being 15 for 15, Zenyatta's reputation speaks for itself. Rachel's reputation was forged in 2009 by winning races with "Prestigious Names," but certainly not with "Prestigious Competition." But in all fairness, it's hard to hold back or out run a "runaway locomotive."
Just further proof even Jess Jackson knows who the real horse of the year was. Did you see the way Zenyatta over came all that trouble. She was blocked with a full head of steam coming into the stretch shifted her head 2-3 times looking for a place to go darted to the inside passed a few horses then had to shift back out to pass the leader in front of her to win easy. Could Rachel Alexandra do that? I think not!!