Rachel, Zenyatta top Eclipse finalists

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January 06, 2010 12:07 PM

Photo: Eclipse Sportswire

Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta had shorter coattails than one might have imagined when the finalists for Eclipse Awards were announced on Wednesday by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.

Although both Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta - the only horses to receive votes for Horse of the Year, according to the NTRA - were also announced as obvious finalists in their respective divisions, and their trainers are two of the three finalists in that category, only one of their owners made the cut, just one breeder, and neither jockey.
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What the Nation is saying about Rachel, Zenyatta top Eclipse finalists...

Rachel, Zenyatta top Ecl...

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.