cocoa2 - many will never forget Landaluce. Me included. She was a sweet, black coated two year old filly out of Seattle Slew that captivated the west, having won five races by almost 50 lengths. She won her first race in 1:08 then came back a week later and won a Grade 1 race by 21 lengths in 1:08:1. Her last three races as a two year included race run in 1:21, 1:35 and 1:41. Uncle Mo, on the other hand, ran a 1:34.6 and and 1:42 in a mile and a mile and a sixteenth, and was considered the second coming of Spectacular Bid and Seattle Slew. Landaluce will never be forgotten.
You've forgotten Landaluce.
sad correction: the anniversary of the match race is tomorrow
Watched Ruffian lope along in 2:27:4/5 on you-tube at 1 1/2 mile.Some of the top male 3yos never hit that speed all out.No matter who is actually "the best" the horses who have thrilled me in no particular order,Ruffian,Zenyatta,Rachel (my personal favorite) Genuine Risk,Personal Ensign,and many more who are to numerous to mention.Was a nice discussion as evidenced by the emotions.
It's quite honestly amusing to read these comments, just to see how rude some people on here are.
I know that 'suck it' thing was out of line, I haven't been ahving the greatest day and had to blow off some steam, but truly, I do believe that Zenyatta and Ruffian really should rank the same, they are both amazing mares and deserve credit. Neither of them deserve 1s, they don't even deserve below 8s.
4ever, Girl, I have been to see the Queen in person-quite a story-at least for me anyway. Stock in Kleenex has to have gone up just from my usage of their tissues when reading her diary entries. I had my near heart-attack moments during many of her thrilling finishes of her races. How gorgeous she is. However, I don't rank any other female above Ruffian. I haven't seen one that I thought was better than her. Now, today is the anniversary of the match race, so I know you weren't trying to be full out rude by telling people to go suck it. Why would I bash you? You just said there was a difference between the truth and rudeness. Then, the "suck it" comment. You just bashed yourself.
Ah, but mrsmaryzinke, there is quite a difference between telling the truth and being full out rude. Part of me agrees with Vinnie, because Ruffian never did face the boy except in the Match, and before that she did exactly what you all are bashing Zenyatta for. I am not saying Ruffian wasn't a wonderful filly, because tehre is no deny that she was. But she never got to prove herself. Breaking records agains claimers and low grade stakes winners is not a very large feat. I love Ruffian, but I do believe that she doesn't deserve any more credit than Zenyatta does. I know I'm going to get torn apart for that comment, but that is my opinion and truly, you people can suck it. I don't care for any argument you make, I with all ym heart believe that Zenyatta is one of the greatest racehorses of all time, and your petty judgements really will not change that. All that your posts bashing me will do is make me laugh, because all you people are doing is making fools of yourselves. In case you cared ;)
I'm not dead yet, Vin. I'm going by the facts. i saw Ruffian's races. Somehow, you looked at them, but didn't see what I saw. i do so wish my strays would just go ahead and come home. That was to them, not you, Vin.
...excuse me..."Everyone's got one". It's the facts that I'm after.
goobernation - people are entitle to their own opinion. I agree. But opinions are like rear ends.
mrsmary - I'm sorry if you think I was "tearing down" Ruffian. I was just bringing out the facts. I've said the same things several times here. Yes, Ruffian was a fast horse. No, Ruffian was not the greatest female racehorse of all time. Yes, the match race should of never taken place. Yes, Ruffian was never tested. That's it.
Zenyatta's closing style is quite difficult to stay out of trouble, the pace in the race is not always in her favor, and don't fool yourself into thinking the game plan of other jocks and trainers was to take her down. It was her heart that made Zenyatta the champion she always will be remembered as. I'm no expert but I know when a champion brings tears to my eyes.
thats becuase people are babies when it comes to others expressing their own opinions.. thats a liberal for ya LOL ;) everyone will express theirs but a true sport will accept others opinion like its their own
4everZenyatta, So it's okay for Vin here to tear down Ruffian (P.S. Vin it's nearly anniversary time), but it's not okay for Tim to be honest? Hmmm.
How can you rate Ruffian a 1 and still be talking? You have no credibility with that. Its obvious you are emotional. I dont like picking on Zenyatta because she was a great horse. I just think her managers really werent aggresive enough with her and kind of ruined her legend.
Ha, VInnie don't even bother paying attention to timgsmith's agruments. Their focus in life is obviously to tear Zenyatta down, no matter what, but ignore them, they don't deserve your energy ;)
ViN, I'm not expanding anything, about Ruffian that is. She is my pick for top female. Never going to change. You'll have to out-live me or when my other haunt gets interesting again, you'll be rid of me.
timgsmith - it's not crap. Just the facts. Yes, Zenyatta had races against weak competition. The facts are there. Just like Citation and Spectacular Bid running against themselves. Or Cigar running against "non-winners of 2 allowance races". But Zenyatta also had the records of beating or finishing ahead of the winners of 69 Grade 1 races and 7 Eclipse Award Champions.