Now that would be a sporting decision if Mosses/Shirreffs decide to go in the Classic. If these connections do decide on Classic, I wonder how much influence Rachel Alexandra's campaign, including important wins against males, will have had on that decision. Then again, who cares about the motives! It'll be great for U.S. thoroughbred racing and an exciting Classic!
Even though the Moss's have talked about running Zenyatta again into early 2010, I personally think this year's Breeders Cup will be her swan song. If Zenyatta want's to go out in a blaze of glory, she'll never have a better set up to do it than this year's Classic. No horse in racing to date run's synthetics and most particularly Santa Anita any better than Zenyatta. My only apprehension about her running in the Classic is that this will be quite a tough group of males to try to beat being her first run against colts. But that's what champion's are made of. On this track, I like Zenyatta's chances to get it done. I personally felt that Mastercraftsman would be her stiffest challenge, but if he goes to the Dirt Mile instead, likely, imo, that her biggest obstacles to overcome will be Rip Van Winkle and maybe Gio Ponti. I wouldn't be surprise to see a big run out of Einstein as well. I feel that Quality Road is sitting on a big race, having had to fight off track's in his last 2 races. But having raced exclusively on conventional dirt it's difficult to judge how he will respond to the pro-ride surface of Santa Anita. So I say go for the gold Zenyatta, and good luck.
Will be very interesting if they stay in the Classic. Very much a tougher race than the Ladies Classic...