Well first the great news. Zenyatta is amazing and while I had to settle for the live ESPN telecast of the race (don't even get me started on the frustrations associated with trying to log into a non-existent live video feed of both races courtesy of ntra.com, but why should that surprise me?), my west coast sister saw it live and reported that it was "electrifying."
"I've never seen so many people so excited about a horse and a race," she told me. "They cheered when Zenyatta came onto the track and she did her little dance; they cheered when she made a hole appear where there were none; they cheered when she won and they they cheered even louder when they paraded her back in forth in front of the stands after she won. It was amazing!"
Lucky her because she definitely saw one of the best races I have seen in a long time. If you want to know what confidence looks like, watch Mike Smith guide his prized mount through spaces that she shouldn't have fit through. He never panicked. He never went to his whip. He looked like he still had a pretty good hold on her when she crossed the finish line. He knows what he has got and good for him.
Meanwhile, Rachel's return to racing was not quite as triumphant. She was beaten about 3/4 of a length by Zenyatta's stable mate, Zardana, who made an impressive show of things. Rachel never looked quite right, even when she looked like she was going to win and late yesterday we learned that she will not be heading to the Apple Blossom. It seems as if she came out of the race quite well, but she has clearly is not back to her peak racing form, just yet.
I am disappointed, yes, but I will be even more disappointed if one of the two retires abruptly. If you want to know what racing needs it is these two continuing to do what they do best: draw crowds, generate excitement and attract legions of fans, many of them women.
Let's hope they both continue to race throughout the year and that they do eventually meet, perhaps in California so my sister can give us live reports!
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