If you thought that a Zenyatta/Rachel Alexandra showdown would be coming to fruition in Oaklawn Park's inflated $5 million Apple Blossom Handicap on April 9, think
again.
According to a report on nytimes.com, the connections of Rachel Alexandra have stated that the lass will not be heading to the Apple Blossom. The confirmation came yesterday, one day after Rachel Alexandra finished second to Zardana in her seasonal debut in the $200,000 New Orleans Ladies at Fair Grounds Race Course.
"Yesterday's race, while a disappointment, helped us define Rachel Alexandra's racing condition," Rachel Alexandra's owner, Jess Jackson, said via statement. "While she is healthy, just as I had anticipated, she is not in top form. Therefore, I decided today she will not be going (to the Apple Blossom)."
Zenyatta was sharp in her 2010 debut on Saturday, as she came on in the late stages to capture the Grade 1 $250,000 Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap at Santa Anita.
"We're disappointed that we're not going to be able to face each other in the Apple Blossom," Zenyatta's co-owner, Jerry Moss, was quoted as saying. "Hopefully, we can meet down the line. We respect both Steve (Asmussen) and Mr. Jackson as horsemen and they're going to do what's right for their horse. That's all anybody could ask for."
To watch the replays of the mares' respective races, click here.
(With files from nytimes.com)
That's too bad that they
That's too bad that they will not be matching up in April has had been planned.
Zenyatta looked like she was ready for anything. I find it a little strange that Rachel Alexandra's owners & trainers do not seem to have her ready for the Apple Blossom as they had stated earlier in the year. I cannot wait to see these 2 ladies race one another but only when both of them are healthy.
Marie Stoyles-Moura
Trainer John Shirreffs may
Trainer John Shirreffs may have cost his owners & himself a huge paycheck, by sending out Zardana who beat Rachel Alexandra...had Rachel had an easy race & win, maybe the 5 million dollar race would still be on instead of now Zenyatta will be racing for $500,000. Zardana was the first horse Shirreffs started at the Fairgrounds.
In reply to Trainer John Shirreffs may by songwriter
It's not about money for
It's not about money for either Jess Jackson (worth $1.9 billion) or Jerry Moss (owner of A&M Records). Zenyatta has always been ready to run. It's ironic that Rachel was beaten by Zenyatta's stablemate, but it's only that, ironic. Let Rachel run when she's ready, Zenyatta is ALWAYS ready. There has not been a horse like her for many, many years.