Big Movers

by Ed Meyer

posted on October 8, 2010 in Breeders Cup, General Discussion | 1 Comment >>

Zenyatta in BC Classic Post ParadeZenyatta improved to a perfect 19/19. This is only news if you are new to the game, or you missed one of the most exciting times in racing. She targets the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and this time I really zoomed in on her motions. The record chasing got the best of me, and when she turned for home in the Lady’s Secret, I would swear that she was making double strides to the rest of the field.

The target she zeroed in on was a three-year-old filly by the name of Switch. I think you need to put her name in your memory banks, as she ran huge against this older gal. We will be hearing more from her, and that you can bet. Rinterval was knocked out of the race. Literally, she hit her noggin after rearing up in the paddock. Rules in California dictate that runners that act this way be scratched. So, the lone speed was out…..

The race was incredible just the same, but it may not have told the truth. Rinterval has faced her before, and offers up a solid challenge every time. I just don’t think she got the work needed from this race. Oh, I won’t put an asterisk by her name, or not mention her with the greats. But, she needed this hard work one more time….. The competition is fierce, and she needs her “A” game to win it all.

If you watched little Hoosier Park where the 16th running of the Indiana Derby was held, you would have seen work in progress. Lookin at Lucky was running on a sloppy sealed track, and was dead last by many on a 7/8th’s course with tight turns, and a long stretch like Churchill. When he spun around the final turn, circling the field six wide, it was to stay away from the others to get a clean trip. He inhaled the field, and got his needed work. He is ready to roll from here.

If it rains, or it’s anything but a perfect track, Zenyatta may encounter trouble. She will have to face others that are razor sharp, and Lucky is coming into his own. If it is a record they seek, there is plenty of races she could choose and take down the crown. I would love to see this happen, but I fear there are others who have hit their stride, and will give her way too much to handle.

Pray for the weather gods to smile on this day. She needs to be in the right position to win, and if all is not well, then she could be in deep trouble. So, for the record, I hope she wins and takes home the gold. But, I think Lucky has her number, and will play the spoiler on this day.