Why retire her?

justindew · #1 11-07-2010, 08:35 AM

Zenyatta seems to be at the top of her game, or at least still capable of beating the best (and by "best" I mean all that we have in America). I think if you re-run the Classic 10 times, she wins it just as many times as Blame, if not more. So why not keep her in training and point for the Dubai World Cup and then the 2011 Classic? Retiring her makes little sense to me.

#2 11-07-2010, 08:37 AM

She's 6 years old! Might turn to dust out there as a 7 year old!!

Travis Stone · #3 11-07-2010, 08:40 AM

I'm not sure about the whole retirement deal, but she doesn't get by Blame yesterday if you run the race w/same or similar trips 10x. She didn't have a bad trip and even if she gets clear a few strides earlier... he dug-in when he heard her coming, and galloped-out past her as well. I don't think she ever had a nose down in front. The close-up ESPN kept replaying shows how Blame dug-in and didn't let her by.

Basically, she finally met someone who could finish their run to the wire... she ran hers, but it was a nose short. No shame.

packerbacker7964 · #4 11-07-2010, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travis Stone

I'm not sure about the whole retirement deal, but she doesn't get by Blame yesterday if you run the race w/same or similar trips 10x. She didn't have a bad trip and even if she gets clear a few strides earlier... he dug-in when he heard her coming, and galloped-out past her as well. I don't think she ever had a nose down in front. The close-up ESPN kept replaying shows how Blame dug-in and didn't let her by.

Basically, she finally met someone who could finish their run to the wire... she ran hers, but it was a nose short. No shame.

x2 I said this also.When Go Go Gomez saw her coming he moved Blame out (slowed him a little) so Blame could see her coming. Once Blame got n eye full of her he rebroke. Z didn't pass him in the cool out either. They both were in full stride at least 50 yds after the wire with Blame still ahead. The only way she wins this race is Blame gets a worse trip IMO.

Thunder Gulch · #5 11-07-2010, 08:48 AM

It sure looked like she would get there but credit to Blame.

ManilaRose · #6 11-07-2010, 08:48 AM

Zenyatta has to be retired. She already signed a contract for Dancing With the Stars for next year. Too late to get out of it now.

Princess Doreen · #7 11-07-2010, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManilaRose

Zenyatta has to be retired. She already signed a contract for Dancing With the Stars for next year. Too late to get out of it now.

First laugh of the day. Thanks!

CSC · #8 11-07-2010, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by packerbacker7964

x2 I said this also.When Go Go Gomez saw her coming he moved Blame out (slowed him a little) so Blame could see her coming. Once Blame got n eye full of her he rebroke. Z didn't pass him in the cool out either. They both were in full stride at least 50 yds after the wire with Blame still ahead. The only way she wins this race is Blame gets a worse trip IMO.

Not according to this post interview at 1:00 when the reporter said she infact passed Blame just past the wire, he sounded pretty matter of fact. The camera coverage will not show it, and I guess we will never know for sure as the camera stays on the wire for awhile and then picks up with the run out well past the wire.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...2-D7871AACD9AB

robfla · #9 11-07-2010, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CSC

Not according to this post interview at 1:00 when the reporter said she infact passed Blame just past the wire, he sounded pretty matter of fact. The camera coverage will not show it, and I guess we will never know for sure as the camera stays on the wire for awhile and then picks up with the run out well past the wire.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...2-D7871AACD9AB

That reporter is an idiot.

The replay using the blimp view ( right before the winner's circle interview ) clearly shows the entire gallop-out and she never once got in front of Blame.

packerbacker7964 · #10 11-07-2010, 08:37 AM

She's gave her all for a 19 of 20 record. She needs to get herself a stall near the road where all of her fans can get a good look at her.

MaTH716 · #11 11-07-2010, 08:45 AM

I agree, really with the record not being perfect anymore you would think that the decision would be easier to keep her on the track.
The only thing is that, after her performance yesterday it would be hard to stay in California and continue to race against some of the talent that she's been beating (on the poly) on a consistent basis. She would need to leave the state a few time for it to be worth while.

ateamstupid · #12 11-07-2010, 08:38 AM

Why bring her back? So they can lie about showcasing her to the country/world, keep her sheltered all year and then try to intimidate voters into finally gifting her HOY? If we have any decent handicap horses next year (probably a big if), she'd get drowned in the Classic. Bring back Goldikova instead.

justindew · #13 11-07-2010, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

Why bring her back? So they can lie about showcasing her to the country/world, keep her sheltered all year and then try to intimidate voters into finally gifting her HOY? If we have any decent handicap horses next year (probably a big if), she'd get drowned in the Classic. Bring back Goldikova instead.

A) That's partly my point. It's an enormous "if".

B) What are you basing this on?

ateamstupid · #14 11-07-2010, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justindew

A) That's partly my point. It's an enormous "if".

B) What are you basing this on?

Are you serious? I'm a big Blame fan, but he would get drowned in most years too. It was a horrendous year for the handicap division.

justindew · #15 11-07-2010, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

Are you serious? I'm a big Blame fan, but he would get drowned in most years too. It was a horrendous year for the handicap division.

Becasue his Beyer Speed Figures aren't that high?

ateamstupid · #16 11-07-2010, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justindew

Becasue his Beyer Speed Figures aren't that high?

yes, pastor, that's part of it. You honestly think those two would've had a prayer in '04, '06 or '07? Child please.

miraja2 · #17 11-07-2010, 08:45 AM

If they brought her back next year she would probably still be a very good horse who could rack up some G1 and G2 wins. Of course, the same was true of Rachel Alexandra and she was retired too.
Most owners, including Zenyatta's, are probably too concerned with their horse's legacy to actually risk losing more races.
It is really too bad. If they actually did that and tried to win the DWC with her, I'd probably be cheering for her for the first time ever.

Cannon Shell · #18 11-07-2010, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miraja2

If they brought her back next year she would probably still be a very good horse who could rack up some G1 and G2 wins. Of course, the same was true of Rachel Alexandra and she was retired too.
Most owners, including Zenyatta's, are probably too concerned with their horse's legacy to actually risk losing more races.
It is really too bad. If they actually did that and tried to win the DWC with her, I'd probably be cheering for her for the first time ever.

Which is ironic considering the lack of knowledge of the history of the sport and it's great horses which has been on display lately. Seriously in the last 5 years I have heard cases made that that Smarty Jones, Big Brown, Curlin, Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta are top 10 all ten horses.

MaTH716 · #19 11-07-2010, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

Are you serious? I'm a big Blame fan, but he would get drowned in most years too. It was a horrendous year for the handicap division.

You know it seems like lately, every year stinks. Whether it's the 3 year old crop, handicap division and so on. What makes you think that there will ever be another (what some percieve as) "STRONG" division/class ever again? Between injuries, less foals every year, early retirements and the so called weakening of the breed this is what we are going to be looking at for a long long time.

ateamstupid · #20 11-07-2010, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaTH716

You know it seems like lately, every year stinks. Whether it's the 3 year old crop, handicap division and so on. What makes you think that there will ever be another (what some percieve as) "STRONG" division/class ever again? Between injuries, less foals every year, early retirements and the so called weakening of the breed this is what we are going to be looking at for a long long time.

This is probably somewhat true with the older horses. The three-year-olds will still have strong years though. Last year's crop was terrific, as was the '07 bunch.