Two phenomenal females, one spectacular half-hour for racing

June 28, 10:44 PMHorse Racing ExaminerRobin Bush

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Rachel Alexandra romps by over 19 length in the Mother Goose.
AP Photo/Adam Coglianese

In a period of less than 25 minutes on Saturday, the racing world feasted on a display of utter perfection from each of the two best horses in the country. A fan could have asked for little more, with tours-de-force on either coast.

In New York in Belmont Park’s ninth race, Rachel Alexandra basically gave an encore of her stunning Kentucky Oaks victory in the Mother Goose Stakes (G1). Although she faced only two hopelessly outclassed rivals, the style with which she won Saturday was as sensational as the Oaks victory. She sailed under the line an incredibly easy 19 ¼ lengths the best. Jockey Calvin Borel geared the Preakness winner down in the final sixteenth, and she still shattered the race’s records for largest margin of victory and fastest time.

Shortly thereafter, undefeated Zenyatta, queen of the older female division, delivered her ever-so-dependable late kick in the Vanity Handicap (G1) at Hollywood Park. In the blink of an eye, the mare leaped past the leaders with an electrifying stretch run in the last sixteenth. Despite shouldering 129 pounds, an impost rarely assigned in the few top handicap races left today, Zenyatta disposed of her foes just as handily as she has every other time. Her 2 ½-length triumph, considering her come-from-behind style, was equally as emphatic as Rachel’s powerful victory.

Zenyatta surges to her second Vanity score  AP Photo/Benoit Photo

There has been spirited debate the last several weeks over what paths each of these horses should take the rest of the season, and if, when, and where they should meet. Some fans have been disappointed by Rachel owner Jess Jackson’s announcement that she will not run in the Breeders’ Cup this year, while others believe it is a good decision. Many wish that Zenyatta would race against males or venture once more outside California for a different challenge, but some don’t see the point of her leaving the state in which the Breeders’ Cup will be held, or in taking on males.

Let’s forget for a moment all of the dream scenarios and speculation on the rest of the year. We’ll put aside the debates over which horse is the best, or which would beat the other under this or that circumstance, and all the other discussions. Saturday, none of the debate or wishes for the future mattered. We bore witness to two of the most sensational horses to grace the track in years, and they each reaffirmed that greatness. We needed only drink in the moment and appreciate what a truly a magnificent day it was to be a racing fan. Although their competition has often not been the toughest, both Rachel and Zenyatta have proven time and again, by their breathtaking feats, that they are horses for the ages.

On Saturday, Zenyatta and Rachel each won with the same authority with which they had for months. Their performances were mere repeats of their recent races against females, utterly predictable and borderline unsuspenseful—and indescribably stunning. With each race that looks exactly like the last, these fillies display the primary quality that makes them so sensational—their always unfailing dominance. Neither knows what it means to have an off day. Though they have different running styles, each is so dependable that there is rarely a tense moment at any point during their races. Saturday, the fans could pretty much just relax and delight in the summer repeats.

Each horse’s awe-inspiring display drew tremendous ovations from the on-track crowds, where the atmosphere was euphoric at each venue. The electricity throughout the stands could be felt even through the television, as these fillies were welcomed to the winner’s circle with all but worshipful applause and cheers. Each filly showed her tremendous personality and look of eagles coming to the circle, ears pricked and head held high, wondering if that was all there was to do that afternoon. The intense appreciation those on hand showed for Zenyatta and Rachel was stirring, and caused more than a few welled-up eyes. Everyone watching knew, as well as ever, that they were witnessing a truly momentous day in horse racing.

The opportunity to behold two horses such as these at their finest, within half an hour of each other, made the day one of the most exceptional in recent American racing. No matter where these fillies race the rest of the season or whether they meet each other, racing fans should bask in moments such as this—they don’t come along very often.