By Stephen Alicknovic
The great Zenyatta will go for her 18th straight win without a loss in the Clement L. Hirsch (GI) later this afternoon at Del Mar. Some fans are a bit disappointed that she is not running in a more ambitious spot against better horses. To those I say just be grateful this once in a lifetime mare is even running period at age 6. Zenyatta has proven herself over and over again as to what kind of champion she is. Her connections have done right by her, and will continue to do right by her. I commend them for even bringing her back to race this year. She has nothing to prove to anyone. She is a special horse, and I am thrilled to see her run. So sit back, relax, and let Zenyatta do her thing. It is a great joy to watch this mare in action.
2010 Clement L. Hirsch Replay YouTube-Zenyatta
The Quality Road show is warmed up and ready for another dazzling performance in the Whitney (GI) at Saratoga this afternoon. He has been a special thoroughbred from day one when he broke his maiden at first asking in a dazzling effort at Aqueduct in November of 2008. Today he makes his first start since his near track record setting effort in the Met Mile (GI) back in May. Once again Quality Road is ready to threaten another track record on a track where he already has broken one. Haynesfield will look to offer him his biggest challenge today, but as good as I think Haynesfield will run today, it will be a very tall task indeed to beat the super fast Quality Road. Blame is running very well and he will be the 2nd choice in the betting. Blame has been rock solid throughout his career, and today he faces his biggest class test. And Musket Man is in there as well. An honest, reliable racehorse who has been a consistent runner from day one. And how can I forget? The 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird will give the Whitney a shot. A very daunting task indeed for Mine That Bird just to hit the board today. Quality Road has given every indication today could be a day to remember.
Racing has some issues, but today is day to be grateful to have the opportunity to see these two remarkable athletes in action. And this is what this great sport is all about. Enjoy it.
2010 Whitney Replay YouTube-Blame Nips Quality Road
