Heat and Rain

The East Coast got some very interesting weather this weekend. On Friday which was Saratoga's opening day, rain fell forcing all, but two races off the turf. Saturday wasn't much better as the first few races where off the turf, but eventually returned later on in the card.

Not that it mattered for the first G1 of the meeting which of course was the Coaching Club of America Oaks. However, after two key scratches (Connie and Michael and Lisa's Booby Trap), Devil May Care did not have any problems with the field. This was a filly who I thought had consistancy problems, but I guess I was wrong. Biofuel was second and my pick Acting Happy was third. This sets up for a very interesting Alabama which will feature the following: Blind Luck, Devil May Care, Roan Inish, and possibly Havre de Grace (who depending on her post could suprise some people). However, I think Run DMC (the horse, not the group) could face the boys again in the Travers if Todd Pletcher wants to. However, a match up between her and Blind Luck is more likely then between Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra at this point. Whoever wins the race, will be Champion 3yo filly (unless Grace, Inish or Biofuel win, then it's still up in the air IMO).

Speaking of last year's Champion 3yo filly, I'll get to her race right now. Three words: It was hot. With the heat index over 100, Monmouth ran yesterday, when people thought that they shouldn't have (I was one of them). Never the less, Rachel won by 3 over Queen Martha, with Ask the Moon 11 back. People are going to say, she should have smashed this group by more, or she's not the same horse, or who has she faced? I'm at the point to say, who cares? Who cares who she has faced, so what if she's not the same horse, at least she's still around. Keep in mind, Jess Jackson could have retired her (the same goes for the Moss' with Zenyatta) and we would have moved on. But she stayed in training and I'm going to enjoy her the rest of the year. Keep in mind, with the exception of her first start, she has been never worse then 2nd in her career. Here is an interesting fact: There have been 5 horses who have beaten Rachel. Those 5 horses have been trained by 5 trainers who have also trained Eclipse Award winners. They are:

Steve Asmussen (when Rachel was still with Hal Wiggins): trained Curlin to Champion 3yo Male, Champion Older Male and 2 time Horse of the Year, trained Rachel Alexandra to Champion 3yo Female and Horse of the Year. Defeated Rachel with Songstress (Rachel was 6th, however would finish behind Rachel in a future stakes race)

Todd Pletcher: trained Rags to Riches to 3yo Champion Female, Fleet Indian to Champion Older Female and English Channel to Champion Turf Male. Defeated Rachel with Garden District (Rachel was second)

Dale Romans: trained Kitten's Joy to Champion Turf Male. Defeated Rachel with Sara Louise (Rachel was second, however would turn the tables on Sara in the very next start)

John Sheriffs: trained Zenyatta to 2 time Champion Older Female and 2 time runner up to Horse of the Year. Defeated Rachel with Zardana (Rachel was second, however would finish behind Rachel in the very next start)

Bill Mott: trained Cigar to 2 time Champion Older Male and 2 time Horse of the Year. Defeated Rachel with Unriveled Belle (Rachel was second)

So only Garden District and Unriveled Belle are only two that she has either not beaten or finished in front of in a future start. She has a chance with Unriveled Belle if they both go to the Personal Ensign which could be Rachel's next start.

The Useal Q.T. won the Eddie Read, and Headache won the Claiming Crown Jewel. No Triple Crown in Canada as Golden Moka invades from Panama (that's right Panama) to remain undefeated in the Prince of Wales. The Queen's Plate winner Big Red Mike who IMO was spinning his wheels finished third. Golden Moka could be a horse to watch in the Travers if his connections decide to take the jump to G1 next time out.

However, the race of the weekend was the King George in England. The winner, Harbinger not only set a course record, but he romped home over Epsom Derby winner Workforce. He def. made himself the Arc favorite and the BC Turf favorite as well. Brian of Zipse at the Track wrote a wonderful post about him which you can find here.

Don't forget there is a live chat tomorrow starting at 7pm EDT. Among the topics, Rachel, Haskell, Blind Luck vs DMC, Harpinger, Golden Moka and more! Hope you join us!