19 Straight by Rapid Redux

So Rapid Redux won his 19th race in a row! Congrats, that tied a record that was shared by New Mexico superstar Pepper's Pride, as well as the one and only Zenyatta. Next up will be a try of holding the record on his own which would be a North American record. However, I'm a little bit bugged by this win streak by the Pleasently Perfect gelding.

This was a horse who up until actually 1 year ago was struggling in claiming races (he was claimed on October 13, 2010 for $6,250 after crossing the wire first, but dq'ed to last by his current owner Robert Cole). After winning his first start for his current team (which actually happend 1 year ago today), he finished eighth in his next start. Has been nothing, but money since with all wins.

So what gives? Why has this horse all of a sudden turned things around. I asked this question to a few Facebook friends of mine, knowing that I am a little bit of a overthinker sometimes I said that I was not impressed. Of course I was shot down right away, which is why I expected. Both Pepper and Z where critized for their connnections less risk taking decisions, why is Rapid Redux off limits? Any horse who has that type of win streak should not off limits to criticizm. That's just the way the ball bounces sometimes.

However, there is a different between Pepper and Z as well as Redux. Pepper's connections where never willing to go outside of New Mexico, thus not knowing how good she really was. As Kentucky breds, the options for Redux and Z where much smaller. They had no choice, but to face "Open" (what I mean is horses born anywhere no matter the state or country) company. Also before his struggling in claiming company, he was owned by George and Lori Hall (of Ruler On Ice, Fire On Ice fame) and even ran 3rd in the Tyro as a 2yo (abeit he was last, but he was good enough to be stakes placed).

Dispite me being a bit not impressed by Rapid Redux's success, this is something that has impressed me. During his win streak he has gone to 7 different tracks and has had 7 different jockeys. That to me is impressive.

Number 20 will be the most diffcult as there will be people who will be rooting against him so that Zenyatta can stay on top. As for me, I'm on the fence. I have to see where the track is and who shows up. Needless to say though, I will be watching no matter what happens.