This begs the question, will this lead to fillies going against colts/geldings more now? While in the US it's been somewhat of a no-no for years, overseas it's the norm. Sunline and Makybe Diva ruled Australia in the distance races (both winning the Cox Plate, and the latter adding 3 Melbourne Cups to her name). Currently Black Caviar is taking names in the Sprint/Mile division. She is possibly going to be taking her show on the road to Dubai and Royal Ascot. Ouija Board and Goldikova defeated both sexes in Europe, before and after winning their BC races. Then there is Urban Sea (Arc winner and dam to one of my favorite fillies My Typhoon), Miesque (2 time BC Mile winner), and Pebbles (BC Turf winner). All three of them legends in Europe. The newest boybeating superstar in Europe is Danedream who won the Arc in October.
Then there is Japan's dynamic duo of Vodka and Buena Vista, both of them Japan Cup winners. The latter should have been a 2 time winner if she wasn't DQ'ed in 2010.
In the US, right now it's just Grace. However, there could be a serious chance that if she continues down the road that Awesome Feather could be going in the same direction. It could be a fun 2012 for fillies of all ages!
Then there is Japan's dynamic duo of Vodka and Buena Vista, both of them Japan Cup winners. The latter should have been a 2 time winner if she wasn't DQ'ed in 2010.
In the US, right now it's just Grace. However, there could be a serious chance that if she continues down the road that Awesome Feather could be going in the same direction. It could be a fun 2012 for fillies of all ages!
Thanks for taking the time to point out that Rags started this trend. It's a shame that she wasn't sounder, because I think she may well have been the best of all of these recent girls.
ReplyDeleteThe one time I rooted against Hard Spun in 07 was in the Belmont. I really liked Rags and was jumping up and down when she won. I still think that bobble in the Belmont was what caused the end of her career.
ReplyDeleteThe call at the top of the stretch in the Belmont still gives me chills. That was an incredible race.
ReplyDeleteI hope the trend of racing fillies against the colts continues. People love to root for them, and they're so much more likely to return for another season. Plus, some of them have such personalities!
Seeing Zenyatta dance at her last Breeder's Cup was amazing - although Goldikova was my favorite. That little filly just swaggered in the paddock! She knew she was best over all the males. So fun to watch.
Really happy I got to see Rachel, Zenyatta and Goldikova. Wish I could have seen Rags' Belmont!