Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWalk
I'm taking a slightly different approach on Zenyatta coming back and racing this year...
I love Zenyatta, and I want to see her race just like the rest of the avid race fans. But there was something so perfect about the way she closed out her 2009 bid. It was unreal with the serious closing job at the Breeders Cup. Just thrilling to watch.
I kind of like the way she went out on top. I mean what else can she do? If she loses at all it's going to cheapen her legacy (to me) just a little bit, no?
There's something to be said for athletes that retire on top, I'm just hoping that Zenyatta doesn't get upset in any of her races this year. And if she gets a chance to race RA, then so be it. But, if she just runs a few races and then calls it quits, god forbid she gets upset... I think I would be kind of sad.
By the way, I don't think horses are athletes, but I am trying to draw the comparison here.
Anybody, kind of nervous/upset/worried that her legacy will be cheapened by giving it a go in 2010?
Absolutely not cheapened at all by coming back, especially since it doesn't sound at all like they'll be looking for soft spots for her. I mentioned earlier in the thread that if you compare her accomplishments to the all time greats, she currently looks like she'd fit in somewhere in the low 20s (that's including males). She's unbeaten, but hasn't faced other truly great horses, has only run on dirt once, and has fewer races than any of the horses above her. Either a win over Rachel Alexandra or a 2nd Breeders Cup Classic would move her up substantially on the list. So would another 5 or 6 unbeaten races. Breaking the all-time earnings record (which either a BC win or a Dubai World Cup win would do) wouldn't count for as much, but it would help her legacy too. And if you want to talk about really crazy scenarios, her running style is awfully well suited to turf racing. If she goes to Europe and wins any big races later in the year, that would be a huge boost to her legacy.
Even losses in some scenarios wouldn't hurt her reputation. A close to loss to Rachel (provided Rachel continues to dominate) wouldn't hurt. A close BCC loss wouldn't hurt. And if were to take the turf route, even a strong loss (say 2nd or 3rd place) in the Arc would actually enhance her legacy.
Obviously if she goes out and loses to some no name in the Santa Margarita in March, that's a different story, and would be very disappointing...but taking on some challenges and succeeding is what separates the all-time greats (say, the top 20) from the rest.
Also, some corrections to an earlier post I made: The Lousville Distaff is no longer called the Lousville Distaff (it's the La Troienne) and it's not on Derby Day..it's the day before. Confusing as heck, because the race that used to be called the La Troienne was renamed the Eight Bells last year.