April 26, 2010

Derby? Oaks? I’ll Take Rachel

What a weekend! The Derby, the Oaks and a heaping handful of other graded stakes will create a cornucopia of racing delights for anyone that calls themselves a fan of Thoroughbred horse racing. In a two day stretch, Churchill Downs will sport no less than a dozen stakes races. Clearly there is no place better to be this Friday and Saturday, than a few miles off the banks of the Ohio River, and under the historic twin spires. Everyone knows the headliner. It is the Kentucky Derby, the Run for the Roses, the First Saturday in May. Quite simply it is the most famous race in the world for our equine stars. Its feminine counterpart, the Kentucky Oaks, plays a supporting role to the Derby with class, style, and historical significance. When a sophomore filly crosses the line in the Kentucky Oaks it cements her place in history. This year, Derby and Oaks aside, there is something else big brewing in Derby City.
***The remainder of today's column can be found on Youbet.com*** Click Here

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Most famous race in the world"

???????

Methinks not. Ask any sane racing follower in the UK, France and especially Australia.

I Decided that the dirt race in Dubai was just a little mickey mouse to mention in the same breath

The races do not require a name and only the best win them.

Brian Zipse said...

I have no doubt that in certain countries, their own "big race" is the thing, but...with all due respect, I firmly stand by my statement.

NetworkEmpowerment said...

Rachel Alexandra takes the lead, and really has no resistance, whatsoever, from Gabby Golden Ga...And now Rachel Alexandra is opeing up FIVE legths on the field, Six. Ohhhhh a tour de force, by the super filly. Calvin Borel isn't moving a muscle on her she's going to destroy this field! Super Filly You BET. What's the Final Margin? She might've won by Twenty!"

Now I may be rusty, but that was a moment to remember. Before that race I thought RA was a very nice filly taking advantage of weaker peers. My jaw dropped and I cried when I saw that performance. she was unbelievable that day, and will be yet again, one year after that crowning moment.

Anonymous said...

Here are 3 races that grab attention over and above the Kentucky derby.

The Grand national the race watched by the largest TV audience world wide.

The Melbourne Cup watched by 200,000 on track.

The Arc de Triomphe the absolute race to win.

Brian Zipse said...

Beautifully said LDP!

Mike Vlach said...

Brian, I'm not asking for names or anything but are your sources telling you to expect a big race out of Rachel this Friday? You mentioned your "inbox" in your article. The 1.11.40 is what has me amped that this filly is ready to grab the spotlight back.