tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post4847829918391173262..comments2023-03-26T02:23:43.274-05:00Comments on Zipse at the Track: The Zipse Awards - The Best of the DecadeBrian Zipsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08592017304873334271noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-41541958939882666852009-12-31T03:57:46.627-06:002009-12-31T03:57:46.627-06:00I have to say that you have the horse of the decad...I have to say that you have the horse of the decade completely wrong.. If we are talking about the best horse of the decade flat out, we are talking about Ghostzapper, there is not one horse that is even on his level and I am a huge Zenyatta fan.. Zapper won a grade 1 race at every distance from 6F to 1 1/4!!! It is not even close in my eyes.. He was the BEST horse of probably the last 30 years acctually, injuries just hurt him..Ericnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-85764534623737098452009-12-03T20:58:55.047-06:002009-12-03T20:58:55.047-06:00You caught me making a slight dig at Z but purely ...You caught me making a slight dig at Z but purely tongue in check.<br /><br />There's a lot to be said for being undefeated whether racing against NM breds or in the BC. Connections of both did right by their horses.Steve Mundayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07610339768009395207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-59388424267543967722009-12-03T18:09:36.164-06:002009-12-03T18:09:36.164-06:00Ciarán, who is this Sea the Stars that you speak o...Ciarán, who is this Sea the Stars that you speak of?<br /><br />Steve, your inverse theory is interesting, I agree to a partial extent, but...then you lost me by comparing a horse running in New Mexico breds against a BC Classic winner.<br /><br />Ciarán, just kidding. This column and poll were for horses running on American soil, otherwise horses like Sea the Stars and Dubai Millennium would have been on the list. Maybe...LOLBrian Zipsehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08592017304873334271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-43740379991693857032009-12-03T17:54:59.372-06:002009-12-03T17:54:59.372-06:00this is obviously Best of the Decade to run on US ...this is obviously Best of the Decade to run on US soil because Sea the Stars isn't on here... just a point..Ciaránhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13874396713831412722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-4977702238216153802009-12-03T17:24:31.952-06:002009-12-03T17:24:31.952-06:00Brian,
Your poll results are interesting in that t...Brian,<br />Your poll results are interesting in that they reflect, in the exact opposite order, the sheer talent of all the horses.<br /><br />Ghostzapper (3 votes) was the most talented horse to race this decade, bar none. An absolute "monster" but also lightly raced so I can see why "horse of the decade" is not appropriate. Invasor (4 votes) was another monster. Though a small cut below GZ, especially from a speed fig perspective, he ran huge every time and was probably more consistent than GZ. Next best was Curlin (5 votes), then Tiznow (6) and then RA (10). And depending on what RA does next year, should may move up the list. <br /><br />If rank ordering the "best" horses, using the opposite of the poll results, w/ GZ first and Z last, would be a good start. <br /><br />However, the question wasn't "best horse" but "horse of the decade" so body of work should be considered. No doubt the undefeated Zenyatta has an impressive body of work, but then again, so does Peppers Pride . . .Steve Mundayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07610339768009395207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-86855424384434001602009-12-03T11:50:22.252-06:002009-12-03T11:50:22.252-06:00I apologize for those that follow my Blog, I was i...I apologize for those that follow my Blog, I was in the process of building a house and also had a death in the family that has made it necessary to back off a little from the Horse Racing community, I post from time to time on other blogs or Message Boards. The Fox Hill Farm Site is my fav, very good conversation and talk topics.<br /><br />As for some of the comments here that I’ve seen today that raise the hair on my neck, It was a huge mistake to put the BC on synthetic two years straight, this was advantageous for two sets of people only, the Europeans and Team Zenyatta. This push for HOY by the race tracks in Cali and the Media including TVG and HRTV, almost seem laughable. You don’t see Belmont, Monmouth, Churchill, Pimlico, Fairgrounds, Saratoga or Oaklawn sending out any live feeds to try to garner HOY votes for Rachel. Her camp unlike Zenyatta’s allowed her to prove her worth on the track, that is Super-Impressive. After her races JJ didn’t run up into the camera and start yelling for HOY honors, that’s the sporting and classy thing I love about him, he’s going to do right by the horse first and let the chips fall where they may. This is a very good thing to take into consideration, and people have sounded absurd about this statement but the question has been asked over and over, “Could R.A. have beaten Zenyatta on B.C. day?” And the answer quite simply put is “It’s unlikely”. On that surface and after the long grueling campaign of Rachel’s not including the Woodward she would have still been a tired horse going in. Now think about how she laid it down in the Woodward on her surface, due to being able to control her action down the lane and in the Gallop out she was able to come back, do the winner’s circle photo and walk back to her barn. Not this same filly laying it down at Santa Anita on a surface she is not familiar with, most likely unable to control her action the same way, she could have possibly gotten hurt. Who would have wanted that? Now here is a good question, “Could Zenyatta has beaten Rachel on Feb 15th or March 14th or May 1st or May 16th or June 27th, or Aug 2 or even on Sept 5th in the Woodward.” Let me say the only race in my opinion that Zenyatta would have even come within 5 lengths of Rachel in are the Preakness and the Woodward, and in both of those races she would have been ridden differently and not been on the pace. People tend to look at things as if they are black and white; the only thing about this season that is black and white is that they did not and will not face each other. Early in the season Rachel was daylight better than Zenyatta due to running a hard grueling season Rachel came back to the field which is natural. But comparing the 111 Beyer in the Mother Goose at 1:46.33 to Zenyatta’s 97 Beyer at 1:48.15 twenty minutes later. So look at it anyway you want to but there are a number of gray areas that have to be analyzed before you can compare the two distaffers. <br /><br />aaf<br />p.s.There will be a new blog entry posted tonight for those that would like to read it. And a special announcement will be included in that entry. Tune In.afleetalexforeverhttp://afleetalexforever.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-37087159708141515792009-12-03T00:13:21.989-06:002009-12-03T00:13:21.989-06:00"Thats why no matter what I was so happy that...<i>"Thats why no matter what I was so happy that Jackson didnt take Rachel out to Cali to watch her struggle like the rest of the 43 or so horses who prepped on dirt that didnt win BC races in 2008 and 2009."</i><br /><br />Actually, Rachel ran well on the synthetic track at Keeneland. So the idea that she would have struggled over the synthetic track at Santa Anita is most likely nonsense. Jess Jackson has made it clear he has a strong bias against polytrack, a bias evidently shared my several commenters here. It's possible he also may have had doubts about Rachel running a mile and a quarter this season.CV45noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-44662373131417433222009-12-02T21:22:30.119-06:002009-12-02T21:22:30.119-06:00Those are good, relatively undisputeable picks. an...Those are good, relatively undisputeable picks. and I have to add: <br />In projection of a matchrace (that will now never happen), I have to agree with Brian as Zen for HOTD: RA has beaten the big boys 3 times at different tracks; Zen can run on dirt & has beaten the big boys as well, and I believe, once she got rolling with that stride of hers, RA would have too hard a time keeping up, therefore making Zen the immortal best!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07576421798052476402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-10652886399025754772009-12-02T20:45:28.981-06:002009-12-02T20:45:28.981-06:00Great mention Tim, I still get sad when I think ho...Great mention Tim, I still get sad when I think how he left us. Lost in the Fog was a majestic and brilliant horse. Unfortunately, he ended his great season with dissapointment and then his four-year-old season was marred by sickness. How he won that stake at Churchill, in his condition, was a testament to his greatness and courage. He is one of the ones that was not far behind my selection of Kona Gold and, by the way, he is a horse that will be remembered on ZATT.Brian Zipsehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08592017304873334271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-20019296854723886212009-12-02T20:28:39.086-06:002009-12-02T20:28:39.086-06:00I was holding my breath as I read to look for fema...I was holding my breath as I read to look for female turf horse. Nailed that on the head with Ouija Board. Man she was awesome.<br /><br />I'm assuming Lava Man's inability to excel outside of Cali did him in for any consideration of older male. Invasor did fit that mold quite well.<br /><br />Where did you rank Lost In The Fog in the sprint division. Even though he didn't show up in the BC very well, he had a tremendous resume. Kona Gold's five BC's is impressive so I can't really disagree, just curious where you rank Lost In The Fog in the Sprinters of this decade.<br /><br />Rachel got my vote for HOTD. Curlin was my second pick. I just feel that Rachel brought so much national attention from the media outside of the racing community to notice racing this year. Zenyatta did a lot, don't get me wrong. But what Rachel did to me was just astounding.Silent Sundayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15767966715650118420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-87427454251602271452009-12-02T18:35:38.338-06:002009-12-02T18:35:38.338-06:00Better late than never Celeste. You are an appreci...Better late than never Celeste. You are an appreciated voice of reason...Thank you for your level-headed perspective, however, is it not fun to trumpet the attributes of your favorite horse?Brian Zipsehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08592017304873334271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-69745504128396826332009-12-02T18:23:53.897-06:002009-12-02T18:23:53.897-06:00Very well written article, Brian. I'm not sur...Very well written article, Brian. I'm not sure I would agree with all of your winners, but I was not paying all that much attention in the earlier part of this decade, being only a follower of the Triple Crown races in the spring. I know, shame on me, but I've learned my lesson and I'm trying to make up for lost time, as well as making every effort to learn. I appreciate the feedback from all your commenters, but it's my belief that each person is entitled to their own opinion and for whatever reasons they hold a particular horse dear, that is fine, nowhere does it say we must all agree. :)Celestehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17194000009793531005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-33210968382867500432009-12-02T17:45:08.175-06:002009-12-02T17:45:08.175-06:00Curlin IS King.
Long live the King.Curlin IS King.<br />Long live the King.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-91045141231275528872009-12-02T16:46:07.928-06:002009-12-02T16:46:07.928-06:00Agree with every single placing on that list excep...Agree with every single placing on that list except on, HOTD. Curlin get it for me. Was he beaten in his bigger races, yes, but he had very valid excuses in most. Derby-nasty trip in only his forth start, while both first and second pace finishers got to stay out of traffic. Belmont-just got done two trying races and was racing a very good and fresh filly at a distance that better suited her. BC#2 was on a surface he had never tried while receiving a questionable ride. The only race he did't really have an excuse was the Haskell. His pluses of being all time earning leader for American based horse, beating older horses consecutive times, taveling to Dubai among other places, winning the World Cup by eight, then coming back to win the Stephen Foster by four. He was 2 time JCGC winner and HOTY as well. He danced every dance where Zenyatta sat back for most of her second season. Her Classic and LC double makes it close, but Curlin is King.NetworkEmpowermenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09053022764177401200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-34576540522518548012009-12-02T16:09:12.457-06:002009-12-02T16:09:12.457-06:00Afleet, In addition to all your comments, I fault ...Afleet, In addition to all your comments, I fault whoever chose Santa Anita for the BC TWO YEARS IN A ROW! There were no races for dirt horses and all races for turf horses. We also applaud Jess Jackson for keeping Rachel home. someone needed to stand up. My final thought is that if the BC wants synthetic races, they should look at a track like Belmont Park or Saratoga where there are TWO turf courses and make one synthetic. Then they could have turf, synthetic and the Classic will always be dirt. But let's keep to the awards topic for now. Maybe Brian will have (if he hasn't already) a topic on synthetic vs dirt.<br /><br />It is great to see the interest generated in this topic. I echo everyone's praise of Brian's ability to handle the subject and to be able to counter others opinions. That means a lot went into his choices.Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12911092966796427090noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-48007912516060097872009-12-02T15:24:53.055-06:002009-12-02T15:24:53.055-06:00Afleetalexforever!!! Update your blog!!! I have al...Afleetalexforever!!! Update your blog!!! I have almost given up on checking in on it or trying to add a post or two. Being you are a computer guy maybe you could set it up so it's easier to find the most recent post (are there any recent posts?)<br /><br />Advertising your blog while not adding new posts just sends people to a dead end.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-6076566323890833392009-12-02T15:14:54.001-06:002009-12-02T15:14:54.001-06:00Michael, I will be honest and admit to you that I ...Michael, I will be honest and admit to you that I have more than the normal distate for synthetic racing. Thats why no matter what I was so happy that Jackson didnt take Rachel out to Cali to watch her struggle like the rest of the 43 or so horses who prepped on dirt that didnt win BC races in 2008 and 2009. Does everyone realize the significance of that number 0-43, I mean wow thats unimaginable. But its not about the synthetics, my hometown has a little track called Oaklawn Park, home of Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex, Curlin, Eight Belles, Round Pond, Rachel Alexandra and also a horse that won a race called the Apple Blossom in 08, Zenyatta. She ran a great race that day I was there and you know what Sheriffs said, "She's better on dirt, she just deals with the synthetics". If that was the case why hide her campaign her against the best of the best, when i look at some of the horses she ran against (Gambler's Justice, Champagne Eyes, Tasty's Sis, Briecat, Hot n'Dusty, Modification) I mean seriously, what does beating those horses prove to anyone. Ship east or at least to the midwest and run against Music Note, Cocoa Beach, Swift Temper, Icon Project, Careless Jewel, and Rachel Alexandra in races that have some type of significance on the national level. But most important face good horses and beat them consistently. I dont like connections ducking each other and I certainly dont like connections ducking competition period. Scratching out of the Louisville, cowardice, and then the Zen camp comes out and says they were ready to come to the Beldame after the season is over. Unfortunately I recall the DRF when Moss said on 6/27 they were coming East and then after watching Rachel break Ruffians and the Track Record at Belmont at 9f and in 1:46 and change, and then Zenyatta winning a race 9f long in 1:48 and change a few minutes later Moss comes out on 6/29 and says "U know what, I change my mind we are staying in cali". That is Bush League to me, spineless and there are other words to describe them. A number of people are caught up in the Hoopla, im not one of them, you have a good horse that could have been proven to be magnificent, and in 2008 and 2009 the Moss's didnt allow that. She is a synthetic horse that faced a number of allowance and optional claimer type fields. And the * will be by her name when Cali gets rid of the Plastic. Just MHO. <br />P.S. go to my blog site and click on this link: http://afleetalexforever.blogspot.com/2008/11/does-level-of-competition-affect-hoy.html<br />You'll get a better understanding of what i am referring to. Level of competition!!!afleetalexforeverhttp://afleetalexforever.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-58355263958542626882009-12-02T15:13:54.353-06:002009-12-02T15:13:54.353-06:00Wow! 28 comments already! The Zipse is a hit!
Fo...Wow! 28 comments already! The Zipse is a hit!<br /><br />For once I might just want to sit back and profit from your writing, enjoy it and say nothing at all.<br /><br />Nah . . . Zenyatta vs. Curlin for Horse Of The Decade? I cannot offer a more educated analysis of this one, but I might tend to go with Curlin. Bigger races, all over, dominating really good horses like Hard Spun and Street Sense AND the almost forgotten fabulous Rags To Riches- who barely bested him, after he had endured the grueling Triple Crown series. Curlin danced every dance. I'm done, no shouting match between the two of them!!! Love them both.<br /><br />Nice list Zipse. Thank you for putting in the time so I don't have to.<br /><br />PS- SHOUT OUT TO ALL READING THIS BLOG, NOT ONLY ARE ZIPSE AND FELLOW BLOGGER HORSIN' AROUND GOOD, THE PEDIGREE EXPERTS AT SID FERNANDO-BLOODSTOCK IN THE BLUEGRASS-JACK WERK- HAVE REALLY, REALLY INFORMATIVE AND FUN RACING POSTS. I wanted to mention them because not a lot of people respond on their blogs yet, but there stuff is all top shelf. As in, can't believe it's free online stuff.<br /><br />+++Not free advertising, more like a heads up to those who haven't checked them out yet.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-46300372644919497172009-12-02T14:50:42.992-06:002009-12-02T14:50:42.992-06:00OH NO,,,it was the Curlin camp. Curlin was a nice ...OH NO,,,it was the Curlin camp. Curlin was a nice horse who got beat when he shouldn't have. And I never count the Dubai race (if they even have one next year)...after the Sheik made those anti Derby comments about ten years ago. Rags beat Curlin, my Hard Spun finished ahead of him...c'mon.... ZENYATTA HOTD!Susannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-16447991435013925572009-12-02T14:48:52.796-06:002009-12-02T14:48:52.796-06:00Thank you as always Heather!
Robin, thanks for th...Thank you as always Heather!<br /><br />Robin, thanks for the input. Johannesburg was very good on both sides of the Atlantic, but you will not convince me that he would have beaten Vindication. High Chapparal was under strong consideration, but I felt that he lost a step at four, and I disagree about Conduit. I believe both of his BC performances were superb.Brian Zipsehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08592017304873334271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-89315396193467037822009-12-02T14:43:41.671-06:002009-12-02T14:43:41.671-06:00Sweet Catomine was a teriffic filly who dominated ...Sweet Catomine was a teriffic filly who dominated the BC Juvenile Fillies at Lone Star and one of about five that I could have easily chosen. One of the reasons I chose Halfbridled over her, was the undefeated vs. one loss angle, as they both ran four times.Brian Zipsehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08592017304873334271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-85110940059530394402009-12-02T14:42:29.552-06:002009-12-02T14:42:29.552-06:00Nice blog, Brian. Though I voted for Rachel as Hor...Nice blog, Brian. Though I voted for Rachel as Horse Of The Decade, I pretty much agree with all your other picks...especially Invasor :)Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06116200832919270402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-23260433186941361142009-12-02T14:42:00.661-06:002009-12-02T14:42:00.661-06:00I feel Johannesburg was the outstanding 2yo of the...I feel Johannesburg was the outstanding 2yo of the 21st century's first decade. He won 4 Group 1s with ease (in Ireland, the UK, France and the US), winning from 5f at Royal Ascot to 1m 1/16f and on dirt in the BC Juvenile.<br /><br />I would have High Chaparral anytime over Conduit. I feel Conduit won two sub-par BC Turfs, and although he was a true G1 horse as displayed by his King George and St Leger triumphs, HC showed tremendous talent in both his BC victories and other G1 wins over truly world-class horses like Falbrav.<br /><br />While I, like many others are in no doubt as to Zenyatta's ability, I think it is wrong to adorn adulation on such a conservatively managed career. Fourteen wins without defeat is certainly very admirable, but the fact that she had to leave it to her final race to justify greatness suggests she was in her comfort zone far too long. For all her talent, the BC being run at Santa Anita consecutive years made her. That surface clearly benefitted specialists and exceptional Turf horses. Of the 6 horses that finished 1-2-3 in the last two BC Classics, there is but one dirt horse - Tiago - and he was hardly a champion. In my mind Zenyatta has still too many questions to answer before I could call her US Horse of the Decade. For that honor, I would bestow on Rachel Alexandra. I feel she achieved more versus what we as US racing fans associate and expect with a traditionally great career versus any other, Invasor included. What she accomplished this year, and in the manner she did it, was remarkable, in every sense of the word.Robin Howletthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12655140862908311152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-80553944124600374962009-12-02T14:27:44.514-06:002009-12-02T14:27:44.514-06:00Let me throw in another.... 2 yo fillies. What abo...Let me throw in another.... 2 yo fillies. What about Sweet Catomine? Won a grade 2 and 2 grade 1's including BC as a 2 year old.Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12911092966796427090noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2000505714543202206.post-82144401122035351632009-12-02T13:40:52.958-06:002009-12-02T13:40:52.958-06:00Wheeeeew. Sounds like my wife posted that one (afl...Wheeeeew. Sounds like my wife posted that one (afleet). We just have not bought into the synthetic surface and to make a horse of the decade a synthetic runner is difficult to digest. We may be approaching the point where synthetic runners will have their own category like turf runners. Her competition was adequately covered by afleet.Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12911092966796427090noreply@blogger.com