The Waiting Game

Well I had hoped for a juicy development in regards to the Belmont and held out on a new post for that reason.

As it stands all we know is the decision to run Rachel Alexandra in the Belmont has not been made. As a result Calvin Borel is in limbo, though the connections of Mine That Bird have stated they will wait until the last minute to name a rider, in an attempt to retain him for the Bird if the filly doesn't enter.

In other news Zenyatta came back to the races in fine form in the G2 Milady at Hollywood Park. The undefeated mare notched the tenth win of her career and has silenced some of the enthusiasm for Rachel Alexandra as the best female runner in the sport. After the race Jess Jackson declared that he will not run Rachel over a synthetic track like he did with Curlin last year, which just about nixes any chance of the two ever meeting. Its quite a shame but completely understandable. Synthetic tracks are a specialty surface that generally favor stalkers and closers. Rachel is a confirmed dirt horse with early speed. There is no need trying to get your horse beat because California couldn't maintain a safe racing surface and had to install a synthetic strip.



Thorn Song reappeared last weekend in the G1 Shoemaker Mile after a dismal season opener at Keeneland. The old pro is as tough as they come and that was a gritty effort.



The Met Mile left a bit to be desired this year, especially after Two Step Salsa was not entered. Bribon was the eventual winner after having ideal fractions to close in to. Gutsy effort from Driven By Success to hold on for third after setting brutal early fractions.