Apple Blossom could be richest race for females in history





by [url=mailto:ederosa@thoroughbredtimes.com]Ed DeRosa[/url]
Oaklawn Park will announce on Thursday plans that could make its Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) the richest race for females in the history of Thoroughbred racing.
A board member of the Arkansas chapter of the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association confirmed Wednesday that Oaklawn will attempt to attract last year’s Horse of the Year finalists Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta by increasing the purse of the Apple Blossom from $500,000 to at least $3-million based on certain conditions.
Rachel Alexandra topped the unbeaten Zenyatta in Horse of the Year voting, and both earned unanimous championships in their respective divisions.
The board member said Oaklawn has the Arkansas HBPA’s complete support and that the purse could ultimately be “$3-million, $4-million, or more.”
Zenyatta won the 2008 Apple Blossom when she defeated champion older female Ginger Punch, and Rachel Alexandra won the Martha Washington and Fantasy (G2) Stakes in ’09 at Oaklawn.
Charles Cella owns Oaklawn, and the track will make no other details of its announcement available until 10 a.m. CST in its Post Parade Restaurant.
Speaking about the possibility of Zenyatta racing in 2010 and that she could face Rachel Alexandra at Oaklawn, the track’s announcer and director of communications Terry Wallace said January 8, “I can’t imagine a better place [than Oaklawn for them to meet] since both have won over this track, and it thus becomes neutral ground.”

I've heard rumors of 5....

All i can say is Charles Cella is absolutely "No Punk"

Oaklawn would provide a great matchup between them.

I don't want to rain on anybodies parade, and I commend Oaklawn management for trying to put the race on, but I don't think Z's connections are dumb enough to race RA at 1 1/16. They have to race at 1 1/8 at least. 1 1/16 favors RA, 1 1/4 favors Z, 1 1/8 is the fair middle ground.

I have been thinking that too, clocker. A nice 9f race would be perfect.

I would tend to agree with you Clocker but Z did run that distance in the same race in 1:42.64 and basically ran past the field with ease. I think RA would be facing a very tough test if that is her 1st race back since the Woodward. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Mosses be willing to run that less than ideal distance considering where RA is right now. Later in the year, no way. It would have to be 1 1/8th or the classic distance.

z can beat rachel at 1 1/16 mile. when santa anita sealed the poly track in 2008 zen raced in a 1 1/16 mile stakes. the race was run in a dirt like fashion. z won and was clocked 140 and change. they just gotta get her in gear a little earlier. she didn't have much problem with ginger at that distance.

i'm gonna enjoy listening to assmussen whine about things concerning these races.

Yeah, but SA seems to complain about EVERYTHING......anymore, he's just like the adults in Peanuts specials to me "whan whant whawhahwwhan....."

Don't look for them to be in that race - BC clascis will be were zen will be as for RA who knows - the groom more than likely.

wouldnt expect anything less from you don

IF the quality of horses turn out to be big time like i think I doubt if you will see RA or ZENYATTA in the CLASSIC IMO AS far as where the horses will turn up wont matter they have fans from coast to coast. I dont believe i have heard SA whine about anything lateley and in fact i think he and scott blassi have done a great job with their horses. RA isnt the only horse they have.

i can assure you of one thing 4 to 5 million dollars will bring one of the mares here They wont let LIFE is sweet roll in and scoop the dough thats for sure

imo I think both would benefit to run in this race the more i think about it. Both Horses will be fresh and it will give the loser the incentive to race again against the winner later in the year It could turn out to be a great rivalry like affirmed and alydar I really believe RA will be out in fron and ZEnyatta will come storming down tlike she always does but this time RA will find another gear and the two will be in a dog fight to the wire.

i dont think either horse will blow the other away at any distance

That is so F****** Annoying - "Ask the Groom, I’ll tell you what this consistent “ask the groom” nonsense is starting to piss me off, (Please why dont you ask the groom) the only thing more frustrating right now is this long wait until 10 or so to hear the official announcement. “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”, “The Groom”.
Its like that’s the buzz word, and apparently the only thing about horse racing that he knows is that the groom knows the condition of the horse and im sure he keeps that all to himself and never lets the assistant trainer or trainer know how the horse is doing.
Yep good old Jess Jackson is flying blind and so is Steve Asmussen about Rachel’s condition and that 4 furlong move that she put in on Sunday is not a true representation of her condition. Get over it already. And stop talking about the Groom, lets talk about another topic, I am sure that you received an invitation to the announcement and flew in from the Okie state to attend the big announcement celebration. Please keep us updated on what all happens atOaklawnParkthis morning, we are on the edge of our seats.