Zenyatta's 2009 campaign is a waste

[Theiman]

Strange how West Coast horse people dont complain of having to go back east, have their horse prepped for its best race and then race on less than ideal conditions like Monmouth's soup of two years ago or the cold and soggy turfs of past Belmont BC days(has there ever been a comfortable day for a BC in NY, besides the one at Aqueduct in the 80's?).
Many of the big East Coast stables have no problem racing, "all" their stock at Keeneland fall and spring meets, both turf and Poly.

I have lived on both sides of this country and I can say East Coasters B_itch a ton more than the folks out here.
I am glad I moved years ago, plus you cant beat Sunday football at 10am.

[AlphaGaijin]

Strange how West Coast horse people dont complain of having to go back east, have their horse prepped for its best race and then race on less than ideal conditions like Monmouth's soup of two years ago or the cold and soggy turfs of past Belmont BC days(has there ever been a comfortable day for a BC in NY, besides the one at Aqueduct in the 80's?).
Many of the big East Coast stables have no problem racing, "all" their stock at Keeneland fall and spring meets, both turf and Poly.

I have lived on both sides of this country and I can say East Coasters B_itch a ton more than the folks out here.
I am glad I moved years ago, plus you cant beat Sunday football at 10am.

I don't know that West Coast people don't complain.... We loveing complain about everything it seems.

I don't understand your post though. If the East Coasters complain -- how do they "have no problem racing 'all' their stock at Keeneland"? You lost me. They obviously race their stock at AQU, BEL and SAR in crappy weather because us West Coasters certainly don't fill those races with our stock.

[AlphaGaijin]

For horse racing fans who are not as "up close and personal" as Zenyatta's So Cal fan base, they need to see something more from Zenyatta. I suppose the quest to match/surpass Personal Ensign's undefeated record is something that will keep horse racing people tuning in. But it isn't going to keep non-horse racing people from changing the channel.

I disagree. I've seen her "up close & personal" a few times and need something more. I think ZENYATTA is an amazing mare, no doubt. She is gorgeous and unlike any other mare I've seen in a long time. HOWEVER, I am tired of the reruns with her. As for RA, I hope they shake things up even more and run her in the Woodward.

Z & RA facing each other in a race (whether it be the two of them or in a field with others) would definitely be great for racing and the mainstream public IMHO.

[Vince P]

Yes, when you compare California to NY Caifornia is the minors. Sunland Park is close to California.

Unfortunately, you are very correct. For whatever reason, we've gone downhill here, big time. I remember a few years ago, it was almost, (but not quite) even as far as talented horses and quality of racing.

Then a few years ago things changed. Sadly, soon we may be the laughing stock of horse racing and I will be out of a job.

Vince P

[Kermit]

...For whatever reason...

The State.
The day fees.
The Vet fees.
.
No slots.
Lousy sat wagering.
Too far from the center of the horse breeding universe.
Did I mention the State?

[Masterp]

Kermit, that's about it. But I think you have to list "mandated synthetics" as well.

[Kermit]

Kermit, that's about it. But I think you have to list "mandated synthetics" as well.

For once in my life I tried to be politically correct and not mention that!

I do believe the end started before then When I moved to SoCal in 1987, racing was great. Then again, when you are (finally) single again and living on the beach in La Jolla, how could things be bad??

[GMB]

I hear people blaming synthetics for the state of california racing and I think that is a cop out. Racing in socal has been going down hill for at least a decade. The problem is that the middle of the road owner has gotten squeezed out of the state. I dont want this to be a political post but there are obvious reasons. Those owners who could own 5-10 horses, some decent class, some cheap, or no longer in the game and many no longer in the state.

[Beckron]

Here's some facts from The Jockey Club

1991 Mares Bred
California 7,365
Kentucky 14,595
Florida 6,093

2006 Mares Bred
California 4,912
Kentucky 21,142
Florida 7,072

While Kentucky and Florida went up, California declined a whopping 33%

[Theiman]

I don't know that West Coast people don't complain.... We loveing complain about everything it seems.

I don't understand your post though. If the East Coasters complain -- how do they "have no problem racing 'all' their stock at Keeneland"? You lost me. They obviously race their stock at AQU, BEL and SAR in crappy weather because us West Coasters certainly don't fill those races with our stock.

The complaining has to do with shipping and racing on one coast or another, not complaining in general.
The east coasters have always complained about the California surfaces. Either the dirt was too hard and fast or the synthetics we have now. They didnt want to come out here no matter what the race, competition or purse was.
The part about Keeneland is that I rarely hear a peep on any of the forums, and I read several a day, about the horses racing at either of Keenelands meets. Strange that they have synthetics@ Kee but to ship to California for the BC and race on plastic is a pain. If they ever had the BC at Keeneland I doubt the east coast complaint meter would move very much.
As for West coaster complaining, how often when they ran the BC at Belmont or Monmouth did you hear trainers say I dont want to race on Big Sandy? or the weather is too cold or rainy? They just go and do their best.