14 career wins vs. 11 career wins, 14 straight wins vs. 9 straight wins, $5.4 million vs. $2.9 million. The numbers would suggest the first horse is better, but many prefer the second. Of course when you are talking about Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra no one is wrong. In the middle of the Kentucky Derby trail Saturday marks the return of two of the top stars in the game. Zenyatta goes for number 15 in the Santa Margarita and Rachel will try to win her 10th in a row in the New Orleans Ladies.
The Santa Margarita drew a field of nine and there is really no speed in the race. Made for Magic stretches out off of a sprint and may find herself in front. Powerofvoodoo is likely to keep the pace honest for her stablemate Pretty Unusual. The problem here is that they will all have to hold off Zenyatta. She proved last year at Del Mar that she doesn’t need a fast pace to win and jockey Mike Smith should have her in striking position turning for home. Striking Dancer, Gripsholm Castle, and Floating Heart exit the La Canada and should all be running for second. The best part is the race starts off the late pick-4 and is part of the pick-6.
At the Fair Grounds Rachel Alexandra is the listed 1-5 morning line favorite, but she will be more like 1-9 come post time. Rachel may be vulnerable on Saturday because of the layoff and her works haven’t been stunning. They have been increasingly better and trainer Steve Asmussen admitted she won’t be cranked to 100%. Unfortunately the others entered aren’t exactly world-beaters. Rachel should be sitting just off Fighter Wing and Zardana in the perfect spot. Rachel’s race is also part of late pick-4 and pick-6.
Regardless of the outcome these races should set the two up for their match up at Oaklawn Park next month.
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