Clear your diary for Sunday, 14th November 2010 and get ready to enter the 2010 Singapore Gold Cup.
While this international race is closed for international entries it does attract attention from all around the world. The good news is that if you're a privileged member of the virtual horse racing community on RaceClubs.com you are automatically eligible for an invitation to enter the Singapore Gold Cup - and this is it!
The Singapore Gold Cup has grown from its inaugural race in October 1924, which was followed by two Singapore Gold Cup races the following year. The stakes even doubled from £1008.00 to £1890.00 in prize money. The races were hosted by the Singapore Turf Club and became an event which showcased the best thoroughbred race horses and the east before allowing entries from around the world.
Ironically, when KUTUB became the first horse from overseas to win the Singapore Gold Cup in 2001 it was announced that the race would no longer be open to international entries. Unless, of course you're from RaceClubs.com, in which instance you are invited to enter your best horses into the Singapore Gold Cup.
The Singapore Cup WFA comes exclusively to RaceClubs.com with a special sponsorship of £63.00!
Race Date and Time: 2010/11/14– 09:00:00 PM Race Name: Singapore Cup WFA 2-7Y C – Gr - 1 Race Type: Stakes Race Conditions – Weight: W2+; Age2-60lbs; Age3-20lbs; Age4+20lbs; Age>4+20lbs Going and Distance: 2200 Hong Kong (Turf) Entry Fee: £12.60 Sponsor: Raceclubs Sponsor Amount: £63.00 (Bonus Credits)
Race Date and Time: 2010/11/14– 09:20:00 PM Race Name: Singapore Cup WFA 2-7Y F – Gr - 1 Race Type: Stakes Race Conditions – Weight: W2+; Age2-60lbs; Age3-20lbs; Age4+20lbs; Age>4+20lbs Going and Distance: 2200 Hong Kong (Turf) Entry Fee: £12.60 Sponsor: Raceclubs Sponsor Amount: £63.00 (Bonus Credits)Enter Your Horses Today!
Gedgeys Top Guns Vs Solais Who will get your vote? Another Head2Head has drawn to a close and voting is already in full swing to decide who will take last month's accolade. The vote will continue until 7pm on Sunday, so if you have not yet registered your vote to crown either Eire Stables or Zip Stables last month's champion, do so! There is $50 up for grabs to the lucky winner and it has been said before, you never know, the prize may transform the yard. Who knows, with the yearling sales just around the corner, a champion may come from it. So don't delay, get your vote done today! As one challenge ends, a new one begins. This month will see Gedgeys Top Guns do battle with Solais in the last H2H of this season. The challenge period has already started and will close on the last day of the season, Tuesday November 30th. The poll will then be posted with one week of voting to declare the final champ of this season. This month is a G2 challenge and only G2 horses will be counted towards your final vote. What makes this challenge interesting is that both trainers joined on exactly the same day, February 20th 2010, so there is no bias towards experience. It's a straight shoot-out between two trainers within the G2 arena. Which of the two will get your vote? Who will do better with the horses that board their yard? It's not about how many horses you have, it's what you do with them that count! The benchmark for this challenge will be based around how well they performed in October. Will either stable improve their statistics for this challenge period or maintain the same level of the month before? Let's take a look at the tale of the tape.
Gedgeys Top Guns
£
Placed%
Win%
October G2's
57
25
4
92.56
44%
7%
Gedgeys Top Guns currently has fifteen G2 horses in his stable. If you look at his statistics for the month of October it is clear that his place percentage needs little improvement. The figure of 44% is average to many stables that play RaceClubs.com. However, when it came to winning races the stable fall way below what can be expected of a healthy yard. Could this be attributed to bad randoms alone or is it race placement that has contributed to this poor figure. It is this area of the yards statistics that I would like to see a vast improvement on this month. Many would say that Gedgey has a mountain to climb to overcome his opponent this month, I'm not so sure. Patience is always the key to getting the best from your horses and sometimes the yard may have lacked this very important attribute when it comes to race day. With a little planning this month I can definitely see an improvement on these figures and that is what you and I should base judgement on when deciding the outcome of this challenge. Some yards may not pack the financial punch of others and have to make do with whatever they have got. Gedgeys is no exception. He is not a massive spender in the sales ring and searches out auction bargains and claims to increase his numbers. If he can utilise some of this thriftiness and apply it to be more productive in the win area that his stable is desperate to achieve, I have no doubt in my mind that success will come his way. This challenge serves more in the way to encourage him to generate the success is yard is capable of achieving. When I pass judgement at the end of the Head2Head period, I always base my decision on whether a trainer has embraced the challenge to get the most out of the horses that he works with and this period will be no different. Gedgeys Top Guns will have to prove to you and me alike, that he has done his utmost to deliver the goods this month and based on last months statistics, I will be looking for and expect to see some tasty figures. The yard finished 74th in the G2 ranks for October, improving this position will be a step in the right direction. Good Luck!
Solais
£
Placed%
Win%
October G2's
39
17
14
198.78
44%
36%
All you need to know about Solais and his G2 runners is evident in his statistics for October. Quite frankly, they are superb! All this coming from just eight runners within the grade. I remember when I first spoke with the yard early this year, when asked for a little advice, it appears that the stable has moved on quite a bit in such a short space of time. Whatever your stance is on the game, it pays to be patient and the proof is in the pudding when it comes to Solais. If you take a closer look at the way the yard is run, you won't come across hap-hazard race placement. Each horse is specifically targeted to the horse’s strengths and usually with maximum impact. So, if the numbers of last month are anything to go by, will the Goliath of this challenge win the day, with little in the way of opposition? I tend to think not. Solais has set the bar so high for himself that I would expect nothing less than the same statistics to be churned out again during the Head2Head period. Unlike Gedgeys Top Guns, a visit to the sales ring seems more frequent for Solais. I am not a betting man....lol but I would hazard a guess that payday occurs on the 25th of each month for this improving trainer. There seems to be a bit of trend going on when he visits the ring. This might just be some freak coincidence but nevertheless it appears that his yard contains some quality G2s, none of which are strangers to the winning enclosure. So what can we expect from Solais this month? How will you decide if he has out-performed his rival? For me personally, I would like to see the yard maintain a level of performance his previous month's statistics prove. Maybe a step or two up the monthly leader board could be enough to grab my attention. Suffice to say, it will not be an easy challenge to deduce a winner from as they show so many differences, both in statistics and quality of horse that boards their yard. Previous challenges have been based solely on final statistics, this one, I feel will be decided more upon the way the yard has improved. It will be very interesting to see where your vote will be placed. Good Luck!
Member Submission: MoletownThe future of horse racing is online at www.raceclubs.com horses, racing, championships, sponsorships, entertainment
Moletown's $50 Head2HeadOnce again the community have had their say and crowned a monthly H2H winner. Congratulations to Zip Stables! Your efforts during the monthly game period have earned the respect of the community and with 62% of the votes, a clear winner. $50 in bonus credits will be winging its way to your yard, courtesy of the bank of Moletown. It is with great pleasure that I give you this prize and I really hope that you get something nice from the sales ring! Don't forget to follow the progress of the last H2H of the season, as Gedgeys Top Guns does battle with Solais in the G2 ranks. One week into the competition and both stables have secured a winner although Gedgey has had over four times in the way of runners, twenty-seven to six. Gedgey needs to improve on his return to run ratio, currently returning a £1.29 figure. In comparison, Solais has been more selective with his six runners, a return of £2.39 per run rewarding him to date. Maybe, Tocohnas can fill us in on what side of the "Table Of Truth", each of our combatants lie!
Zenyatta, Still A Racing Legend?Zenyatta's defeat at the hands of Blame this weekend, sparked millions of Americans into mourning. I think more tears were shed by this short-head defeat than a junk food junkie walking to the door of his favourite fast food restaurant, only to find it closed. The hype that the horse had created across the pond was unbelievable and the nation waited with baited breath to cheer their hero into the winner's enclosure. It is crazy to think that in a recent poll, Zenyatta was voted one of the nations' favourite females, ahead of the likes of Oprah and the First Lady. Such was the expectation of the horse, America hadn't even considered what would happen if she was to be defeated and in all honesty, it kind of rained on the parade of the worthy winner, Blame. In fairness, it was a great training display for the winner and when all is said and done, the history books will show that Zenyatta failed in her bid for back-to-back victories in the race. Anything can happen in horse racing and it usually does! Take nothing away from Zenyatta's run, a couple more strides and we would all be talking about the greatest performance in a race of all time! Remember the greatness, Zenyatta is still a racing legend and any trainer will tell you that if offered a record of twenty races, nineteen wins and a second with over $6 million dollars in prize money, before the horse ever hit the track, they would all bite your hand off. Long lives Zenyatta’s legacy!
An Auction Perspective!I have said it before and I'll say it again! When buying a horse from the auction it is a trainer's prerogative to decide how much and how far to take the bidding to secure what you want. However, the auction ring is a very strange place in recent times. Some would say that it has become a "Bonkers" environment! Let's face the facts and not let our charitable hearts rule the game, if that's what it is all about. I mean, how can a horse of the calibre of a very very good divisional runner, consolation runner at best, command a four figure price? It is just ludicrous! What it serves to do is make new trainer's think that the horse they have just pulled from the sales ring is worth far more than they could ever imagine, which in reality is definitely not the case. So let's take a look at some fact about this last auction and not the fictitious that became fact. Excalibur's Wrath sells for £1260 with an opening reserve of £100 (a fair reserve and priced to sell) and the owner is very happy when the bids start to come in. Another horse in the auction, clearly better in terms of ability and already supped with points on the board, Poorscouser Tommy sells for his asking price of £200. This is not a dig at any trainer for buying what they feel is going to improve their yard but a reality check for new players, which one do you think sold for a price closer to their real worth?
Tongue In Cheek-Pieces!
November 8th 2010
Moletown's $50 Head2HeadOnce again the community have had their say and crowned a monthly H2H winner. Congratulations to Zip Stables! Your efforts during the monthly game period have earned the respect of the community and with 62% of the votes, a clear winner. $50 in bonus credits will be winging its way to your yard, courtesy of the bank of Moletown. It is with great pleasure that I give you this prize and I really hope that you get something nice from the sales ring! Don't forget to follow the progress of the last H2H of the season, as Gedgeys Top Guns does battle with Solais in the G2 ranks. One week into the competition and both stables have secured a winner although Gedgey has had over four times in the way of runners, twenty-seven to six. Gedgey needs to improve on his return to run ratio, currently returning a £1.29 figure. In comparison, Solais has been more selective with his six runners, a return of £2.39 per run rewarding him to date. Maybe, Tocohnas can fill us in on what side of the "Table Of Truth", each of our combatants lie!
Zenyatta, Still A Racing Legend?Zenyatta's defeat at the hands of Blame this weekend, sparked millions of Americans into mourning. I think more tears were shed by this short-head defeat than a junk food junkie walking to the door of his favourite fast food restaurant, only to find it closed. The hype that the horse had created across the pond was unbelievable and the nation waited with baited breath to cheer their hero into the winner's enclosure. It is crazy to think that in a recent poll, Zenyatta was voted one of the nations' favourite females, ahead of the likes of Oprah and the First Lady. Such was the expectation of the horse, America hadn't even considered what would happen if she was to be defeated and in all honesty, it kind of rained on the parade of the worthy winner, Blame. In fairness, it was a great training display for the winner and when all is said and done, the history books will show that Zenyatta failed in her bid for back-to-back victories in the race. Anything can happen in horse racing and it usually does! Take nothing away from Zenyatta's run, a couple more strides and we would all be talking about the greatest performance in a race of all time! Remember the greatness, Zenyatta is still a racing legend and any trainer will tell you that if offered a record of twenty races, nineteen wins and a second with over $6 million dollars in prize money, before the horse ever hit the track, they would all bite your hand off. Long lives Zenyatta’s legacy!
An Auction Perspective!I have said it before and I'll say it again! When buying a horse from the auction it is a trainer's prerogative to decide how much and how far to take the bidding to secure what you want. However, the auction ring is a very strange place in recent times. Some would say that it has become a "Bonkers" environment! Let's face the facts and not let our charitable hearts rule the game, if that's what it is all about. I mean, how can a horse of the calibre of a very very good divisional runner, consolation runner at best, command a four figure price? It is just ludicrous! What it serves to do is make new trainer's think that the horse they have just pulled from the sales ring is worth far more than they could ever imagine, which in reality is definitely not the case. So let's take a look at some fact about this last auction and not the fictitious that became fact. Excalibur's Wrath sells for £1260 with an opening reserve of £100 (a fair reserve and priced to sell) and the owner is very happy when the bids start to come in. Another horse in the auction, clearly better in terms of ability and already supped with points on the board, Poorscouser Tommy sells for his asking price of £200. This is not a dig at any trainer for buying what they feel is going to improve their yard but a reality check for new players, which one do you think sold for a price closer to their real worth?
The 3TT Vs 6TT Debate Rolls Back Into TownThe forums have been a quiet place of late but nothing serves better to throw up some good talking points than the heated debate and cries for more time trials. Purists will say that 3TTs is better for the game and who am I to argue. The fact is that six time trial runs was introduced at a time when we saw a lot of new players enter the game. The old saying of "better the devil you know, than the devil you don't" springs to mind, when the subject matter hit the forums once again. What one trainer was always used to when they joined was not the case for the majority of players who strutted their stuff before the change. So who is right and who is wrong? Well, at the end of the day everyone is right and there is no wrong is asking for what you think is the best thing for the game and ultimately, best for your stable. What the community really needs is a clarifying statement from the management at "RC Towers" to put the matter to rest, so everyone can make their decision on how they want to take their stable forward. Idle threats of leaving can be materialised, if true to their word and once and for all the community will know where they stand. So what's it going to be? Is it six or is it three?
The forums have been a quiet place of late but nothing serves better to throw up some good talking points than the heated debate and cries for more time trials. Purists will say that 3TTs is better for the game and who am I to argue. The fact is that six time trial runs was introduced at a time when we saw a lot of new players enter the game. The old saying of "better the devil you know, than the devil you don't" springs to mind, when the subject matter hit the forums once again. What one trainer was always used to when they joined was not the case for the majority of players who strutted their stuff before the change. So who is right and who is wrong? Well, at the end of the day everyone is right and there is no wrong is asking for what you think is the best thing for the game and ultimately, best for your stable. What the community really needs is a clarifying statement from the management at "RC Towers" to put the matter to rest, so everyone can make their decision on how they want to take their stable forward. Idle threats of leaving can be materialised, if true to their word and once and for all the community will know where they stand. So what's it going to be? Is it six or is it three?
Never seen before Shakespearian sonnet discovered?Feast your eyes on this delectable cocktail of words dear owners. I have to admit the heading above is slightly misleading. For one it’s clearly two lines too big to be a sonnet and secondly I don’t actually believe that Tocohnas is Shakespeare. It has been argued that this poem was actually written by the late great Dr. Seuss and its structure would be in keeping with the works of the great American writer, poet and cartoonist. All we do now is that our children and their children will be reciting this poem in class long after we’re six feet under! Take it away Tocohnas!I find myself fond of this game for the brain. It takes virtual horses and lets you win, race, and train. You might even say it is addictive as rain But only because it can cause so much pain.You train and you train till you find it’s best spot You look and you wait and when it comes you just hop You enter the horse and hope for a top jock But it finishes 6th with Jennifer Harris on top.You scream and you cry and you moan “IT’S UNFAIR”You say you will quit and sell all….”tt’s if you care” The auction comes round and your horses are in there But your reserves are too high and the buyers are awareMeanwhile you winning a maiden race or two From horses you got in the sales ring, didn’t you You say you may leave but you buy more virtual glue? Do you know who this is? Or is this you?
Zenyatta’s looming victory in the Breeder’s Cup this weekend at Churchill Downs will cement her reputation as the greatest horse of all time as it would mark her 20th consecutive racing victory and also a grand finale to an awe inspiring career. The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced that Hollywood Park, in conjunction with Oak Tree Racing Association, Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., that a seven-feet-tall, 40-feet-wide “Good Luck, Zenyatta!” banner will be on display at the Inglewood, Calif., racetrack for fans to sign beginning this Saturday. The banner will then be shipped to Louisville, Ky., in advance of the undefeated Zenyatta’s attempt for a 20th career victory in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic on November 6 at Churchill Downs. Zenyatta’s jockey, Mike Smith, will be the first to sign the banner. “We think this is an innovative way for fans to show their support of Zenyatta as she goes for a second consecutive win in the Breeders' Cup Classic,” said Sherwood Chillingworth, Director and Executive Vice President of Oak Tree Racing Association. “We encourage everyone to come to Hollywood Park to sign the banner for this outstanding mare who has brought us all so much excitement.'' “Zenyatta’s unforgettable career has thrilled racing fans on every continent,” said Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of the NTRA. “But California is her home, and this banner will give Zenyatta’s hometown fans the opportunity to personally wish her the best of luck as she continues her incredible quest for perfection.” The NTRA is a broad-based coalition of horse racing interests consisting of leading Thoroughbred racetracks, owners, breeders, trainers, horseplayers and affiliated horse racing associations, charged with increasing the popularity of horse racing and improving economic conditions for industry participants. The NTRA has offices in Lexington, Ky., and Rye Brook, N.Y. NTRA press releases appear on the NTRA web site, NTRA.com. Zenyatta (foaled April 1, 2004 in Kentucky) is an American champion Thoroughbred racehorse, undefeated in her 19 starts — and one of the relatively few undefeated horses in American Thoroughbred racing history. Owned by Jerry Moss and his wife Ann, Zenyatta is trained by John Shirreffs and has been ridden by American "Hall of Fame" jockey Mike Smith for 16 of 19 starts. Jockey David Flores rode Zenyatta in her first three starts. She races in the teal and pink colors of her owners, her groom is Mario Espinoza, she stands 17.2 hands (183 cm) tall and she weighs 1,217 pounds (552 kg). According to a 2010 60 Minutes report, Zenyatta was purchased at the low price of $60,000 because she suffered from a form of ringworm; she has since won purses totaling over $6 million and is noted for overtaking her competition in an intense surge after starting each of her races "lingering languidly" at the rear of the pack. She has been featured in W Magazine, and will end her racing career with the 2010 Breeder's Cup. Breeding and background Zenyatta was sired by Street Cry, who also sired in the same crop 2007 Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense, multiple Group 1Australian Weight for Age (WFA) champion Whobegotyou, and 2009 Melbourne Cup winner Shocking. Out of Vertigineux, the mare is half sister to multiple Grade I winner Balance. Her damsire is the outstanding stallion Kris S. She was named for Zenyattà Mondatta, by The Police, who were signed to A&M records by Zenyatta's owner, Jerry Moss. Zenyatta was purchased as a yearling by Jerry and Ann Moss for $60,000 at the Keeneland Sales in September 2005. Win overviewZenyatta has won 17 Graded stakes races including 13 Grade I events and has defeated 4 Champions of 7 different awards: Gio Ponti(2009 Older Horse and Turf Champion), Sealy Hill (2007 Canadian Horse of the Year, Champion 3 Year old filly and Champion female turf horse), Summer Bird (2009 Champion 3 Year old),Ginger Punch(2007 Champion older female). She has defeated previous Grade/Group I winners including Multiple Group I stakes winner European Twice Over; Santa Anita Derby, Travers Stakes winner Colonel John; 2009, 2010 Pacific Classic Stakes and Goodwood Stakes winner Richard's Kid; 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird; Multiple Group I winner, European Rip Van Winkle; Hollywood Gold Cupwinner, Awesome Gem; Santa Anita Handicap winner, Einstein; and Vosburgh Stakes winner Girolamo. Zenyatta has also defeated Grade 1 winning females, Hystericalady, Life Is Sweet, Tough Tiz's Sis, Romance Is Diane, Double Trouble, Cocoa Beach, Santa Teresita, Carriage Trail, and Music Note. Early careerZenyatta did not begin her legendary racing career until the latter half of her 3 year old season. On November 22, 2007, Zenyatta made her first lifetime start and defeated eleven opponents. She broke her maiden going 6½ furlongs at Hollywood Park and stopped the tele-timer in a swift 1:15.22. She was ridden byDavid Flores and won by 3 lengths. On December 15, 2007, Zenyatta won an allowance race at 1 1/16 miles at Hollywood Park in a running time of 1:40.97. She was ridden by David Flores and won by 3½ lengths. 2008 Season On January 14, 2008, Zenyatta stopped the tele-timer in 1:40.61 and broke the stakes record in the 1 1/16 miles Grade 2 El Encino Stakes at Santa Anita. She was ridden by David Flores and won by 3/4 of a length. On April 5, 2008, Zenyatta defeated the reigning 2007 Eclipse champion "Ginger Punch" and won the Grade 1Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park. This marked the first Grade 1 victory for Zenyatta. She romped by 4½ lengths and completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.64. On May 31, 2008, Zenyatta won the Grade 2 Milady Handicap at Hollywood Park and completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:41.17. She was ridden by Mike Smith and won by 2½ lengths. On July 5, 2008, Zenyatta won the Grade 1 Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park and completed the 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.51. She was ridden by Mike Smith and won by a ½ length. On August 2, 2008, Zenyatta set a track record of 1:41.48 for 1 1/16 miles and won the Grade 2 Clement L. Hirschat Del Mar. She was ridden by Mike Smith and won by 1 length. On September 27, 2008, Zenyatta won the Grade 1 Lady's Secret Stakes at Santa Anita Park, and in that race, she ran each quarter faster than the one before. Her splits were :24 4/5, :23 4/5, :23 1/5, :22 3/5, and a final sixteenth in :06 flat. She finished the 1 mile and 1/16 in 1:40.30. She was ridden by Mike Smith and won by 2½ lengths. On October 24, 2008, Zenyatta was sent off as the 1-2 favorite for the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic atSanta Anita Park. Zenyatta ran the second fastest Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic in Breeders Cup history and stopped the tele-timer in 1:46.85 for 1 1/8 miles. She posted a 1½ length victory over Cocoa Beach and was ridden by Mike Smith. 2009 season On January 26, 2009, Zenyatta won The Eclipse Award for top Older Female of the 2008 season. She was voted runner-up to 2008 Horse of the Year Curlin. On May 23, 2009 Zenyatta made her much anticipated appearance, winning the Grade 2 Milady Handicap atHollywood Park on May 23, 2009 while carrying 126 pounds. In that race, she defeated her highly-touted Grade I-winning stablemate Life Is Sweet. She finished the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.30 and was ridden by Mike Smith. On June 27, 2009, Zenyatta won the Grade 1 Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park for the second straight year. She carried 129 pounds, spotting her rivals from 13 to 18 pounds, and became the first horse to win under such a weight assignment since 1977. She was ridden by Mike Smith. In 2008, she won the Vanity under 126 pounds. On August 9, 2009, Zenyatta won the Grade 1 Clement L. Hirsch Handicap at Del Mar. Zenyatta circled the entire field (six wide) behind a slow pace and won by a head. She finished the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.24 and was ridden byMike Smith. On October 10, 2009, Zenyatta won the Lady's Secret in her typical come-from-behind fashion. She was ridden byMike Smith and won by 1 and 1/4 lengths. On October 28, 2009 it was announced that she would take on the colts in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park. No filly or mare had ever won the Classic since its inception in 1984. On November 7, 2009, Zenyatta became the first female to win the Grade I Breeders' Cup Classic and the first horse ever to win two different Breeders' Cup races, improving her winning record to 14 out of 14. Ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, she triumphed in a field of 12 horses including 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and 2009 Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird. She finished the 1 1/4 miles in 2:00.62 and surpassed the 2002 "Horse of the Year" Azeri in All-time North American female earnings. Azeri who retired in 2004 accumulated earnings in excess of $4,079,820. On November 24, 2009, the Oak Tree Association announced the renaming of the Grade 1 Lady's Secret Stakes, after the unbeaten champion. Zenyatta was the runner-up to tennis player Serena Williams in the voting for the 2009 Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year. On December 26, 2009, opening day of the 75th year of Santa Anita meet, Zenyatta bid farewell to her admirers with a jog around the grandstand and her patented dance moves in what at the time looked to be the final parade of her horse racing career. 2010 seasonOn January 16, 2010, it was announced that Zenyatta would not be retired, and would race during the 2010 season. On January 18, 2010, Zenyatta won The Eclipse Award for top Older Female of the 2009 season. She was voted runner-up to 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra. Early in 2010, it was announced that Zenyatta would finally meet Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, who had not raced since winning the Woodward on September 5, on the track in the Apple Blossom Invitational on April 9 at Oaklawn Park and would not race in the Dubai World Cup. The Apple Blossom Handicap was changed to an invitational for this renewal of the race. There was also talk about having a series of three races over the 2010 racing season in which Zenyatta and Rachel would meet, almost like a Triple Crown revolving around the two horses. However, the day after Rachel Alexandra lost the Grade III New Orleans Ladies Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans on March 13 to Zenyatta's stablemate Zardana, her connections announced that she would not run in the Apple Blossom Invitational. On March 13, 2010, Zenyatta weaved through traffic to capture her 15th straight victory in the Grade 1 $250,000 Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap at Santa Anita Park. She was assigned 127 pounds and spotting her 7 rivals from 11 to 16 pounds, and was last, as usual, in the eight-horse field before beginning her late charge. She completed the 1 1/8 miles on Pro-Ride in 1:48.20. She was again ridden by Mike Smith. On April 9, 2010, Zenyatta romped in the Grade I $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park and increased her undefeated record to 16-0. With the win, Zenyatta tied Cigar, Citation, Ormonde, and Ribot for consecutive victories. She completed the 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.71 and was ridden by Mike Smith under 123 lbs, and won by 4 1/4 lengths. On June 13, 2010, Zenyatta captured her 17th victory in a row and won the Grade I $250,000 Vanity Invitation Handicap at Hollywood Park. She was ridden by Mike Smith and carried 129 lbs, spotting her five rivals 9 to 17 pounds. She completed the 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.01. Zenyatta's 17th win broke the record for consecutive victories by a modern Thoroughbred (previously held by Cigar, Citation, Ormonde, and Ribot). Zenyatta also tied the world record (set by Rock of Gibraltar) for consecutive Grade/Group I victories. On August 7, 2010, Zenyatta broke the world record (set by Rock of Gibraltar) for consecutive Grade/Group I victories. She won her eighth consecutive Grade/Group I victory and increased her undefeated record to 18-0. Zenyatta (who carried 123 lbs) won her third Clement L. Hirsch Handicap and was ridden by Mike Smith. She finished the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.03. Zenyatta's 18th win tied the legendary Eclipse for consecutive victories without defeat. With this win, Zenyatta captured her twelfth Grade/Group I race and tied the All-time North American record (set by two-time champion Bayakoa) for Grade/Group I victories by a filly/mare. On October 2, 2010, Zenyatta broke the All-time North American record (set by two-time champion Bayakoa) for Grade/Group I victories by a filly/mare. She won her thirteenth Grade/Group I race and ran her unbeaten streak to 19-0. Zenyatta also tied the All-time North American record for consecutive victories without defeat (List of Undefeated Thoroughbreds) and won her ninth consecutive Grade/Group I victory. Zenyatta also broke the All-time North American female earnings record (formerly held by Ouija Board, who retired in 2006 with earnings in excess of $6,312,552). Zenyatta (who carried 123 lbs) won her third Lady's Secret Stakes by a half length over Hollywood Oaks winner Switch and was ridden by Mike Smith. She finished the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.97 and pushed her total career earnings to $6,404,580. Zenyatta's next and final race will be the Breeders' Cup Classic on November 6 at Churchill Downs. Her previous 19 victories includeLady's Secret StakesClement L. Hirsch Handicap Vanity Invitational Handicap Apple Blossom Invitational Handicap Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap Breeders' Cup Classic Lady's Secret Stakes Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Vanity Handicap Milady Handicap Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic Lady's Secret Stakes Clement L. Hirsch Handicap Vanity Handicap Milady Handicap Apple Blossom Handicap El Encino Stakes Allowance Maiden This is also your opportunity to show your support of Zenyatta’s 20/20 victory by posting your wishes below and being part of the legacy which will be celebrated for years to come. The RaceClubs.com Team Information sourced from The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) & Wikipedia.com
Eire Stables Vs Zip Stables Who will get your vote? Two of RaceClubs.com's finest G3 trainers have slogged it out for a whole month now in October's Head2Head challenge. The battle between Eire and Zip has finally come to an end. Both trainer's have shown determination to get the very best out of the horses that board at their yard. They have given their all and now it is time for you, the community, to judge their achievement and success at the RaceClubs.com track and base your final decision as to who should get the $50 in bonus credits. But before you decide, take a look at the overall G3 stats these two have achieved this month. It's fair to say that the decision will probably be decided by their dedication to the G3 arena. Remember that G1 races do not count to the overall outcome of the challenge.
Eire Stables
£
Placed%
Win%
G3 Races
112
47
19
115.24
42%
17%
During the month, Eire Stables has enjoyed consistent success in the G3 ranks. His performance over the past month puts him in 12th position in the overall leader board of trainer's earnings. He has fallen a little on the way side when it comes to G2 racing. Only one horse, White Rook has managed a win this month, although he has had many horses place in the money. The stable has been far more successful with some of his G1 runners, which are worthy of a mention, despite not being considered part of this challenge. Elixer posted two wins for the yard this month. When it comes down to it, the yard is more than accomplished in the G3 graded and rated scene and it is here that our focus turns to. Out of the 112 races that have been entered by the yard in G3, twenty-nine have been in graded races. Not a lot when you consider the G3 numbers of the yard but when they have run, they have performed extremely well. Only four of their G3 graded runs have failed to land a place, giving them a very impressive 52% place figure. The wins are not too shabby either, nine in total contributing to a 31% end number, accumulating a total win/place earning of £28.21. Much like last month's challenge it is the rated races that are the main contributer. Seventy-four runs, twenty-six places and eight wins have ammassed £80.60 in earnings, which put the yard in overall 15th in the rated top twenty, 35% placed and 11% wins. His overall return to run ratio in G3 races for the month was £1.03. But for some bad randoms when the horses were primed, these figures may have been a little better and should be considered when making a final decision as to who gets your vote. Overall, it's been a fair month for Eire Stables, will he get your vote?
Zip Stables
£
Placed%
Win%
G3 Races
131
38
27
177.84
29%
21%
Zip Stables is everything G3. His yard is packed full of quality colts and fillies from the grade. He does, however, have two G2 runners that have both contributed a win via the claiming races during the month. In comparison to his competition this month, Zip Stables has also not had too much to shout about beyond the G3 environment but this is something that we would expect from two great G3 adversaries. The benchmark in G3 is undoubtedly Thesidleyspanker. This month marks the rising of the yard to the pinnacle of rated racing. We wrote about it last month and now the yard are firmly sat at the top of the tree. Congratulations! Is Zip Stables about to cause the same stir amongst the ranks as they slowly climb the rated race ladder. When looking at the graded stats for Zip Stables in G3, I was smacked in the face by probably the best set of numbers I have seen. The runs are low in numbers, only seventeen and much like Eire Stables the yard have rarely failed to get a horse into the money. What surprises most is the win percentage of 59%, ten out of seventeen runners for the yard have hit the line first! That's an astonishing figure by any stretch of the imagination and prompted me to take a second look. His wins this month have helped Zip secure seventh place in the overall G3 rated race standings. Thirteen wins in 103 races has given the yard a 13% win to run ratio and twenty-seven horses have returned 26% in places. Overall within G3, the yard have a return to run ratio of £1.38 and the yard have improved on last month by 21% and moved up a place to sixth overall in the G3 standings, rated and graded combined.
In all sport there is rivalry, competition based upon talent and a desire to win. Throughout the years, RaceClubs.com has spawned many virtual rivalries but none have been as intriguing as the current thoroughbred match-up between Darley Arabian andGentleman Earl. Some would compare the challenge between the pair to the 1938 rivalry of the great Seabiscuit and War Admiral. Several match races where penned between the pair, more often than not, one or the other scratched, questioning whether or not the two would ever meet. In 1938, the race finally came to fruition, with the media dubbing it the "Match Of The Century". On, November 1st 1938 at the Pimlico track in Baltimore, Seabiscuit versus War Admiral took place in a Pimlico Special contested over an extended one mile one furlong. The buzz of the race jammed the race track with over 40,000 spectators and a thousand times more, listened on the radio. Seabiscuit won the race by four lengths, immortalising horse, trainer and jockey. This season marks a fascinating return to the challenge final arena for both horses. They stand proud at the head of both, The Nunthorpe and The Derby qualification standings. The pair are already Challenge Final victors; but it is the rivalry of this season that will finally come to a head when they tackle their ultimate goal to be crowned a three year old champion. It's fair to say that both will stand extremely good chances to claim a victory but to become a true legend and cement a famous victory, nothing but championship glory in The Derby will suffice. The pinnacle of virtual racing is within reach for the talent and nothing short of something very special has pundits salivating at the thought of two racing greats squaring up to proclaim, "I am The Derby Champion!" Although, not a foregone conclusion that one or the other will win the race, RaceClubs.com's greatest race will arguably be something to remember. This two part anthology pays tribute to both horses and their dynamics, the head to head battle for supremacy began during their juvenile season and it is here we will begin our focus.
The first meeting of the pair didn't really set the scene for the battles that wait ahead. Both horses had already tasted success, although, Gentleman Earl came into this race already a champion. In his previous race he had secured victory in a Ladbrokes Challenge Final over the ever consistent, Dusk Til Dawn. In this race though, there was to be no sound of popping corks as both horses failed to make an impression. Darley Arabian came home in 5th ahead of his nemesis, Gentleman Earl, who could only manage 8th.Darley Arabian 1-0 Gentleman Earl
After an unsuccessful outing over the trip, Gentleman Earl was once again returning to tackle a distance that would stretch even the best of horses. With the conditions less than ideal, Darley Arabian was venturing into the unknown. A test that would prove a little too stiff for the pair. Not regarded as the staying type, 2400m against far better-in horses was always going to require a super effort. Earl showed up the better, claiming a bite of the prize pool in fourth place, streets ahead of Arabian, way down the field in 11th.Darley Arabian 1-1 Gentleman Earl
In a blanket finish, Gentleman Earl was outgunned to the line by Charlie Waffles. The race developed and after his customary slow break, Gentleman Earl made strides on the outside but the line came a little too soon. Charlie Waffles had enough in hand to hold off the late surge of the second placed Earl. An uncharacteristic run by Darley Arabian had punters and experts alike, scratching their heads. The colt never got into the race and recorded a forgettable last of fourteen, a position he has since avoided, to date.Darley Arabian 1-2 Gentleman Earl
After a very disappointing outing in their previous match-up, Darley Arabian bounced back in emphatic style! He didn't just beat a high class field, he annihilated them! With everything in his favour, the two year old bay ate up the yielding ground on his way to a length and a half victory over second place horse, Maroon Spirit, putting to rest all the conspiracy theories that surrounded his poor effort before. His main adversary, Gentleman Earl struggled to come to terms with the sticky ground and finished a six length thirteenth.Darley Arabian 2-2 Gentleman Earl
Carrying 126lbs and conceding weight to all and sundry in this qualifier, Darley Arabian continued his impressive recent form and despite not winning the race, his second behind the very tasty Soulquake System was admirable. Racing side by side throughout it was Arabian over Earl swinging off the turn into the straight, showing the better turn of foot. Earl struggled to go the pace that Arabian had injected and once again found the Squeaky Clean Stables colt a little too good on the day.Darley Arabian 3-2 Gentleman Earl
It was already evident before coming into the Classic Challenge Final that both the horses engines would be severely tested. Both had struggled in the past to conjure any solid form over the trip and the pinnacle of the juvenile season was to prove 200m too far for the pair. Not even the trusted hands of Heinz Huber could shunt Darley Arabian's hefty weight any closer than 11th place, a disappointing end of season finale for the classy colt. The same fate awaited Gentleman Earl (13th) and both trainers looked towards the next season.Darley Arabian 4-2 Gentleman Earl
The juvenile campaign for both Darley Arabian and Gentleman Earl had ended without a championship trophy to put on display. Gentleman Earl did manage a 4th place finish in the Sprinters Challenge Final but both horses and their trainers had aspirations of success and failure to capture glory would only manifest determination to succeed at three. The Nunthorpe and The Derby qualification races of the next season to come would offer a level playing field, a chance to go head to head, with all guns blazing. Darley Arabian had come out on top in the six races they did battle as a two year old, getting the better of Gentleman Earl on four of the six occasions they met. The evidence presented in these races would only fuel the excitement for the three year old challenge assault and that is where our story will continue....
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