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Horse of the Year: Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta?
- Rachel Alexandra is still very much in the running for Horse of the Year. (AP Images)
No matter how you look at it, the great debate between which horse will or should win the Eclipse Award - American Horse of the Year is particularly interesting because it involves two females. The last female horse to win the American Horse of the Year Award was Azeri in 2002.
So, Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta? Which one's got your vote?
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Rachel Alexandra went 8 for 8 this year, posted three wins over the boys -- including her impressive win in the Preakness Stakes. For that victory she became the first filly in 85 years to one-up the dudes.
"The one thing everybody keeps forgetting, she beat the fillies with authority," Mine That Bird trainer Chip Woolley Jr. said of Rachel Alexandra. "She didn't win by a neck or a length or two lengths. She beat 'em by 20 and in a big gallop. When you look at that and you put everything together, I think she's a very deserving champion."
Zenyatta, on the other hand, went 5 for 5 this year and last weekend's Breeders' Cup Classic win was her first against the boys. And it will likely be her last as trainer John Shirreffs says she will be sent to Kentucky for breeding. (Rachel Alexandra will be back next season, however.)
Still, some are quick to judge Rachel Alexandra for skipping out on the Breeders' Cup, which is considered a championship event.
"Each sport has their championship game," said Summer Bird's trainer Tim Ice. "If you don't compete in the championship game, then you shouldn't be a champion. This is the highlight of the year as far as all the great horses coming together. This should name Horse of the Year."
Looking back at Curlin -- he took the American Horse of the Year awards two years in a row, winning it in 2007 and 2008. He did not, however, win the Breeders's Cup Classic both years. Curlin won the Breeders' Cup Classic in 2007 and it was Raven's Pass who claimed that victory in 2008.
The American Horse of the Year -- along with all other Eclipse Awards -- will be announced in January at the Beverly Hills ceremony.
Interesting indeed. Bet on horse racing at Bodog.