Horse racing betting

After throwing $5 million at racings two female superstars to
run in the Apple Blossom Invitational, Oaklawn Parks president got
half of what he and the horse racing world wanted to see. Zenyatta
is here.

Shes the early 3-5 favorite for Fridays 1 1-8-mile race, now
worth $500,000 instead of $5 million if both horses had run. Just
four challengers – none of whom has won a prestigious Grade 1 race
- are taking her on as Zenyatta tries to win her 16th in a row.

That would tie Citation and Cigars modern mark in unrestricted
races. Peppers Pride, who retired last year with a 19-for-19
record, and Hallowed Dreams, who won 16 straight, achieved some of
their success in statebred stakes.

“I havent quite got used to 15 yet, so 16 would be awesome,
Zenyattas co-owner Jerry Moss said Thursday. “I only start
getting real nervous about it right before the race. Shes relaxed
and ready, and thats all you can ask for.

Rachel Alexandra, the other horse track president Charles Cella
tried to lure, isnt here, although her jockey and trainer will be
trying to beat Zenyatta with different horses.

Calvin Borel is aboard Be Fair, while Steve Asmussen saddles War
Echo.

“Try to beat her, thats all we can do, said Borel, who
admits hell be rooting for Zenyatta to win.

“It would be awesome, and then maybe shell hook Rachel at
Churchill.

Thats where Rachel Alexandra is currently training, awaiting
her next start. One possibility is a race on Kentucky Derby
eve.

Zenyatta won the Apple Blossom two years ago in her dirt debut,
beating defending champion Ginger Punch.

“She really burst on the scene there, her trainer John
Shirreffs said.

Her other 14 wins have come on synthetic surfaces in Southern
California, highlighted by beating the boys in the $5 million
Breeders Cup Classic in November.

Last month, Shirreffs-trained Zardana upset Rachel Alexandra in
her season debut in New Orleans, a result that played into owner
Jess Jackson pulling the plug on his 2009 Horse of the Year running
in the Apple Blossom.

“Im sorry shes not here, it wouldve been something for the
fans to enjoy and get people excited about the game, Moss
said.

There are reminders of what could have been in Oaklawns gift
shop. A poster featuring both horses hangs on the wall, and large
buttons with color photos of both are on sale. Trading cards of
each were made up and distributed before the showdown derailed.

“You can go certainly a generation without seeing the quality
of these two horses, Cella said. “Im disappointed for racing
and the public. It wouldve been gangbusters.

Cella said he expects a larger crowd on Saturday, when Oaklawns
season culminates with the $1 million Arkansas Derby. That race
will be shown on NBC, while the Apple Blossom airs on a horse
racing cable channel. With just five starters, the track wont
offer show wagering on Zenyattas race.

Zenyatta galloped around the dirt track Thursday for a second
straight day. Later, she visited the paddock and then Shirreffs led
her into the infield, where a stiff breeze ruffled her mane as she
got a close up look at the toteboard and big video screen.

Earlier, a crowd gathered in back of her barn to snap photos as
Zenyatta nibbled on the grass after having her legs bathed.

Kenny McPeek wandered over from his nearby barn to take a
look.

“Shes race royalty, said the trainer wholl saddle Nobles
Promise in the Arkansas Derby. “Shes all class.

Moss and his wife Ann had planned to retire Zenyatta after the
Breeders Cup and send her off to a breeding career in Kentucky.
But those plans changed in January. The 6-year-old mare showed them
she wanted to run, and the Mosses wanted to share her with the
public.

Fans have responded. Zenyatta has more than 13,000 Facebook
fans, and Shirreffs videos detailing her life around the barn are
popular on YouTube. Fans at her Santa Anita races crowd the rail,
wave signs and cheer loudly when she runs.

“Its an emotional thing and it seems to get bigger and
stronger after every race, Moss said. “Shes such a positive
force and you feel it.

Unlike some of the sporting worlds human superstars, Zenyatta
is fan friendly.

Shes known for putting on a show on race days, prancing in the
post parade, pawing the ground, and standing still at the sound of
clicking cameras so everyone can get their shot of her dark brown
coat and forehead blaze.

“She shows you how to live, Ann Moss said. “Shes having a
good time, she gives her best, and shes having fun. I wish I felt
like that every day. Its a beautiful inspiration for living your
life.

The Mosses are pointing Zenyatta toward the Breeders Cup at
Churchill Downs in October. Jerry Moss said he remains open to a
showdown with Rachel Alexandra.