Rachel Alexandra owner wants a 3-race series against Zenyatta

Will they or won't they?

The big question in horse racing these days is whether its two leading ladies will meet on the racetrack. The answer did not arrive Wednesday.

Jess Jackson said his Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra won't run against unbeaten Zenyatta in a $5 million race in Arkansas in two months, but he's proposing a three-race series in which they will settle who's best of all.

Jerry Moss, who co-owns Zenyatta with his wife Ann, was surprised by Jackson's announcement, telling The Associated Press: "I have no idea what he's even talking about. Which three races? And where? And when?"

Jackson said Wednesday he's been in discussions with the president of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and hopes details can be worked out with the owners of Zenyatta. Moss said he had no idea any talks were going on.

In a news release, Jackson said if training and racing schedules as well as purse money can be worked out, the three races would "rival the Triple Crown."

full article: <http://www.usatoday.com/sports/horses/2010-02-10-rachel-alexandra-match-race_N.htm>

and that is great. Someone call me when they get them both loaded in the starting gate.

Skip the Belmont. Skip the Travers. Skip the Breeders Cup. Now her connections want to push back the Apple Blossom a week, which is the height of gall, even though the distance favors Rachel and a quick stepping 4 year old should have an early season advantage over a late arriving 6 year old.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/55341/rachel-vs-zenyatta-showdown-is-back-on?utm_source=twitter

The Apple Blossom is back to 4/9.

I always think of the Apple Blossom as 1 1/16.

That makes it more balanced. I couldn't believe Rachel's connections were determined to pass on a shorter distance.

Most anticipated race in a decade or more, and it's stuck on a Friday. :shrug: