In the Interim

In between the Triple Crown and the boutique meets of Saratoga/Del Mar not too much happens - at least to the casual horse racing fan. The only thing of real interest will be next weekend's media friendly build up towards a Rachel Alexandra vs. Zenyetta Breeders' Cup match up. (Rachel taking on a few brave fillies at Belmont and Zenyetta a similar, small group running for second at Hollywood Park.)

Sure there's been a few nice races with some nice horses in the last few weeks (Macho Again upset in Stephen Foster among them), but there has been a lull that will last until the third week of July when Del Mar opens. With Rachel Alexandra falling back into class she has dominated and Zenyetta unwilling to race outside hers, there maybe a chance both meet in the Distaff or Female Classic or whatever the heck they may call it in November. (Can you imagine running that race on Friday with the Not-Ready-For-Primetime handicap horses getting top-billing on Saturday?)

At least Rachel Alexandra may go outside her comfort zone again at Saratoga and/or Monmouth Park to take on the boys - that would give both hardened handicappers and infrequent viewers something real to root for.