My first reaction to Zenyatta was one of disinterest, because I was still high on the Ginger Punch & Histericalady train. After all, they were 2/3 of my proudest handicapping acheivement--the 2007 Breeder's Cup Distaff trifecta (especially amazing since it was a three way photo). So at first I figured Zenyatta was good, but didn't think she'd been tested. Boy was I wrong. Only when she beat Ginger Punch did I begin to see just what she was capable of, and not too long after that did I believe that she is one of the best fillies ever to set foot on the track. Undefeated 8 for 8, she went on to win the 2008 Breeder's Cup Ladies' Classic, and when Curlin finished 4th in the classic the next day, He opened the door quite a bit for the Horse of the Year title.
I love Curlin, I really do. I was a believer in his abilities before most (meaning before the Arkansas Derby, when he was still untested). And I may have been wrong in picking him on Derby Day that year, but my persistence paid off when he won the Preakness, and ultimately, the Breeder's Cup Classic (picking against him that day was the biggest handicapping mistake I ever made) and Horse of the Year in 2007. Curlin became the first horse in history to break the $10 million dollar mark in earnings.
That said, when Curlin lost the Classic this year, I wondered what would happen with Horse of the Year, and ultimately, I think it belongs to Zenyatta. If you really think about it, even though she hasn't raced the boys, she's been the most impressive. She's won two grade 2 and four grade 1 stakes races this year alone, and she's won them in ver convincing fashion. A commercial that played the day after her Breeder's Cup win called her Unbeaten and Unbeatable. She is an amazing horse. Of course Big Brown will be considered for the title because of everything he accomplished this year (even though he will always be remembered for the race he lost), and Raven's Pass for his Breeder's Cup Classic win. I think Big Brown would have had a better chance at it if he hadn't had to scratch from the Breeder's Cup. Raven's Pass is obviously a good horse, but the title belongs to more than just the Breeder's Cup Classic winner. It's supposed to be the star horse all year. So really, I think it comes down to Big Brown, Zenyatta, and Curlin. Curlin's loss in the BCC hurts his chances, but his win in the Dubai World Cup will keep him in the running.
All things considered, I think Zenyatta is the most deserving, and I'd love to see her win it. Anyone agree?
