Too exciting! Those of you who follow my Horse Racing Blog Posts will remember how passionate I was about pretty much the greatest Filly who ever existed, Zenyatta. The Superhorse retired with a phenomenal 20 Race Record of 19-1-0, and believe me her final Race in the $5-million 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic was such a close one, giving it all her might against the Boys only to lose by a slight nose. While we’re waiting for her Babies to make it to the Track, we have her Sister to keep us plenty interested!
If History/Genetics should repeat itself, we have every reason to be super-excited for Zenyatta‘s Half-Sister Eblouissante (her name in French means “dazzling”), who just turned four-years-old recently, running brilliantly today at Santa Anita Park in California. The beautiful Filly originally was to run her second race last month but unfortunately had bumped her hip the day of that Race, resulting in the decision to give her a bit more time off.
She proved she was well worth the wait today, winning with a little bit of effort as the Heavy Favourite, silencing her v. few Disbelievers. Laying low at the back of the pack for much of the Race, she rallied late showing them who’s Boss to win by 1 1/4 lengths almost a full second quicker than in her Debut at Betfair Hollywood Park. By comparison though, Big Sister Zenyatta‘s first try at the popular distance of 1 1/16 miles, was a four full seconds quicker back in 2007.
Trainer John Shirreffs, who also handled Zenyatta, is hinting a step-up in class next time out in a Stakes Race, her first real test of ability. We soon will know just how great she truly is either mid-February or mid-March.
Watch the Race below (she’s #5):
I had the pleasure of meeting Corey Nakatani, Jockey of Eblouissante – or just Ebby as her Fans call her – back in 2011, as he treks out to Toronto’s Woodbine Racetrack a couple times a year for some of our bigger Races. Can’t wait to see him up north again this Season!
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(Photo credit: @SantaAnitaPark | Video credit: Los Angeles Times)
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