"Oaklawn set for 'greatest stakes race' announcement"
 

Is Cella going to try to outdo Mattress Mac?

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/rac...ouncement.aspx

Hmmm I don't think they'd make an announcement like this unless they had some kind of assurance that RA plans to come as well right?

I doubt the RA camp has made any assurance at this point. RA had her first timed breeze this week, the Apple Blossom is in 60 days, and it seems unlikely that RA would face Z right off the shelf. My guess is that Cella will offer to boost the Apple Blossom purse to $2 million if both run, and $1 million if either runs.

Why? the publicity cant hurt?

i kind of doubt it happens. i think if zenyatta leaves cali she will want more than a mile and a 16th, now that shes older and the way she runs. plus its only two months away. i would not hold my breath unless they are planning on more than one race.

She has already left California to run this exact race already. What does age have to do with wanting more distance, especially since most of her wins have come at that distance?

9f would be perfect for both. but, the R.A camp would prob. want a 8.5 race and Z would prefer 10f.

Yeah, Charlie Cella would never do something like this. That would be like giving a $5 million bonus to a horse that can win the Rebel, Southwest, Arkansas Derby, and Kentucky Derby in the same year. Who would be crazy enough to do that?

Exactly. I think that promotion and what it did for Oaklawn will never really be appreciated for its ingenuity. The Arkansas Derby has had considerably better fields in the last four years and many of the horsemen who run in it also prep at Oaklawn. Give me Afleet Alex, Curlin, and Lawyer Ron over Sir Cherokee, Private Emblem, and Balto Star.

NT

Balto Star was a total freak during the Derby preps. That's a seriously underrated horse by the way. A millionaire on both surfaces - quality victory on dirt over Mineshaft the year he won HOTY and gamely fighting off The Tin Man to win a Grade 1 on turf.

But yeah, I like how some people will try to credit the Arkansas Derby by attatching Saint Liam's name to it .. he was only beaten by about a pole to the mighty Sir Cherokee and Eugene's Third Son in that race.

If it is the Apple Blossom, I see almost no chance of RA making that race. Personally I'd give her one "easy" race before facing Z anyway. It will have been a long layoff.

This reminds me of the BIG TVG announcement, which amounted to zip. In this game you have to get used to a lot of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

I was wondering what promo Mr. Cella might come up for Oaklawn as the Fairgrounds changing their stakes schedule this year seemingly could have an impact on who ships in to Hot Springs for prep races. Mr. Cella has made some pretty smart business decisions in the past. Oaklawn's success in these tough times is a testament to that.:$:

I agree 100%--smart guy.

Which G1 did he win on the turf?

The 2003 United Nations was his Grade 1 turf win. He beat The Tin Man by a half length. I think With Anticipation and Denon were also in there

He also won a pair of Grade 2 stakes on turf - and was twice 2nd in a Grade 1 turf race.

He won 4 Graded Stakes races on dirt.

I agree about Balto Star, kind of underated that one. He was freaky at times on dirt or turf.

because she has strecthed out and looked impressive doing so. plus, i believe distance is a factor for "rachel". i don't think she will go more than 9 furlongs and hold on against zenyatta. heck, if the pace is fast she might get caught at a mile and 1/16 but that shorter distance helps rachel out. yeah, zenyatta has won at the distance but her best race by far was at 10 furlongs. some of the shorter distances were closer races. when they finally found the guts to send her to a big race with classic distance she won like no one could beat her. that horse can run all day from what i've seen, i can't say the same for rachel.

"Apple Blossom could be richest race for females in history"
 

Purse could be $4 million if both start. How much did Sam Houston offer? $2 million? No word yet on what Preque Isle and Mountaineer have in the works.

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/rac...n-history.aspx

Unless Rachel's camp uses that race as her first start back, it's hard to imagine she'll be ready

Yeah I forgot about that one. Wasn't Jose Velez on him and he paid like 40-1?