Asmussen: No Rachel for Blossom

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Originally Posted by kgar311

How am I handling it? I would say I couldnt be happier with the race Rachel ran. I along with everyone else knew she was short for that race. She gains 150lbs, is off 6 months and is probably 50% fit going into the race. Zardana had been racing all along and probably peaked in that race and Rachel ran into a buzz saw and still only lost by a length. Id like to see Zardana in a couple months and she wouldn't even be able to see Rachel at the finish line. As far a Zenyatta goes, I still cant wait till the meet up and Rachel is at 100%, it wont even be a contest. Rachel doesnt lose again for the rest of the year guaranteed!!!

I can see her moving forward off of the prep, however aren't you somewhat off that she was only 50% fit going in? To me she looked closer to 85% fit. What was evident was the lack of high cruising speed she showed in 09. That is what I would be concerned more with rather than the fitness part, if indeed she is to not lose again the rest of the year as you have guaranteed.