Asmussen: No Rachel for Blossom

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by westcoastinvader

When I cite mismanaged, I note she had six+ months off and returned to lose and then seemingly her camp has given up on seeing Zenyatta anytime soon. Even calling off a scheduled date in their comfort zone dirt and supposedly out of Zenyatta's comfort zone.

A horse not 100% for the seemingly biggest race of its life could not possibly be in its comfort zone. Since no one here could know in what condition Rachel Alexandra is in, relative to her peak form, we can only take Steve Asmussen et al. at their word.

Knowing what the racing world was thinking, expecting and all were pointing to, I'm now sure anyone here defends they played all their cards superbly.

What the racing world was expecting (A $5 million Apple Blossom) was unrealistic with respect to Rachel Alexandra's physical condition.

If anyone is to blame for derailing a possible matchup between Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra it is clearly Charles Cella.