As many have noted, Vodka’s thrilling win in the Japan Cup put yet another stamp on the Year of the Filly. With Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta Stateside, Goldikova in Europe and Vodka in Asia, it almost seems that the colts are an afterthought – indeed, even Down Under, the talk of the racing world is a filly (although one who has yet to make her professional debut).
While these stars (and, perhaps, a star in the making) are united by gender, there are major differences in the way they are handled and the ways in which their campaigns have been planned. Both Vodka (pictured) and Goldikova have regularly faced males in their careers – and they’ve both shipped around the world to face the best competition on offer. While both mares have an impressive stack of G1 victories, their connections have not been worried about marring their records with the odd loss – even a closing fourth-place finish can demonstrate their class, while such a result might be seen rather differently in the US. Part of this is no doubt due to the differences between turf and dirt racing, but it’s also worth considering whether we in North America are overly concerned with the notion of a perfect record – for Rachel Alexandra, a perfect eight-for-eight season, and of course Zenyatta’s fourteen lifetime starts (and wins).
This is not to denigrate our own stars, for both have achieved great things – but imagine what more might be possible if maintaining perfection were to be taken out of the picture. I suspect that even while cheering Zenyatta to victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, many fans thought, at least for a moment, of what more we might have seen from the big mare.
Greatness does not require perfection, nor does perfection equal greatness – Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta, Vodka and Goldikova have demonstrated that it comes in a variety of packages.
Great points, another one raised by this example is the fact that Goldikova, a reigning champion here prior to this year's BC (and now) and Vodka both shipped to face competition as opposed to taking the "you come to the champion" stance that's favored here. Interesting.
Four magnificent females and all took completely different paths. Sorry to see two of them go, but next year will be fantastic with the continuing exploits of Rachel and Goldikova.
very good points…btw, 4 other very good fillies include Bambera in Venezuela — a triple crown winner; Set Alight in India — one of the best ever seen on the subcontinent; Jolie's Shinju in Singapore — won Derby, then ran a good 3rd to a top horse in Australia; and the current 3yo star Belle Watling in Chile — a multiple classic winner who regularly defeats colts.
Could add 2 more from Korea and Philippines, too
"Greatness does not require perfection, nor does perfection equal greatness"
Well said even though both Rachel and Zenyatta had perfect records this year, some perfections are more perfect than others. A good line and one I would use to argue that Rachel should be HOTY.
Excellent, It coulnd't have been said better! I like the way you said that both Vodka and Goldikova's connections aren't afraid of loss here and there, so long as it serves as an end to the means. Perhaps Europeans and Japanese horsemen have the more sporting spirit. They seem to know how to handle horses (especially fillies/mares) that race among the top tier.
It will be very exciting to see Rachel and Goldikova back in action next year. Can you imagine if Goldikova was able to pull off a third consecutive win in the mile?
I think 2010 will be even more of the same… It seems to me that the Filly's are only getting better.