In late February horse betting handicappers were glued to their computers, as the owners of Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra announced that each legendary thoroughbred were bred to their specific sire and will each foal in 2012. To put this announcement into perspective for 2011 March Madness betting enthusiasts, consider Zenyatta to be Ohio State and Rachel Alexandra to be Kansas, and the announcement to be that they will face off for the National Title without having to play in the tournament.
Both Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra have been nominated and won the Eclipse Awards for top horses. For Zenyatta, at seven years old, she was named the 2010 horse of the year, despite losing her opportunity for a perfect record of 20 wins in 20 starts thanks to Blame at the Breeder's Cup Classic. On the other hand, Rachel Alexandra, since her 2009 run in the Triple Crown, has been seen many as the greatest mare in the horse racing industry. However, over the last two years, Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra's fan bases have had an ongoing debate, as to which horse truly is the best.
Unfortunately, the horse racing world will never be able to watch a race between the two mares, as both were retired and consequently bred. Yet, this just means that come 2012, the debate as to which horse is the best will open up again, when they foal.
Zenyatta was bred to AP Indy son Bernardini. The 2006 Preakness winner and Breeder's Cup Classic runner-up, recently won the sire of the year award for his 2008 foal. In fact, Bernardini son To Honour And Serve is a contender this year for the American Triple Crown. With Bernardini and Zenyatta each having strong bloodlines, the future looks bright for their foal.
Conversely, Rachel Alexandra was bred to 2007 and 2008 Eclipse Horse of the Year, Curlin. Given their bloodlines, the foals of Rachel Alexandra should be outstanding on the race track as well. We feel we speak for every horse bettor, when we say we can't wait until 2012.