Video of one of Mike Smith’s works on Zenyatta
Yes, my lovely regular readers, I know you’ve seen that video before. But please enjoy it again. Especially since pretty much all anyone can say in these days leading up to the 2009 Breeders Cup is “Zenyatta, Zenyatta, Zenyatta!”
Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But other great horses are running in other races. It’s not just about the Breeders Cup Classic.
So, you might be wondering where and when you can watch all the action.
Zenyatta, a 5-year-old mare, has won 12 or her 13 starts. She’s taking on the big boys in the Breeder’s Cup Classic. Check out Joe Drape’s story about Zenyatta in the New York Times. (You may have to register to read it.)
When to watch
According to the Bloodhorse website, ABC/ESPN is the place to watch the races. Remember to check your local listings and do all that headache-producing math to figure out your local time.
- Nov. 6 – 3:30 pm to 7 pm EST, ESPN2
- Nov. 7 – 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm EST, ABC
- Nov. 7 – 3:30 pm to 7 pm, ESPN
To make your viewing schedule easier to plan, in case you can’t simply be plastered to the TV, here’s a schedule of races from the Breeders Cup website.
I’m sure I’ve said this before, but it bears saying again – my favorite TV racing color announcer is Jerry Bailey, retired Hall of Fame jockey. Bailey explains strategy and horse psychology in his analysis of a race.
So, what are the traditions?
Want to have a Breeders Cup party? Why not? Why should the Kentucky Derby (or the Melbourne Cup) hog up all the fun? Let alone the Super Bowl.
So, now you’re thinking of having some friends over to watch the Breeders Cup — yippee! — and you’re wondering what to serve.
Anything you want, honey.
Breeders Cup has no mint julep. No Belmont Breeze. No Saratoga potato chips. No Louisville hot browns. (The latter is a sandwich. Sort of a fancy open-faced turkey melt. )
(Additional note: Guess what? There is a drink for the Breeders Cup. It’s called the Down the Stretch. Here’s a recipe)
Maybe you decorate with the colors purple and gold in mind, but that seems to be it.
Don’t expect a fashion show with this race card, either. A display of elaborate hats at the Breeders Cup? Fugeddabouddit! We’re not celebrating the arrival of spring here.
It’s autumn, kids. Ladies won’t show up in sundresses that require a wide-brimmed hat to protect shoulders from the springtime sun. Not even at sunny Santa Anita.
(Update: Ha! Guess what? I was wrong about that, too. I just watched Friday’s races which included hats and sundresses.)
And, if you notice when you search for news about the Breeders Cup, most of the talk is about Zenyatta. Not her trainer (John Shireffs). Or her jockey. (Mike Smith) Or her owners (Jerry and Ann Moss.)
No, the talk is about the horse. And her competitors. And her colleagues. The names on everyone’s lips are registered with the Jockey Club, not found on Page Six.
If you want a “dreams come true” story about the Breeders Cup, go rent “Dreamer.” It’s said to be based on a true story. (And the link is not an affiliate link that would take you to a seller, just to the Internet Movie Database.)
The Breeders Cup is all about the horses, the titles they win (or lose) and the dough.
Tags: Breeders Cup, Breeders Cup TV coverage, Jerry Bailey, where to watch the Breeders Cup on TV, Zenyatta
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