OK, who's better? Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta?

Zenyatta would eat the youngster for lunch!

I'd have to go with Rachel Alexandra. She just ran two striaght 108 Beyers within two weeks of each other at 3 years old. At her best, only a couple of Zenyatta's Beyers are better, and very slightly at that. Plus, she accomplished those slightly better Beyers at the age of four. Simply looking at the history of horses that have run as fast as Rachel Alexandra in the Triple Crown races would lead me to believe RA will end up running Beyers close to 120 later in the year and then, hopefully, as a four-year old. Perhaps Zenyatta could run her down and find yet another gear. I could see that happening, but I wouldn't bet on it. I absolutely love both horses, though.

Rachel Alexandra by far. Rachel won a major stakes race by 20 lengths, a Triple Crown race, and she beat the boys. Zenyatta is nowhere near this good.

Still, when they meet each other, it could be quite a race! Wow!

Chrystal,
I have to love your enthusiasm for Rachel Alexandra , but I do think you're underestimating Zenyatta a bit when you write that she is nowhere near as good as Rachel. Zenyatta, who by the way happens to be making her 2009 debut tomorrow in the Milady Handicap at Hollywood Park, has done nothing wrong in nine lifetime races and has a Breeders' Cup victory to show for her efforts. You already pointed out the impressive credentials for Rachel. I think they're both great horses , they've each accomplished quite a bit in their careers, and I hope they both stay sound so we can see them in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic. Talk about a colossal matchup.

I've been a Zenyatta fan from day 1 and I truly believe Zenyatta would beat Rachel head to head. What's it going to take to get these 2 in the ring. I hope we get to see what would be a fantastic race - the speedster against the big closer.

Dom, unfortunately it's looking more and more like the showdown will never happen. I thought the two would meet after the Breeders' Cup, but it's looking like Jess Jackson is going to shut down Rachel Alexandra after a long, tough eight-race season. I can't argue with that decision if it becomes reality, but you're right ... it would have been great to see the two hook up. Now the two camps and their legion of fans will be left to debate who was greater -- Rachel or Zenyatta?

I love both these ladies and I would not want the job of determining which one of these fantastic ladies should have Horse of Year award. I do not see a match could ever happen because of the difference the two ladies run, but if it ever did..it sure would be an interesting race. I guess we could throw a colt in for Rachel to keep with until she took off and that same colt so Zenyatta could come up from behind and pass him up...then the final results of the two ladies. Wow...

January 18 will decide the answer we've all been waiting for - Horse of the Year - Rachel or Zenyatta. My vote is with big "Z". Can't wait for this to happen and I wouldn't want to be making that call.

I truly think Rachel Alexandra is the best filly out there.
Zenyatta is a great one to however, and I witnessed her spectacular run in The Classic.
But, her win in that race does not eclipse all of her other victories. RA. has shown that she is capable of beating the boys time and again, and may I add that those, "boys," put up some extremely tough competition.

Her victories in both The Mother Goose, and Kentucky Oaks spoke for themselves and what a super star she truly is. This only became louder and more pronounced when she beat the boys THREE times.

I honestly believe that RA. would beat Zenyatta head to head. She has better running style, and is not afraid of a challenge as we have seen in The Preakness.

Zenyatta is very qualified to win Champion Older Mare, but nothing else however.

Just because RA. is YOUNGER, does NOT mean that all the Zenyatta voters should look her over.

Be fair guys: look at this issue head to head. Do not be bias.

If Z. wins, I can honestly say I'll be happy for her. But I think RA. will get it.

PS. what about Gabby's Golden Gal? Has anyone forgotten this OTHER superstar girl?