Cowardice

Ahmed Zayat, owner of Pioneerof The Nile, plans to enter more horses in the Preakness strictly to keep Kentucky Oaks winner Rachel Alexandra out of the race. I can’t remember the exact number, but I believe he has 21 horses that are eligible. I hope its not true, but if it is, it would be quite an act of cowardice.

If Rachel Alexandra were able to compete against the Kentucky Derby winner in the Preakness it would do much to gain interest from people who do not normally watch horse racing. I have no doubt that this would be one of the most watched Preaknesses in years with her in the starting gate. If you don’t think your colt is good enough to beat her, why not race somewhere else? Personally, if he were my colt, I couldn’t feel like he was the true champion if he did indeed win without her in the race.

It’s a gutless move, plain and simple. Let her race!

UPDATE: Zayat Reconsiders