Will Zenyatta, who has stayed in training, or Rachael Alexandra, who had extended time off , have an advantage?

It's hard for any of us to speculate on this - - the trainers know their fillies well, and are doing what they think will bring them to peak at the time of the race. Every horse is different, and the trainers' job is to understand the individual and to train them accordingly. Part art, part science, I think!

EDIT: you'd need to talk with the trainers who actually know these particular fillies, watch them 6 days a week, not just any trainer. A good trainer develops a plan for a horse after watching how she trains and recovers from works and races, which takes knowing the horse well, over a period of time. .

It depends truly. Though, Rachel is being pointed towards a prep race before the Apple Blossom. But, what I look at is Steve Asmussen and Jess Jackson both did the same thing they are doing now with Curlin. They gave him a good rest and then he came back for a stellar year where he won the Jockey Club Gold Cup again, and won the Dubai World Cup among other things. They have experience with doing what they are doing with Rachel.

But, each horse is different, so, no one can truly say if they will be ready for the Apple Blossom. And each horse has their good days and bad days. You'll just have to wait and see.

nobody really knows until it happens. But Rachel has been in training during this off time, so she will be at peak for the race. But so will Zen. Very talented filly and I don't want to see either of them lose. I plan to be there for the race and I am very excited about seeing them together. But whoever does win this race will not prove anything until they actually win three times against the other. Every horse has off days that they do not run their best. Even the Great Secretariat had off days as did the great Seattle Slew. So this is not a one race deal. But I can't wait to see it.

Both connections felt they needed a little more time so they could run in a prep, and with that, I'm confident that Jess Jackson will only run Rachel if she is in top form, so in my opinion, she won't be at a disadvantage. I've been a fan of Rachel & Zenyatta from day one. I truly believe we will get to see a fantastic race, the speedster against the big closer. I'm hoping to see a big field where pace, trip, and talent all play into the final result. Above all, I wish them both health/safety first!

:)

Don't care about those

Sea The Stars - the best