The fastest horse in the history of thorograph speed figures cost Zenyatta the race. I\'ve watched the replay now at least 50 times (from multiple angles) and when the \"Most Likely Winner\" of the race stopped so badly Smith checked Zenyatta just enough to cost her the race. Zenyatta wins her races with momentum established on the far turn. No-Quality-Road got in her way and it cost her the crown she so rightly deserved. How completely ironic
I saw a photo just at the wire or just after and her ears were up. They played a dangerous game with her letting her ease up after the finish in all her races. You are right that Smith checking at that point probably cost her the race, because she did lose momentum. Having to wait for LAL to clear her didn\'t help either. She sure did close once clear. Great stretch runner and great will to win. At least she proved she belongs with the dirt elite.