“The Natural and the Theatrical”
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010The Natural and the Theatrical
On this day of winter’s horse racing retreat
brings me to dreams of our two great fillies in a matched heat.
You punters and horse lovers and backers alike
help me to conjure a bit of excitement in this grey light
There she is – The Natural – undefeated in every trip to the gate
The lady Zenyatta takes it slow off the pace
but she knows where the wire spreads out overhead
And when it is late she is passing the also-rans without breaking a sweat
Look at the size of her with hair and ears a flapping
At least 16 hands and everyone of those, and ours, are clapping
The way she runs, she is a hero from Hollywood, but this no film
Her desire to win burns so hot, you’d think she was foaled in a kiln
There dear friends is Rachel Alexandra – the Theatrical beaut.
She makes a race so dramatic, so alluring, right out of the chute.
Like in a dark theatre where she is the only player on the stage
We cannot look away from her as she runs in a rage
She is a star, and like a heavenly body, has the power of attraction
A force of gravity that has yet to reach maturation.
One who has taken on all comers no matter how well–meant
Her true character shines; to the wire first, how wonderfully hell-bent
For these two horses are unmatched on any track
Worthy of a tale of yore and a fabled race so sublime
like a watched clock that has yet to chime
What a bold pair these two would make – The Natural and the Theatrical
Oh the palms do sweat and the hands do quake
Seeing will be believing when they are off in this great stake
And nary a number will I be punting
Just holding my head on high to see them so stunning
But, oh for the chance to see them fly by!
