Happy Saturday Everyone!
Springtime is in the air and everything is getting so busy. It is a very exciting time in Lexington now as Keeneland opened yesterday for their race meet. I never ran at this race track, but my dear Barn 55 Friend, HARMONIOUS, won the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Race here last fall. It is a very special time and everyone LOVES to go RACING in this town!
Today, Kentucky Derby Preps are taking place in New York, Illinois, and California. My friend, MR. COMMONS, is running in the Santa Anita Derby this afternoon. His stall was just 3 down from mine when I was at Barn 55…so I’m wishing him all the best! HOOVES CROSSED…for sure!
We also have the update for our contest! Isabelle and Cheva, 2 of my very special friends, drew the names out of the bucket for us! As you can see in the photo above, they are in the barn office at Hollywood Park. Oh, there are lots of photos of ME all around. Now this is TOO CUTE! The bucket we used for this drawing is on the desk. All 64 of the cards from Wednesday’s winners were placed in this bucket, mixed up again and again…and the drawing began!
Here are the names of the 32 people who will move to the next stage:
1) Ingrid Esguerra……………..Miami, FL
2) Sharon Peck………………..Seattle, WA
3) William Uecker……………..Boerne, TX
4) Linda Henderson……………Seminole, TX
5) Karen Mitchell……………….Berkeley, CA
6) Sherry Drish…………………Kearneysville, WV
7) Linda Edwards………………Lawrenceville, NJ
8) Thomas Ronholm…………..Rochester, NY
9) Valerie Franklin…………….Davison, MI
10) Margaret Lewis…………….Sausalito, CA
11) Guido Sanchez…………….Ewing, NJ
12) Cathy Lassilo……………….Tacoma, WA
13) Heidi Kruckenbert………….Vallejo, CA
14) Lynn Meier…………………..Thousand Oaks, CA
15) Michelle Cross………………Decatur, AL
16) Pam Giles……………………Newman, GA
17) Helen Soloman……………..Van Nuys, CA
18) Willie Tomaino………………Newport, RI
19) Linda Stokes…………………Groton, VT
20) Chris Balmes………………..Lake Oswego, OR
21) Dawn Conrad……………….Cedaredge, CO
22) Georgia Harper…………….Bellevue, WA
23) Vicki Vinson…………………Apple Valley, CA
24) Sarah Powell………………..Clemson, SC
25) Tammi Fry…………………..Houston, TX
26) Brenda Sprunger…………..Ontario, Canada
27) Ann Ransone………………..Walkerton, VA
28) Louann Cingel………………Union, MO
29) Lydia Ward………………….Batavia, OH
30) Mary Kay Adams…………..Bloomfield, NJ
31) Patsy VandenBerg………..Santa Rosa, CA
32) Brenda Freeman…………..Mobile, AL
CONGRATULATIONS to these 32 people! The next step of the contest will go to the SWEET SIXTEEN! When we do the next drawing, these 32 cards will be placed into the bucket…and 16 will be selected!
We are moving right along! Cheva and Isabelle had a GREAT TIME helping us!
Thank you to everyone! Cheers to a wonderful day of RACING and a HIGH HOOF to the 32 contestants named above moving to the next level!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Kathy Beyers
Congratulations to the 32 to finalists! How exciting to be in the drawing! I’m so sorry Mr. Commons didn’t do better in the race today, but kudos to all three of the finishers! I lost my bet, but had a great time. And how thrilling that Black Caviar is still undefeated – let’s hear it for Girl Power!
Trina Nagele
@CHERYL KLEIST—Thanks for sharing your entertaining story about Z and Quality Road and how your faith in Z was rewarded when you placed that bet—way to go!
@SHARI VOLTZ—That’s wonderful that today you were able to do a three-mile run once again after your injury. You say “only” a three-mile run—how much did you do before?
@SANDRA GOMEZ—Your remark about never having had luck in anything you‘ve tried cut right into my heart. I hope you just meant in little things like contests, not in the important things of life. Here’s wishing you good luck in the future—ears forwards!
S (in san diego)
Just viewed the tribute to AP INDY on Bloodhorse.com. Have to admit…the last photo and comment brough tears. I was so fortunate to see him race a couple of times but it seems so long ago. I do believe he has carried his age much better then I have :) On a personal note..I have a secret that I can not tell anyone …but I can type it!! My daughter and her boyfriend just announced their engagement. (he had called and asked for my blessing last week) BUT I have to be quiet so that they can share the new with family and friends tomorrow, They are in ministry and will be announcing it in church tomorrow. So…please don’t tell anyone:)) Could a be a great March 2012…a Baby Z and a Son in Law.
Savvy
Zenyatta it’s understandable that new surroundings, a different climate, new schedule and people are all a big adjustment, especially for you as you were rarely left alone. Sending calming, positive thoughts and much love to you.
Trina Nagele
@AMANDA GILLILAND—Sorry you’re not moving into the “Sweet Sixteen”, as someone put it. You are another of the eloquent and dedicated posters here.
Trina Nagele
I know someone here was rooting for A. P. Indy’s trainer Neil Drysdale and Liberian Freighter today. Here’s the good news from thoroughbredtimes.com about Liberian Freighter: “The six-year-old Bertrando gelding scored a half-length victory over Blue Chagall (Fr) in the $150,000 Arcadia Stakes (G2) at one mile on the turf for older horses.” Congratulations to Neil Drysdale and Liberian Freighter.
Valeria Cannon
Congratulations to the happy 32, and good luck in the next! Congrats to ‘your’ Mikey, Lady Z, and to Mr. Commons. I was rooting for him all the way! :) :) Whew, whatta exciting and nervewrecking day!! I knew something was wrong with Uncle Mo when he went into the turn and didn’t fire like he normally does, but I’m so glad that he came home safe and pretty much intact. (That was scary!!!) Since I was at work, I didn’t get the news about the injury until I got home. Now we have to get ‘Uncle Mike’ to stop sending Secretariat dvd’s (Big Red lost the Wood also due to an abscess in his mouth), and let Mo do what Mo does best. Win!!!!! ;) :) :) Lady Z, now that the Derby picture is topsy turvy, who are your top ten? As for me, I’m not willing to give up on Mo! Hope you and the girls had a great Saturday romping around the paddock and later on watching the races. :) :) :) ‘With a rebel yell, they cried, ‘Go Mo Go’!!!! ;) ;)
Sue and Tony
Zenny…we just read thet Mr. Commons and Uncle Mo ran well but didn’t quite “get there”. How AMAZING that you always did!
When we rewatch videos of your races it really shows how awesome you were on the track. We really are blessed to have witnessed all of it, your entire career was unbelievable!!!
Congrats to those still in the race for your bronze. It’s getting down to the sweet 16 next. :-)
Gloria Jeanne
Green Cat ran at Santa Anita yesterday, a Moss horse trained by your dear John- nice horse kept looking at the crowd of 32k+ fans, funny- he reminded me of you a bit. Did you ever meet Green Cat while you where at Barn 55? I ran into A Z Fan whom I have stood in line with before at the Paddock waiting to take pictures of you. We said hi and talked about your bronze, I told her I had entered the contest but didn’t make it to the 32 cards, only the first 64. That’s she said, I don’t think she made it in at all. It was a nice day at Santa Anita- cold, but no rain. Happy Sunday Zenny – don’t forget about brunch today. Hugs and Love
Annie
Zenyatta you are an enigma. So sweet, yet you could be a tough as they get competitor. So serious about winning, yet there you are kicking up your heels and playing at Lanes End. I think probably your best trait is that you don’t take yourself too seriously…everything in stride. You have taught me so many valuable lessons. Love ya.
suemar
@Cheryl Kleist. Love your memories of Finger Lakes. Last place I took my Mom to when she was 94! I support Purple Haze Center horse recovery with a brick for Mom.
While you were there I was seeing Queen Z run the Breeders Cup. Saw her again in Cup 2010. Z. I still have your winning ticket for 2010 in my wallet. Couldnt get rid of the emotions of that day. Hope someday we can see you again in person.
pamela
Congratulations to the 32. Good Luck in the next round. Have a wonderful weekend Zen. Love and Kisses
Dani
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Moss’s Lama Chant who won up at Golden Gate Fields. Game efforts by Green Cat and Mr. Commons. Definitely ready for break out races.
.
Worrisome outcome – Uncle Mo and the injury to his hoof and not being able to fire like he always has before. Hope he heals fast and can train solidly. Only four weeks until the Derby. Todd Pletcher alluded that if he doesn’t come out physically well and doesn’t train accordingly he won’t go to the Derby. Such a shame for everyone connected if that happens – including we fans. Get well soon Mo. You are still number one in my book.
.
Congratulations lucky 32. The excitement builds.
.
Black Cavier is really something. Saw her race and she is a beauty out there. Nice to once again see a filly (like our Zenyatta) dominate the sport. Of course there will never be any horse like you Zenny. You will always be the best thing to happen to the sport of racing. And one of the best things to happen to many of us.
sue
Simply-to Zenyatta and team-I love you.
Cheryl Kleist
Good Morning Z–It even seems to be Spring in NY for a couple of days. The horses are back at Finger Lakes Race Track and racing starts next week! How I wish you had made it to NY State to Belmont, Saratoga, or Aquaduct! I would have loved to see you before a NY audience and East Coast fans! I will be sending you some NY State apples this coming week. My part of NY state is apple country; I even live in a former apple orchard with 9 apple trees in my yard from a very old orchard. Just think! You could pick your own right off the tree. But not too many at once!
Just wanted to comment back to Regina: My comment “Rachel Who???” Took nothing in admiration away from Rachel A., she was the horse that sparked my interest first before I was aware of Zenyatta. I also continued to bet on her that year, but bet Zardana to win in Rachel’s first race back the next year and won. I am a fan of both of you. Regina,if you recall, the 2 never raced against each other, but the rivalry in the press, fans, and awards was there. There were lots of T-shirts for sale that portrayed it. Fans were very divided as to who was the better horse. Each girls had her merits, Queen Z became my favorite. I was reminded so much of Seabiscuit, the West Coast-CA horse, and War Admiral, the East Coast horse. The Biscuit did win a match up with the triple crown winner. Queen Z, you remind me so much of The Biscuit’s impact on racing and the huge fan base he had. Hey, if you didn’t like to fly, maybe the train would have suited you better. A nice roomy box car with the comforts of home.
Sheri
Wow congrats to everyone who made the top 32! Good luck! Hey I looked at the Kentucky Oaks website and saw that Zazu is running! Isn’t she owned by th Moss’s as well? How cool! Love you Zenyatta!!! :D
Kathryn Cogswell
sandra gomez said something up above that tweaked a little trifecta of memories for me about how luck works and when good fortune finds us. First, there is the story of the little girl out looking for ladybugs . .. she`s after them, sees and finds them, but always they`re just ahead of her, flying away . .. Until she falls asleep in the sun, and wakens with them all over her! ~ Then, there is the ‘gratefulness’ site that quotes someone famed for saying it`s the people who discover that what THEY BRING to the world will be the sole original and authentic treasure of their life`s attainment. ~ And, finally, once the memory is trained to focus on the expectation of the hopeful ‘next possible,’ rather than that of the disappointing ‘past missed,’ some mechanism of the deep heart, deep mind agrees — and reaches, drawing toward that direction. It may sound both wiggy and ‘twilight zone’ foolish to drop full weight to the one side, rather than the other, but many great stories of overcoming odds make for a much more fun philosophy than taking life merely at face value, where disappointments cloud the next rainbow. The context can change by the content absorbed. A little kid I love once sang .. . ‘la, la, la, connect the dots!’ Keeping in mind just how strong a triangle can be.
jim
uncle mo is out of the derby. he cut off piece of his hoof at the start yesterday, it was the size of a quarter. a lot of sadness. he could still run in preakness. god bless mo
Kathryn Cogswell
And, ‘Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but who can number the apples in a seed?’ KHC Quote, w/ a nod to Cheryl Kleist [above].
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Gloria Jeanne — Green Cat trained with Zenyatta. I think he was working with Zenyatta in the very popular YouTube clip in which Mike Smith has a camera on his helmet.
Trina Nagele
@ Cheryl Kleist and Kathryn Cogswell—Nice comments from this morning!
audreyc
Congratulations to those who made the newest drawing…..
re: Uncle Mo in Wood Memorial..As the Bloodhorse stated, this was as big of an upset, as was Secretariat’s 3rd place finish in the Wood Memorial (due to abcsess in his mouth), after which he went on to win the Triple Crown. Will history repeat itself? hmmmmm….
audreyc
Uh, oh….just saw Jim’s post….my comment now needs to unfortunately be disregarded….
Suan
This is a fun time for everyone who submitted a card. I did, but didn’t make it on the list but I am living through all you finalists
Went to Santa Anita yesterday to watch the races. Good crowd and saw many fans wearing Zenyatta gear.
I am looking forward to the fillies and the Oakes. Go Zazu
Enyoy the sun Z. Can’t wait to have you tell us of your upcoming date with the hunk at Darley
Max
Re Mo. His Facebook says that he will be shipped to Kentucky on April 18. It will be decided later if he can run in the Derby. It is all up to Mo. Cousin Thirsty is already there in training. Thirsty is son of Bernardini. Nothing is ever for certain until the race is over.
Sue Fredrick
@Peggy your welcome for the Bloodhorse link to the Indy tribute, I’m so glad you appreciate him too. I am going to Kentucky for the Keeneland races on the 14th and sure wish I could stop in and see him, but I think the barns are closed till after June.
LauraJ
According to this article in Bloodhorse, Mo is still on the Derby trail:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/62394/mos-derby-plans-unchanged-by-quarter-grab
Kathy Kimber
My thoughts and prayers are with Uncle Mo I was so hoping he’d make the derby but the important thing is that he gets well he has a lot of good races left. I’m going to check for Black Caviar’s 12th race on You Tube hope I can find it. Isn’t she something? It just takes a woman I guess. TOO CUTE. Hugs to all
Kathy Kimber
OK I checked out Black Caviar’s 12th on You Tube, kind of reminds me of you Zeny it appears they run in the opposite direction in Australia. Would this impede her style if she came to the Breeder’s Cup? It would be great to see her here.
Paula Higgins
Mo is still on the Derby trail. They do routine blood testing a few days after a horse doesn’t run his best. So maybe that will show some reason for not winning. His last 1/8 of a mile was run in 12.80. Not too bad. He may not have had enough training. I think if his condition is good, they will step it up. Yes, to whoever noted how Mo’s loss underscores why 19 wins is a phenomenal and historic event. Zenyatta is one for the ages. Good luck to all of you in the next draw.