Good Morning,
It is Preakness Week and everyone is very excited about the 2nd Leg of the Triple Crown taking place Saturday. This afternoon, on HRTV, they will show the post position draw. My friend from Barn 55, MR. COMMONS, is running! He was stabled about 3 stalls away from me. I was there when he first arrived as a 2 year old to begin training and then when he ran his first race! I truly want to wish him GOOD LUCK while in Maryland and in the PREAKNESS STAKES.
I’ve heard at this particular race track that you’d like to be somewhat in the middle of the field in the starting gate. The Preakness allows 14 horse to enter…unlike the Kentucky Derby which permits a field of 20. We’ll see who is in the field and the posts when they draw the race later today. SUCH FUN!
It is so interesting to ME to watch races and evaluate them now from this point of view…as an ATHLETE and a FAN…rather than that of being an ACTIVE PARTICIPANT on the playing field.
Dottie was telling ME several years ago, Patrick Valenzuela, who is a very talented jockey, came to the Turf Club one afternoon to watch a few races with her when he had completed his riding assignments for the day. He was watching a race very intently when he made a comment she will never forget!
‘WOW, IT IS SO MUCH EASIER TO “RIDE” THE RACE FROM UP HERE! YOU GET A FULL VIEW OF THE WHOLE FIELD AND WHAT IS HAPPENING. IT IS SO MUCH DIFFERENT THAN BEING ON THE TRACK, IN THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT, AND NEEDING TO MAKE SPLIT-SECOND DECISIONS SO QUICKLY.”
These words really made her think and left an impact. They sound so simple…but actually say so much. From that point forward, every time she would evaluate a particular move a horse or rider would make…in the back of her mind, she would reflect on PVAL’S statement. It truly has great merit…not just in racing, but in life. It is so often easier to comment upon or evaluate something someone else does…but not as easy to accomplish that task when “WALKING IN THEIR SHOES”. Perhaps, it is best to often consider the WHOLE PICTURE.
When I’d be in the midst of running, making moves, inside-outside, going between horses, MIKE had to make so many split-second decisions. Holes open, then they close quickly. The horse in front of you can be making a big move and then suddenly slow down and change momentum. It is so tricky!
When I was running full speed, I was clocked at over 40 miles an hour on Trakkus. (Clement Hirsch/Del Mar) That is why the comment Patrick made is something to reflect upon when watching races, horses, and their performances. There are constant decisions to be made so quickly when you are actually the one running and / or riding the race! The action changes every second! There are many challenges to meet. Racing luck is also extremely important and does play a significant role in all of this! Head up or head down on the finish line can make the difference between winning and being 2nd. ( I can testify to this!) These are the components that truly work together to make HORSERACING such a fascinating sport! I feel totally BLESSED for the part I have been able to play in it!
Thinking of MY BARN 55 Friends today, I wanted to share this photo Mattea Kelley took recently with ME with ISABELLE. She was one of my dear riders while I was in training…and I JUST LOVE THIS PHOTO! If I say so myself, I think we both look TOO CUTE!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
PS…Speaking of the Preakness, as many of you may remember, Patrick rode Sunday Silence to an amazing victory in this race. Per many of the sports writers and fans, this was one of the most exciting finishes ever in a TRIPLE CROWN RACE…and Patrick’s ride was one of true perfection!
LT
Zenny you are such a beautiful girl, so gentle and patient. Hooves crossed for Mr. Common
Janet Cutting
Two great friends!!!! Sweet picture with lots of memories…… good night Ms Z.
Pamela J Hebert
Zenny what a touching picture of you & Isabelle. You both love each other very much, such a sweet kiss. Good luck to Mr.Commons this weekend. Great post today. Liked reading about Dottie’s conversation with PVAL, such an interesting perspective from a jockey’s point of view. Till tomorrow sweet girl.
Celeste
Wow! Thank you for another beautiful, heartwarming photo and another diary entry that gives one many things to think about. Of course, I’m already a huge fan of the jockeys and admire their strength and their ability to do what they do, but I don’t know that I’ve ever read such a nice description as what PVal said to Dottie. Thank you so very much, Dottie, for transcribing for Zenyatta and contributing so much to this diary. This is such a wonderful place and I thank you.
Sheri
Cute picture! And everything you said is true! That has now inspired me so much and I will never forget it! Thank You Zenyatta for sharing that with us! Love ya Z!!! :D
tony and sue
@DJ, well said. We were at the classic and at the beginning it looked hopeless. No other horse could have done what she did. Inspite of ALL the obsticles she blew past the field in her usual heartpounding style. We will never forget the comments of five young men behind us who had bet against her. After that massive run they were cheering their heads off for HER and, to a man. said SHE was the best horse on the track that day. Zenny made believers of them and many others that night. Just one more stride and she would have had him. Whatever the reasons for her bad start she and Mike really “brought it” that day.
We were never as proud of her as we were then. It’s so ironic that her greatest race was the one she came in second. In our minds and her’s we hope…she really did win.
Joan
I will be pulling for Mr. Commons. Saw him at Santa Anita Derby,he is beautiful. He finished third that day. I told John after the race if looks counted he was the winner.The preakness may show Dialed In’s ability, he will have pace to run at with Dance City going out from the gate. I however am a big Animal Kingdom fan,
if he can win the Preakness, who can take him at the Belmont. Shackelford could take it Saturday with a 1/4 less distance to run,he is very good.Like everyone has expressed let them all come home safe and sound.
Love ya Z
Jackie
Good Evening Queen “Z” Lovely photo. I wish I were in her shoes!
What a great post. Thank you Dottie. We all too often criticize or comment, but if the tables were turned more than likely our decsions would have been the same. So true. Your posts are not only enjoyable reading, but LIFES LESSONS! THANK YOU.
Beginning to get excited about the Preakness. Lots of good horses running. Good Luck to Mr. Commons and John. Of course can’t forget Mikey! May you all have a safe trip!
Hugs and Kisses
Jackie
Barbara Wood
@Dawn Conrad–Have a safe trip to Scottsdale. I’ll be praying for you. Let us hear about your progress.
Good night, dearest Z. Love you always.
S
Have to admire Animal Kingdom, and the thought of a triple crown always exciting! But…. Love Mr Commons and Dialed In.
Terry Crow
@Charlotte Farmer–You are indeed to be commended for your efforts on behalf of Noor. Keep us posted as to the results. @Judy Berube–Horses are indeed different today. A good thing? I will let others make that call. Citation was one of a kind, but couldn’t handle Noor when they traced. Noor was the first horse to defeat two triple crown winners. When I visited Seabiscuit’s farm in Willets, California, I was pleased that Noor’s old stall was a highlight of the tour. An old handicapping angle was that 75% of the races are/were won by horses who had run in the previous 15 days. What happened? I will have some stories about my mother’s horses in the future. It is sort of an emotional thing. The one thing I can tell you at this time is that she got out of the sport when her trainer was murdered by a family member.
Catherine Uher
I love this photo of you! And I swear you are smiling in the background photo of your website where you are obviously winning another race! Love it, love it, love it!!! You bring nothing but joy into all of our lives Zenyatta and I hope you know how very much we all love you and look forward to your daily posts! Thank you to you and Dottie for taking time out of your day to continue communicating with your fans! Big hugs and carrots sweet girl!!! :)
Robert
I really enjoy it when you explain things to those of us who aren’t “pros”…it helps us understand so much more about horse racing. Thank you!!
Sunny Boyd
Good evening Zenyatta,
what a beautiful picture showing the sensitivities of both of you, and your rider. A really really special picture.
And I still say, looking at your fab big snootie again, had you puckered up in the final sec at you last race, they would have called it ‘Blame got puckered out’ :) :) :)
Is Mike Smith going to ride Mr. Commons? Good luck to both and all their connections.
Have a good night and sweet dreams
Maria K.
Good luck to Mr. Commons. Beautiful picture Queen Z. Love you!
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny: What a beautiful photo of you and Isabelle. This picture has real soul. They talk about the “soul of a horse,” I can certainly understand what they mean just looking at this picture.
Zenny and Dottie thanks so much for describing the type of pressure the jockey faces during a race. I can’t imagine having to guide a horse running 40mph while only have seconds to make decisions while paying attention to the horse’s safety as well as your own safety. I loved the show, “The Jockeys” (not sure if that is the exact title). It was televised over a couple of seasons. The show was taped at Santa Anita and your Mike Smith was one of the jockeys they did a story on. I hope that show is brought back. It was so well done. I’ll see Mr. Commons race at the Preakness. I wish both Mr. Commons and Victor Espinoza good luck and a safe trip. And I hope to see your John and Dottie. Take care Zenny. Love, Linda
Shirley Donoho
I will be praying for Mr Commons to win. Anything to make Queen Z happy. Love ya.
Holly Zemba
Yes that photo is too cute. I don’t think people realize how hard it is to be a jockey. I am not, I ride hunter/jumper, but to be riding at that speed and to look for a hole is very very hard, I must say as a rider!!! I respect jockeys very much, because I know I could never do it.
Robin S
Hi Zenny!
I’ve been a Mucho Macho Man fan since his start but I’ll be just as happy if Mr. Commons wins! In fact, all I care about the most is that all horses and riders make it around safely. My “Z” bronze should be here tomorrow. I can hardly wait! Love & Happiness to everyone!
Linda Henderson
Oh, I love the picture! And PVal’s comments are right on. Thank you for sharing. I too am excited about the Preakness and hope Mr. Commons has a good trip and does well.
candi cartier
queen z is so lovable,and most precious.I wish I can kiss her like isabella.Go Mr. common win the preakness,bit everyone.
Gary Moulton
Mike is on “Astrology” and if Karma has anything to do with it he should get a piece of it for JJ. “Astrology” has never been off the board in 7 lifetime starts and is well rested. I think you can throw out the Jerome race in the slop plus it looked like he let off in the 1/8th for some reason. AK has never been worst then 2nd and lightly raced to boot. I think it will come down to “Animal Kingdom” and “Astrolgy”. I think the rest of the Derby horses need more time to recover. I think all the new shooters are far out classed. In the yesteryear 15 days between starts was OK but these days 35 to 42 days seem to have the most success.
@Joan – The Preakness is only a 1/16th of a mile shorter.
OraJean Stevenson
Dear Queen-Z & Team-Z,
Love this picture of you and Isabel. Dottie, thanks for this thoughtful Diary Entry and for sharing PVal’s words and thoughts on how different the RACE is, depending on one’s perspective…and this can be applied to most things in LIFE, as well. Great food for thought!!
Good luck to Mr. Commons and Mike Smith on Sat.
Hugs to all. Fondly, OraJean
relientkislove
You’re gorgeous Zenyatta, as always, in this photo!
Trina Nagele
Dearest Z, You are such a deep philosopher. You show us the true meaning of life experiences and “the bigger picture.” Bless your heart and your GREAT mind. —–The photo of you and Isabelle is BEYOND TOO CUTE! It captures the golden aura of love that emanates from inside you and comes back to you again.
@DJ—I loved your description of Nina’s Z and the Z-diet that helped you afford that beautiful bronze. As we know, that diet is not only a matter of being good for the pocketbook: the doctor too tells us to eat our greens and our oats (oatmeal) for our health.
@Abigail from Montreal—Love your coverage of former Preakness winners on The Vault at http://thevaulthorseracing.wordpress.com/2011/05/17/a-preakness-to-remember/ I also think your suggestion about greeting cards with photos of Z from this website is a wonderful one. I’m sure they would go like hotcakes. How about Zenyatta mousepads, too?
@Kirren—Well said!
@Max—Thanks for the link to Mr. Commons and quotes from David Ingordo. Remarkable how David purchased Mr. Commons, but precisely because he liked him so much, he recommended that the breeder/sellers keep him, which they did! David said, “I try to be real fair.” Class act all the way! But we’re not surprised about that—he is after all Dottie’s son! Kudos to David. Good luck to Mr. Commons and John on Saturday!
@Cindy from LA—-Great post. I loved your personal account of your own (and your horse’s) split-second decisions in the face of potential disaster—very exciting, and I’m so glad you both came through just fine. Like you said, your horse was a veteran and knew what to do.
@Christine Coleman—I love your pet name for Zenyatta—it makes me smile every time. Most of the rest of us shorten a real name to make a pet name, but you do just the opposite. (Forgive me if I call it a “pet name”—I know you call it her real name!)
@Laura J’s Better Step Aside—Have fun on Saturday, at Charlestown, and come home safe.
sandra gomez
That is a very nice photo of you and Isabelle; I’m sure she misses you dearly! I know what you mean, Zenny, you never know whats going to happen once those gates spring open; anything can happen in a race. You and your Mikey did a beautiful job with your career. You both made a great team! God Bless you as always, Zenyatta.. I love you so ,so much <3
Sharon in Ohio
Z, I am so taken with this picture! I have never seen you with your eyes closed, but this is so precious….you are so in the moment and so into this sweet kiss. Aawwh ! Zenny, wish it was me giving you that sweet loving kiss…I can just feel the velvet of your beautiful face. Love the way that she has your soft nose cupped so lovely in her hands…thanks to you and Dottie, for sharing the love with us !! Love you much !!zxoxoooozox
Kirren
@ DJ and Dawn Conrad, I am almost as excited about the bronze statue as I was before each time I went to see Zenyatta. I can’t wait to fall in love twice! :D
@ Trina Nagele, Thank you!
sue
My Dear Zenny: This photo of mutual devotion is really TOO CUTE for words. Thanks for educating us about how different it is to watch a race as opposed to being in a horse race. I can now appreciate how difficult and treacherous it can be for horses and jockeys!
Love ya, Zen
Sue
judy berube
To Terry Crow:
What a sad thing for you and your Mom and the trainer’s family. So sorry. Hugs, J. B.