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!
Trina Nagele
@DAWN—I hope you will get helpful information from the tests at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, and that all will be well in the end. You’ll have fun for sure once you get to California and visit Barn 55. I’m not so far away—any chance I could meet up with you there? My school is over for the semester, so I won’t have to teach until August.
@Tony and Sue—Thanks for your post about how Zenny made believers out of the young men behind you at the BC 2010 and how you felt more pride for her than ever.
@Catherine Uher—-I agree—Z is SMILING on her way to another win in that background photo.
Good night and sweet dreams, Zenyatta.
v
Delrene
Thanks to you and Dottie for this wonderful, interesting & education post. Plus I spent lots of time reading the links. Thanks one and all. I have to say the 1989 Preakness was amazing.
I’m so torn. I bet on Mr. Commons because of John and he did great. My heart is with Mr. Commons and his trainer, but I would love to see the hope of a Triple Crown winner come to fruition. Mostly I want all horses and riders safe & sound. I always feel such anxiety when they roar out of the gate.
Beautiful picture of you Z.
Delrene
Now having learned by reading one of the articles that Dottie was a former teacher I must watch my spelling & typing skills! I meant to type “educational”
A big “whoopsie”
judy berube
To Laura J:
I noted Better Step Aside will be ridden on Saturday by John B. Luzzi, Jr. Is he Mike Luzzi’s brother? Mike rides the New York circuit and I think he has a brother who is also a jockey. Mike’s always been one of my favorites. Hugs, J. B.
Teresa E.
Beautiful photo, a one for framing for sure! I really liked that Zenyatta’s folks let her mane grow a bit longer even when racing as it made her even more beautiful. Also loved the way she would flag her tail out when running. Z, all you needed was ONE more stride in that last race and you would have had Blame, if you look at the video of the race everyone, you can see Z pass him up.
And as far as the memories of the Preakness with Bernardini, it is such a shame that another fellow in there had such a tragedy. Barbaro was a very good looking boy and I would have loved to see Zenyatta and Barbaro’s foal. Well, they tried so hard for him but it was not to be, sad to say.
Miss watching you on the track.
Diana S
Zenny – another so-lovely photo!
Mr. Commons – I’m putting a bet on you, then boxing AK and MMM just because.
@Dawn Conrad – any chance you would have time for a visit while you’re in Scottsdale? Email me (and I trust my Z family to look the other way on that email.)
Can’t wait for Saturday, but just want safe horses and jockeys this time!
Diana S
Uh oh, my email didn’t show. I’ll try this way – diastu46 at gmail dot com
Lisa g
@Terry Crow: Thank you for the info. Needless to say, I am disappointed. I know Ruffian won the Triple Tiara, I was so hoping there were be more excitement for the Fillies now…since our Queen is a girl..
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, beautiful lady, have a wonderful morning, hope you have another beautiful picture later today. I love you…Lisa g.
Stu
Zenny, you are so loved. thank you Dotties for “gift” to us
Cindy from LA
@Sue Fredrick
Remember Zenny’s DAD is Irish. If you look on
The horses pedigrees you can see where
All the horses came from. Quite a few have
Many European dams dam sites and sires.
There is a great article in Bloodhorse about
AK pedigree and how unusual it is and how versatile
It is. To win the KY Derby having never raced
On dirt is one talented horse. I agree he is going
To be challenged. May the best horse win safe
And sound!!!!
janice
good morning Z miss watching u run cant wait to see your babys always forever LOVE U ZENYATTA FAN ALWAYS
LauraJ
@Judy B, I don’t know anything about the jockey, but I’ll see if I can find out.
Shari Voltz
@Sharon Call I loved what you said and totally agree :)
Lori K
@ DAWN CONRAD I HOPE EVERYTHING IS OK. LORI
Shari Voltz
Dear sweet Zenyatta what a beautiful picture. I dream of one day giving you a kiss. Lucky Isabelle. I love the post and the wise words. You never know what one goes through until you walk in their shoes. Everyone comes with his or her own baggage. I always try to remember that when dealing with a child that is having a hard time. As for Mike I have defended him and I have said those same words. How do you know what is was like unless you were riding in the race. I could never ride a horse going 40mph. I would be scared to death. Let alone with other horses around. I don’t feel like you lost in your last race. You just ran out of track. Anyone who watched you come from behind and do what you did has to see the champion that you are. I have said it for years Jockeys are one of the greatest athletes around. They do not get the recognition they deserve. Well sweet girl I have papers to run off. I am sending you Hugs and Kisses from Shari and the Homeroom that loves you SO MUCH 215 XXXOOO
@I am so happy to learn and hear about other horses. I never knew there was a Triple Crown for the female horses.
@Good Luck to Mr. Commons and Animal Kingdom. I also pray that Uncle Mo gets well :)
@Dawn I had a late Teacher’s meeting and I have another late night tonight. I hope all is well with you :)
Sue Fredrick
@Judy Berube, yes I realize AK is born and trained here in the states, what I should have said was American bloodlines, I just have a preference for seeing Am breds win our races.
@Gary Moulton, I agree I’d love to see Astrology (AP Indy) or Dialed In (Mineshaft out of Indy) win as this is the grandpa of our Zen’s baby.
Lisa g
Mr Commons drew #14
MMM #8
AK #11
Dialed In #9
Lisa g
Blood Horse finally has the news for Filly Friday, so disappointed in this! I really thought the owners/trainers would keep going for this. O, well.
Jan Doyle
I love the picture with Isabelle. I can remember that John surprised her with a last ride with you Zenyatta before you left Barn 55.
@Lisa G.. Lisa I am a horsey person and live in the Dallas area. So a big hello to you. Can’t wait to see Mr. Commmons cross the finish line first.
Hugs to all
Lisa g
@Jan doyle: So glad I am not alone, big hello to you as well. I cheering 3 horses on…Mr. Commons, MMM and AK (I sure would like to see a Triple Crown this year), but I have a feeling Mr. Commons is going to win…Z’s John is letting him loose.
Alexandra Bowdoin
Good Morning Zenyatta and Dottie, I love the photo of Isabelle and Z. I hope to meet Z someday and give her a nice kiss and hug too…Have a good everyone. @ Dawn, I hope all will be well with you…
Stella Bagwell
Dearest Queen,
Love your photo today! It’s amazing that such a big, strong gal like you can also look so sweet and tender.
P. Val is so right about the split second decisions during a race—which makes your accomplishments that much more amazing, dear Z. So much could have happened during your nineteen fabulous victories to prevent you from crossing the finish line first, but you clearly made all the right moves! You and Mikey were an awesome, awesome pair! :)
Hope you’re getting lots of treats, bluegrass and play in the sun!
All my love,
Stel
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
What a beautiful picture of you – brought tears to my eyes. You are truly an Angel. I agree with what Dotty and PVAL said. He is one of my favorite jockeys of all time and I remember his ride on Sunday Silence, one of my favorite horses. His life was cut way too short but his legacy will live forever in Japan horse racing. Good luck to Mr. Commons in the Preakness. If Animal Kingdom can do it again, I will be at Belmont Park for the triple crown bid. That would be awesome. I would love to see another triple crown in my lifetime when I could really enjoy it. We all know how difficult it is to have a campaign like you did and to win 19 in a row and just lose by a nose in your 20th is unbelieveable. You were 20 lengths behind and made up all that ground. You are truly the best horse that ever lived. I was so fortunate to be at most of your races and your two retirements, hubbie and I. Something I will treasure forever. Be happy and gorgeous, eat well, and have loads of fun romping with your BBFs. Love you, Angel in Disguise.
Susan in TN
I love this site! I am learning so much, hearing touching stories and feeling the love we all have for Zenyatta and her team. It’s like a refuge, isn’t it?
@Sharon Call:You are never long-winded! I really appreciate the tips for working with shy horses. Yesterday was a little better-he took a piece of carrot from me and seemed surprised himself! I just acted like it was NO BIG DEAL. I laughed at your description of the use of the prehensile lip! We have a horse who I swear can do more with his lip than I can with opposable thumbs!
@AudreyC,Trina Nagele,Kimberly Potter,Sharon Call(again!): Thank you for your interest and comments about the rescue.And you were right about the elderly gentleman-even he said he was glad they were there,that they could get cared for better than what he could provide. If you go the website, take a look at Chester(not one of the man’s horses).He looks so much better now and he is SO SWEET! I need to figure out a treat he can have and likes because they had to pull a number of teeth. Our horses like applesauce-I might try that. Any ideas? The name of the place again is River Edge Farm Horse Rescue in Centerville,TN.
@Laura J: Good luck to Step on Saturday! I will try to watch it!
@Shari Volz: How wonderful that you are a monthly donor to Our Mims! And neat that you rode a rescued Thoroughbred-love the name “Armondo”! Hello, ROOM 215!
@Terry Crow: Love the stories. How traumatic about your mother’s jockey.
@Abigail from Montreal: love the idea of Z greeting cards! I’m going to check out the Moneighs that Margie mentioned.
@Christine Coleman: well said re: gaining insights into racing that most of us never get. I find it fascinating. And I love Z’s hyphenated name! Too funny!
@ The Kennedy’s: like your idea for a Preakness Party!
@ Judy Berube: I enjoy your posts-hugs to you!
@ Dawn Conrad: Sounds like you are going to a great place to get evaluated. Prayers and best wishes to you. Glad you are combining the trip with FUN STUFF! If you get to meet any of Team Z,tell them how much we love and appreciate all of them for us!
Well,I guess I have DEFINITELY become long-winded!
Terry Crow
@Lisa g–Ruffian was a special filly and deserves to be remembered. The filly who probably had the best chance to win the triple tiara in the recent past was Rachael Alexandra. However, her owner chose to run her in the Preakness after winning the Kentucky Oaks. @Susan in TN-You are a special person for your efforts to help horses.
Shari Voltz
@Susan in Tn I admire what you are doing with the horses. Keep telling us your stories. I look forward to your posts. I learned about Our Mims from Laura on this site. I feel like I am closer to the horses now.
@I wanted to say I found a great story about Seabiscut that I will read with my classes tomorrow in honor of the Preakness. It also talks about War Admiral and Man O’ War. I got the story off of one of my educational sites. It has a lot of history in it :)
judy berube
To Susan in Tn: I enjoy your posts as well. Hugs, JB
To Sue Fredrick: Sorry, I misunderstood. It will be fun to see if AK can continue for the Triple Crown on Saturday. Safe trips for all. Hugs, JB
To Laura J.: Thanks, was just curious. Safe trip and good racing luck to Step on Saturday. Hugs, JB
Sharon Call
@Susan in Tn. How about peeling a pear? Pears are soft without the skin. Z sure likes them.
Sharon Call
@Abigaill in Montreal and Susan in Tn. Love the idea of Christmas cards. Couldn’t you just see some of the pic’s of Z when she first got to LE and running in the snow, maybe with a little glitter sprinkled here and there? I’d sure buy them and I’ll bet there would be a lot of other people that would as well.