Hello Everyone!
Well, they had the Preakness draw yesterday and my dear friend, MR. COMMONS, drew post #14. YIKES! He is way on the outside. He will really need to go over the charts and past performances of the other horses with JOHN to be sure he has a good strategy from that post.
I know the other camps will be doing the same. Animal Kingdom drew the 11 post which they felt was quite nice for him. The speed horses also drew well. It is amazing…but a good post can be a great advantage. It allows you to run your race and not have to compromise your style of running to get into the position you want.
Let’s hope for a fabulous race, great weather, and a terrific day of racing!
John commented that it was warmer in Maryland when he arrived this afternoon than Kentucky, where he was earlier in the day! They have also had some rain, but none is expected on Preakness Day! Hooves crossed!
I never raced at Pimlico, but GIACOMO did! He ran a very nice 3rd in the Preakness.
Oh, I see Charles over by the fence. I want to ask him about his selections for the Preakness. I think I’d better put on my thinking cap…study the charts…and ask the guys here at the farm what they think. It is so much fun!
We’ll keep you posted.
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Peggy One
Maybe Animal Kingdom has a good chance from there……it’s been a long, long time since i sat on the floor, made my kids be quiet and watched Secretariat in his Preakness!
Peggy One
I know Mr Commons will run his best race,and I hope for a safe and uneventful trip for everyone. It’s cloudy and rainy in Montana this morning! like Pimlico
Beth Dempsey
Love you Zenyatta! Have you a boyfriend yet? I applaud your owners for being so wonderful in not ‘overusing’ you. Now your real life can begin and you can be a mommy to lots of gorgeous babies with royal bloodlines just like you. I can’t wait.
Bridge
Hi Z… I think Shackleford has a very big powerful butt compared to the others. He looks like he could kick in real fast if he’s paced right. Every time I pick horses to win, they come in last!!!!! Ha ha!!!Except you of course sweetie!!!!! xox!!!
Wishing all of the horses a safe, happy, and fun ride on Sat!!!!! I think Mr C. just might surprise everyone. He looks very smart! I think he has a built in thinking cap!!!! Good luck everyone!!!
Especially Mr C!!!!!!
Shari Voltz
Zenyatta you have the most BEAUTIFUL face. I never get tired of looking at you :) Love you :)
Barbara
That is so cute! Im rooting for Shackleford and Mr.Commons! A safe race for all the athletes! Thank ou for this adorable diary! :)
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, that beautiful face of yours, omgoodness, eating with your thinking cap on. Mattea did a great job with this photo. You are beautiful.
Read about Mr. Commons post, not worried, like you said Your John will have a plan.
I know not much is said about FlashPoint, but he sure is a beautiful colt. Hope you have your choice soon…Love you, Big Girl..Lisa g.
Cheryl Smith
Cute picture! How is the weather in Kentucky? Hope it is nice for you. I have my pick for the preakness, but gonna keep it to myself for the time being. We sure do miss watching you race, you always made it exciting! Good luck to ALL the HORSES in the Preakness, may they each have a safe trip!
You enjoy yourself pretty one! We love you!
Harriett Vaughn
Let us know what you come up with as far as Preakness horses. You have a unique point of view, which is always appreciated. I have no idea what is going to happen in this race.
Roxi Cook
What a beautiful photo! Would love for Mr Commons to shock everyone and come away with a big win! But I also like Shackleford and Mucho Macho Man too. And you always have to watch out for Garrett Gomez who will be on Sway Away. Again, it’s anyone’s race. Don’t think this year’s 3 year olds are strong enough to warrant a Triple Crown Winner. Mike Smith is going to have a tough go of it with Astrology, who has never won a race, in post position 1.
Sarah Powell
Maybe you can send him some strategies, big girl – you had to come to the outside once or twice – but then again you had a seemingly unlimited “gear box”! Oh how you could run! Pulling for Mr. Commons and praying for a safe race for all. (thanks Dottie)
Roberta Smith
Cute pic Zenyatta! Love that you were nibbling and talking at the same time! HA! Also, love your “perky” ears! You are such a pretty girl! I’m hoping Dialed In will do well at the Preakness – he’s coming out of Post 2….good luck to all! I love you Zenyatta!
Max
Zenyatta: You are getting more beautiful each day. What a great photo! Here is some info to help you with your studies. There is a bit on Mr. Commons and on Mike Smith.
http://www.drf.com/news/preakness-astrology-tops-cast-nine-new-shooters
Rosemary McCauley
Beautiful photo of you, as usual. Thanks to Dottie for translating your thoughts to us. Good luck and safe trip to Mr. Commons!
Alexandra Bowdoin
I also love to look at your face, grass sticking out the side…too cute! Go Mr Commons and Mucho Macho Man. The story of his trainer is amazing, Kathy Ritvo and her heart transplant…She is from Boston!! Have fun playing with your gal pals in the paddock.
Trisha Veazey
What a beauty you are. You are more than gorgeous. Wishing Mr. Commons a great race but most of all a safe one with out any injuries, and to all the entries a very safe run.
Can’t wait to hear what Charles and the group think.
Love, hugs and kisses
Stella Bagwell
Dearest Queen,
I, too, am hoping for good weather for the Preakness—this race is always so exciting! I’m cheering for Mr. Commons all the way. I’m confident that John will have him in top condition and I know you’l be sending him all your good thoughts and well wishes. Wouldn’t it be lovely to see your old barn mate wearing the blanket of black eyed susans? Yippee!
Happy Thursday!
Love and hugs,
Stel
Kathy B.
I never know who to bet on these days. I’m planning to go to Hollywood Park for the Preakness and just have a good time….let the wagering begin! Good luck to everyone on Saturday!
Judy Barnes
When I was training I always loved an outside post especially with a closer. Not sure what Mr. Commons running style is but hopefully the post position will suit him. I wish Good Luck to your friend and a safe race for all.
audreyc
What a great pic! Zenyatta’s face is gorgeous, as always – and she looks like she has already put her thinking cap on. I especially love the blade of grass, or hay, sticking out the side of her mouth – too endearing! Steve Haskins remarked on how well Animal Kingdom is looking, and doing. It has been so very long since a triple crown. However, I don’t think this is likely. Safe trip, first of all, for all of the horses & jockeys – in every race that day. My affections lie, as they did in the Derby, with Mucho Macho Man…
sherry drish
REAL NICE PHOTO GIRL FRIEND. WHAT JOHN SAID ABOUT THE WEATHER IS SO TRUE. COMING HOME MONDAY EVENING, IT WAS RAINING IN A TOWN SIX MILES FROM MY HOME. WHEN I GOT HOME NO RAIN. A COUPLE OF MINUTES A DOWN POUR. IT HAS RAINED EVERYDAY FOR SEVEN DAYS. UGH. HOPE THE DAY IS DRY FOR THE BIG RACE. GOOD LUCK. LOVE TO ALL, SHERRY D. WV.
victoria racimo
Was at the Derby Z, and it was fabulous! meet Jerry Moss and Dottie and even had my picture taken with them. Said hello to Zazu but none of it will ever feel the same without you warming up on the backside.
Miss you sooooooo. have a good day comparing notes.
Gloria Jeanne
Zenny- you are too cute!!! Love it!!
victoria racimo
PS I kove today’s foto — what is the white piece coming out of the left side of your mouth? You don’t have your white nose roll on so where is that white coming from?
Helen
Zenya, tell your buddy Mr. Commons to keep his wits about him leaving that outside post, and to not freakout and head for the granstand like Dublin did last year.
Sharon in Seattle
I hope all the horses come across the finish line safe and sound!!
Debbie
hi Z! I love the photo of you munching, you’re so beautiful! I’m looking forward to the Black Eyed Susan and Preakness, just praying all are safe and sound! I will root for Mr. Commons for you;) xoxoxo
Katie Clawson
Lets hope for a great race Saturday! May all the horses run their best race and be safe!
Have fun studying Zenny :)
Love, Katie(future jockey)
Robin S
Hi Queen Z! Your bronze just arrived literally minutes ago. I’m shaking and crying because you are so beautiful and Nina did such a great job. “You” are an anniversary present to my husband and I know he will have the same reaction as me. Our anniversary is next week and it’s going to be so hard to keep this beautiful secret until then! This will be an anniversary to remember…thank you for being so wonderful and thank you to all your team!
@ Nina- Thank you for such amazing work!
Love to all!
Sharon Call
@Victoria Racimo. Don’t forget, photos are reversed so that’s the right side of her mouth. It’s tasty KY blue grass.
——————————————
@LisaG. Regards post 251, I have the same concerns about MMM. He’s so young to race like this. Remember Rags to Riches winning the Belmont? In her very next race, she sustained a fracture to one front leg and had to be retired.
——————————————
@Zenyen. Re: post 251. Thanks for the info. I didn’t realize that Lasix masks other drugs. You’re probably right about banning drugs, but I can’t help but think that this is a multi-dimensional thing. I just wonder if there is one solution. Think about all of the horses that never make the news that have injuries. The ones we hear of aren’t even a drop in the bucket. I keep going back to racing at 2 years old and breeding for sales instead of sound, health bodies through the bloodlines. Just my thoughts on it – certainly not an expert.