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
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, I just keep coming back and doing a Z Stare at this picture…how beautiful you are, and with the grass, I mean it is jus TOO CUTE, your ears perked and eyes..you really do have your thinking cap on. I just have to look over and over again. I love YOU.
Barbara C
Ms Z I’m with you, review everything and then guess :) No, actually you are right, this is going to be a very exciting ract, we have a little speed in this race and we have a couple of horses that I believe are coming into their own (you know when that switch goes off and you realize what you’re supposed to be doing). I have a few favorites, but I’ve been watching Mr. Commons his last races, we’ll see how it all plays out. I’m so happy that you’re still so involved in racing, little different from this side, isn’t it. I’ll be going to the Belmont so this race will be important, wish you were there. Love you Z and thank you Dottie for all your participation. :0
Lisa g
@Sharon Call: O, yes, I do remember, yes. She was another great one.
Patti in Carlsbad
POST 14????
ZENYATTA, WE ALL MUST PUT ON OUR POSITIVE THINKING CAPS AND SEND WINNING VIBS TO MR. COMMONS. I’M SURE HE WILL SURPRISE US ALL. THE HANDICAPPERS ARE ALL OVER THE FAVORITES BUT DO THEY REMEMBER YOUR DEAR BUDDY, GIACOMO? DIDN’T HE WIN THE DERBY AT 50-1???? JOHN KNOWS HOW TO TRAIN. JOHN KNOWS WHERE AND WHEN TO RUN HIS HORSES. JOHN KNOWS MR. COMMONS IS READY TO ROLL. SO, I SAY LET HIM AT 20-1 AND I’LL GET RICH :)
THIS IS A TOO CUTE PHOTO OF YOU TODAY…LOVE IT…AND YOU :) :)
judy berube
Dear Z,
You look great munching on a carrot? It will be a challenge for Mr. Commons coming out of 14, but we hope for the best. We think AK can do it, but we root for Mr. C. Wishing safe trips for all. Love you and love to all of you. Judy and Russ
PS: Dottie thank you for the photos and the Diary posts. We look so forward to them.
judy berube
Dear Z and Z Fans,
Z, my print of you (Diary Post #216) by John Kaiser just arrived in the mail. It is 8.5 x 11 and is gorgeous. I’m hanging it on the wall right above my computer monitor so it’s right in my line of vision all the time. Love you. J. B.
The Kennedys in San Diego
We must admit we laughed out loud on reading this post. Post 14 –YIKES!, you with your thinking cap studying the past performances and John discussing the racing strategy with Mr.Commons.
We are hosting a Preakness Party with the traditional Black-Eyed Susans and crab cakes. We will all be rooting for Mr. Commons. It would be great to have the Preakness winner in Barn 55.
We plan to have two horseshoe shaped arrangements covered with Black-Eyed Susans and the centerpiece — you guessed it– our ZENYATTA BRONZE.
Allen
You sure do look serious. Great picture. Did John Come to see you while he was in Ky.? I hope all the horses and jockeys in the Preakness have a save trip. Have a great day Z.
Zenyen
@Sharon Call
Oh I agree, there is no single magical bullet. Horses are being bred for the sales ring, then the investors at the sales ring want a quick return on their investment so they run them fast and young. Medication is used to mask ‘growing pains’ if you will as well as other ailments to let the babies run. Young horses are finished in their careers at age 4, retired to stud with a string of ‘big’ races in their resume and the whole cycle starts all over again. Its all driven by the dollar, top to bottom and ‘tradition’ (such as when we run the 3 year old classics) hasn’t caught up with the more fragile Thoroughbred.
Sheri
Good luck to everyone in the Preakness!!!!! Love you Zenny!!! :D
Louise Castello
Looking beautiful as usual. I just saw another full brother to Barbaro was born yesterday. I love those boys almost as much as you. (okay, not really close!) but they are stunning to look at. Love you gorgeous girl! Bless you as always.
DJ
Dearest Sweet “Z,”
How do you keep getting cuter and cuter?! You can even chew with your mouth open and it’s TOO CUTE! We love you “Z!”
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Robin S. Congratulations on your gorgeous Bronzatta. I have her on my desk next to my computer and have to spin her around a few times a day to appreciate all her beauty. She looks just as amazing from the South end as the North! Nina did get her famous rump just right as “her” John said :) And her sweet ears and strong chin are just perfect. I think of her “Z” family and loving friends here on this post when I look at her. She is always pointing to just one more Good thing to do!
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Dawn C. I am sending prayers your way and also well wishes for a fun-filled trip in Ca.! The weather should be evened out by then with blue skies and warm afternoons to enjoy! Blessings to You…
Kathy Kimber
Dear Zeny, I pray for a safe trip for all horses and jockeys in the Preakness. I think Mr. Commons will be up there close on. I hope he wins. I also like Astrology and Mucho Macho Man. Best of luck to all. You are beautiful Zeny thanks for you thoughts. Keep us posted.
Hugs
jane
Zenny,
Hi Big Mare!
I know you want Mr Commons to win, as he’s a friend; and I like John, he’s a great trainer. But we need a TC winner, so I’m praying for AK.
BTW, very nice pic, but you have something in your teeth! ;)
Luva yoo, Big Mama!!! <3
Jan
“I’m ready for my close up Mr. DeMille” :)
Hope all goes well on Saturday, and good luck to all the fabulous horses and jockey’s. You look marvelous Ms. Z.
audreyc
There is an interesting discussion regarding breeding, impact of female bloodlines, and speculation as to why there may never be another triple crown winner on blog talk radio. This can be accessed by going to http://www.manesandtailsorganization.org. It is about an hour long – but fascinating.
I concur with all of the comments on post 251 regarding jockeys, and their unbelievable task, athletecism, etc. There are articles that have stated that, pound for pound, the jockey is the greatest athlete of all, on top of which they don’t have a fraction of a second in which to make decisions.
@Bridge – from yesterday – I totally know what you mean about a nice, controlled canter. When I feel heightened energy coil up underneath me when cantering Emma, or if she does a quick acceleration with little to no warning – I get scared, too. That is the time to circle her, and get her back quickly. However, I can imagine the rush the jockeys get…..
Judy (Maass) Gadwood Adores Zenny (CA)
Happy Thursday Zenny!!!
Okay, when it comes to picking a horse, I always have to look at “your” John’s horses ;-) and of course, Mikey’s horse! Having said (written) that, I have to admit I’m smitten with the young boy: MUCHO MACHO MAN. This is such a heart warming story! He won’t be 3 yrs old until June 15! He’s had to come a long way.
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God bless all the horses!
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Us Zen freaks are awaiting another video of you, Zen! :-) and the Z pin!!!
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@ Robin S ~ You lucky, lucky girl! Your hubby is a very nice and thoughtful man!!!
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HUGS & KISSES MY QUEEN XOXOXOXOXOXO
judy berube
To Max:
Thanks for the link on Preakness contenders. Hugs, Judy B.
Sue Noel
Oh Zenny–this picture is priceless!!! I love it!!
Am getting SO excited for the Preakness–there are so many horses I’m interested in in this one. Of course,Mr. Commons is my favorite,but,it would be fun to have a Triple Crown winner,and I love MMM,s story–and then,Mike is on Astrology—S-o-o-o-o it is hard!! Mostly,I just want everyone to come home safe and sound and for the jockeys to have a good ride!!! I felt so sorry for Jon Court–finally getting to ride in the Derby (wasn’t it wonderful to see his face on TV when they were playing “My Old Kentucky Home”?? I cried SO hard!)–and then to have his horse get hurt and to have his saddle loosen up. SO sad!!
@Dawn Conrad–I’m holding you in my thoughts and prayers!! Hope all goes well in Scottsdale!!Am so glad you are making the trip an adventure as well–know you will be thrilled to see Barn 55!!!!Hooves crossed!!!!
Zenny,hope it’s a beautiful day back there and that you have the sun on your back and a soft breeze to ruffle your mane!! Say “Hi” to PQ and the rest of the girls for me!!LOVE YOU!!!!!
Judy (Maass) Gadwood Adores Zenny (CA)
p.s. I forgot the most important thing ~ you are TOO CUTE with that green hanging out of your mouth LOL We would be embarrassed with that in our teeth, but with you it’s adorable!!!
Cathy Marshall
Zenny, are you going to watch the Preakness with your pasture gals? At least you have plenty of figure, friendly food to munch on! Go Mr.Commons!
Lisa g
@udreyc: Just got back from Manes and Tails…Man O War’s owner did not enter him in the KY Derby as the thought the race to long for a 3 year old…hum.
Dolores Pshsnychniak
I love your “thinking cap” expression in this photo! Beautiful Zenyatta!
J Smith
Good Luck to Mr Commons and safe trip to all. Frankel (the UK horse) will be in a race with Master Of The Hounds (IRE) who did very well to come in 5th in the Derby. If I’d just arrived form the UK a few days before, I’d still have jet lag, never mind running a mile and a 1/4 in 2 mins! Their race will be during the Royal Ascot meet. Not sure what day, will let u know if I find out.
@Dawn Conrad, I saw on yesterdays post that u may come to SoCal, & someone else suggested getting together. Would u let me know if that happens, I’d love to meet everyone. Leave me a message on fb as I don’t always read the posts here. Jillian Smith. U’ll know it’s my page from the 100’s of horses on the profile page! Thnx.
Sandra B.
I loved your photo today as always. You look beautiful. Keep them coming!
Linda Deutsch
Also hoping that Mike Smith on “Astrology” has a good trip. Let’s hope it’s a great and safe race.
suew
Zenny…if there was a cuter face on the planet I’ve never seen it. You are one stunner, for sure! I’m thinking your John has done everything A-OK to prepare Mr.Commons for this race. He’ll do fine…the most important thing is for him to cross the finish line safe and sound, just as you always did.
You do look like a horse deep in thought, even if you have a snack hanging out of your mouth…it’s all TOO CUTE!
Safe travels to Md. to Don, Dottie and the rest of your Z team.
suew
Opps…I hit the keys too fast. Don should be your John…
tony
Zenny…you sure are quite a looker even with lunch hanging out of you mouth.
Go, Mr. Commons…no doubt John will have him well prepared.
judy berube
To Laura J and Sharon Call:
Left you messages on Post #251. Hugs, Judy B.