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
Marilu V
Hello Zeny! This photo is adorable. What are you chewing? I see green leaves. You sure look like you are contemplating about what Mr. Commons will need to do to win!
Good Luck to Mr. Commons. I pray for a safe and great race. Hope and pray all the horses will get to the finish line safe and sound! Hugs and Hugs, Marilu
Barb France
Hmmm, when I think, I sure don’t look as CUTE as you do…maybe I need to have a piece of grass in my mouth!!! Mr. Common’s has my vote along with MMM. Nehro is out but I just hope for a “clean” ride from everyone. Your post on P Val’s comment is interesting. Sometimes in life you need to make a split second decision and then hope for the best. Have fun the your charts and GOOD LUCK!
Susie
My pick is for Mucho Macho Man because of the back story of his “near-death” birth and his trainer’s fight for life with a new heart. I’m a sucker for emotional stories and that’s why I’m a lousy handicapper! Oh well.
Linda
I will pray for all of the Preakness entries to have a safe trip juat like I did for you in all of your races. How you came from behind time after time is amazing to me, but I believe that you had even another gear that we never saw. We will never know just how fast you really were. Have a good weekend Zenny!
Charlotte A. Farmer
Even though he has the outside post, I am rooting for Mr. Commons and your John.
Love you Zenyatta!
Sharon Call
@Zenyen, Audreyc, LisaG. It’s more than a little frustrating, this whole breeding,racing,tradition,money thing. It’s also something that’s not going to be changed anytime soon, more’s the pity. I knew that Man O’ War didn’t run in the Derby. Just day-dreaming here, but I wonder what would happen if no one entered a horse in the Derby because they believed it was run too early in the horses’ third year? I know that’s not going to happen but still, I wonder.
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@Dawn Conrad. Best of luck with your tests. You couldn’t be in a better place than Mayo. Please let us know how everything goes.
LauraJ
@Barbaro fans, Louise Castello mentioned this in her post above, but I thought I’d link to an article:
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/breeding-news/2011/05/19/la-ville-rouge-foals-fourth-full-brother-to-barbaro.aspx
Another boy! They bought a Dynaformer filly back in September at Keeneland, so I think they’ve given up on getting a girl.
Dmama
WOW… difficult to pick the winner. Your Mike is riding Astrology. Astrology is quite a looker, just like YOU. And he is related to your Bernie (same sire AP Indy). But I am thinking because of the distance it will be Shakleford. And hoping Mr. Commons does well also. Safe trip to all.
dunie
Zenny, when you ran, no study by the fans was necessary. What a Girl!
Savvy
Yes, interesting that Astrology with Mike Smith aboard will start from the Post 1 position and Mr. Commons the 14th. Mr. Commmons could be the first horse to win the Preakness from the 14th Post Position. Zenyatta, please share your picks with us. Love Ya, Miss Ya.
Lisa g
@Audreyc: Listened to the show. It was fasinating, I really agreed with her regarding Barbaro. Xcelent listen, she has many, many good points.
Hernan Tovar
My adorable Zenyatta, love this photo! Love you! Good luck to Mr. Commons, sending my prayers to you, Mr. Commons. Hey! Guys! Be kind to Mr. Commons, bet on him!!!!
Hugs, Ingrid.
Christine Coleman
Hi Zenny Moss-Shirreffs-“Mario”-Smith-Bernardini-Coleman! I sure wish I could sit with you and ‘cap some races! LOL I’m curious, do you place your wagers with an onine group such as Twinspires.com, (that’s who I use), or do you have a bookie? Where do you keep your money? Do you have a cigar box hidden somewhere in your stall? LOL Zenny, you are one of the joys of life to me big girl! You make me laugh so much! Enjoy and be happy…I hope your picks are all successful. Mr. Commons is mine no matter what. It’s a sentimental thing. Your John treated you so good, I must go with a horse trained by him. But I would go with a Barn 55 horse if it was on crutches! :)
Judy (Maass) Gadwood Adores Zenny (CA)
@ Robin S ~ I was speed reading again and misread your post: “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…” I thought your husband got you the Zenny statue – whoops! Well, both of you enjoy! :-)
Brooke (From Mrs.Voltz class)
Hello Zenyatta,Are class just got are Uncle Mo hats today!Now I have Secretairats horse nail,Your shrit and Uncle Mo hat!
Doreen
Thought this article might be of interest: http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/05/19/shirreffs-sees-mr-commons-as-ready.aspx. Good luck to and a safe trip for everyone on Saturday.
Mary
Beautiful picture Zenyatta.
You are deep in thought, I see. Lots to think about, wink, wink. Hugs and Prayers
judy berube
Dear Christine Coleman:
Love your name for Z and the last line of your post. Very funny. Hugs, Judy B.
Kimberly Potter
Hello Beautiful Zenyatta~ You are just TOO CUTE with snacks stuck in your teeth. Only YOU could get away with that and still be the most GORGEOUS girl ever!
@Peggy One~ I am in Montana too! You must be close to Billings as I know they have been getting lots of rain. I am in Helena and it has been nice all week, although a bit windy. Glad to know there is another Zenyatta-holic in Montana. :)
@The Kennedy’s~ I love your post today (as I always do) Sure wish I could come to your Preakness Party & feast my eyes on your Zenyatta Bronze….Enjoy your day!
Praying for ALL the horses and jockeys to come home safe and sound on Saturday!
Zenyatta’s #1 fan in Montana!
jeanie langford
Good luck to Mr. Commons, but look out for Mucho Macho Man. Wink Wink Hugs and Kisses.
Robin S
@Judy (Maass) – No problem! You are correct that I’m a lucky girl with a very nice and thoughtful man. :-) And we will both enjoy tremendously. I had the bronze delivered to my office so I’m enjoying it until I give it to him next week.
@DJ – I’m so glad that you too are enjoying your bronze and I agree that the other cutbacks are totally worth it!
@Dawn C – My thoughts are with you!
Take care everyone!
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, it is almost time for me to go home to my canine baby, Lucy. I will try to check in later tonight…I love this picture, you are everything…I love you…Lisag.
The Kennedys in San Diego
Just loving all the new photos of Zenyatta in recent posts — thank you.
Shannon From Cool
Is that a chaw of good ol’ Kentucky tobacco?
Amy K
Nice shot Z! The expression on your face and your mouth frozen mid-munchies, ” OMG, I forgot it’s Preakness in a couple days! I better check the PP’s and give John and Mr. Commons my assessment!” I would love to see Animal Kingdom defeat the naysayers and get the Crown. Still loving Shack and Mucho and with Mr Commons’ great works and trainer, our John, he will certainly be in my mix. Good trips for all, come home safe. BTW, what size TV do you have in your stall Z? Enjoy the races, enjoying what we love makes everyone feel better!
The Kennedys in San Diego
Thank you, Kimberly Potter, and you’re invited.
RuthG
Love this picture of you Zenny. You are awesome, but then you probably know that by now. Your family and your friends never get tired of seeing new pictures and videos of you. I have been watching videos of you on YouTue, racing videos and fan videos of you dancing and prancing. Gosh, I miss your excitement on the race track. There is only one ZENYATTA and I’m glad I discovered you have such great memories of your awesome power on the track. I am also so glad that you retired healthy and sound. Love you forever Z.
Barbara Wood
@Sharon Call– despite what Dr. Bramlage says, I tend to agree with you about racing the babies at 2. I’m glad OUR John didn”t do that with Zenny.
Dear Z– I’ve been so busy here trying to keep up with YOU that I’ve barely followed the other horses. Please pass along pertinent info. as you can. I’ll try to make more time for the Bloodhorse site, I promise. Love to you and everyone here.
Praying first and foremost for safe trips for all.
DJ
To the Kennedys:
Your celebration sounds wonderful…especially your centerpeice – the highlight. Just curious – what is a ‘black-eyed Susan?’
DJ
p.s. I have a good feeling about Mike on Astrology.. this will be exciting.