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
Helen
Surprisingly, no visitor to this site has mentioned how Zenyatta-esque Animal Kingdom’s dominant and powerful stretch drive was in the Kentucky Derby. It reminded me of Zenyatta in her youth, and gave me goosebumps.
Kathy Kimber
@ Dawn: Will keep you in prayers for good test results. Mayo Clinic is absolutely the best.
@Kennedys in San Diego: Gosh your Preakness party sounds wonderful if I lived in California I’d come knocking on your door. Have fun I’m sure you’ll have great company.
Janet Cutting
Hi Zenny–You pic today reminds me of myself with strawberry licorice twizzlers that I love –they help my concentration.
Kathy Kimber
As with everyone else I love the picture today Zeny. You have no bad side you are so lovely. Has your dear sweet John been to see you yet. Proably not quite yet but he will be and you give him lots of real slopery kisses and a big hug. He’ll take lots of pictures to share. I know he’ll give you an update on Mr. Commons. If he comes before the Preakness sent some of your Zenyatta luck back for Mr. C.
Love,and hugs.
rene hersey
Love these pics of you Ms. “Z” complete with the greens! Hope you’ll pose for a few more like this!
Molly
Zenyatta, did John have a chance to stop by while he was in Kentucky? During my Lexington trip, I plan to visit Adena Springs Farm to see Giacomo, if that’s possible. Hope you pick the winner in Saturdays race.
judy berube
Dear Max,
What you said is so true. Z is one of a kind. Young horses do need time to grown into their bones, as John often says of Z. Hope more trainers will follow his lead. Hugs, J.B.
Cindy from LA
@Sharon Call
Lots of great points about these breeding …… Etc
Issues.
judy berube
Max,
Sorry, meant “grow into their bones”. J.B.
Celeste
Beautiful photo! It does look like you are deep in thought, studying the information for the Preakness. My first thoughts on that race is a safe trip for all and while I am wishing Mr. Commons the best because of his wonderful trainer, I would dearly love to see Animal Kingdom win this race and go on to take the Triple Crown. Imagine what that would do for the sport! Of course, if Animal Kingdom cannot win, my next choices would be Mr. Commons, Shackleford or Mucho Macho Man. One of the reasons I became a fan of Shackleford is because his back side reminds me of our Queen – a very strong engine!
Max
@Cindy from LA. According to the news, Queen Elizabeth is scheduled to make a private visit to Coolmore Stud in Ireland on Friday. As we know, Coolmore owns Vertigineaux. If the Queen ever returns to Lane’s End, a visit to the famous Queen Zenyatta might be possible. However, as Z’s British fans will know, Queen Elizabeth II is not the Queen Mother. The Queen Mother passed away in 2002. She was a keen horse woman like her daughter.
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
Zenyatta, there hasn’t been one photo of you that I have seen of you that you don’t look absolutely gorgeous! And you look so happy and content! Hoping that Mr.Commons does well in the Preakness, keeping my fingers and toes crossed, while you cross your hooves dear girl. Love you lots and sending buckets of hugs your way!
Ellen Zachary
Good Luck, Ms. Z!! It’s nice to know you like to do a little handicapping , too!! Hope all is well with our beautiful Z and all your peeps!! How are those cute gals Dottie and Ann? Happy Preakness…
Max
@judy berube. It never ceases to amaze how beautiful Z is. I have only seen her on TV, in pictures and in videos. To those who have seen her in person either near or far, it must have been truly awesome. She is a super star.
J Smith
UK fans, Mike Smith is riding at Folkestone next Thurs.26th and u can meet him. While this is not a mecca of racing, there is a good article on why he is going. Will try to post link, if not here, you can find on Mikes fb. To be part of the meet & greet in a special area of race course, go to Mikes fb, Mike Smith jockey, and scroll down to relevant post to sign up. Let us know if you go, and tell him to bring me back some PG Tips!
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/05/19/uk-horse-racing-smith-idUKTRE74I47T20110519
Guido
As great as you are Z, post position was never a challenge for you!
Sug Gragg
Hi Zenny,
I’ll be pulling for Mr. Commons on Saturday. But, I’d really like to see a Triple Crown challenge this year. So, I likd Animal Kingdom, too. Since you’re not racing, we need another to give us that spark of excitement on the track. Wish we were still watching you mesmerize the crowds. Love the picture, you’re so noble.
Cynthia H.
Excuse me, Zenyatta, but your salad is showing. What an endearing photo. I cannot help but wonder what made you stop in mid-chomp–was it the sight of a camera? You always did know how to strike just the right pose, and seemed to love hearing all of the camera chatter whenever you appeared on the scene. You are looking extra-magnificent these days (wink-wink)!
Fingers, toes, and every available appendage is crossed for Mr. Commons in the Preakness on Saturday. Post 14 is a tough assignment at this particular racetrack. Everyone was hoping that he would draw a much more favorable position. But, just as in life, sometimes we have to deal with extra issues to reach our goals. We wish him and all of the other horses a safe journey, and hope that at the end, Mr. Commons will be rewarded with a blanket of black-eyed susans!
(Maybe you will be receiving a VIP guest in the next few days!)
Sally (B)
I just love your face whether you have your thinking cap on or not. You are so cute!! (actually stunningly beautiful)
I do believe the luck of the draw does play a big part when there are 14–to 20 horses. I wish Mr. Commons his best race ever, but I will be happy when all cross the finish safe. When one thinks of all the things involved on the race track Z, you were a gift to us fans for a lifetime for sure and most importantly, your team made sure you’d be ready to avoid any possible injury! I thank God for my experiences with you and the true love for my racing horse and all those who love you!! I still want to give you a kiss on your soft nose!! love,
WILD HORSES
You, my dear, are a true live BEAUTY QUEEN!
I wanted everyone to know that along with Frankel, Master of Hounds and Canford Cliffs, the illustrious GOLDIKOVA is running that day too at Royal Ascot. Tues June 14. I can’t wait to see her 2011 debut, but she’s in tough against Canford Cliffs. What a great week of racing that will be. I can’t choose one for the Preakness, so I’ll have to pull for AK. Astrology and Mr. Commons may have too much to do. Have a great day Big Z! Lori
Maria K.
What a lovely picture. You look so beautiful Queen Z. Good luck to all horses running in the Preakness stakes. I wish everyone a safe trip. Hugs and Kisses!
DJ
Sharon C.
………………….
Thank you! They are absolutely beautiful. The MD State Flower. I thought it might be a cocktail!! TOO FUNNY :) I would not know..I grow roses.
DJ
Thank you too Eveline..I was reading from the bottom up. I was hoping for another great recipe like the Mint Juliep :) but was wondering what the black-eyed part would be, unless it gave you one! (smile)………………………..
p.s. Animal Kingdom is going to be a tough customer!
Kate Wheeler
What a great picture Zenyatta! Is that the back end of a carrot hanging ever so delicately from your lips. You are an example for us all in so many ways. Eat vegetables everyone! Just like Queen Z! Good luck to all the Preakness horses. May they all run swift and safe.
Leslie
Z, didn’t your mother teach you not to talk with your mouth full?! lol! You look gorgeous as usual, even doing that! :-) Thanks for all your posts!
audreyc
@Lisa G, Zenyen, Sharon Call, Max, and others who also mentioned breeding. The woman who did the, actually 2 hour long discussion (on the link I posted earlier) is Ellen Parker – a renowned pedigree consultant & analyst in Kentucky, with something like 40 years experience. Her explanation of too much inbreeding, no fresh blood left, breeding for the sales barn,etc., etc. was extremely profound. I also loved her several mentions of dear Zenyatta – how she was, like a very few, the exception to the rule in today’s breeding; a magnificent specimen of a great racehorse, and how the whole team Z, with consideration to caring, training, attention to the horse as an individual – was the standard by which all of racing should subscribe….
She also mentioned liking German bloodlines, and I wonder if the “pedigree annie” post on Steve Haskin’s blog that Max mentioned, was in fact Ellen Parker. FYI – She has a website – http://www.reines-de-course.com – tons of info.
smkw
@Max, you are absolutely right. We may not see the likes of Zenny again in our lifetimes. She is just that spectacular.
judy berube
Dear Mas,
I have never seen her either. How I wish we can some day. She is so wonderful. Hugs, J.B.
Tracey - Ottawa, ON Canada
Oh you are so cute Zenyatta!! If there is anyone who knows what should be done is you!! I am sure Mr.Commons will do just fine!!
judy berube
To MAX: This is getting silly. I did it again. Sorry.
To Z Fans,
Thank you for all the interesting links. I love reading all of them. Hugs, J.B.