Dear Friends,
It is almost time for this year’s Third Jewel of the Triple Crown. On Saturday, the Belmont will run in New York. I’ve heard that it is very warm there right now…but it is supposed to rain and cool off by the weekend. As a matter of fact, they DID cancel racing in NY today due to the heat! Let’s hope the weather really cooperates for a fabulous Belmont and a wonderful weekend of racing!
Belmont Park Race Course is a huge track. It is actually a mile and one-half racing oval. It is also a track that has a nickname…THE BIG SANDY….due to the surface. From everything I’ve heard, the total environment is very pretty and the barn area has lots of trees and grass for grazing. Sounds terrific to ME!
Yesterday, they had the post-position draw. Twelve horses entered the race with the Derby Winner, Animal Kingdom, drawing post 9….and the Preakness Winner, Shackleford, getting the outside draw. Right in the middle, in post 6, is Nehro. He finished 2nd in the Derby and skipped the Preakness to prepare for this race. His rider is Corey Nakatani, who we know as he also rides my pal, CLOUD MAN, whenever he runs! A few other horses who ran in the Derby are also entered….so it should be a terrific Belmont! Good Luck to All!
In 2007, MY TEAM ran my barn mate, TIAGO, in the Belmont. From what I’ve heard, they had a wonderful time in NY. Tiago ran 3rd in the race which was won by Rags to Riches in a close photo beating Curlin. Hard Spun was 4th. It really was a strong field and a very exciting race.
At that time, they had the DETENTION BARN in New York. Every horse had to go to this special area 6 hours before running. The staff from each barn would accompany their horse and sit there pre-race with their entrant. As I understand it, they have now eliminated this procedure.
In his files, John had a photo of TIAGO in the DETENTION BARN. He is looking about, checking everything out, and getting acclimated to this new stall. Tiago was post 2….and in the stall directly to his right in this picture is Curlin. All horses would get ready for their race here…and then go directly to the paddock. It was truly a very BUSY place, for sure.
John also had a cute photo of Tiago getting a bath after a morning of exercise during his time at Belmont Park. You can see a bit more of the lovely barn area in this picture! Oh, I see my friends Frank and Frankie with him! They look TOO CUTE!
I wonder who will win the Belmont this year? Have fun handicapping the race!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Kathy Kimber
@Terry Crow oh my gosh you were so fortunate to see that race of Silky’s he was a beauty. I so remember that derby he didn’t fire and who knows why it would have been something if he had. I still loved him. Do you know where he is buried? Thanks for you info. Hugs
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi Zenyatta. Got stranded in Chicago yesterday and had to postpone plans and return home. Weather was terrible. So good to read your diary. I just love Tiago – he is so handsome. Looking so forward to this year’s Belmont Stakes. Should be an awesome race. I just hope the weather holds up so the best horse can win. Loved all of the pics of Tiago. I remember him in the Classic at Monmouth Park Race Track. The weather that year was terrible, rained the entire week. What a shame. Monmouth worked so hard to make the track so beautiful. Would love to see another Breeder’s Cup there. Stay comfortable, eat well for two, and have loads of fun with your BBFs. Love you, Angel in Disguise.
Terry Crow
@Anna Wiley–Glad to see that your interest in horse racing has not waned. The sport needs all of the young fans it can get. As for the Belmont, Shackleford could lead all the way, but he isn’t bred to get the distance. My choice, Santiva, is by Giant’s Causeway, which indicates that he can, but you never know. The most logical horse is Animal Kingdom.
AJ from CA
@Dona – thanks for sharing some of Silky’s history and although I wasn’t aware of the bloodhorse blog battle going on about the Queen I’m sure you and others stood up for Team Z and thank you for that! I’ll bet that BH writer is a male “good ol’ boy’s club” kind of guy from the east coast (although there’s nothing wrong with that.)
Karen
Wonderful bit about you on NPR’s Fresh Air! Caught me by surprise, brought tears to my eyes and a big goofy smile. Still love you muchly!
Barbara Grimaldi
Zenny, have someone bet some carrots for you on the daily double Nehro and Santiva–big money!!!!!!!! My favorite horse Shackleford is shackled with the outside post and has given his all in two great races in the past 5 weeks…if he has the stamina to win again, I hope he fathers a foal by you!!!! Tiago is also a beautiful horse! Love you, Zenny!!!!
Karen Gogue
@Kathy Kimber
Silky is sleeping under the tote board at Golden Gate Fields – Northern California. He was my Dad’s favorite all time too, until Native Diver stole our hearts. I was too little to see him race – Dad didn’t take us kids to the track until “Divers” day. I would love to have seen him!
judy berube
Happy Friday Z,
Thinking of you and hoping you’re enjoying the outdoors in the bluegrass. Love you lots and love to all of you, Judy and Russ
To Terry Crow:
I think it was the #3 horse, Fleet Dreams, that he played after he asked everyone who they liked and threw out their choices. As for Silky S., I couldn’t believe he made up that kind of ground in a sprint (6 1/2 Furlongs). Hugs, J.B.
To Kathy Kimber:
What a thrill for you to be at Belmont for Rags to Rich’s win. She had “Girl Power”. Hugs, J.B.
To Dona:
I have not seen the Bloodhorse Blog or read the negative comments about Z. But, as far as I’m concerned; Zenyatta is unequaled. Until a horse comes along and does what she did, she is and (to me) always will be the Very Best – Better Than All The Rest (to borrow a line from Tina). Hugs, J.B.
Karen
It was NPR’s ‘The Story’, not Fresh Air.
Karen
Dona, I know which one you’re talking about and I don’t read his either.
judy berube
To Susan in Tn:
Looking forward to you’re updates on the Sweeties. Hugs, J.B.
Karen Gogue
@Terry Crow
I will post a great photo of Native Diver on Zenny’s Facebook Page for you. A story goes along with it for later. Thank you!
Barbara Wood
@Dona–I also know who you’re talking about on Bloodhorse, and I don’t fool with his writings either. Too closed-minded for words.
Karen Gogue
Zenny, thank you for allowing us to relive old-time memories and the HORSES we loved. I know it should be about you dear lovely one – but somehow I know you love to hear about all horses and history. Thank you my (ours) horse of my Zennyland of dreams!
Doreen
Here’s a “cute little” article about an equine friend of Mucho Macho Man. She is currently at Belmont Park. http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2011/06/10/mucho-macho-man-friend.aspx
Terry Crow
@Kathy Kimber-Karen Gogue is quite correct about Silky. I always wondered why he is there, but I am glad that he is in a safe place. That race you are referring to was quite an exhibition. When he won the Santa Anita Derby he came from behind, but not as far as he usually did.@Judy Berube–When the movie was originally made, the name of that horse was Fleet Treat. They tried to redub everything that was Fleet Treat to Fleet Dreams, but if you listen carefully during the scene in the jockey club when Ms. Tilly is cheering along with Trotter you can pick up on it. The reason for all of this is because there actually was a horse named Fleet Treat and they had to change the original name after it was filmed.@Judy (Maass) Gadwood–Interesting poll but could be skewed by some voters downgrading other horses. Laura J has a point.@Laura J–We are all fans of Zenyatta but Kincsem’s record cannot be denied. She beat every horse that ever lined up against her. For her to be ranked 144th in the aforementioned poll is ridiculous. Ditto Goldikova at 17 and Silver Spoon at 71.
Kathy Kimber
@Karen G. Thanks for the info on Silky that is what I was thinking but wasn’t sure I was in college when he ran. Zeny you would have liked him I think he had a sense of humor.
I remember those horrible blogs about our beautiful Zeny. The Good old boys just didn’t want to give ground but we all waited and stood tall and just look at her now. You ate the one and only Zenyatta.
Besides the awards just keep on coming. If they don’t want to take a knee to the Queen that is just fine we all know who the true champion is.
Kathy Kimber
Sorry for the typos my fingers fly faster than my thoughts sometimes. We love you Zeny and you are the greatest
judy berube
To Doreen:
Thanks for the Link on Roxy. I had read about her before and her friendship with MMM. As Dottie would say, TOO CUTE. Hugs, J.B.
Sarah Skeeters
Mucho Macho Man is going to take 1st tomorrow! :)
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, What a wonderful post. Tiago is such a beautiful TB. Tell Your Dear John Thanks for the photos & Dottie for posting them. I can’t wait! The Beltmont! I always think of Secretariat! What a finish! You & He are the 2 Great Wonders of Racing!!! Happy Birthday Dottie! Sending Hugs & Kisses With Love From Alabama, Amanda G.
jockey sinuhe levi
as the Belmont will be incredible luck to all!
Paul
The weather in New York State was pretty crazy for the Belmont race. Hot weather, heavy rain, whatever mother nature had up her sleeve. The race happened without a hitch, however, even though none of the expected horses won. Ruler on Ice, who was considered a long shot, did. I never would have guessed this outcome. This is the kind of stuff you can’t make up.