HAPPY BELMONT DAY!
Today is such a fun day of racing! There are so many quality races taking place around the country this afternoon headed by the 143rd running of the BELMONT.
From all reports, it is still rainy and wet in New York. It is supposed to rain until early afternoon and then level off to a 40-50% chance of rain until early evening. The track surface, both turf and dirt, at this time is listed as ‘good’. Of course, all of this can change at any moment….weather being weather! Let’s hope all is comfortable for everyone!
The Belmont Stakes runs at approximately 6:35 East Coast Time. The horses usually leave the barn area to walk to the paddock about 30 minutes or so prior to post time. Thus, today’s 12 entrants will be leaving their stalls around 6ish and head to the paddock for the race. It is such an exciting time for everyone! Just imagine, you are participating in a TRIPLE CROWN RACE. Then, the ANTICIPATION of the race and how it will develop is so much fun. Racing is so EXCITING! My best wishes to ALL 12 of today’s Belmont starters. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
I’m thinking I will sit back, relax, and enjoy watching all of the great races today. In looking over the entries, I see ZAZU’S friend, Turbulent Descent, is running in the ACORN today at 2:34 NY TIME. Then at 5:39, my dear friend, Gio Ponti, is running in the Manhattan Stakes for the 3rd year in a row! I have such great memories of running with Gio Ponti in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic. What a guy! I really want to wish him well.
If you are not going to the race track today, these events…and many other races…will be on television. I know MY TEAM at Barn 55 and my friends at Lane’s End will be checking in on the updates, races and results all afternoon.
HRTV and TVG will be showing many of the day’s activities. Then a channel named VERSUS will be showing several of the stakes starting at 2 eastern time. At 5, the programing switches to NBC for the balance of the NY Stakes and the Belmont.
VERSUS is a relatively new channel that is going to carry quite a few races today and in the future. On your computer, if you go to NBCSPORTS, then click on TV LISTINGS, they will provide you with the TV schedules for today. If you put in your zip code, they will tell you the exact channels you need to go to in order to find the races you want to see on both VERSUS and NBC. This is really good to know. We have DISH and now we know exactly what channel to program in so we are ALL SET and READY TO WATCH GREAT RACING!
Which horses do you think will win today? Have fun handicapping!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Terry Crow
@Shari Voltz-Good handicapping. It is nice to cash a ticket once in a while. @Susan in TN–Keep us informed about Lou. He has a lot of friends on this site. @J Smith-Who didn’t have a single horse in the money? Me. @Judy Berube-I wasn’t walking around lucky.
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny: I had a great day yesterday at The Belmont. I got there early. As I was walking in the building, I came upon Mrs. Chenery on her way out. I was so shocked to see her. What a lovely and gracious lady she is. She let me take her picture. Later in the day, I purchased the picture of You and Secretariat: “Racing Royalty,” and had it signed by Ron Turcotte . Now I hope one day I will have the opportunity to also have it signed by Mike Smith. Wouldn’t that be something!
As far as the race, I was hoping either Animal Kingdom or Shackleford would win. Yes, I was very disappointed. My thoughts are this, since The Belmont is one of the Triple Crown races, ONLY those horses that have race in one or both of the 2 previous races (the Kentucky Derby and/or the Preakness) should be allowed to enter The Belmont Stakes. There may not be a Triple Crown winner anyway, but at least it would be fair to the horses that ran in the 2 previous races. Why should a horse that is fresh be allowed to enter The Belmont and compete with the other horses that only had a couple of weeks rest between the first 2 races. That just doesn’t seem fair to me. I heard from someone yesterday that is why The Belmont is known as the “Spoiler.”
Anyways it was a fun day. In fact on my way out, I saw the “Mike Repole family.” They were very happy with Stay Thirsty’s second place win.
Jean M.
Beautiful Zenyatta, What an exciting day watching all the races from Belmont and was so cheering for Stay Thirsty and throught he just might make it to the wire ahead of ROI. Even so, I think he is exceptional. All of the entries were so magnificent and it made me miss you even more, however, I said a prayer of thanks that you were safely tucked away at Lane’s End to enjoy your road to motherhood. Love you, pretty girl.
Carolyn Caswell-Brown
@ Zenyen – I’m in total agreement with your comments. Maryannn & Barb need to calm down. I often refer to one of my beloved dogs as the “psychopath” because, well, he just is. I could not love him more!! What kinda bothered me was the reaction of Graham Motion, who I have liked, just turning away when Animal Kingdom almost went down and not continuing to watch. The race was over for his horse and he knew it, but how about watching to see if AK was alright or pulled up or anything? Curious observation. Also, several days ago in this journal alot of posters were calling for Ruler On Ice as the winner. Smart group here! Did not know that John had ridden on the great Noor. Amazing! Certainly a real link from the legendary past to the legends in the making present. Noor ran in the era of the remarkable Citation or he would have a more significant place in racing history. Good luck Charlotte on finding an appropriate resting spot for the remains of this champion. Old Friends would be perfect choice for a place where fans could give him the honor due at long last and forever. Zenny, You have alot to pass on today to your pasture pals! Keep up the good work. Horse Lovers All!! Peace & Love
Max
Linda in NJ. Thanks for the first hand account of the Belmont.
Ann from Indiana
I haven’t been on line for 6-7 weeks. Husband in the hospital and finally is doing much better. I’ve been keeping up with racing expecially the triple crown via TVG and NBC. Racing just isn’t the same this year without Z running. No super star so to speak. Miss seeing her. Hope to makea visit to Ky when my husband is better. He still wears his Z cap.
Dee
Hi to Zenyatta and her team and to the fans on this website. I am wondering if anybody here is going to the Breeder’s Cup in November? It would be great to meet up with some of the wonderful people who love Zenyatta. Does anybody know if a visit to see Zenyatta would be possible in November during the BC? It will be my first time in Kentucky! I am sooo excited! I’m sorry if I have missed any postings that may have covered this topic already. My work schedule keeps me from visiting the website as often as I would like to. Thanks so much! Dee
Zenyen
@Carolyn CB,
The talking heads said GM stopped watching the race. If you actually watch the footage, yes he sits back but keep in mind he’s got the jumbotron right in front of his sight line and can see what is happening on the track there. Also AK was steady on his feet, what killed his chances was the time it took JV to get his stirrup back. THIS IS NOT A SLAM ON JV’S RIDING, he did a hell of a job staying on AK’s back but until he could get into that stirrup and get perched back into ‘position’ his body language told AK to ‘relax/canter’. So where everybody else was hitting the accelerator, effective AK put himself in neutral, letting the field get away from him. GM could see this within two jumps past the stumble. It wasn’t the stumble that killed AK’s race, it was those precious 5/10 strides where he was just cantering.
tony and sue
@Ann from Indiana, we are sending prayers and good thoughts to you and your husband. We agree our Zenny has left a huge void in the industry but we are thankful she is happy and healthy at the fabulous LE.
DJ
Dearest Sweet “Z”,
I have had family visiting on vacation here the past three days, so I just now caught up with the last three wonderful messages you have left! All TOO CUTE! I still think your little filly should be named “TOO CUTE”! Why not?…she will be.
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To Karen G. I just sent you an e-mail. I’M IN!! Whatever you need…
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To Dawn: So good to read your posts again – welcome back!
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To MLV: Congratulations on your ‘Bronzatta’. So happy for you!
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To Trina: Thank you in advance for the ‘happy plot’ you are hatching for ‘our’ D. :)
judy berube
Dear Z,
Happy Sunday to you. Hope the weather there is good for you. Love you and love to all of you. Judy and Russ
To Terry Crow:
I wasn’t either. Wow, anyone who bet on Ruler on Ice sure was walking around lucky (or a great handicapper). My husband said (after the race) “I should have bet the hunch Exacta; Stay Thirsty and Ruler on Ice”. I teased him, “Sounds like a line from “Let It Ride”. Hugs, J.B.
To Karen Gogue:
Yes, e-mailed you back. Hugs, J.B.
DJ
p.s. Karen G., THANK YOU!!
judy berube
To Susan in Tn:
How is Lou doing. Hope he is better. Was just wondering, did the vet mention checking for Lyme Disease. (Or maybe Lou has already been vaccinated against Lyme). Hope it isn’t that, but just as in humans, dogs can get neurological symptoms from it. From what you described, it sounds like it might be a neurological problem. Hugs, J.B.
Stella Bagwell
Dearest Zenyatta,
I hope you were watching the Belmont Stakes! It was so exciting! And such fun when a long shot comes up and surprises everyone. Three cheers to Ruler On Ice for his gallant effort! And a prayer of thanks that all horses crossed the finish line safely.
Will you be watching any of the Royal Ascot racing next week? I realize those days of racing celebration involves royalty, but as far as I’m concerned you are ‘The Queen’ and always will be. :)
Love you, dear girl, and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Hugs,
Stel
judy berube
To Z Fans:
Here is an article from today’s DRF on Ruler on Ice and an interview video with his trainer, K. Breen http://www.drf.com/news/belmont-stakes-breen-unsure-whats-next-ruler-ice Hugs. J.B.
Anne from Paramount, CA
Hi again Zenyatta–what a Belmont Day–whew! I will post quickly now and then read through what you and your friends have written later. @JSmith–yes it was terrific meeting you and later your friends. Thanks for looking at my pictures of Rightful Image & Co. :) I must add that Rod also had the “mud angle” for Ruler on Ice. To you both, good thinking!:) What I do in these big races is bet $2 place on all, figuring I either win or lose big. (Anyone remember Giacomo?, and well, yesterday?) Did you get to the food trucks? We did and have mixed reviews.
@ Karen Gogue, perhaps another time? Even though the sun did not come out until almost 4pm it was a fun day. Considering all (including the rain/mud there!), nice crowd at Belmont. And watching my tape later, got a big kick out of Jose Valdivia Jr.s, “speech” after his win…very emotional. Okay…if anyone else commented on these things I will go back and read through them later.
JSmith- again, so nice to meet another racing fan in person! Our Queen Z is a wonderful conduit.
Karen Gogue
@DJ – :):)
Karen Gogue
@Ann from Indiana _ An Angel Kiss to you and your husband!
Hernan Tovar
My dear Zenyatta, I won with Mission Approved… but I lost with all the others, I think the reason was the weather! I hope I have better luck nest time.
Love you always, Ingrid.
Terry Crow
@Judy Berube–Ruler on Ice? Should have had it. Same name as MY cat. Otherwise, wait till next time.
Kathy P.
In the ZENYATTASPHERE!: When I say that I am in the Zenyattasphere, I mean that I truly had a Zen day helping and meeting such wonderful people.
I was excited to go to this year’s Belmont because Secretariat’s team were there signing autographs to benefit disabled jockeys. So, I caught an early train to get out to the park. While I was waiting on the platform I met a woman standing with a huge pile of bags and her two small children. Tuned out she was escaping from an abusive relationship with her two kids by herself. I helped her get on and off the train, then before I left her I bought her some milk, bananas, and a small book for the baby and tucked the $$ I would have spent on the ponies at the park into the book.
I then met my best friend at the park. At Belmont, I met Penny Chenery, Ron (Secretariat’s jockey), and the widow of Secretariat’s exercise rider (her name was Mary Gaffney). Mary and her husband were supposed to be at last year’s Belmont selling signed pictures of him, however, 3 days before the meet he passed away. She was there with Penny and Ron selling all of the pictures her husband had signed last year along with some very pretty stamped envelopes which he had also made. She said it was hard for her to be there, but I told her my train platform story and said if it wasn’t for her team being there I would have never had gone and would not have had the opportunity to help that lady.
I also met your buddies Steve Haskin and Lenny. Steve was, as usual, very humble and reserved. It was so great to tell him how much I appreciated his Zenyatta articles and commentary. I think he was a bit amused to see some strange woman jump up and down and say “Wow, there’s STEVE HASKIN!!!”
The icing on the cake was getting my new Hot Jockey’s calendar signed by Edgar Prodo and 3 other jockeys. The only disappointment that I had was that Mike Smith wasn’t at the track. I had bought the Racing Royalty print which Penny and Ron signed. I can’t wait to have your team come to NY to do the same…the picture will look much more balanced once there are some signatures on your side. I hope that I get your side signed soon so I can frame and hang it.
I will come down from my Zenyattasphere someday,
Kathy
Carole
Hi Z…love you.
@Susan in Tn. Praying for Lou, hope everything is ok, we sure love our pets.
Gary Moulton
Congrats to “Ruler On Ice”
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After every race I play I go back and review the charts, watch the reply, and re-read the PP’s. In hindsight Ice didn’t look to bad, never off the board in 4 starts this year with consent speed figs and never less then two lengths from the winner. Very good work outs, good breeding, regular rider, first time blinkers, beaten favorite coming back. Ice had a lot of angles in his favor on Saturday. Something I overlooked and I think it carried a lot of weight in a decision to pick “Ruler On Ice” considering the sloppy track was he broke his maiden in the slop while beating “Toby’s Corner” who came back to win. Also, the hunch play. If you are a Hockey fan and I know a guy that is a big one and that’s why he bet on Ice. With all the bombs flying at Belmont Saturday it was a good day to play Grandma’s names and meaningful numbers. Now just to put this years Belmont in perspective on raw time alone. The final time was 2:30.88. Z could run 2:28 backwards. If “Secretariat” would have run his Belmont in this race he would have won by 34 ¼ lengths. That’s 3 ¼ lengths further then the field he destroyed by 31 when Big Red laid down a cool 2:24 flat, a record I believe will be there for quite some time.
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Here is an article for all you loud mouth ladies, LML. Now before everyone comes down on me for using insulting language calling women loud mouths, please read the article. My comment is supposed to be a joke, LOL
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http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/jun/10/women-compete-horse-racing-commentator
judy berube
Dear Kathy P.:
That truly was a Zen day you had. Bet you restored faith and trust in that woman and her children. Good for you. And meeting P.Chenery and R. Turcott; frosting on the cake. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
To Gary Moulton:
I did the same thing. Ruler on Ice really had it all; great pedigree, very good race record, Maiden win on sloppy track; now why didn’t I see that? Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
To Terry Crow:
You are a hoot. I’m still laughing. Famous last words; “Wait ’til next year”. Hugs, J.B.
Karen Gogue
@Gary Moulton – This is one LML who thought your post was a ‘hoot’ at the end. Still laughing at Zenyatta running backwards! So true! :)
judy berube
To Hernan Tovar:
Good picking (Mission Approved). I was wrong on every race. Hugs, J.B.
DmamaKlock
ZENYATTASPHERE indeed,it is the place to be. Kathy P. Wish I could have been there.
Karen Gogue
@Zenyattasphere Kathy P. – Bless you! Doesn’t it just tug your heart? What a huge heart you must have!
Loved your story. Wish I had been there, those are the days I live for at the track too. Sometimes they happen here in Cali., but not often enough. LOL