Happy Monday Everyone!
Well, I must say, I think it was a fabulous weekend for those of us who have a name beginning with the letter Z! My dear friend, ZAZU, ran an extremely impressive race to win the Hollywood Oaks- G2 this Saturday! I was so impressed when I watched her ‘cut the corner into the stretch’ and run down the leaders. It is not an easy thing to do, get through on the rail when there is not much space…..but she did it like a CHAMP!
Needless to say, I am very, very proud of her and sending her a HIGH HOOF!
Luck is such an interesting concept. It is an extremely important part of life, our business and sports in general. As an athlete, you always need to be on top of your game and in terrific physical shape when competing. Additionally, you need to be alert and capitalize on all opportunities when they present themselves…and in our sport have a bit of racing luck.
Look at the different situations with my MOSS pals this weekend. Cloud Man ran a fabulous race, in a very good time. At the finish, there were 2 noses on the wire. He just happened to have his head in one position and the other horse, Burns, had his nose bobbing in the right place at the right time at the finish line. Cloud Man truly ran a terrific race and we are very proud of his effort…yet, the luck of the nose bobs did not favor him and he finished a very game and close 2nd.
Zazu, on the other hand, had a different type of racing experience. When turning for home in the Hollywood Oaks, she was able to squeeze through on the rail…albeit….’scraping the paint’ as they call it. This term means she was so close to the rail that it was almost as though the paint on it rubbed against her body. She then took a deep breath, settled, and went on to victory. At that moment, had that hole on the rail closed…or even got the slightest bit tighter…she never would have been able to fit through there. This would have caused her to alter course and lose her momentum. These adjustments to her run down the stretch may have cost her the victory. Her experience in this instance is an example of favorable racing luck, combined with a terrific effort by ZAZU, a very competitive race, and I must say a fabulous ride by Joel Rosario!
Then yesterday, with my friend, Cozi Rosie, in the Beverly Hills-G3, she was somewhat compromised by the way things unfolded at the start of the race. The gates opened and Cozi broke, started to settle and get into her stride, when the horse outside of her crossed over directly in front of her path. This caused Cozi to do what is called ‘clipping heels’….which means her front feet and the hind feet of the horse crossing in front of her touched. When this happens, it causes the horse in the back, in this case Cozi Rosie, to stumble. The severity of the stumble is extremely important. If not too bad, the horse can regroup and get back into the race as soon as possible. Cozi did to finish a very courageous 2nd. This is always the hope!
In racing, seconds lost mean lengths. The old racetrack saying is 1/5 of a second is equal to approximately one length. Of course, many factors may enter into this as pace etc…but this is said to be a “rough” gage. That is why these split-second incidents can be the difference between winning and losing. All of these factors combine to further illustrate, reinforce and validate the statement…. RACING LUCK IS SO IMPORTANT!
As mentioned earlier, luck is extremely important in ALL SPORTS! Timing…when hitting a baseball, catching a throw from the quarterback or as one shoots a basketball …..does matter. When you are competing in a professional sport, you not only need to be prepared and talented…you need to be LUCKY! All of these qualities blend together to make sports fun, challenging and intriguing! It also adds to the viewpoint as to why winning is so special and deeply appreciated when it happens! On so many levels, it is such an achievement!
I’d like to add my congratulations to the filly, Inglorious, who beat the boys in the Queen’s Plate at Woodbine and Buster’s Ready who won the Acorn at Belmont Park.
Overall, I’d have to say it was a fun GIRL POWER winning weekend!
Enjoy your day!
With love,
Hugs to All~
Z
DJ
To Terry C:… while heading South on the I5 :0)
Helen (Michigan)
WELL, ZEN, I wrote yesterday and had to go back and check out Zazu’s photo again. Oh, you Z Girls have really got that tongue thing down to a science! Then I remembered the “Miss Me Yet?”photo of YOU in the DRF after this year’s Triple Crown That said it all.
@ Karen Gogue: Your post today is beautiful.
@ Terry Crow: I am running out of paper here! Have to print your jokes so I can repeat them to my husband (I’m notorious for forgetting the punch line). Keep ’em coming. And, couldn’t agree with you more regarding Mike Smith and Zenyatta. Can’t remember the article now, but one of the racing greats said Mike has the gentlest hands of any jockey current or retired.
@Linda Deutsch: Mike Smith did ride Zazu and Cozi Rosie.
John Sadler replaced him with Joe Rosario on Zazu months ago and did the same on Cozi this last weekend. Sadler’s cryptic comment regarding the change spoke volumes. BTW, Mike rode both horses to wins. Hopefully he’ll be wearing Moss silks again someday.
Kari Bussell
OMG-@Cynthia Holt I am squalling as I type this….You are the most amazing friend I have ever had period! For several years now you have been my mentor my informer of all that is Z before the diary.There was a time when info was scarce…the face that you just bared your soul in “public” in the name of supporting me has blown me away….I Love you…I Love You ….I LOVE YOU …G.F…..
PS I hand wrote you a thank you while power was out ….(lost stationary packed)- It begins with how I played Liza G Fly’s Zenyatta Song ….savoring the moment waiting to open…..for over 2 hours…hugging it and crying….before I ever saw it….this will only make sense to C. Holt…
Helen (Michigan)
Sorry, meant to say Joel Rosario. Wish this thing could spell check!
Terry Crow
@Judy Berube–The Woodlands is/was a combination horse and dog track facility near Kansas City, Kansas, about where the Kansas Speedway is now. I used to go there when I lived in Kansas for off-track betting, which was held at the dog facility. I used to watch the dogs run, but I never did bet on them. Unfortunately for all who still live there, the Woodlands had to shut down due to competition from the nearby casinos. Track management tried to get the Kansas legislature to approve slot machines at the track, but was denied. The track subsequently closed its doors. Kathy Kimber lives in Missouri and had been to the Woodlands. I just think that the three of us would have had a great time there.
Kari Bussell
@Abigail from Montreal- Your video is one of MY favorites…thank you! I have always felt close to you since the “article” by Steve Haskins and have been a long time reader of you fabulous “The Vault”…..
@Judy Berube-You are one of God’s human Angels here on earth….thank you for All you kindness.
@Kathy Kimber – contact me I can’t seem to get it to go through….karibussell@yahoo.com
or Karina Bussell FB…
@Judy M Gadwood- While I have know you on FB for a some time I can’t believe it took me so long to realize who you are on Youtube..You are yet another example of great people from the state of California who took people in a horse racing Blackout Zone and helped to keep them informed…You have been nothing but helpful, full of joy and a dear precious friend….I love you!..
thank you to all of Z’s California fan s for being so kind and allowing me a person from Tennessee to feel such a part of Zenyatta’s world
Cynthia H.
Dear Kari Bussell: You are a gift. Everyone here on this site recognizes and appreciates and is grateful for the amazing, talented person which you are. I have received far more than I ever gave in the course of our friendship. Your extraordinarily kind offer for seats to the 2010 Breeders’ Cup to see Zenyatta got me sooo very close to getting on that plane. I cannot tell you how much I wanted to do this. You and Zenyatta seem to share the same light—that is the only way I know to describe it. And look at this! You have even taught this prim Bostonian how to say “I love you” in public! It was Zenyatta which was the magic link between ours and so many other friendships. Until the 12th of Never.
Gary Moulton
I bet you wish you were here with your kids to see the 143rd running of “The Bryant Park Stakes”. This vid is so too CUTE!
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Little tip: don’t bet “Carrots on the Brain:
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http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/06/27/off-to-the-races-improv-everywhere-turns-carousel-into-horse-race/
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Congrats “ZAZU” – see ya at the Spa.
Kimberly Potter
My Beautiful Zenyatta (& Dottie)~ Thanks for the never ending education you give us each day. Wonderful post. Zazu is stunning…High Hooves to the Moss’s. Cloud Man ran an awesome race…”unlucky head bob”. Inglorious was fantastic. So glad Cozi Rosie came out of her race ok….she never gave up! “Girl Power”
@All my Z friends~ Thanks for all the links, stories, jokes, etc. I love you all!
Zenyatta’s #1 fan in Montana!
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Thought this article was so funny. It’s a little lengthy, but worth the time to read it if you’re a betting fan. Hugs, J.B. http://www.maddogproductions.com/ds_races.htm
judy berube
To Terry Crow:
I bet we would have. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Kari Bussell:
You are too kind. Hugs, J.B.
DJ
Almost forgot…favorite “Lucy” – Tennessee Bound with Ernie Ford and ‘Teensy and Weensy’ :) TOO FUNNY!
Alexandra Bowdoin
I just bought a “Zenyatta” bumper sticker since I can not change my license plate. I
can’t wait to get it! Have a great day out in your paddock with your gal pals.
judy berube
To Terry Crow:
Let’s hope they take some action today that sends a message so this situation doesn’t happen again. The Chocolate Factory episode is hilarious and also one of my favorites. Hugs, J.B.
Lisa g
@Cynthia H: I cannot get to FB until I get home from work, please let me know that Liza g and her family are OK???!!!
Susan
Zazu showed lots of courage and tenacity in coming up the rail. Great race-perfect outcome. Plum Pretty just could not rebreak to catch her.
You should be proud Z-you mentored her while in Barn 55
Librarian
Happy Tuesday, Zenyatta. I was waiting to see if there would be a new post today, but you must be relaxing out in the paddock, and enjoying that tasty KY Bluegrass. Actually, I don’t see how you have time to write as much as you do, but we, your adoring fans, sure do appreciate it.
@Kari Bussell, Hope and pray your situation improves, and you are able to move into your new home. I can’t even begin to imagine losing my home.
@Trina Nagele, After Dick Francis died, I started re-reading his books, and I really like some of the early ones. The ones he wrote with his son Felix are quite good, so I am hoping Felix takes up the pen and continues.
@Shari Voltz, So glad your husband was able to find another job in that area, so many people have had to move after the steel mills started to decline, and let people go. My dad worked in the mill for 45 years, starting at age 15, only taking time off to serve his country during WW II.
Cynthia H.
@Lisa g: Liza and her family are okay, Lisa—not to worry! What has happened, is that Liza has got halfway through the recording of her latest CD, but has run out of money. For this, she has requested our help. You can read all about it once you are able, but she is fine!
Lisa g
@Cynthia, o thank goodnes…well she’s got my help for sure….just love that girl.
Cynthia H.
@Lisa g: She’s a sweetheart!
Gloria
Well, I was so happy for the Mosses that Zazu won! What a gutsy girl! Loved that Joel Rosario had her up early in the race because I’ve seen her run like you, Big Mama Z! She has come from way out of it. It’s what makes horse racing so great. Like you mentioned with Cloud Man, he was second but boy, he ran a great race. He’s always right there. Cozi Rosie raced a great race too even with clipping heels. It was a great weekend of racing. Sorry I’m so late in responding. I’m just seeing this today. Love you, Zenyatta!
judy berube
Dear DJ:
Was Tennessee Bound a movie Lucy made? Hus, J.B.
Barbara Wood
To all–this is such a wholesome place to be among friends. What a blessing Zenny and Dottie started when they started this site. I bet they never dreamed it would take off likt his!
@Terry Crow–your jokes always make me smile.
@Librarian–I have a Dick Francis novel on my table waiting for me right now.
Love you all, and Big Z, YOU are the best.
Almost forgot–let’s don’t forget the Lucy/Ethel episode with the giant bread loaf coming out of the oven!
Sharon Call
@Alexandra Bowdoin. Where did you find a Zenyatta bumper sticker? I’d like to have one.
judy berube
Dear DJ:
Sorry, Hugs, J.B.
To Barbaa Wood:
Another very funny one. Hugs, J.B.
Judy (Maass) Gadwood ~ CA
@ Kari – gf, yes I’m “lovetheponies” on youtube ;-) XO
Judy (Maass) Gadwood ~ CA
@ Sharon Call: I read your question about where to get a bumper sticker… they sell them on zazzle.com. I purchased one that has: Queen Zenyatta – TOO CUTE! :-D
Debbie
hi Z! the races were so exciting and I was so happy when Zazu and Inglorious won!!! And Cozi Rosie ran an incredible race, scared me when she clipped heels and stumbled so I’m so happy she’s ok!!! love YOU gorgeous mama xoxoxo
Kathy Kimber
@To All of You:
OK lets see, first order of business. I’ve been thinking of Noor. He has become very special to me and it’s difficult to pin point exactly why but his story and Charlottw’s efforts have touched my heart greatly. Please what ever you do don’t let your guard down, so to speak. We aren’t really on the home strech just yet. Money still needs to be raised. Noor’s story is very special I’m simply amazed by him. I think he so deserves to be moved to Kentucky. Charlotte has fought for him for the last three years and the battle is not over. She is to be commended for going above and beyond. It is because of Zenyatta that attention came to him. Dottie because you gave us this site. Because you care about our dear Zeny, because you care about throughbred horseracing we are able to come here and learn so many new things. The depth and scope of where this site goes just dumbfounds me. I’ve learned so much. Zenyatta is helping every day to bring good things to our sport. No matter what the nay sayers may say. She is not yesterday’s news. Bless you Dottie and because of the good deeds you have done for us Dottie we are now aware of Noor. I want this to happen for him it’s his story he needs this move. To many of our wonderful horses have been permanently lost. He will bring new recognition to Old Friends. Anyway thank you Dottie, John, Ann and Jerry Moss for your generosity. Zenyatta’s army doesn’t rest. Hugs