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
Lisa g
@JB: Hoping your post meant a bet, that is what I thought…Our horses were coming in last or being beat by 7 or 8. My favorite Lucy was the one in Italy, making the wine and when she did the commercial and got drunk.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, good morning, Beautiful. I dreamed about YOU and Zazu last night, you two girls were playing and running in your paddock, only it was so large, I could not see any fences, but I knew you both were safe. YOU and Zazu were just Too Cute playing. I love you..Lisa g.
Kari Bussell
What Joy you are Zenyatta…Zazu ran a amazing race as did Cloud Man
and Cozi Rosie….
Inglorious Wow! Ann Maree must be ecstatic since she had her eye on her and picked her! I hope you all have a wonderful day today! I love you.
@Everyone who left such beautiful comments–I could never express how much your kind generous words touched my heart. I am literally moving as I type this. My home was damaged weeks ago. That was almost a good thing since I never really liked it and my husband loved it…I had no power for 6 days and got very behind on packing by flashlight….Yesterday my husband told me that the insurance company is claiming the damage was caused by something that is Not covered. what really caused the damage Is covered as I was in the house and know what happened! so it is a bit of a stressful time. The area has been zoned commercial so in due time we will get a decent price selling land even in this market…In the mean time we have signed 6 month lease on 3 bedroom apartment.My home is full of priceless antiques that have been in my family for generations. A Huge baby-grand piano my grand-father composed his award winning songs on is my biggest concern. It not staying in the family is breaking my Mothers heart.
For me people on this site are like “family” ..so anyone who really wants it and will give it a good home…I will give it free…You will have to pay your own moving costs and come get it…
I also want you guys to know the power of Zenyatta-magic as it was a fluke I took a break and put link to the video 2 days ago. Your beautiful messages have lifted me back up and refilled my heart and soul with joy at a time I really needed to feel love and goodness from humanity. I can’t thank you all enough for always being so nice to me , not just here but on Youtube and FB….I really love you all and keep you in my heart and prayers.
I can be reached at karibussell@yahoo.com
tbpartner43
That was such an impressive win by Zazu! She sure looks like her daddy. Maybe she will end up at Lane’s End with you Z, at the end of her career. She should have lovely babies with any luck.
LauraJ
@Peggy One, I’m glad to hear that was a mistake and that Lava Man is still a pony.
–
@Carolyn Caswell-Brown, Lava Man had been slated to go to Old Friends following his injury. He responded so well to the stem-cell treatment that he was briefly returned to racing. However, he did not perform well, so he was again retired, this time to pony duties.
evy
I just love this space. Thank you to Dottie and Zenyatta who make it possible. Zazu is beautiful….congratulations on her win.
judy berube
Dear Kari Bussell:
Prayers and hopes that your housing situation will be resolved best for you. Hugs, Judy and Russ
judy berube
Lisa G.:
Yes, that’s what I meant. Lucy Stomping the grapes in Italy was hilarious. One of my favorites too. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Trina Nagele:
You’re welcome. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear J. Smith:
I remember your post with the beautiful photos of Hay List training at the ocean. I hope he recovers. Would really sad if he can’t beat this infection. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Signofthetimes:
Hope AP Indy has a long, happy retirement with lots of visitors. Think your right about Zazu; she can only get better. Looking forward to her running at The Spa. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Here’s an article from DRF on Harmonioushttp://www.drf.com/news/hollywoods-royal-heroine-mark-turf-return-harmonious Hugs, J.B.
Shari Voltz
@ Sharon I just love all the pictures from Susan. If I had land or enough money I would come get Rootbeer and put him on my friend’s farm. I wouldn’t care if he could be ridden. I just want hime to have a good loving home.
@ Librarian I am in the book if your ever up this way. I am going to Lexington in July but only will have two full days there. My husband has a new job. He got layed off at the Steel Mill after 30 years with no hopes of going back. We are very thankful for his new job but he has to start all over again with vacation time. Since your a valley girl you know about the steel mills.
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Here’s an article from the DRF on Harmonious http://www.drf.com/news/hollywoods-royal-heroine-mark-turf-return-harmonious Hugs, J.B.
Lisa g
@Kari, my prayers and thoughts are with you and yours. Blessing only for the rest of this journey.
Lisa g
@Kari, my prayers and thoughts are with you and yours. Blessing only for the rest of this journey.
DJ
Dearest Sweet “Z”,
Good morning to you and little sweet “z”! Thanks to your wonderful “Z” Team for all of the goodness they have harnessed and set free! It is multiplying 100 fold…
……………………………………
To Kari B: I hope you find a happy home for you and your hubby and also for your Grand-father’s Baby Grand. I trust our Good Lord works in mysterious ways and always draws forth good out of situations that appear to be the opposite. Your spirits are high and your outlook is bright…you have no where to go but to the ‘winner’s circle’ in this next race. Many thanks to Y.O.U. for being part of this closely knit Z Family…it certainly is the cream of the crop!
Cynthia H.
Jeff Mallard’s photo of Zazu is wonderful! What is it about the Moss’ horses? They are all so gorgeous and gleaming. Perhaps they sense how very much they are loved, plus they are always assigned to barns which take extra-special care of their horses. Zazu has the most piquant and pretty face, My personal nickname for her is “angelface,” and with all respect to Joel Rosario, it certainly had to be angels’ wings which guided her through that hole on the rail in the Hollywood Oaks on Saturday!
For us “Mossies,” racing this past weekend could not have been more exciting—-but was definitely not for the faint-of-heart!
The glowing chestnut Cloud Man (such a good boy on the way to the gate this time) ran too good to lose; and Zenyatta, I wonder if you could have fit through that hole which Zazu charged so courageously? There was not much wiggle-room, and if Zazu were not a pale gray, one certainly might have seen white rub-off on her left hindquarters! Add to this, Cozi Rosie’s heart-stopping stumble at the start of the Beverly HIlls, and determined try throughout the race, and it made for a dazzling display of equine talent! Congratulations to all!
Dottie said it ALL when she expounded on the importance of racing luck. “Luck” has so much to do with everything, both in racing and in life! LIttle wonder that name was chosen as the title of the new HBO series centered around the racetrack, currently being filmed at Santa Anita. As Dottie says, the most important thing is to be prepared when luck, under the guise of opportunity, presents itself! On that note, I would like to wish all of the great people on this site the very best of luck always!
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Another great story and photos by B. Livingston on Raison d’Etat (Reason of State) http://www.drf.com/blogs/barbara-livingston Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Kari Bussell:
Just wanted to let you know I just realized another favorite video of mine of Zenyatta, Dancing Queen by Abba, is one of yours. Absolutely love it. Thank you. Hugs, J. B.
Cynthia H.
@judy berube: Thank you very much for the link on Harmonious. I was wondering what was going on with her.
Abigail from Montreal
Hi there Big Girl. I’m a wee bit tardy posting but wanted to say that it was, indeed, a great horse racing weekend in the USA & here in Canada. Zazu was amazing and what a lovely photo of her. This is really my first good look at her, since the other photos I’ve seen show her racing and it’s tough to see that beautiful, aquiline face and those deep, dark eyes. Cozi Rosie — I’m just glad to hear that the “heel clip” wasn’t serious enough to cause her any damage…and then to go on to finish second! No one could doubt that she’s Golden Fleece’s granddaughter! As for our Inglorious: I yelled myself hoarse watching her move up to the colts….and then walk away from them. What a great, great filly, eh? Since my sweetheart, Dance Smartly, I have never loved a (Canadian) filly like that until Inglorious came along. And she descends from another great love of mine, Terlingua, Secretariat’s daughter. So that made it all doubly sweet!
@Kari: My heart goes out to you. As you know, your early video of Zenny dancing was the inspiration for my own attempt and I watch everything that you post on YouTube. Can’t you keep the piano? Can’t you try to squeeze it into the apartment? It just seems to me that you, music & Zenny belong together always. Much love from your friend in Canada.
Abigail from Montreal
Hi there Big Girl. I’m a wee bit tardy posting but wanted to say that it was, indeed, a great horse racing weekend in the USA & here in Canada. Zazu was amazing and what a lovely photo of her. This is really my first good look at her, since the other photos I’ve seen show her racing and it’s tough to see that beautiful, aquiline face and those deep, dark eyes. Cozi Rosie — I’m just glad to hear that the “heel clip” wasn’t serious enough to cause her any damage…and then to go on to finish second! No one could doubt that she’s Golden Fleece’s granddaughter! As for our Inglorious: I yelled myself hoarse watching her move up to the colts….and then walk away from them. What a great, great filly, eh? Since my sweetheart, Dance Smartly, I have never loved a (Canadian) filly like that until Inglorious came along. And she descends from another great love of mine, Terlingua, Secretariat’s daughter. So that made it all doubly sweet!
@Kari: My heart goes out to you. As you know, your early video of Zenny dancing was the inspiration for my own attempt and I watch everything that you post on YouTube. Can’t you keep the piano? Can’t you try to squeeze it into the apartment? It just seems to me that you, music & Zenny belong together always. Much love from your friend in Canada.
Terry Crow
Thanks to all who have commented that they are enjoying the jokes. I am like a vaudeville performer, waiting for the hook. @DJ, Anne from Paramount and Trina Nagele-He woke up with a 5 o’clock shadow, drank a fifth of whiskey (You would have to to risk your life’s savings on a horse race) and listened to Beethoven’s Fifth while heading to Barn 55. I don’t know, Still needs some work. Today’s groaner–What do you call a horse with a sore throat? A hoarse horse. @Sue Fredrick-Used to own a basset hound. She is the dog I am referring to when I mention my old hound. Your comments about politics speaks volumes. The IRS comment actually came from Joe Garigiola who used to be a “color” man on the Westminster show telecast. I have adopted it as my own, sort of like my jokes. @Paula Higgins-Luck plays a prominent part in horse racing. we are fortunate that Mike Smith knew Zenyatta so well. He isn’t in the Hall of Fame for nothing.@ Kathy Kimber-I sure wish I could have spent some time with you at the Woodlands. We two and Judy berube. They would have to kick us out of there.@Judy Maass gadwood-Thanks for the Zenyatta link. I was at both of Zenyatta’s retirements but the fans were better able to see her up close at the second one. She was paraded around the walking ring for some time and all that were there had an ample time to view her up close. During the first one, she was brought in from the stable area on the back stretch. And, of course, there was that awful speech by our ex-governor who was literally booed off the stage.
Lori K
CONGRATULATIONS ZAZU AND ALL THE OTHER WINNERS. YOU GO GIRLS!!!!!! I LOVE YOU Z :)
Teresa
Buster’s Ready won the Mother Goose this weekend, not the Acorn ;)
Cynthia H.
@Kari Bussell: Why not put the piano in storage? There may be the perfect place for it when you finally settle into your permanent home. If not, then you could always find a home for it then, when you are under less stress and a time constraint. I hope and KNOW that everything will work to the good for you. Were I further along in my recovery from agoraphobia, I would fly to Tennessee and help you move.
judy berube
To Terry Crow:
Is the Woodlands a racetrack? How lucky you are to have seen Z up close. Must have been wonderful. I’ve got one for you. A racehorse owner takes his horse to the vet. “Will I be able to race him again”, he asks? “Yes”, says the vet, “and you’ll probably win”. Hugs, J.B.
To Cynthia H.:
You’re welcome. Hugs, J.B.
Terry Crow
@Sharon Call and Judy Berube–I hope this Life at ten inquire by the people in Kentucky results in some stiff fines and suspensions. I am surprised that this situation has not resulted in more notoriety. A horse entered in the Breeder’s Cup should not be beaten by the length of the stretch, and Churchill has a long stretch. Life at Ten disappears from sight on the run to the first turn. I don’t know. Has the fact that the horse was so far behind obscured the facts? If I had bet on Life at Ten, I would be still holding my paramutual ticket in anticipation of a class action lawsuit.@ Judy Berube-The episode where Lucy and Ethel are working in the chocolate factory is my favorite.
Cynthia H.
ALL ZENYATTA FANS WHO ARE ALSO FRIENDS OF LIZA G. FLY (singer/songwriter of “Zenyatta”) ON FACEBOOK!
Please go to her site and read her open letter to her fans. Please help if you can!
Love and hugs to all of you!