Happy LET’S ENJOY GREAT RACING SATURDAY!
Today is such a fabulous racing day around the country. My MIKIE is riding at Calder in their SUMMIT OF SPEED races this afternoon. This is a program filled with all sprint stakes. The ‘quick action’ going on there today will be such fun to watch. I truly want to wish Mike and all of the horses competing in these events the very best!
My dear pal, GIO PONTI, is entered in NY in the MAN O’ WAR-G1. He is trying to win this stake for the 3rd time in a row. I know a bit about this as well. I’ve done it a few times with a couple different grade 1 races. It is an accomplishment of note!
I know they have had quite a bit of rain lately in NY…so, from what I’ve heard, they will look at how ‘soft’ the turf is at race time. If too soft, GP may not run. So, please keep up on the updates concerning Belmont’s turf condition. If all looks good with the turf, his connections are stating he will run. I truly want to wish GIO PONTI the very best today. I have such an ‘endearing spot’ in my heart for this wonderful and accomplished horse! GO GET ‘EM, GP!
At my racing home base, Hollywood Park, in addition to the Swaps Stakes for 3 year olds, they are running the G1 Gold Cup this afternoon. This is one of the hallmark races of the entire meet. I want to wish all of the horses competing on the card today great racing luck…but I do have a special connection with TWIRLING CANDY. He is racing for people I know very well. The Craigs bred TC and also raced Candy Ride, his sire, who stands here at Lane’s End Farm where I now reside. Then the 2 other partners in TC, Farish and Wygod, are also involved with Candy Ride. They all know ME very well and have spent quite a bit of time with ME! Additionally, The Wygod’s bred and own my dear, dear friends LIFE IS SWEET, AFTER MARKET, and HARMONIOUS….who as you know…I spent so much time with at BARN 55.
I know David is in California to see this race. (This is TOO CUTE! He was at Barn 55 yesterday with MY JOHN enjoying all of my friends there.) He mentioned that TWIRLING CANDY will join the stallion roster here at Lane’s End when he is ready for that stage of his career. So, I do have a number of home ties to TC….and want to wish him the very best in this prestigious race. Needless to say, I’m sending him a HIGH HOOF for good luck!
I know that ‘oval’ at HP very well. I trained there all during my athletic career, raced on it for several important races, and schooled in the paddock often. My final racing retirement celebration was also held there…and the road by BARN 55 is named ZENYATTA WAY for ME! It is a wonderful racing venue that holds so many outstanding memories not just for ME…but for so many other amazing horses who have graced our sport for so many years!
How much FUN is all of this! I know the Gold Cup is on ESPN today as is the segment they are doing updating the fans about ME. Additionally, the PINCAY AWARD is being given to my beloved owners, Ann and Jerry! All of the other races will be broadcast on the various racing channels throughout the entire afternoon. It is truly one busy and exciting racing day!
I better get back to HANDICAPPING! It truly amazes ME how there is so much to learn and review when you are ‘studying the FORM’. It is so intriguing!
Here’s to great racing luck and handicapping to ALL!
Have one terrific day…and a lovely weekend!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
From my serious side, I’ve heard Barry is doing OK. My John spoke with one of his assistants yesterday. He came home from the hospital and will need some treatments…but he is home, on the phone, thinking about his horses, and on the mend. Blessings to HIM!
Rosie…the DRF said she is out indefinitely and the TTimes said that ALL WENT WELL with her surgery. Wishing her a healthy and speedy recovery, for sure!
IN MEMORY OF…today, July 9th, would have been Bobby Frankel’s birthday. It is so sweet to follow the 3 year old colt, FRANKEL, who was named for him! I think Bobby would have very proud of the horse’s achievements to date and very honored by the thoughtfulness of Juddmonte Farms naming this colt for him!
Terry Crow
@HH and Linda in NJ-Thanks for the kind words. It is I who has been enriched by meeting all of you.
s (in San Diego)
@Trina and Susan, Thank you…my mom is beginning to feel better and hopefully by tomorrow she will be up and around.
Hope to meet many of you soon..perhaps Del Mar.
Paula Higgins
Saw the ESPN spot yesterday and it was very nice. It’s pretty clear horse racing is missing The Queen. However, she looks wonderful, 3 months along and she is thriving. Jerry Bailey et al. were right that she would have beat Blame any other time and that it was her greatest race. Good to know that everyone sees that.
Kathy Kimber
@Sherrie Voltz; Sweetie hugs coming at you. Thanks
Anne from Paramount, CA
Hello Queen Z and fellow dumplings all. Added thoughts about yesterday: how great for those of you who met/saw Dottie in person. I agree, she (you, Dottie) looked fantastic accepting the award, which I thought was a rather brief, but nice, ceremony. And isn’t that just fantastic to visit Barn 55??? When I watched the ESPN special later, it was great to have that recognition. I agree that over-all ESPN did you, Queen Z, much justice, but that most of your two hour photo shoot ended up on the cutting room grass. Well, that’s Hollywood for you, hurry up and
wait. You are probably used to that being Queen and all. And @all who mentioned what YOUR MIKEY said about you, thanks–I missed that. :) @ those watching for the dumplings: there was a crowd at the paddock for many races, and esp. for Gold Cup, but I agree that on the telly (Hi JSmith :) ) it looked like not many were there. Paper stated 6.600+, which for HollyPark these days is good. Not like the days of Noor, though! Sigh. (And, the Friday night concerts bring out a crowd, but I don’t know how many of those kids actually bet.) And, when you, our Queen “headlined” there, Zenyatta, one time there were over 11,000–quite a feat for these times and YOU pulled ’em in!!
I also want to say, along with the others, hi to those who could not come but were there in spirit. Happy Harriet gave a wonderful summary. The weather, spirits, company and even the Snickers (right Karen G?) were great. Hope to see you all again sometime. Congratulations to the Dudes. (I got a kick out of ESPN’s descriptions of the “Dudes” talking to each other across their stalls…only in California they said..ha ha.)
@Charlotte Farmer, a special post coming to you soon…and for anyone else to read, too… Happy week to everyone!
Karen Gogue
@Sharon Call
That goes for us too! Wish you had been there!
Susan in TN
@DJ: “All-hoof drive”-too funny!
@Judy B:<3
@Kathy Kimber: You are so kind!
@Dumplings: How fun! You actually had DUMPLING name tags?!? Diana-you are so funny! I need to re-watch ESPN coverage!
Anne from Paramount, CA
@Charlotte Farmer…I don’t know if anyone has already told you this or not; if so, it it still some thing to pass along to all the others. Saturday morning on Jason Levin’s radio show (pronounced Leveen) he referred to your Noor project! Jason gave this several minutes, mentioning you by first name only and stated carefully at the end where to send money. He was very respectful and thinks it is wonderful what you are doing. Jason is on from 7-8 locally on station 1150, Saturdays only. I’m not certain how he learned about you, I was just getting in the car at the time, so may have missed the introduction. FYI, Jason’s email address is: feedback@racingJason.com Come to think of it, I may send him an email myself, thanking him.
@Terry Crow–did you hear this? I know you listen to some of the shows. Which reminds me, on Saturday we also heard Barry Abrams on the air on Roger Stein’s show. Barry and Roger have been friends for years. Barry sounded okay, considering the surgery he had just had, but we will see. As others have stated , we all are thnking of him and Rosie, too.
Good Sunday night-Monday morning to you all! :)
Anne from Paramount, CA
@Susan in TN (I can’t stop myself tonight! MUST GET SLEEP): yes we really had “dumpling” name tags. I so admire clever people (and horses, Queen Z) and Diana S is in that category. We proudly wore them all day long. I showed mine off to other track friends who also admired their originality. So long once again! :) zzzzz…..
Delrene
It was so much fun to read these various posts on all the excitement at HP on Sat. I was looking at the results and glad to see my litle buddy “Captain Sparrow” won a race and won it with grea gusto. I DVR’D the ESPN segment and will look for some of you ladies now that I have read the comments. What a rollicking good time you must have had. My grandson & his friend had a safe flight back to Mo (that is why I had to pass on my plans to go to HP, ) grandchildren supercede!! but there is Del Mar coming and then Santa Anita and hopefully a trip to Saratoga – Went there about 5 years ago. Gorgeous race track.
I will get a visit to Barn 55 hopefully in my future. Thank you Karen for the tips. Have a wonderful week everyone.
Signofthetimes
Thanks Laura J for info on Mr Besilu. He is a cutie.
Marshall (girl's name)
Love you, Queen Z!! You are magnificent in all respects! Dottie, you are the best!
@Kari Bussell: So glad to hear from you today! Hope you are doing well!
@Dawn Conrad: Great postings! Take care!
@Susan in TN: Keep us posted on Chopper and good wishes for Lou’s continued progress! Horses and dogs are quite simply the BEST!
Karen Gogue
Zenny, have I told you lately that I love you, and everything about you too?
On another note Zenny, so sorry about the DQ today of Maestro. He was so darling yesterday at the barn, wanting all the attention to himself, throwing his head and pawing with his hooves! Non-stop! “Come over here, I want you all to myself!” And he sure got our attention too! What a love! Knew he might have big day today. How precious was that, trying to keep us Z’sters from visting your other friend there?! A special moment for sure…
DJ
To Karen G: You are a “Kicker!” We ARE going to need a prayer tonight. If I can possibly recollect!! I just can’t stop laughing for now! and enjoying every minute..
Charlotte Farmer
@Ariadne Delon Scott and Robin McHargue – Let me share what these two ladies have done. We have the DIRT from Golden Gate Fields. The love they both put into this, getting the dirt from as close to the original winners circle and that of the track. . . Noor has to be kicking up his heels!
Here is Ariadne’s e-mail to me:
“Charlotte,
Just so know, mission success! I have the bag of dirt collected today from Golden Gate Fields, attached is the photo I took of Robin McHargue, Group Sales Manager from Golden Gate Fields standing in the Winners Circle with it–hurray! She is to be credited for making this happen for sure. It was a very special day. Since there was no live racing and the main area was closed, I got the inside tour of the grandstand in its glory–it was so quiet and peaceful but I swear I heard and felt the thunder of the horses roaring down to the wire and then actually set my feet at the finish line. It was a very memorable, all in the honor of and tribute to Noor, a very special champion. In gathering that dirt today, I think our spirit will somehow accompany Noor on that journey eastward too, what an honor. Robin shared that the original winners circle (most likely when Noor was there) was closer to the paddock area, so that is where we collected the dirt to be authentic in the gathering. (note the paddock area is a few steps from the winners circle that is now pave brick). We also gathered another sample from the track, but that is Tapeta now, it’s interesting to compare the 2 samples especially the consistency of the synthetic material. I felt like quite the archeologist and historian today, thank you for letting me share a small part of your historical feat!”
Charlotte Farmer
@Anne from Paramount, CA – No I hadn’t heard about that. Thank you. I will e-mail Jason and thank him. That is just awesome news.
Diana S
@All, especially the Dumplings: I made it home to Tempe, AZ uneventfully and will post way more comments (don’t I always?) tomorrow (Monday). However, I must first thank Happy Harriet and Judy (Maass) Gadwood for baby sitting me when I got the woosies. I am trying to decide if it was from hugging Terry Crow or kissing every one of Z’s friends in Her John’s barn that made me so faint!
@Credit where due: It was Judy M-G that got the clearance for the “flash mob” in Barn 55, but in truth, she sucks at being a prison guard (see kissing comment above – I really did kiss every single soft nose I walked past in the barn, including one of the cats!)
diastu in tired – er – tempe
DJ
For those who would like a poem or a prayer..
……………………………
Glory be to God for dappled things—
For skies of couple-colour as a brinded horse;
For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;
Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls; finches’ wings;
Landscape plotted and pieced–fold, fallow, and plough;
And all trades their gear and tackle and trim.
All things counter, original, spare, strange;
Whaever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)
With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim;
He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change;
Praise Him.
-Gerard Manley Hopkins.
…………………………………
and a prayer:
Almighty and Eternal God,
Source of unity and love.
Our strength in adversity,
our health in weakness,
our comfort in sorrow.
Ease our burdens and make our faith strong
that we may always have confidence and trust, and live in a manner worthy of our calling.
Fill us with the Spirit of Charity,
those whom you have called to live in the midst of the world
and its concerns;
help us by our work here on earth
to build up a sign of love for all
living creatures.
Pour out Your Spirit of understanding, truth, and peace.
Teach us to acknowledge always
the many good things your infinite love has given us.
Protect us as we stay awake, watch over us as we sleep.
When day comes may we rise from sleep again refreshed and joyful.
Heidi Kruckenberg/DinkyDiva
Charlotte Farmer: I’m happy that you were able to get the dirt from GGF, for Noor.
Z… I watched the coverage on ESPN but, they cut you short?! However, it seems that you’re what the Media wants in order to promote the BC! Last year, I even heard your name during a Baseball game.
Ebby will be getting sooo much attention now, after being introduced as your “Lil Sis,” On TV!! Your “Man,” will get alot of recognition as well. What a Stud.. wink wink
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Peppermint kisses, Zen!
PS.. Dottie… You are such a Classy Woman! Tell the Moss’ congratulations on the Pincay Jr., Award!! He is such a LIL Guy, even in a suit!!! Gotta love him!
Heidi Kruckenberg/DinkyDiva
On another note,,, BH bloggers, help!!!
After they made you log in to leave a comment, I’ve had nothing but problems! If, I’m “logged In,” I can’t see any of the “blog sites!” I get an error. If, I sign out, I can see everything that I want but, can not comment?!! If anyone can help with this, I would Sooooo High Hoof You!!! lol
HK… DD
Sue Fredrick
cant wait till little zen is born. march is a great month because its lucky
Susan in TN
@Marshall(girl’s name): Thank you!
@Kathy Kimber: I realized belatedly that I didn’t include your name in my post re: Chopper-I SO appreciate your caring about him and Roger and Chester et al. They need all the positive thoughts they can get!
LauraJ
@Kathy Kimber, I debated with myself whether to post this at all, but it’s been bugging me. Y’all have to remember that Michael and OF have buried dead horses before. Michael has a horse cemetery in his back yard. Literally. Each grave is marked, and yes, sire, dam, and damsire are included on each one, along with the horse’s accomplishments. Granted this is a bigger undertaking, but I feel confident in saying that everyone involved will treat Noor’s remains with the utmost respect. If there is a wooden marker, assume it is temporary. Funds will probably have to be raised for a permanent marker, and perhaps they’d like to explore options for size, design, inclusion of artwork, etc.
–
As for interring Noor the day he arrives, that may or may not be possible. Suppose they roll in at midnight? There might be issues with the weather, or with equipment rental. If Noor’s remains have to stay in the truck an extra night or two or be stashed somewhere, then that’s the way it is. It’s not like he will be cold or hungry. Our tender feelings about the matter are irrelevant. Anyway, being put temporarily in a barn at OF is no dishonor.
–
ITA about the special deed to preserve the cemetery. That can be resolved later, though.
d. scott
Hi all,
I just want to thank Team Z for this wonderful site, linking up all these wonderful fans who are so supportive and generous–it linked me up with Charlotte’s story of Noor, I connected with Trina N and Kathleen K. after reading the request for dirt from Golden Gate. It’s just a great effort on Charlotte’s behalf and it’s a pleasure to know you all. I hope one day I can visit you Z–but this site is the next best thing!
ariadne
Barbara Wood
@DJ–beautiful poem and prayer.
Z–happy Monday morning. Hope you are well. We all think of you all the time and wonder what you are doing. Wish we had a “Z Cam” so that we could “visit” you at any time.
The Kennedys in San Diego
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/63959/gomez-to-ride-blind-luck-in-delaware-handicap
Yikes! Havre de Grace had a bullet work this morning — 5 furlongs in 57:80. This is one race no one should miss — the two rivals are ranked 1 & 2 in the NTRA polls. Life at Ten also is entered.
Kathryn Cogswell
About time to thank those sharing fun enough from HP Saturday to fill Gold Cups vicariously, as CharlotteF. & SusanTN say is quite fine . .. also, ‘diastu’ tags in dumplin` shapes [smiles] for keeps! ~ Gerard Manley Hopkins` poem and DJ`s words rising? More smiles.
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Linda S — Glad to hear you had a safe trip home. A pleasure to meet you and thanks for the “Darling Dumpling” name tags — we have put ours in a safe place for the next get together.
signofthetimes
@ Heidi
Thanks for pointing out, Z’s dam “V” may give Bernie his first champion/stakes winning filly before Z. E has big shoes to fill and she is an absolutely beautiful filly with a Z body. She could not be in a better place for training and racing; John Sherriffs
barn. Wish a few others were there.
signofthetimes
@The Kennedys
Thanks for link and info on HDG. She is a really talented filly and sooo is Blind Luck. Deleware Handicap will definately be a great one.