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!
s (in San Diego)
Wishing everyone safe travels today, around the track or down the road. Continued prayer for Barry and Rosie. Looking forward to the HGC and your speical update. For those of you at Hollywood Park…stay cool and have a
blast. Was hoping to drive up this morning…but my Mom had a reaction to a whooping cough shot with her check up and has had a horrible flu like reaction. I had no idea that they give this shot to people over 80!! I will be watching though. Happy Weekend to all:)
Mary
Happy Saturday Z….love the post…I know all this brings back memories for you. Even though I miss you racing…I love more knowing you are retired safe and sound…and now going to be a mom. There is nothing more wonderful in the world than being a mom…well to me that is. I have two wonderful sons. I will be watching the segment on you at 7:00 on ESPN….I am in Virginia. Hugs to you Z…
Barbara Wood
@Dawn Conrad–thanks for asking! We’re just trying to cope with the heat (103 currently). SO thankful we have racing and Zenny on tv to look forward to.
Roxi Cook
Lots of great racing today … I’m watching all the races at Belmont, Monmouth, Calder and Hollywood Park today. Just finished watching Mike Smith get second on Smash at Calder. And Tiz Gianni had a very exciting race at HP, 2nd place in a photo finish. After the Gold Cup, I’ll go out and ride my own horses around our “oval” arena.
Celeste
Thank you for another heartwarming message! I will be watching Gio Ponti and wishing him the best – of course, more than anything, I wish them all a safe trip. You are so kind to always think of all the others and it is so cool for you to share with us how all the connections go ’round – it is a small world. Also, how very sweet to remember Bobby Frankel’s birthday – I did not know that but I will hold that special thought in my heart. Knowing that your Dottie was his assistant for many years has made him even more memorable to me and like you, I am following the talented Frankel in his racing career abroad. Thank you for letting us know about Mr. Abrams and Rosie – speedy recovery to both of them! I can’t wait to see the update on ESPN!
Kathy Kimber
@Judy B: Thanks sweetie for your lovely words. I know many in New York are very supportive for the hawks. But also the park department at times puts out poisoned food to try and get rid of them and we think that is what happened to dear Lola. In all God watches over the great and the small. Thanks and hugs
DJ
To JB: I thought so TOO! I am just living out the old expression, “If you want to make God laugh…make plans!” :) I did not think it would be safe to drive that distance with a spare tire, as my tires had to be ordered and just arrived this morning. Soooo…I will just bloom where I am planted. TVG is on now and I am watching with a grateful heart! Hugs, DJ
Judy
Thank you for the wonderful and thoughtful post today Z. I am so happy that Barry and Rosie are on the mend. Hopefully they will recover uneventfully and get back on their paths as quickly as they are able. As for Bobby’s Birthday, I didn’t know him personally but I had tremendous admiration for him as a person and as a horseman. Even without actually knowing him, it was a monumental loss to the industry and the world in general when he left. A master horseman, an intelligent, caring, animal-loving man. Such a huge void was created with his passing. Happy B-Day Bobby, wherever you are. :))
Roxi Cook
Wow, all my horses are coming in second place today. Tiz Gianni, Smash, Irrefutable and now Gio Ponti. I’m going to be cheering for First Dude in the Gold Cup and let’s see what happens.
DJ
To Dawn C: You are so welcome. Thank Y.O.U. for your loving words of comfort and encouragement to ALL! They never cease to be palpable even through modern technology such as a computer screen :) God Bless you!
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Congratulations to Gio Ponte! A Good Place. Hoping for the win, “but not Today,” was said! A great run with a super horse!
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“Z” Dumplings: Thinking of you with smiles on your faces and knowing you are enjoying a beautiful day!
Alex Bowdoin
I wish all good trips today and always. Happy Birthday Bobby Frankel. I loved to watch your horses run…you were a Great Trainer and a Good Horseman!! I am so looking forward to seeing you on ESPN this evening our Z…I also wish Barry and Rosie quick recoveries. Happy Saturday to all.
DJ
To Roxi Cook: Good for you! Hope you have “Runflatout” Second! I’m cheering for you :)
Sheri
Wow thats so cool!Love ya Z!! :D
DJ
I’m scratched!
DJ
However, CAPT. SPARROW is a great horse! The secret is out…so we’ll see in the next Race #4! Probably good I do not have a betting station here.
‘Outlander’ DJ
s (in San Diego)
Sassy Image..just pulled a Zen move at Calder with Mikey aboard. Great Effort from Gio Ponte,he is one of my favorites and love still being able to see you run.
Paula Higgins
WOW lot’s of information in this post. Dottie, I won’t forget Bobby Frankel. I always enjoyed listening to him. Smart man and a horse encyclopedia. He is missed. I am glad Barry is doing well. I wish him the very best with his follow-up treatments. Good luck to Mike, Gio Ponti and Twirling Candy. I am so glad Ann and Jerry are being honored today. Most deserving. Can’t wait for 7 p.m. to see our girl!!!
mary bobolis
Mike E just dusted the field aboard Sassy Image carrying 124 lbs. It looked as though he didn’t stand a chance at the quarter pole but rallied after being 13 lengths back. Sound familiar? The commentators are calling it the racing move of the year. I cry when I think of the loss of the late,great Bobby Frankel who always put his horses and dogs first, just like your John. Bobby is truly missed by me. His talent and intellect were exceptional. Well, you’re on TV in less than an hour during the Hollywood Gold Cup. Am dying to see the new pics of you. You’re simply glowing in foal.
Leiana
Got to visit your friends and family at Barn 55 today! Saw your sis, Ebby come out for a little graze. She’s so beautiful, looks so much like you. Also saw Mr Commons get his carrot juice. Carrot mustache! Congrats to the Mosses for their award, I saw Dottie in the winners circle accepting the award :)
Brenda
What a busy day you are having today Zenny, keeping track of all your friends around the country. I hope that they all come home safe and sound. The special day for Mr. & Mrs. Moss is well deserved, I hope that we get to see the award presentation. It’s good to hear that Rosie and Barry are recovering well, I read that Rosie’s surgery took longer than anticipated but that it all turned out successfully.
Thank you Dottie for such a great diary update today, you always know just what interests Zenyatta and all of us here. Zenny did so well with the shoot for ESPN perhaps she will be thinking about starring in a movie next.
Victoria has just told me that a horse broke a leg at the Calgary Stampede and was euthanized, so glad that William and Kate left and didn’t have to see that.
@ Dawn C – We too are counting days, Vic’s Mom arrives in six days, the Prince of Wales race is in eight days and we leave for Lexington in nine days so the excitement is building here.
@ The Dumplings – Thinking of you all enjoying yourselves and looking forward to reading all your posts.
together and had a fantastic time.
mary bobolis
Congats Dottie for accepting the Lafit Pinkay awad for the Mosses. You all truly deserve it fo all of your ongoing hard work and for sharing Zenny with America.
Valerie chase
Z it is an exciting race day, sorry that GP didn’t quite
Ake it and hopeful for TC!!
Kari Bussell
MY Queen I have my bells on. Can’t wait to see you. I love you! Too Excited!!!!!
I am days behind on comments.. will be catch you and explain later…Hope everyone is having a great day…Love you guys- Kari
s (in San Diego)
OMG!! The coverage has just started on ESPN and the picture of your stall and the mention of the Breeders Cup and I am CRYING!! (and I doubt I am alone). You are the true QUEEN.
Kathryn Cogswell
“The incomparable actress in the brown fur coat. ..” Bill Nack
Barbara Grimaldi
I missed it! Had to go to a wedding!!!! Hope someone includes the link! Excuse me, precious Zenny, while I say something directly to Dottie: you do know that what you are writing is educating an old and new audience for racing, tat what you are writing is adding so much personality and charm to racing statistics, that what you write has turned Zenny into a national hero who is so loved and respected by young and old alike? Dottie, I hope they double your salary. You deserve it and more. I am so grateful you are there to impart the heart and personality and generous spirit of beloved Zenny and Team Z.
Jackie feinberg
Good afternoon my Queen, I am sitting in my hotel room overlooking the beautiful pacific ocean, but can’t compare to how beautiful you are! ESPN has done a wonderful job covering you. My you look fantastic. I sat here in tears. Love your. Baby sister. She has some big shoes to fill. Love you a whole bunch.hugs and kisses
jackie
Kathryn Cogswell
“.. . Because no one ever lost their voice cheering for a mutual fund. ..” [great 3Chimneys ad; why invest in (visual of pounding hooves on a track).]
Abigail from Montreal
In what only could be described as “THE ZENNY MOVE” Sassy Image and our Mike Smith take the Princess Rooney. Sassy Image came from 10th place to win and boy, she looked like you coming down the stretch, Zenny!
I will never see the ESPN special on you sweet girl unless a link goes up on here, either today or tomorrow.
HOOVES CROSSED!!!!
Brenda
@ Abigail from Montreal – I have asked Judy B if she will post a link and she’s going to do her best for those of us (Canadians) who do not get ESPN. I have also arranged with my daughter, who does get ESPN in Maine, to record it so I’ll be happy to share it with you, one way or another, when she brings the disc, or whatever, with her when she arrives here next week. We WILL see it Abigail. As Judy B would say, HUGS to you.