Hello Everyone,
From Del Mar to Saratoga…which opens today….HAPPY RACING!
This is truly the DAILY DOUBLE of summer racing in our sport. It kicks into full swing today! You have Saratoga which starts the day on the East Coast…and then Del Mar on the West Coast to round out your day of thoroughbred enjoyment! During the next several weeks, there are so many options, so many great horses, an abundance of stakes races and LOTS OF FUN!
Even though it is exceptionally warm on the East Coast today, in the mid-90’s and a heat index of 100, the NYRA stated that the race meet will open on schedule. There are 2 stakes races on their program, the Sanford for 2 year olds and the James Marvin Stakes for older horses. The latter drew a field of very accomplished stakes winners going 7 furlongs. Both races will be very competitive and fun races to watch.
Each coast offers deep racing fields over the entire weekend. Have a great time handicapping, watching the races, and analyzing all of your selections! Additionally, HOOVES CROSSED for great racing luck for all of YOU!
Again, please take special care of yourself in this heat. It is really important for you to monitor your physical activities and stay properly hydrated! I know something about this. MY JOHN always monitored my hydration levels when I was at Barn 55. Due to my size and weight…and then in consideration of my physical activities as an athlete, this was a very, very important part of my overall well-being. That is why I know the great importance of monitoring one’s HYDRATION LEVELS!
Happy Weekend to all of my dear, dear FRIENDS!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Signofthetimes
@Judy B and Z fans
Just saw It’s tricky dump her jockey. And she did dump him
No elegant step off. It took them 30 minutes to
Get her out of stall to get to the track. She actually
Shied away quickly to the right when they tried to put water on
Her and he landed on his left side. She is really something.
Trainer says she is hormonal. A very very very marish mare.
Hope they don’t change trainers.
Gary Moulton
@Today’s Baby Plays – 07-24-11 (12:30 pm est)
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@SARATOGA – There are two baby races today, race 2 and race 9. I will look at the feature race 9 “Sanford Stakes” G2. I’m probably crazy for throwing Pletcher’s horse out but he will be the big favorite, on the lead, and there is no value in boxing chalk. The three I like to maybe run him down are:
#1 “Tarpy’s Goal”, #7 “Power World”, & #8 “Jack’s in the Deck”.
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$1.00 Triple Box – 1 // 7 // 8 = $6.00
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@DEL MAR – Race 7 – There is only one little race today with a big field that I hope brings a big price. The three I’m playing in this one are:
#1 “Already There”, #5 “Got Even”, & #7 “Our Boy Benjamin”
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$1.00 Triple Box – 1 // 5 // 7 = $6.00
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That’s my Baby Boxes for today, Good Luck, -$29.00 so far going into today.
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@EX WATCH – Mike & Chantal both have a bump in this baby race and in the 8th race, “San Clemente Handicap” G2 they are right next to each other in the gate so there might really be some bumping in that one. These are the only 2 races that their both in today. He is in the 1st race and she is in the 2nd. Hunch – early double, 22
DJ
To Terry C: Thank you for the Sunday Special! By the way, Blake did hire a hit man…Fred.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b329rybhCVs
:)
J Smith
S in San Diego. Good for you. Fortunately my mother raised me with the attitude that going out & doing things alone was a lot better than sitting home alone for a lifetime. I find you nearly always meet people to chat to when you go somewhere alone, I met some nice people at HP (thanks to Zenny) over a year ago, and they always let me know when they are going. Of course, since then, I have met a lot of posters here too. So, never feel awkward about going anywhere alone. I will be in Del Mar, I think it’s the weekend of Aug 10th, dog sitting again. UH OH, it’s that TV I can’t operate. So if u are going to the track that weekend, let me know nearer time.
DJ
To Gary M: @DEL MAR – Don’t forget #4 “GLORIFIED”…remember ‘Pascal’s Wager?’ :)
s (in San Diego)
Hi All…quick message. Thank you again to all who help keep the little mare’s story going. I just saw this on Keith page and wanted to share it…for anyone who might be interested. This is what he posted this morning.
“Let me tell you this. Someone needs this nice 4 yr old Thorobred mare. She is super to be around, loves being hosed off, its 95 here and feels like 115. She is in heat right now, but doesn’t have the pissy mare problem, She is like being around a gelding. Good in the stall also. Fill out an application for this great horse at www. ilehc.org to be approved”
Got a run…Wishing you all a Blessed Day.
Gary Moulton
@Everybody – I want to thank everyone for all the accolades, kind words, corrections, hope, and luck. I’m sorry I don’t reply to everyone in a timely fashion but thanks to Trina’s Tip I will try to keep up a little better but there is so much going on right now and I’m just so confused, LOL, Thank you all again.
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This is an original poem by “Paul Mellon”. Paul was the owner of “Rokeby Stable”. He bred horses that won the Epsom Derby, the Arc, the KY Derby, and Paul was an avid rider. I came across this poem a few years back and it really moved me. It is one of my favorite equine poems. This poem inspired me and is one of the reasons I wanted to try and write some equine poetry of my own.
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THOROUGHBREDS
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The day my final race is run
And, win or lose, the sinking sun
Tells me it’s time to quit the track
And gracefully hang up my tack,
I’ll thank the Lord the life I’ve led
Was always near a Thoroughbred
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I’ve had my share of falls and knocks
Pursuing the elusive fox
I’ve heard the stirring cry of hounds
From Melton to the Sussex Downs
Each spring I ride a hundred miles
My tail bright red, my face all smiles
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And I have seen the thrilling pace
Of many a cutthroat steeplechase
And watched with breath and mind suspended
Until a classic race has ended
For those high days can end in pain
Or in a bottle of champagne
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So if the downward course is steep
Where smoke and flames and devils leap
I’ll hope I’m on a hellish steed
Running his heart out with no need
For voice or spurs or flailing whip
To guarantee he gets the trip.
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But if about the sixteenth pole
God should have mercy on my soul,
I hope He’ll raise me to the clouds
Above the grandstand and the crowds
And there I’ll take my ease, and wait
Behind the pearly starting gate.
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And long before I break God’s bread
Or buy a halo for my head
Or sink into a starry bed
Or say the prayers I should have said
Before the donuts, rolls, or coffees,
I’ll find the secretary’s office.
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In my first interview, of course,
I’ll ask St. Peter for a horse.
He’ll lead me down the heavenly sheds
Past miles and miles of Thoroughbreds
And say,”Since you’ve escaped Old Nick …
They’re on the house; just take your pick”.
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So when old Gabriel’s golden horn
Echoes from cloud to cloud each morn
And “It is post time” rings out clear
I will be ready with my gear;
My horse and I will not be late
Though I’ll be slightly overweight.
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Then free from every mortal sin
Including Butazolidin!
We’ll gallop through celestial fields
Where neither mist nor mud conceals
The graceful movements of the horse,
The wide and green and endless course.
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Though some may think and I’ll agree
That only God can make a tree,
Before God thought of trees, it’s said,
His mind was on the Thoroughbred.
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…………………………………………….Paul Mellon
DJ
To Gary M: That is so beautiful! Thank you!!
Carolyn Caswell-Brown
A rollercoaster ride of emotions this weekend and we still have all day Sunday! With all these ups and downs to contend with, I am grateful for the sharing & caring of laughter & sorrow that takes place here.
Thank You Zenyatta & All
LOVE & PEACE
DJ
I almost forgot to say Good morning Sweet “Z” and little “z”,
Hope you are both content and enjoying your breakfasts on this glorious new day!
Abby(NC)
Heat advisory for a while here in NC
Gary Moulton
@DJ – Del Mar – Don’t forget to honor your father and your mother in the 8th race.
DJ
To Gary M: Perfect!! I’ll wrap it up with “ALL SAINT” and “FINAL ANSWER” :)
DJ
Gary M: I’d say we have a winning Program!
Gary Moulton
@DJ – I hope your right and God runs the table today. It seems like a lot of religious named horses do win on Sunday.
DJ
To Gary M: And Saturday! A personal favorite…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILprhQHrDuI&feature=player_embedded#at=20
Anne from Paramount, CA
Hi Queen Z!! Good Sunday to you and yours in Ky and here in California! Before I forget: @Judy Berube, thanks for your response on Real Quiet and Silver Charm. Just two days ago I came across the tail end (ahh…)of a 2009 HRTV show with Bob Baffert, talking not only about those days, but Pioneer of the Nile. Anyway, back to Silver Charm, Mr. B said when walking around Ky for the Charm’s Derby (I think) somone shouted to him, “Bet the farm on Silver Charm!” Made me giggle, which at the time I needed to do. Also in the present: to you and @ Terry Crow and others, am enjoying the back and forth here on singers, music etc. @Diana_NV. am sorry for your loss of Slewpy. @Diana S., yes a wonderful reflection of your father. I plan to go back and re-read it.
Now, @ ALL, especially YOU MS Z. I hope you are not too hot to perk up your ears: we were at Del Mar yesterday early enough for Donut Day which they have twice during the meet. Trever Denman emcees a jockey and trainer (usually) with Q&A from fans. With free donuts it is a very popular event.Yesterday’s guests were Doug O’Neill and Chantal Sutherland. Near the end (hope you are still listening Ms. Z) someone asked both who their favorite horses were: we’ll skip what Chantall said (for now) and go to Doug who said that his favorite horse from back when was the first horse who won for him…Frank Prince in ’89 or ’90. BUT as far as modern day horses go, he said his favorite is definitely ZENYATTA!!! Said everyone in racing owes YOU so much and especially your connections who did so much for racing. He singled out the Mosses as “very classy,” but said, everyone connected with you, well, there isn’t anyone like ZENYATTA. Now our dear girl, if that wasn’t enough, Trevor couldn’t wait to jump in and give his opinion which was: “Zenyatta was very smart. She is “almost human.” (he made finger quotes here.) He said that when YOU would walk to the winner’s circle YOU knew exactly what was going on and would play to the crowd, asking us to clap more for YOU. He further said there may have been faster horses in history, but as far as he is concerned whenever anyone asks him about his favorite horse, the word “Zenyatta” immediately comes out of his mouth. He had a big smile all the time he was telling us this. Well, now!!! See how much YOUR name still comes up! I was delighted to hear this exchange.
Also, @Terry Crow and others: I heard Bing’s Del Mar song…10 minutes prior to first race and if you are not paying attention you will miss it. But rest assured it is still being played.
If any other dumplings were there yesterday, we left early, Rod was not feeling well.
@JSmith and others: at the Donut Day event, Chantal was asked about the Battle of the Exes and said yes it would be happening on August 7th. She explained about hers and Mike’s relationship, how they were engaged,they are not anymore, but both agreed to doing this. I agree with you guys, match races make me feel queasy. (And I was not at all into racing during Ruffian’s time, but cannot read about it now.) But do you remember PVal and Julie Krone a few years ago–Battle of the Sexes–also at Del Mar. This is an “extension” of that.
Perhaps more later…happy Sunday to all. Heard some of heat has “subsided” to a mere 92 some places.
Lil from KY
I am so sorry about the death of Awad, just saw him last Tuesday, he seemed in great shape & was doing his little trick of putting his carrot on the top rail of the fence.Such a sweetheart. Now he can rest in peace in that beautiful cemetery at Old Friends.
@Trina——-No, I am sorry, but I did not get a video of the dog show I did. It really turned out great. There were so many people who came, that we ran out of places to put them. We had 18 dogs of various breeds, very well behaved.The residents loved it.It was fun.
Zenny, are you staying cool, darling girl?
I think we’re going to have a break in this weather, it’s supposed to be cooler soon.
Let’s keep hooves crossed for an EARLY winter! I love winter & you probably do to.Love & Kisses, sweet Zen & Baby Zen
Sarah Powell
@Gary Moulton – love that poem – thanks for posting – that’s a keeper for my file!
Signofthetimes
@Gary M
Thanks for the beautiful program. Good luck
Handicapping the two year olds. Quite a challenge.!!!
Lil from KY
@ Sunny Boyd—–I remember the Dinah Shore show,but did not see the segment with Zsa Zsa & Robert Blake.I had always heard a lot about Zsa Zsa, being a terrible person, fighting with people etc, but I really found out how she was a few years ago when I met her at the Ky Horse Park, she was so nasty to people, it was unbelievable. She was not all dressed up like the “movie star”, but was wearing sloppy clothes , no makeup, she was short & dumpy, & you would never have known she was the glamor girl she portrayed in the movies. A friend had asked me to get her autograph , I did & promptly got shot down by her, saying DON’T BOTHER ME, I said, Excuseeee me & walked away!
Signofthetimes
Dear Zenny
Hope you are having a great Sunday. Grazing and
Growing that fetus. XXXXOOO
@ Judy B
I think they should breed It’s Tricky and Liberian
Freightor. What a quirky pair. Sooo TB !!!!!
Signofthetimes
Typo
Poem not program
Sorry
Barbara Wood
@s in San Diego–sounds like a great ad for “our” mare. Please let us know if there are any takers, and we’ll pray for the RIGHT taker–someone kind who can look at what’s behind those eyes.
@Gray Moulton–thanks for the poem!
@Terry Crow–LOL at the song titles. Your mention of Floyd Turbo reminds me of my father-in-law–he wore a hat just like that one “Floyd” wore, and we would get so tickled.
Sad to hear Dinah was such a grump….
Terry Crow
@Anne from Paramount–Glad I could make your day brighter. That’s what this nonsense is all about.Glad to hear about Bing’s song. Doug O’Neill and Trevor Denman are both wise men. @Marshall-Glad you enjoy the song titles and the story about The Budster. I heard a report on the Roger Stein show this morning that the Breeders Cup was awarded to Santa Anita for 2012. Don’t know for sure, but that’s what Lenny Shulman of the Blood Horse said. Today’s joke–The way I first heard it it was a dumb guy joke but I have changed it to a cowboy joke. In the old west, three Texas cowboys were about to be hanged as horse thieves. The lynch mob brought the three men to a tree right next to the edge of the Rio Grande River. The idea was that after each hanging the body would fall into the river and disappear. The lynch mob put the rope around the neck of the first cowboy but he was sweating so profusely that the rope slipped from his neck and the cowboy fell into the river and swam away. When the lynch mob attempted to hang the second cowboy, the same thing happened. As the third cowboy was being led up to the noose, he said “Would yawl tighten the noose a little bit. I can’t swim.”
suew
@Anne from Paramount, CA, thank you for sharing comments made about Zenny yesterday at Del Mar. Trevor has said many times she is the closest to his heart and he has been around some really great horses. Zenny, you are one in a million and “too Cute”.
Barbara Grimaldi
TERRY!!!!! I have no idea where you get all of these jokes, but this one caused me to laugh out loud!!!!
It’s pouring here in North Jersey and temp is down to about 80–summer normal! I hope everyone else is getting cooler temps–especially KENTUCKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Terry Crow
@Barbara Wood-This must be my day for Texas. Calling my daughter, cowboy joke and you memories of your dad and his hat.@Barbara Grimaldi–So pleased you liked the joke.
Anne from Paramount, CA
@Terry Crow–yes I heard the same thing about BC for 2012…we will need to see further reports, but Lenny S. is probably a reliable source. Also found Bo D. interesting…what did you think of her responses to Roger’s questions? Gotta run! So long for now, Queen Z…take care of yourself and tell your pals to do the same! Once again, thanks, Dottie!!
judy berube
Happy Sunday Z,
Hope you are well and not uncomfortable in the hot weather. Love you and love to all of you, Judy and Russ