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
Trina Nagele
Dearest Z, Finally, here I come down the homestretch, long after everyone else has crossed the finish line. You are already fast asleep, I’m sure, so sleep tight till the morning light.
@Diana S—Thanks for sharing the story of your amazing dad who built “Trigger” for you and taught you so much about life. What a guy! And in you we see that the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree!
@Kari Bussell— Thanks so much for the link to the “It’s Time to Say Good-bye” video—so moving and beautifully done!
@Anne—Loved your story of your dad acting the part of Fury as you rode on his back—takes me back to distant days with my own dad.
@Abigail in Montreal—Re Rewilding: Thanks for the detail from the good side.
@Margaret—Looking forward to your synopsis.
@Brenda S—I’m sure that you, as a first-born “who was supposed to be a son,” made your dear dad very proud!
@The Kennedys in San Diego—Thanks for the link on Z’s height compared to that of other greats.
@max—Thanks for the link to those marvelous pictures by Barbara Livingston. Mo looked so cute training again, and his Awesome Maria certainly is awesome! Enjoyed seeing how her mane lightened toward her withers, as Barbara pointed out. Also enjoyed the humor of the “And they’re off!” caption for the photo of It’s Tricky’s jockey’s unexpected dismount and the photo of the racehorse crossing the street in front of the SLOW sign!
@Gary Moulton—LOVED Paul Mellon’s poem! It brought tears to my eyes. No wonder he has inspired you! And as a fan since childhood of Joyce Kilmer’s poem “I think that I shall never see/ A poem as lovely as a tree,” I enjoyed Paul Mellon’s allusion and clever addendum thereto. Thanks for introducing me to him. Are there more poems from him you would care to share? And do you currently have more of your own to share beyond the ones you have already posted here?
@ Especially Horses—Thank you so much for that quote about Man o’ War looking more glorious in his one loss than the winner did in victory. Yes, we as spectators of the 2010 BCC have been there and felt that.
@Anne from Paramount—Loved hearing about that enthusiasm for Z at Del Mar this weekend. That’s for sharing.
@Judy Berube—In addition to my three dogs, which are all too big to get up on the computer keyboard, I have three cats who are attracted to the keyboard when I’m at the computer. I don’t know how you manage with your poodle lying across the keyboard (I guess the lying position keeps her from activating the keys), but to cope with my kitties who otherwise STEP on the keyboard, I stacked a few inches of books on either side of the keyboard and laid a board across which allows space for my fingers but no room for the kitties. They are of course welcome to sit on the board.
@Shari Voltz—Give that Golden a pat from me, OK?
@Diana S—Congratulations on the rain! And I love the idea of the first Western Regional Dumpling Convention at SA 2012. Thanks too for your humor—always enjoyable!
@Jane C—Thanks for sharing your experience of meeting Z.
Trina Nagele
Dear DMCQ—Just went back to #302 and discovered your comment almost at the end. Thanks for sharing!
Diana S
@All: Going to bed now, except one last comment (pre-groan warning): If DMR has a “Cougar” program, I’m offended too. I’m so old they better do a “Saber Tooth” program – – – .
denture diastu
Kari Bussell
@-Judy Berube- Loved the link. Thank you.
Kari Bussell
@Terry Crow-Southern expressions (I’m from Tn.) are the source of many Country songs …..as I try to think of some of them to share with you right now… I am drawing a blank…one comes to mind and it is used often….I could have told you if you hadn’t ask me……
Keep them coming.
Kari Bussell
@-Gary M…What a beautiful, moving poem. thank you so much for taking the time to share it….and I really appreciate that wicked sense of humor you have.
Barbara Wood
@Diana S–thank you! I get Bloodhorse, but I ususally just skim it because of time–spend too much time here–lol!
@DJ–the prayers are incredible–do you make them up, or are they from a prayer book? Keep ’em coming.
Kathryn Cogswell
Sunday-On-The-Green-W/-‘Z’: [Nearing 500!!notes!!?!]. ~ *DJ: Evensong DP#303 a treasure . .. ~ Thank You ALL for all I missed at the slumber party. ~ T. Crow: Please tell ‘The One About Jack & The Robber.’ ~ **Best reading-mom memory: W/ child who knows books by heart; now it`s her turn: [me, biting my tongue past a mistake] .. . ‘Wait, Mommy! . .. (scanning 3 lines back) ‘that`s the wrong word!’ [and proudly]. ~ ‘diastu-sabre`dentalis’ lawn detail (I`ll compost). K.
Terry Crow
@Kathryn Cogswell-You are probably thinking of Mr. Benny’s all time classic. This is basically how it goes-Jack is walking down the street when a robber appears out of an alley. “Your money or your Life,” says the robber. Jack stands there with no response. “Well?” says the robber. “I’m thinking it over,” says Jack. The joke is more visual than anything else.@Anne from Paramount-I had a chance to listen to the Bo Derek interview. While she might not be as informed as some others on the CHRB, I must say I agree with most of her positions. Roger is a pretty good interviewer in most cases, except when he is talking to Frank Stronach, and she got flustered at times but held her ground. I’ll be back with more titles later. In the meantime, a bonus joke–Two dimwitted cowboys decided to go deer hunting on the opening day of the season. They renewed their hunting licenses and obtained deer tags. One of them got lucky and bagged a buck. There were hauling the carcass by the horns towards their vehicle when a man happened to come by. “You fellows are doing that the hard way. Why don’t you drag the carcass by its feet?” The dimwitted cowboys agreed that was the thing to do. After about an hour, one cowboy said to the other “You know, I am sure glad that guy came along when he did. It is much easier to drag the buck by its feet.” “That is true,” said the other cowboy, “But we are getting farther and farther away from the truck.”
DJ
For those who would like to start today with a Morning Prayer/Hymn:
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We plough the fields and scatter
The good seed on the land,
But it is fed and watered
By God’s almighty hand;
He sends the snow in winter,
The warmth to swell the grain,
The breezes and the sunshine,
And soft refreshing rain.
All good gifts around us
Are sent from heav’n above,
Then thank the Lord,
O thank the Lord for all his love.
He only is the maker
Of all things near and far;
He paints the wayside flower,
He lights the ev’ning star.
The winds and waves obey him,
By him the birds are fed.
Much more to us his children,
He gives our daily bread.
We thank you then, dear Father,
For all things bright and good:
The seedtime and the harvest,
Our life, our health, our food.
And all that we can offer
Your boundless love imparts;
The gifts to you most pleasing
Are humble, thankful hearts.
………………………M.Claudius
Sharon Call
@Terry Crow and all others who have posted about great comdians. I’m really enjoying remembering all them. The name I haven’t seen mentioned (might have missed it) is Red Skelton, one of my favorites. I particularly loved “Gertrude and Heathcliff), the seagulls. I remember he always closed his show with the most endearing smile and saying “Good night and God bless”.
Sharon Call
Oops, that’s supposed to be “great comedians”.
Rosemary McCauley
To: Linda in NJ: I too am sorry I didn’t get to see all of Zenyatta’s races in person. You are right, last year’s Clement Hirsch was a great one – as all of her races were. I often get out my videos of her races to enjoy over and over.
DJ
Good morning Sweet “Z” and little “z”,
I believe there may be a new Hoofprint from you today, so I will check back later. Enjoy a restful, playful Today!
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To Terry C: Very funny! I like the second joke alot! ‘Buck Backwards!’
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To KC: Eventide is lovely. The following – ‘This Day’ is also James Quinn. Hope to visit ‘On-The-Green-W/Z!’
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To Barbara W: No, from a Prayer book. It is a pleasure to pray them with you. Blessings for a beautiful Today!
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To JB: Hugs..you are welcome..and more hugs! DJ :)
Barbara Wood
@DJ–Whew! I’m SO glad those are from a prayer book. I was starting to feel really inferior–lol! Thanks for including them twice a day for us.
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Anne from Paramount,CA — thanks for the additional info on Donuts Day — love the Doug O’Neill comment about keeping in shape. When we stopped by his barn aabout a year ago, he was very gracious and brought Lava Man (you have to love that horse) out of his stall so that we could get photos with him.
@Jane C — Lovely post.
Gary Moulton
@Today’s Baby Plays – 07-25-11 (12:30 pm est)
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@SARATOGA – There are two races today, race 3, with a small field, and race 6 with a field of 8. I think I will play them both today because DEL MAR is closed. I will play a win bet and an exacta bet for a total of $8.00
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Race 3 – Field too small to box. $5.00 to WIN #5 “Siberian Wildcat”
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Race 6 – Key the Cats with a Song – #8 “Delightful Song”
#3 “Cat Girl”, & #4 “Sweet Cat”, & #6 “Volcat”
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$1.00 Exacta Key – 8 // 3, 4, 6 = $3.00
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@DEL MAR – DARK DAY – Babies napping – ssshhhhhh!!!
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-$41.00 going into today, good luck.
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@Trina Nagele – No, I haven’t seen any more Mellon work but I did come across this quote: “The horse is an archetypal symbol which will always find ways to stir up deep and moving ancestral memories in every human being.”
——————————————————————- Paul Mellon
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I don’t have anything finished but I will post them in time. My goal is to write an Epic Poem about horse racing but right now that’s just a pipe dream although I have a lot of ideas written down. I will probably never finish it. Wish I had you as a teacher way back when. I wrote a quick Limerick about “Chantal”.
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There once was a jock named Chantal
She’s a very attractive belle
To Mike she won’t wed
Some bad words were said
Respect her because she won’t tell
The Kennedys in San Diego
We must say It’s Tricky’s antics are amusing — still break into laughter periodically about her running around in her stall for 40 minutes before her connections could corral her to put on her halter and then dumping her rider when ice water was poured on her after the race. And of course she won her race, the CCA Oaks. Now pointed to the Alabama. What a girl! Must put her in our virtual stable.
judy berube
Dear Kennedy’s in San Diego:
It’s like she’s going through the Terrible Twos. Got to love her. Hugs, J.B.
The Kennedys in San Diego
First Dude retired with tendon injury –won the Hollywood Gold Cup.
The Kennedys in San Diego
http://www.drf.com/news/first-dude-retired-tendon-injury
judy berube
Dear Gary Moulton:
Good luck today. Hugs, J.B.
Dear DJ:
Beautiful prayer. Hugs, J.B.
Dear Terry Crow:
That Benny joke’s a Classic and the other won is hysterical. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Kari B.:
Your welcome. Hugs, J.B.
Dear Diana S.:
What a wonderful sense of humor. Ha,ha. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Trina Nagele:
My little five pound girl is quite a character. I have a wide computer table so I folded a little blanket for her in front of the keyboard. She likes to lay there, but she HAS to rest her head on my wrist as I’m typing. Sometimes she will sprawl toward the keyboard and I have quite a few extra letters to backspace out of my post. I position her back on her blanket until the next time she decides to stretch out (head on my wrist). After all, we named her Lola Mae. As the song says, “Watever Lola wants……. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Kari Bussell:
I curious to see how this HBO show, Luck, is going to portray the sport. Will watch it. Hugs, J.B.
DJ
To Barbara W: TOO FUNNY! I have no gift with regards to writing, only called to praying :) These four large volumes, last for eternity!
DJ
To Gary M: I am with you…but you forgot “Beautyinthepulpit”!!
Wonderful start to a great limerick and tribute to Chantal :)
judy berube
Dear Trina:
Oops. “Whatever Lola Wants…Hugs, J.B.
DJ
Lola Gets! My long-haired Chihuahua is also a tad bit pampered :)
Barbara Wood
@DJ–good! You can keep us going for a long time, and then start over. We’ll never know the difference!
@Gary Moulton–love the Chantal limerick.
SO SAD about First Dude. This is happening WAY too often. I believe it was Raise a Native who had only 4 races before bowing a tendon.