Happy Friday, Everyone!
Wow, it has been a very busy week in our industry. There is so much going on that I want to share with you.
First of all, I’d love to congratulate FRANKEL (GB) on his success in winning the SUSSEX S. (G1). He is now undefeated and has a race record of 8 for 8. FRANKEL (GB) is truly a sentimental favorite in my camp as he is named for a very dear friend. Jay Hovdey, in the DRF, wrote a special piece on all of this in a recent article. Dottie and Bobby were very close friends for years. Ruben Loza, who now works as one of MY JOHN’S assistant trainers, held the same position for Bobby for 25 years. Jose Luis….who currently grooms MR. COMMONS and STAR BILLING for My John…was a long-time groom for Bobby. “Chuma” (as he is known around the barn) is also such a hard-working gentleman. He has groomed so many other wonderful horses during his career as Medaglia D’Oro, Sightseek, and Intercontinential to name a few.
So, it was with great joy and pride that MY TEAM watched FRANKEL(GB) win #8 on Wednesday. A heartfelt congratulations to his owner and breeder, Juddmonte Farms, his trainer, Mr. Cecil, and the entire team who works with this exciting colt!
I’m sending him a special HIGH HOOF for a job well-done!
Both of the SUMMER MEETS on each coast are in full-swing….and this weekend, Monmouth Park has a wonderful stakes program including the HASKELL. This should be a very exciting race!
Then at Saratoga, several big stakes races are taking place including the JIM DANDY and THE THE RUFFIAN. These should be great to handicap and enjoy. At Del Mar, we have some very accomplished sprinters competing in the BING CROSBY. So much action!
From all reports, the dirt surface at Santa Anita is terrific! This is fabulous news. In California, they now have Santa Anita open for training in addition to Del Mar. Hollywood Park closes for the next 5-6 weeks to allow the maintenance crews to completely clean out the barn area and freshen up everything that needs to be repaired and painted. The track crew, headed by Dennis Moore, is given the opportunity to work on the track and the surface to get it freshened up for the upcoming year. This is traditionally done in CA each summer…one year Santa Anita is closed to accomplish these maintenance needs and the next Hollywood Park. This alternating system works out quite well for everyone and it really helps to keep everything in the best possible shape.
Thus, since nothing can be left out at Hollywood Park for this big clean-up process to take place…everyone and everything needs to be out of Barn 55. My John and his crew did a great job getting this organized and properly storing everything that was in MY STALL. It was all safely packed for the future!
So all of my horse BARN 55 friends had to relocate as well for the summer. They were split between Santa Anita and Del Mar. In the photo above, you see STAR BILLING on the left and EBLOUISSANTE on the right getting ready to travel. They are loaded on the van and on their way to Del Mar. They are comfy, cozy, the windows are open just right…and these girls are READY TO GO TO THE BEACH!
I gather “E” wanted to snack along the way.
The TOO CUTE part of all of this is that “E” is in the same exact stall on the van I always used. In California, I shipped on Vida and David Randall’s Ranch Runner’s van. That was MY STALL! They even put a plaque on the side of this stall with MY NAME on it. So, I guess for all practical purposes, I still get to travel right with them…..in spirit!
Have a FUN weekend…and enjoy RACING!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Karen Gogue
@Char
I had a ‘crush’ on Bill Hartack when I was a kid…thought he was the hottest – hubba, hubba! What did I know, just 12 years old, my gosh. That was in the middle 1960’s, one of my favorite jocks besides Shoe and Lambert (Native Divers jock) and Alvaro Pineda – who unfotunately was killed at the track – he took the place of Hartack later on in my heart. I was crushed when he was killed in the starting gate. I used to read the papers everyday looking for the next days race and results from the day before (also all the baseball stats) and I was stunned to read of his death. With all that, you’d think I’d be a doozie dumpling handicapper! HA!
Alene
“E” looks a bit like you. Her ears and her size. Also the way she looks around and carry’s herself. Zenny thanks foer all the info. Also, great that you acknowledged the great colt “Frankel”.. Wonderful that he was named after the Great Bobby Frankel… I’m sure Bobby is watching everything… Lots of Big Hugs and Kisses to you…Alene :-)
Diana Hanson
Been thinking about you Zen. Hope you have a glorious weekend!
Karen Gogue
@Terry Crow
I had no idea that Hartack was in such bad financial shape when he passed…last I had heard about him was that he was a steward somewhere in midwest, I believe. So sad to hear that….he is still in my 12 year old heart. Bless his soul with HIS Angel Kisses to comfort his sleep….
Signofthetimes
@Joanna
Did not realize that you live in GB. So lucky to
See Frankel in person, what an awesome colt.
I think it is a good idea to keep him in Europe and
Let Goldi and Canford and others duke out the BC
Mile. Goldi for number 4!!!!! Hope they bring him
To US as a 4 year old to share him with America.
I enjoy european racing up and down and around the
Turf. Both are so different, but the history of racing
In Europe is so historic. Please keep us posted. I guess
Galileo and Sea the Stars never came to the US though
Not sure why. Really enjoyed Master if Hounds here.
He did great in the Derby. Guess he did not like the slop
At Belmont. He is very talented.
Signofthetimes
@ The Kennedy’s SD
I was wondering if they were going to run her
In BCC. Like Zenny. Hit all the top males in one
Race. Might be a good idea as the top males have
Not shaken out for 2011.
Barbara Grimaldi
THE KENNEDYS: I have been studying the Haskell so hard — the jockeys are so good, and trying to pick a trifecta/exacta is a bear! Shack is my pick—I just love the boy, but somehow, Magic Train is calling to me…I study on…! SUE FREDERICK: That song is still with me… even though it makes me sad, it brings me back to Zenny…
UNCLE MO: Just read that he is now walking around the barn area—one step at a time, champ! Take it easy and come back to us!
TRINA N: thanks for the correction on spelling Frankel—meant no disrespect. So much info is new to me. I still hope he has a date with our Zenyatta in a few years, and JOANNA and BRENDA S seem to think that way, too! Thanks for posting Jane Turner’s feelings about AWAD—what a bond they had and how sad she must be.
GARY MOULTON: glad you like the 10-saddle rating system…may we both have better luck at handicapping!
JUDY BERUBE: my favorite Mel Brooks movies: Young Frankenstein and Silent Movie. Like Woody Allen, Brooks is a New York City favorite, and that’s where I was born. And thanks, too, for the Haskell article.
MARGARET: is it true our wild horses had a reprieve? BLM is no friend of animals; when money talks, and it’s always talking, BLM hears it and serves those special interests.
APPLES: Zenny eats peaches and pears—does she also eat apples? I thought all horses love apples!! Wrong?
DMCQ: I’m a freshman in ZU now! KARI B: That song is so sad that I could not watch the video through! I’m a softie dumpling.
TERRY C: I enjoy your jokes—even the most recent one! Also love to read about your track expertise. You also happen to love one of my favorite shows of all time, Mary Tyler Moore—and my favorite episode! Thinking about that crying/laughing scene still makes me laugh out loud! That last episode, when she turned out the light, gave me chills. I was losing dear friends AND a high-quality show with great characters, few of which exist today. I also loved Taxi, especially Jim and Latke. Stay well, Terry!!!
BRENDA S: I’ve not been to Old Friends, but if what you say is true—that perhaps more barn space is needed—then maybe we can all have a Zenny drive to provide funds for a new barn. It’s one of Zenny’s charities, so I know we’d have her blessing! Does anyone else agree besides JUDY B and LISA G? Sadly, the heat could have been a culprit…JUDY, the article you posted really made the points that need to be made—“With little organized help from the racing industry, Old Friends and scores of other equine welfare organizations throughout the country continue to do the work the industry cannot (or will not) do in providing for retired Thoroughbreds.
Because it accepts stallions, Old Friends has a much higher percentage of “name” horses than do other organizations.” LAURA J, thank you for the further info on this
SUEW: You said it. Zenny’s horse sense and high IQ could run rings around all politicians!
PHOTO OF E & SB: Delightful! E looks a lot like Zenny
WAR ADMIRAL: Other classic thoroughbred champions are mentioned here sometimes—anyone have any opinion on this horse?
I am learning so much about horses here, and that’s why I call this place a university…different courses from different profs every day. How lucky we are here…
Love and hugs to precious Zenyatta, to Team Z, and to all of you who walk these hallowed halls! Dottie/Zenyatta? What joy you bring!
Barbara Wood
@Charlotte Farmer–good to hear from you that you are better. I’ve been wondering about Dawn Conrad too. We’ve heard from Susan in TN. Her daughter Beth passed her big test. High hoof!
This is the most adorable picture of SB and Ebby headed to the beach! I am not surprised that our John would take the barn cats when they have to clear out of HP. It is so in character for him. I just re-watched the video of him trying to waken Life Is Sweet. Too cute! I love the way he doesn’t get angry or petulant.
@Brenda S–yes, heat is hard on the horses, particularly the older ones. @Anyone who can think of it–please pray for us here in Texas. It is supposed to be 109 later next week. I am so concerned for the animals. Our daughter will be gone on vacation, and my husband will be caring for her dogs, cats, and fish, as well as checking at the boarding facility to make sure Money has water in his bucket in the barn. Still no rain. It has been all around us, but we’re in a big doughnut hole.
@Terry Crow–you are a walking encyclopedia of horse lore.
@Ann Maree- It touches my heart to see Alysheba mentioned for the calendar. He was our horse’s “great uncle” (our horse is appendix Quarter Horse, great grandson of Bel Sheba and Raise a Native, Alydar’s dad) We were planning a trip to KHP to see him, but he died 2 months before our trip.
Dear Z–we love you so much for sending us such informative messages.Heck, we love you for just being YOU. Good night, sweetie. Love you always. I hope all of Team Z realizes they are included every time we mention that we love you.
Praying for safe trips for everyone racing this weekend.
Sue Fredrick
Hi big Mama, hope you are compfy and enjoying your life of leisure as you look at all these races going on. Just think you don’t have to get up early tomorrow you can sleep in and enjoy watching the horses work theirs butts off.
@Laura J. thanks for the link to Mr Besilu, gosh he’s a real stunner, can’t wait to see his debut. With parents like his he couldn’t be anything less than gorgeous. Actually, even if he couldn’t run at all his pedigree is worth the price they paid for him.
@Max, Dan, Signofthetimes and Judy Berube I’m with you on Stay Thirsty and I also am rooting for Astrology in the Haskell. He’s had so many setbacks I hope its finally his day.
lori cappelletti
omg z you are too funny.
Tatia
Hi Z & baby z! Yes, it is a big weekend of racing. So looking forward to it. Taking a small break from going through my forms now to say hello. I also have a request. I think this is the perfect day to ask since you were talking about the spectacular Frankel win the other day. WOW! They say no plans for coming to the Breeders’ Cup and I think that is a shame – SO…I created a Facebook page. Not selling anything, just trying to get Frankel fans to come “like” and hang out. FB can be pretty powerful – it got Betty White to host SNL (Dottie can explain.) If it’s ok, here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bring-Frankel-to-the-Breeders-Cup-World-Championships/207015476014877
(Dottie, if this isn’t cool to post, I understand. Just trying to spread the word.)
Big hugs!
Sharon in Seattle
happy Friday and Weekend to the whole Z nation! Wishing everyone safe journeys
Michelle Cross
Love you Z! As you and Dottie would say this is too cute: For anyone who has not seen this yet it is Blind Luck working out. Her jockey has on a helmet cam so you feel like you are riding her. For those of you who have watched Zenyatta’s youtube helmet cam video you will notice a BIG difference in your proximity to the ground – :) LOVE IT and LOVE Blind Luck. She is little but she is mighty.
http://youtu.be/bAbTOzwUw4s
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny,
While your sister snacks, she looks like, where am I going with her ears going back and to the side. TOO CUTE.
Have a great Saturday watching the races.
signofthetimes
Blind Luck Web Cam interesting. Boy she has a short neck and
is pretty small. Too used to riding large horse. Need more underneath. She is very fast. Good Luck to her in her
next race!!!!
Trina Nagele
Hi, everyone! Just catching up with the end of #307:
@Terry Crow—Really CUTE joke as you cleaned it up!
@Kari Bussell— Oh my goodness! Another exquisite tribute to the Queen! It couldn’t be more beautiful and so well matched to Elvis’s rendition of that classic! Yes, Zenyatta did it HER (perfect) WAY—and the same not only CAN but MUST be said of YOU, Kari! (PS—Waiting for your e-mail or call.)
Gary Moulton
@Baby Results – 07-29-11
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SARATOGA –
Race 9 – Well today my three beat half the field. “Caviar N Champagne” ran away with it at a nice price but again I couldn’t get the under numbers. CNC’s time was nothing to write home about. The other two finished 5th & 6th. Again this is the kind you want to hit. The $1 triple paid $2180.50.
.
DEL MAR –
Race 8 – “Madoffwiththemoney” was scratched. Of course my other two came 1 2, I’m not saying Mad would have been in there and I would have changed to another horse if I could, doesn’t mean that I would have won if Mad was in or another horse. I can’t get the late scratches at noon when I’m setting up the post. It just doesn’t fit into my schedule. Sometimes I can if I get in early but without an edit feature I can’t change it, I would have to re-post the whole thing. I do check the scratches at Saratoga before I post but still if I’m not here and there is a late scratch, no way I can do anything about it. Another feature that would be nice is a Private Message Feature (PM) so folks could exchange info not in an open forum. VOID BET
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@Terry Crow – Thank You – I have 40 years invested, I started reading the form in 1971 & going to the track with my Dad in about the 4th grade (1964). In my opinion being able to class horses is an art form, just wish I had a better paint, LOL. I agree 100% about DM being hard to figure. Un-raced two yr olds are even harder. Answer: To change his jockeys.
.
@judy berube – Between us we got more then half the field covered, most likely they will come in with one of yours and one of mine. We should box our two longest, yours and mine for a buck in the exacta. My longest came in at $14.60 to 1 today. Good luck to you today too. By saying that I’m rooting against myself, LOL.
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@DJ – You’re very funny. There is no way someone as good and faithful as you could give anybody a bad time. A+ for Angelling. “Angel Love” came in 5th and that was the horse that I told you on Wed. that I might have a good one Fri. Her connections will probably bring her back on a Sunday for the same price and distance. I would drop her two classes and come back at the same distance but again I don’t know the horse.
.
@Lisa g – I’m sorry you didn’t win with “Dahoud”. He ran a respectable 2nd, he was out there on the lead and I thought he might hold but he didn’t see Joe coming. The kids were 1 2. If they would have been hooked it might have been closer. I like to see the Kids (Joe & Joel) battle. They are the future.
.
@Eveline – Thanks for the input. I like Delaware too. I’ve been there many times. I think the horses there run a little truer to form then say the Chicago Tracks. I also go to CT a lot and have a few friends up that way. I’m in Maryland in the middle of the Laurel, Pimlco, CT triangle. I’m glad your little ones are doing well. I will look for you on Monday. I’ve been to Colonial a couple of times and I love turf racing, I also hang with the steeplechase crowd sometimes.
.
@ Barbara Grimaldi – So far my handicapping on this board rates a half a saddle, LOL
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@”Cut The Deck” showed nothing. Zenny was probably laughing at me when I posted all the reasons I liked her. On paper I still think she looked good but the race is not run on paper. She went off as the 4th favorite ($5.80 to 1) so somebody thought she was worth a play. I should have known better because if she was a good one the Moss’s would most likely have her but I don’t know the horse’s history. “Cut The Deck” finished 10th. She beat one horse in the field, LOL
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-$6.00 today – Tomorrows Start -$81.00. I’m going to stay up late and work harder. Like Zenny said “So much action!”
Linda Henderson
Sending love to Zenyatta
Karen Gogue
I love Blind Luck – and I loved her vocal horsey snorts! Too Cute! Have to call her Snorty (Snortie -girl!) after that!
s (in San Diego)
So excited knowing that E is just up the road:). Not that I will get to see her..but still :). Cute picture.
The TB Mare, saved from slaughter, should have a home tomorrow. The lucky owner is being chosen from all those who completed the application. Praying she will have years and years of a happy live with loving owners.
Sweet dreams dear Z and everyone.
DJ
To Gary M: Thank you, that is very sweet. Yes, you did say that about the horse and I am rooting for you! Good night and wishing you the ‘Sleep of the Angels..’
DJ
To JB: Good nite hugs :)
Holly Zemba
Happy Friday to you too Zenny and have a great weekend!!
DJ
To DMCQ: Thank you for thinking of me.. Blessings!
HappyHarriet
Dear Queen Zenyatta and the Royal Baby –
Your sister is heading to the beach for what I believe is her first oceanside working vacation. I wonder if she packed her sun screen and wide brimmed hat! One thing is for sure, she brought her appetite and snacks. She is SO beautiful, like your double almost. I still think about her upending my hat and nuzzling my neck unexpectedly before sniffing for peppermints! She is not shy, that’s for sure.
.
What great racing this past week and upcoming weekend! Frankel doesn’t seem real to me – he’s magical. And what about See You At Peelers, that harness racing star who’s 21 for 21! Like so many others, I have Big Boy Shack on my list of favorites this weekend. Good safe racing to all.
.
Zenyatta, I’m thinking a fruit smoothie with pear and carrot would taste good on a hot Kentucky Summer afternoon. I hope you slurp it deliciously as you root for the fine equines across the country, you being the finest equine of all.
.
Blessings and Big Horsey Hugs – HH
Charlotte Farmer
@Terry Crow – I am saddened to hear the circumstances of Hartack’s finances. I was a fan of his until, like Karen, Jerry Lambert and The Diver, but then there will always be Milo Valenzuela and Kelso.
You need to write a book, the history that you carry. I’d buy it.
@ Barbara Grimaldi – There is so much information out there on War Admiral. Just put his name into Google and read until your hearts content. He was temperamental, but as Gary Stevens said during a round table discussion on the Charlie Rose show, he recounted Georgie Woolf’s story about when Seabiscuit crossed the finish line in the match race he looked back and he could see the look in Admiral’s eyes, his spirit had been thoroughly crushed.
@Karen Gogue – I have heard that Jerry Lambert works at a ranch in the Santa Inez mountains, wouldn’t it be a treat to talk with him about The Diver. Like movie stars isn’t it amazing how some jockeys are forever linked with certain horses?
Trina Nagele
To posters on #307:
@Laura J—Thanks for the link to the gorgeous photos of Mr. Besilu. You can see the family resemblance to Z!
@Judy Berube—Thanks for the info on Mr. Besilu. I’m just getting to know him.
Trina Nagele
@Joanna in GB—How nice to see your post about the great Frankel and his future plans! Hope you will continue to give us the inside scoop! (Do they say that in Britain?)
@Roxi Cook—Thanks for the info on the upcoming Del Mar races.
Diana S
@Charlotte Farmer: So glad you are coming up for air! Will talk to you this weekend.
diastu in tempe
Diana S
@Brenda S (and ALL): I’ve been thinking about math. (Hey! You there in the back of the classroom – stop snickering!)(Never mind that it took 3 tries to pass Calculus!) What if we opened an account – maybe let Dottie manage it? There are 90,000 on FB and maybe another 100 here who may not be on FB. Let’s say just half of them would/could donate just one single buck to the Z Dumpling Charity each year. That would be $45,000. yes? That way, we could give a Grand to each of 45 struggling chairities like Heart of Tucson, Our Mims, River Edge, Old Friends, Re-Run, etc. We could make a list and perhaps vote on which ones each year. A Grand is a nice donation. Lots of people would kick in more, but few people would find it hard to send just a buck. What do you all think?
I gotta go pour water on my head. There’s smoke coming out my ears.
diastu in tempe