Happy Friday!
As you can see, I’m getting my BEAUTY REST and making sure that I am taking great care of myself these days!
Additionally, I want to get plenty of rest so I can be energized and watch all of the terrific weekend of racing on both coasts. I’m going to be spending tons of time with my guys here at LANE’S END handicapping and watching the races. The conversation around the barn is already heating up now on who likes who in which race…and why! It is great FUN!
From Saratoga, running the Travers and the King’s Bishop… to Del Mar carding the Pat O’Brien and the Pacific Classic to name a few of the quality stakes running the next few days, it will be one very sporting weekend.
Uncle Mo…is making his first start back in the King’s Bishop since ‘feeling under the weather’ around Kentucky Derby time. There are so many contentious 3 year old colts running in the Travers….that I will really have to study the FORM here.
Then in Del Mar, they are running The Pacific Classic which is their premiere race of the entire meet. My farm, Lane’s End, has a horse competing in the field…TWIRLING CANDY. So this is very, very exciting!
My friend, BLIND LUCK, and her connections decided to ‘skip’ the Pacific Classic for this year and have her compete on another path: The Lady’s Secret and if all goes well The Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic. These are both very distinguished and prestigious races….I know them quite well. All the best to her and her future plans.
Enjoy your weekend! Have a terrific time watching all of these high quality races! It is SO MUCH FUN! I can’t wait!
Hey, Matt, Charles, Mike, David and Sarah…who do you like???
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Andrea
I have those concerns Carolyn, it is so easy to forget the sweeties who pour their hearts out, or just were not meant to run left! I pray for them, we all need to remember them too!
Trina Nagele
CHANTAL SUTHERLAND wins on Toluca in Race 7 at Del Mar! Hoof ray, Chantal!
Eveline
A real interesting donkey story http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2010/november/15/horse-health-quadriplegic-donkey-walks-again.aspx @ Shari V – Happy birthday @ Barbara Wood – happy anniversary, wow 45 years! @ Trina – you sure have a gift. We are going to have a long night with the hurricane. Made it back in one piece from Delaware ( horse ran 3rd) It was a scary drive. We have a horse in tonight in Charles Town, if the weather gets too bad he’ll stay the night there and come home tomorrow. If I have power more storm updates tomorrow.
Vicki B.
@Terry Crow & @Sharon Call — I had missed #327-“Bob”, and having read it now, I was just left shaking my head, slowly. But I liked both of your takes on it. Thanks!
Michelle
Sleeping Beauty indeed!!! Z, you are Beautiful whatever you are doing. Love you!
Trina Nagele
OOPS—Make that CHANTAL in Race 6 on Toluca!
Barbara Wood
@Doreen–thank you!
@Barbara Grimaldi–I agree with you about Shack. I tend to have weird dreams. The other night I dreamed Shack’s jockey became unavailable, and Dale Romans took on the job! I think he needs a rest too. I did mention our anniv. this morning just after wishing Shari a happy bd–and in no time Trina sent me a poem. How special is she?!?
Way to go, Chantal!
@Denise in AZ–while I was getting a lesson on Flickr/Facebook this afternoon from our daughter, we were entranced by all your pictures. You are a great photographer. We LOVED especially the one of the cow with the newspaper! And of course the feisty filly ones as well. Beautiful sunsets, cats, dogs, and bobcat!
Trina Nagele
@Jackie—Thanks for the link to the Navy seal’s Labrador retriever mourning him at his funeral. So sad, so touching.
@Laura J—Good point about Mo needing to talk with MMM’s farrier.
@Eveline and our other East Coasters—Praying you all stay safe and sound.
Debbie G
I just got home from work and watched the Kings Bishop and Travers that I taped. Uncle Mo was so close! I wanted him to win so bad. I’m just grateful that he’s finally healthy.
@All dumplings on the east coast – I’m praying for the safety of all of you.
@Trina Nagele – I enjoyed your poems.
@Terry Crow – That’s a good story about Seth Hancock. I remember when Swale died. It was so sad. He was just so young. He was also a gorgeous horse. I remember he was so dark he was almost black. He’s buried right across from Secretariat. That’s pretty incredible that Mr. Hancock would take the time to write you and invite you to visit. I had a similar experience when Northern Dancer died. I sent a sympathy card with a little note saying what a great horse he was to the farm in Canada where he lived and I never expected to hear back from them, but they sent me the nicest letter thanking me for my card. There are a lot of classy people in the horse business. (Bye the way, I loved your joke. And no, I never got a letter either!)
Debbie G
@Shari Voltz – Happy Birthday!
DJ
Happy Birthday Shari! I hope you have the most Joyful and Blessed day! You are a Precious Pearl here and make us all proud to be “Z’s Dumplings!!”
DJ
Evening Prayer for your intentions Shari..
Vicki B.
@Eveline – Thanks for the donkey recovery link. It’s amazing, that adult horse stem-cells injected into a donkey, repair injury, rather than cause allergic reaction. I never heard of such a thing before!
Sue Fredrick
CONGRATULATIONS Stay Thirsty what a gutsy performance, no more second place in the barn for you! And your stablemate Mo ran a great race for all that he has been thru. Mike should be very happy with his first race back…..and then to lose a shoe too.
@charlotte Farmer if you read these posts anymore kudos to you on a job well done. The hardest part is over now enjoy the fruits of your labor!!
@East coasters, my prayers for your safety and the quick cleanup of the mess you’re going to have. I hope the storms turns and goes back out to sea.
Trina Nagele
CHANTAL SUTHERLAND gets second place in Race 7 at Del Mar on Chosen Miracle! Hoof ray, Chantal!
LauraJ
Caracortado wins the Del Mar Mile. Mr. Commons was 2nd by a nose. He lost the head bob.
Trina Nagele
Mr. COMMONS too close to call-but gets second in Race 8 with Mike Smith up at Del Mar. Good effort!
Doreen
Good race for Mr. Commons – lost it on the head bob. He did real well going against older horses for the first time.
Karen Gogue
Oh, Mr. Commons! What a great race, I had the box on them and Scarface won. He’s been one of my FAV since he began racing. Sorry Mr. Commons, I love you too and I would have been just as happy if you’d won! John, I love the new look glasses!
Shari Voltz
Dear sweet Zenyatta. I hope you had a sun fun filled day. I had a Wonderful Birthday. Larry and I enjoyed ourselves. Then to have Uncle Mo and Stay Thirsty both do so well made for a great b gift. I also got a gift from Trina. This is a gift that I will treasure forever. It is a beautiful poem. I am making a copy for my Homeroom and sending one to Mike Repole. Thank you so much Trina. You really made my day. Well Zenny I love you and am sending you many Big Kisses and Hugs. XXXOOO
@TRINA THANK YOU and sending you a Big Kiss.
@TO my Z Family Thank You for all the wishes. You really touch my Heart XXOO
@YEA MO AND YEA TO STAY THIRSTY !!!!!
JT
As usual, Mike’s only style of racing which is to be in the back of the pack of most of his races caused another loss for John and Mr Commons. Wasn’t Zenyatta’s defeat for the same reason as many racing experts expressed enough to consider another jockey ? Mike waited much too long to make his move.He is definately stuck in a rut. These horses cannot catch up like Zenyatta could. I shudder to think what will happen if he is chosen to ride her sister Eblouissante this Fall. A jockey needs to chosen to win not obligated loyalty due to past connections. My comments are objective business perspectives not emotional personal ones…nothing against Mike. Change can sometimes make all the difference. There just seems to be the same pattern in his recent races as if still thinks he riding “Z” who can catch up with long strides. Maybe John and The Mosses are stuck in the past too much..God love ’em. Lately, Mike’s races are repetitive in style. He does not adjust to each Horse’s ability. He is very predictable.
Susan in TN
Congrats to Mr. Commons and Mike, Uncle Mo and Bernie’s Stay Thirsty!! It was wonderful to see Mo back healthy.
judy berube
Congtrats to Mr. Commons. Great race. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Barbara G.:
Love the quote. Describes a lot of Z’s Dumplings. Hugs, J.B.
Jenna
You gorgeous girl. Good night, sleep tight. Night-y night, Z.
xoxo
judy berube
Dear Jackie:
Thanks for the Video of Navy Seal’s Funeral and his faithful dog. Made me cry. Hugs, J.B.
Gary Moulton
@BABY RESULTS —————————————– 08-27-11
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SARATOGA –
Race 2 – “Fire On Ice” won the race going away by 10 lengths as the second favorite in a very good time. “Our Entourage”, the second part of the Pletcher entry came in 2nd as the chalk. The other half of the entry “Never On Time” never showed anything and finished last. “Casual Trick” ran good and was up with the pace but couldn’t hold it and faded back to 5th. Two for Granny. We finished 1st, 2nd, 5th, and last. -$6.00
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Race 3 – “Coach Royal” ran the best of the three and finished 2nd. “Seve” set the pace til upper stretch and faded to 6th. “Anonymous Donor” ran for a ½ mile then quit. The time was slow. One for Grams. We finished 2nd, 6th, & last. -$6.00
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Race 5 – “Miss Netta” won at 7.5-1 in an average time. “Yellow Boat” was easily 2nd best of the group at 12.5-1 but not for the winner. “Black and White” ran second most of the way, was holding third until mid stretch, then fell all the way back to 7th. Two more good ones for Granny. We finished 1st, 2nd, & 7th. -$6.00
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DEL MAR –
Race 6 – “Vicki Victoria” set the pace and held on begrudgingly for 2nd by a ½ a length. “Heart’s Memory” was up with the pace, got up to second in mid stretch, then was out finished and held 4th. “War Excess” looked great in person and was running good for 3/8 but then just gave it up and dropped all the back to last. The time was average for this race. Granny bet all 12 horses to show and hit 6 of them for a 40 cent profit. We finished 2nd, 4th, & last again, LOL. -$6.00
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-$24.00 Today +$212.20 Starting out next time.
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@SUNDAY – Saratoga had two baby races Sunday and they were right next to each other. I think I had a good double planned but the Spa is closed tomorrow. Del Mar doesn’t have any baby races on Sunday. There are two OK baby races at Saratoga on Monday and they are right next to each other too, races 5 and 6. I will work on a baby double for these two races. See you all Monday if I have electricity, LOL
Barbara Grimaldi
JT: sadly, that’s all I hear whenever i go to the track because I always wear my Z shirt and Z badge and strangers talk to me about her and how much they admire and love her
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
In case I forgot anyone, thank you all for your well wishes for the Dumplings on the East Coast. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Z,
Goodnight and Sweet Baby Dreams. Love you so much, Judy and Russ