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
Trina Nagele
CHANTAL gets a show in Race 3 at Del Mar.Hoof-ray, Chantal!
Barbara Wood
@All–thanks for all the wonderful anniversary wishes. We’re waiting until this miserable heat passes to celebrate.
@Lil in KY–yes, our rescue dogs are such a part of our lives.
@Kari Bussell–thank you for the TN sharing (we would love to live there) and the lovely video. I heard a song this morning that I would love to send you, but I don’t know the name of it. When I find out, I’ll look for a YouTube and send.
@East Coast Dumplings–anxiously awaiting news from you.
Trina Nagele
Nice article about CHANTAL at http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2011/08/27/sutherland-accustomed-to-big-stage.aspx
@Brenda S in Fort Erie—Hey, Chantal won her first Grade I race at your stomping grounds, Fort Erie!
@Eveline—That’s GREAT news in your link about the equine doctor Doug Herthel, who has previously successfully used stem cells to treat laminitis. His success with using stem cells to restore the quadriplegic donkey Eli to mobility bodes well even for paralyzed humans in the future. Hoof-ray! Let me post it again in case anyone missed it. http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2010/november/15/horse-health-quadriplegic-donkey-walks-again.aspx
Trina Nagele
Nice article about CHANTAL at http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2011/08/27/sutherland-accustomed-to-big-stage.aspx
@Brenda S in Fort Erie—Hey, Chantal won her first Grade I race at your stomping grounds, Fort Erie!
Trina Nagele
@Eveline—That’s GREAT news in your link about the equine doctor Doug Herthel, who has previously successfully used stem cells to treat laminitis. His success with using stem cells to restore the quadriplegic donkey Eli to mobility bodes well even for paralyzed humans in the future. Hoof-ray! Let me post it again in case anyone missed it. http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2010/november/15/horse-health-quadriplegic-donkey-walks-again.aspx
Kate Wheeler
Happy and peaceful Sunday to you, Queen Z. I hope you, Baby Z, Tasty T. and her foal to be, have a relaxed and languishing Sunday, spiked with a little West Coast racing excitement and a snack of some lush blue grass, with carrots, or pears, for desert.
@All East Coast Z’sters: I hope you come safely through the storm and its aftermath.
@Kari Bussell: Thanks so much for sharing your new video, “Zenyatta ‘My Inspiration.'” You have done it yet one more time, with reverence and grace. Did you shoot the photos and film of Zenny yourself at Oaklawn and Churchill? I also viewed your tribute to Ruffian for the first time – and I wept. Your montage was both gentle and stirring. What a proud, beautiful filly she was, and you capture that so well.
@JT: Good to meet you. I guess we’ve been stirring it up a little with you. Sometimes on this site we get a tad critical, a pinch combative. We periodically disagree. But one thing binds us to the core, an unwavering love for Zenyatta and everything and everyone about her. I sensed in your last remarks that you too share that affection for our queen. So feel welcomed, even though we give you a hard time. HOWEVER, regarding the factual accuracy of your initial critique of Mike Smith as a one trick closer in all his races, I would only urge you to watch his races on Astrology in the 4/23/11 Jerome Handicap at Aquaduct and the 5/21/11 Preakness, where he stalked the pace on the inside, didin’t close from behind. Also note that, while he won closing with Sassy Image from the rear in the Princess Rooney (7/9/11), a la Zenyatta, he rated Joyful Victory mid-pack in the Fantasy at Oaklawn (4/10/11)and pulled her ahead in the stretch to win by several lengths. Viewing films of several of his races, back to back, shows that he probably races, like all good jockeys, in accordance with the style of the horse he is riding and the trainer’s suggestions. Just saying.
Max
Here is a video of Zenyatta’s Bernie with Javier Castellano winning the 2006 Travers. As you know, Javier was jockey to Stay Thirsty yesterday. The second place horses in both 2006 and 2011 were ridden by Johnny V. Bernardini was a very impressive winner in this race.
Zenyatta must be proud of Bernie and his foal, Stay Thirsty.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtq652Uxlqc.
Trina Nagele
@JT—I just got back on-site after a break since yesterday, and reading from the bottom up it was such a downer to find you attacking our DEAR Kari Bussell. I see you have tried to explain who you are, but in truth we are wondering “WHO are YOU?” We know and LOVE Kari Bussell, and deeply resent anyone writing so disrespectfully of her. I leave it to others who I believe have made good points about Mike’s riding as to the accuracy of your comments about his current ability. Opinions can be expressed and certainly may differ, but you will not get away with rudeness toward Kari. Are you aware of the beautiful video tributes she has made for Z under the name AnimalsRock4Love? I doubt that you know them, or you would have some idea of what a sweet and sensitive soul she is. Are you aware she is ill with cancer and is fighting to live long enough to see Z’s foal born? I doubt that you are aware, or you would not pick a bone with her as you just did. Please for everyone sake, let’s just have civility reign here.
Debbie G
@Lil in Ky and Barbara Grimaldi – I, too, have a Breyer Zenyatta that I bought for my stepdad for Christmas, but I like it so much that I’m thinking of keeping it for myself and buying him something else! Am I bad?
@Kari Bussell – I absolutely loved that video! It was so good to Zenny dancing again. It brought tears to my eyes. I miss her so much. I loved that music, too. You never cease to amaze me with your videos. You are so talented. I also like what you wrote about the people of Tennessee. My mother is from the tiny little town of Winfield, Tennessee. It’s right outside of Oneida, if that tells you anything. Even though she hasn’t lived there in a very long time, I can honestly say that her and all of her family that are from there are the most honest, decent, hard-working, loving people you will ever find. (And I’m not just saying that because she’s my mom.)
Debbie G
@Trina Nagele – Well said.
JT
@Kate W.
Appreciate your much needed mature insight regarding the tone of only a few people here. Would you feel welcome after the “jack ass” remark? I’ve noticed in the past others did not feel welcome due to some rude comments and no longer visit. This site has changed last several months and seems to be structured around certain core idividuals, kind of like a chain letter. Any independent thought from someone else gets swarmed in on very quickly. I wish you all well, sincerely.
Joan.
@ Barbara G
glad to see your post, was wondering how you made it. Juby indicated a lot of trees in her area so the power may be out.
Take care.
Love ya Z
Sharon in Seattle
@Kate Wheeler – I’m in awe of your encyclopedic knowledge of Mike’s racing career and the talent you showed for putting it all into words. Bravo!
Terry – loved the Bill Gates joke – ranks right up there with Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs!!
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny: You look so cute! Well here I am in Saratoga. I came up for the Travers. The hurricane didn’t discourage me. Guess what Zenny, I saw Uncle Mo. He is very handsome, and looked great. It was so exciting to see him back on the track. For his 1st race out, I thought he was terrific. He didn’t win, but boy he sure came so close. I thought Mo’s trainer and owner would have been really pleased with his performance. And I couldn’t believe it when I read that Todd Pletcher and Mike Repole were concerned and very disappointed he didn’t win. I think they need to exercise a little more patience with Uncle Mo. After all it was his 1st race out after being off for 4 months. And he was competing against horses that have been racing all season. I sure hope Uncle Mo is recovering well after yesterday’s race, and we will get to see him again in another race this season. The Travers was another very exciting race. There was showdown between the three horses that ran in the Haskells. It was a fun day at the races. Take care Zenny! Love you.
Linda in NJ
I am so very sad to learn that Kensei broke down. He was absolutely beautiful. What a tragedy this is.
Barbara Wood
@Sunny Boyd–forgot to mention thanks for the funny quote!
Lil from Ky
Dearest Kari Bussell—–Thank you soo much for the wonderful videos, I have enjoyed each & every one of them.
I pray for you dear Kari, & you certainly DO NOT deserve the unkind things thrown at you.Please try to ignore them& know that your Z friends love you very much.
You are a great, strong woman & you will survive.
Amy
Hi Z,
I was at Retama Park outside San Antonio last night and there was a horse with a furry nose band. Brought a wee tear to my eye! Miss you sweet girl. xx
Lil from Ky
@Susan in Tn, Kari Bussell, I agree TN is a great place& even tho I’m from KY, I don’t resent the playing of Rocky Top, I think it’s a neat song.
@–Terry Crow—I think you have outdone yourself this time, with the Bill Gates joke. I’ve got to remember this one to tell to a minister I know.
All–Can anyone give me info concerning Norfolk, I’m still trying to find out about my granddaughter who is there?
Lil from Ky
@—–Debbie G—In answer to your question—-yes and no
Lil from Ky
@—Trina Nagele—-I agree
Cynthia H.
@Kathy Kimber: thank you so much for the update. Godspeed you, Charlotte Farmer, and Noor on your epic journey to his final rest. “May the wind be at your back.” Kelso is with you in spirit, as well. The excitement on the other side of Rainbow Bridge must be immense. You bring honor to us all.
@Kari: 12th. Your latest Zenyatta video brings lovely, bitterweet memories. Forever in our hearts.
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Love Setsuko today in the Pacific Classic. “Mr. Second Place” has the sweetest, most adorable face. His dam is named “Dance with Grace.” Enough said!
Cynthia H.
Acclamation is some kind of horse! How great for Don Warren. Unusual Heat is some kind of sire, also! Wow! Twirling Candy could not have been more game in defeat.
Trina Nagele
CHANTAL gets a show in the Classic!Hoof-ray, Chantal!
Lisa g
@Dumplingz, checking in for the last time before going to bed, heard on the news that some on the East Coast may not have power for 2 weeks…Has anybody heard of JB, I thought I read someone was trying to call her…Be safe…Lisa g.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, have a comfy, cozy night. Sleep with dreams of peppermints, carrots, Ann, Your John, Mario, Mikey and Me. LOL..I love you…Lisa g.
Debbie G
@Lil from KY – I think I’ll just buy another one so we can both have one. That way everybody is happy.
Trina Nagele
OOPS AGAIN–They say Chantal got 4th. Sorry.
Barbara Grimaldi
CHARLOTTE FARMER, KATHY KIMBER: I respect what you have done for Noor—my thanks to you and to your team for taking him home.
CHRIS H: your description of how a new foal and hugging a horse brings such peace and happiness—I envy you those feelings. Closest I get to horses is Monmouth Park, where I love to pet the track ponies. Thanks for posting that passage…
JAG from CA: I’ve been using that site since it went online—such an easy way to give—anonymous and quick and so needed.
GARY M: If you had to choose the two best babies you’ve seen all year, who would they be?
RIDERWRITER: had to smile when I saw you use the term “Herself”—a sweet Irish way of showing respect—love it
KARI B: thank you for the recommendation of Horse Haven in Knoxville. It’s on our list now, thanks to you. Also—how did you remember my love for Ruffian? She is still in my mind, after all these years. TN horse people are very impressive…if they can help a horse or owner within 24 hours, that’s fantastic.
SHARI V: wish you had been one of my teachers back when…you are one with the children, aren’t you…as a former teacher, I salute you…
INGRID IN MA: was your area touched by Irene? I hear it’s still kicking around New England.
SUNNY BOYD: loved the Corelli quote…she’s not the only one!!!!!
EVELINE: fantastic story about the stem cells helping the donkey! This is big, big news that can benefit horses and eventually people, yet the topic of stem cells raises the hackles of so many. This donkey may become the poster boy for stem cell success. If only we had had it for Barbaro…
SHARON IN SEATTLE: I love those one-liners and I loved that answer!!!
TRINA N: you are giving Walt Whitman and Carl Sandburg a great run for their money—I’ve never known a live poet before—happy to know you!!!
SHERRY—Sexism still lives, but it deprives us of the intellect and talent of half the world’s people…from what I’ve seen over the years, women make fine jockeys…they just don’t get many good mounts, and that puts the onus of responsibility on the trainers, which is where the changes have to start.
TERRY C: I had to work a bit on that “letter” joke but even though I only get snail mail once weekly(a lie!), I finally got it. Nice to see Willy the Shoe’s name again—he was a king in my Brooklyn neighborhood when I was young. There were other great ones then, but somehow his name always rose to the top. Later on, I thought Lafitte Pincay was superb. Dating myself!!!!!
LISA G: really fine site to help women start their own businesses—is that you in the photo?
SUSAN IN TN: Thank you and all Dumplings for expressing concern for us Easterners… we have been lucky here in NW NJ but our shore areas were affected…Long Island was hit hard, and the storm went through New England and into the Maritimes! And it’s only the letter I!!!!
LIL FROM KENTUCKY: Yes!!!! Love my Breyer Zenny and I move it from room to room because it is such a joy to see! DEBBIE G—keep it!!!! Sock and tie time!!!!
KATE WHEELER: how did you mention all of those races—memory? I am in awe!!!!
MAX—loved the Bernardini race video—thanks!!
JUDY B: still waiting for you to get back online. You are in our hearts!
HOY: Seems to be Stay Thirsty, yes?
Why can’t ALL trainers be like John Sherriffs? My fervent wish…another strong wish is finding a way to send all the rain we’ve been having all summer down to TX where it is so needed…
Looks like more large hurricanes are likely to happen from this point on, say many of the prognosticators. Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods—Mother Nature is upset and I wish we could appease her…
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny,
Hope you had a great weekend. It was sure a great racing weekend, your man Bernie’s boy: Stay Thirsty won the Travers, just like his dad. You must be sooo very proud. He is a late bloomer but very talented and not paid enough attention to, in my opinion by his connections. So glad he was able to overcome
this and become a champion, maybe three year old ??? Hope you did not get much rain from the storm, stayed dry and still eating healthy for two. XXXXOOOOO