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
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@Eastcoast Z fans
Hope all of your are alright, heard about Noon or 1pm the storm was heading into Providence RI. News said New England has had
not fatalities, but some people, including a reporter for Fox TV are caught in an area of a Dam in NY. The dam has not broken, but is overflowing and water is heading for a group of homes that are lodged in a valley. These storms bring such stress and stiff for all involved. Over 1 million homes without power. Thought and prayers to all of those on the East coast.
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@Judy B and Russ
Hope you are all ok and the trees did not fall anywhere near your home or damage your property. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
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@ Terry Crow
Love the Bill Gates joke.
Yes, I agree with you and Sherry. There is a place for female riders period in all equestrian sports. Some horses respond
better to women than me. My TB was definately one of those.
He was a womans horse, very kind and sensitive and did not like to be pushed around or man handled, like some men in the equestrian business do. There are also horses that definately need the firmness and decisiveness of a man and it is evident also.
Karen Gogue
Noor update:
From the road just outside Denver, raining as they are heading across HWY 70 past Denver. As they are driving through, imagine this from Charlotte – As she is looking back through the side view mirrors and through the rain trickling down them, she sees an image illuminating through, a ghostly image – is it, could it be? The visual appears… a horses head, bobbing side to side, looking happily out over the countryside surrounding the HWY…Willie does not see, but… there…there is the spectral image of Noor, in all his youthful glory, head dancing through the rain, along for the ride…He is grateful and joyful and enjoying the ride home…. *** Willie had some leftover pieces of wood from Noor’s box, he gave those to trainer Burley Parke’s family…they will now take them to their father’s grave and have Noor placed there inside with him, since they could not bring their dad to Noor, he has been brought to him, to be with Burley forever more….
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Z fans:
The Pacific Classic was an awesome race. Acclimation is one very talented 5 year old and has just come into his own. Very cute at end of the race when his owners were talking with TVG. He won
entry to Breeders Cup, but has not been nominated so he would need a supplement. Bob Baffert was there being really funny when TVG was asking if he would run in the Classic (horse has never run on dirt and is supposedly “turf horse”).
Bob Baffert goes keep him on the Turf. This horse may actually be an awsome one for the BCC. He is Cal bred and I think his father produces winners on all surfaces. I have heard talk of this horse all year. He ran a great race. TC was also awesome just not enough to get by the wire to wire win by Acclimation. Game on Dude got intimidated by Acclimation moving over to the left and gave up the fight.
signofthetimes
So very glad that Blind Luck did not race in the Pacific Classic.
These two big colt are something to reckon with and it is too early for her to be challenging the boys.
Kathy Kimber
*Noor: OK arrangements have been made for Devora Berlinger to give the updates on *Noor’s trip. Facebook Noor In Memory of a Champion.
Devora is excited she was at the dig and is looking forward to keep you all updated.
signofthetimes
Congratulations to Uncle Mo for a race well run !!!! Second is good and he definately needs to race next year.
Not sure why Mike Repole is talking about this being his last race.
Sometimes I think he likes only the highs and lows of the game and has no sense just a lot of money to blow around and noise to make. Sorry for the soap box.
Barbara Wood
Going to say good night, sweet Z. Tried to go out and do a little hand watering, but wilted after a few minutes. Love you always, sweet girl.
@Berubes–anxiously awaiting your “ok”.
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Here are is article/video Pacific Classic
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/64757/acclamation-pulls-off-pacific-classic-heist
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Summary article of Travers stakes:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/64749/stay-thirsty-uncle-mo-ok-coil-discouraged
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The Factor, what a performance in the O’ Brien:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/64755/the-factor-makes-huge-impact-in-pat-obrien
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@Trina
What a beautiful B-day poem for Shari V and lovely video of Ruffian; Also lovely poem for Barbara Wood’s Anniversary.
Thanks so much for taking the time to create these wonderful
works of art.
Linda in NJ
Hi @signofthetimes: I don’t know if you read my previous post, but Mike Repole and Todd Pletcher were very disappointed with Uncle Mo’s. I don’t understand it either because I thought they would be very happy with his performance. This is only his first race after being so very sick. I thought The Kings Bishop race was just to ease Mo back into racing. I was so dishearten when I read Mike was disappointed with his performance. In fact, I spoke with Todd Pletcher at the end of the day on Saturday and he seemed really ticked-off that Uncle Mo didn’t win that race. I was shocked. Of course I wish Uncle Mo only good health, but unless there is something else they’re not saying I am hoping they give Mo more of a chance to get back into the swing of things. He was off for 4 months.
Terry Crow
@Barbara Grimaldi-I’ll date myself even further. Eric Guerin, Eddie Arcaro, Manuel Ycaza, William Hartack. @Linda in NJ and lisa g-Uncle Mo’s owner actually indicated he was thinking about retiring him. I think the stud fees are talking. Lil in Ky-Thank you. @Shari Voltz-Happy belated birthday to a fine person. Are your fourth period students going to be posting? @Judy and Russ Berube-Hope we hear from you soon.
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Great race Mr. Commons; that older guy got the advantage, but you’ll get them back. What a talent.
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@Linda in NJ
I wholehartedly agree with you. He made a valient effort after being so sick and losing by a nose. I am not sure about TP and MR. I don’t see a very good agenda on their part at all for the horses. What can a 2 year old Eclipse Award win do breeding a 3 year old colt with so much life in him. It is just sad. I think MR is going to get a breeding operation going for all his stallions including his two year old that break down. Sorry for the soap box, but I am not happy with either of them right now.
tony and sue
We are sorry and saddened to hear of the disappointment from Uncle Mo’s camp about his performance this weekend. Our hearts are heavy that his team may not do what’s in his best interest and only look at the financial side of the business. Zenny, your John treasued the thoroughbred breed and says it’s all about the horse. Too bad others don’t share his thoughts. Pletcher may have many wins under his belt but at what price? You, Zenny, were and are treasured as a unique individual and that’s exactly how it should be. We hope Mo is given another chance but it seems as if he was thought to be the next best thing and when the result wasn’t to the teams liking his future a a racer may be over. So sad.
Sleep well, Zen. You are still the brightest star in the heavens.
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@Linda in NJ
Just read your post about going to Travers Day. How very fun and hope your home is safe.
Cynthia H.
Methinks Mr. Commons’ Facebook page bodes checking……
Linda in NJ
@signofthetimes: I just read the MR will continue racing Uncle Mo as long as he remains in good health. I hope that MR just over reacted. I think their expectations were too high.
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Would winning the King’s Bishop increase Uncle Mo’s stud fees??????? Probably !!!
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@Eveline
Really enjoyed the article on stem cell transplant and quadrapligic
donkey. Folks really loved their pet.
Sunny Boyd
Good evening Zenyatta,
I’ve been watching some of your old videos and how terrific they all are. You were one fast girl. What a thrill. :)
Your night cap chuckle:
A recent survey stated that the average person’s greatest fear is having to give a speech in public. Somehow this ranked even higher than death which was third on the list. So, you’re telling me that at a funeral, most people would rather be the guy in the coffin than have to stand up and give a eulogy. Jerry Seinfeld
Rest peacefully & dream sweet :) :) :)
Max
@signofthetimes. Thank you for the article on Uncle Mo, Stay Thirsty and the others. Uncle Todd sounded optimistic about both cousins so that we will have to wait and see what is on the horizon for them. It looked like Mo just ran into some bad luck with his shoe and his nose, but it could all turn around next outing. I was so happy for Thirsty’s win because his pedigree is definitely showing. Bernardini has stamped his image on that colt and Thirsty also has more talent from his mother. Storm Bird is his dam sire. Great win for Thirsty.
Linda in NJ
Just another note on Kensei. I saw his last race at Monmouth Park on July 31st. So that means he ran and won the Salvator Mile on July 2nd at Monmouth. Then they raced him again at Monmouth on July 31st when he came in second in the Majestic Light Stakes. Then they were training at the Belmont. Sounds like a marathon to me. What very sad news this is. When I saw Kensei, I remember commenting on how golden his coat was golden. He was really beautiful! I am trying to get over this.
Linda in NJ
@signofthetimes–Yeah, I hear ya. Often times it’s all about the money!
Terry Crow
@signofthetimes-Several good posts. Your knowledge of horsey things is showing. @Susan in TN-This might qualify me as a redneck-I get predeclined credit card offers in the mail.
Karen Gogue
Kari
The words will not flow through the tears…I am at a loss once again…the latest video was just too much…thank you, my special friend…I love you…
Linda in NJ
@ Max: Yes. By all means–Congratulations to Stay Thirsty. The Moss’ must be thrilled with this news. Can you imagine the Zenyatta/Bernardini foal. Very exciting!!!