Happy Friday!
It is always so hard for ME to believe how quickly time is literally flying by. It is already September 2nd….and the closing weekend of racing at both Del Mar and Saratoga. Labor Day is upon us…and students all over the country are returning to school.
I hope all of you enjoy your weekend and all of the great racing that is scheduled. The 2 year olds are starting to step up to stakes activity on both coasts….and then Havre de Grace is going to take on the males in The Woodward Stakes–G1. Additionally at Del Mar, the Del Mar Derby G-2 will be showcased. All the best to all of the participants and their connections.
Yesterday, a few dear friends of mine sent Dottie a link regarding an article in the September, 2011, issue of THE AMERICAN TURF MAGAZINE. The piece is written by Mark Shrager. In it, he is listing (in his opinion) the TOP 10 AMERICAN RACE HORSES EVER!
Guess who is there at #6? ME!!
Now this is very special…and I so appreciate Mark’s ranking. The list of horses and how he rated the TOP 10 are as follows:
1) DR. FAGER
2) KELSO
3) SECRETARIAT
4) SEATTLE SLEW
5) CITATION
6) ZENYATTA…….THAT’S ME! (BLUSH, BLUSH)
7) AFFIRMED
8) MAN O’ WAR
9) SPECTACULAR BID
10) JOHN HENRY
Click here for the article.
This is a list of some amazing thoroughbreds with massive racing accomplishments. I am so PROUD to be included with this elite company. Dottie was commenting to John last night that I AM THE ONLY FEMALE on the list. Also, I am the only horse to be included who ran in the last few decades. John Henry won his HOTY titles in 1981 and 1984. All of the other horses represent decades of racing before that time. This is truly significant and as I mentioned earlier, I am extremely PROUD and HONORED to be in such company.
I hope you enjoy the article, your weekend, and some great RACING! Cheers to great handicapping!
With Love,
Hugs to All~ (Thank you Camille and Jim for sharing this article with US!)
Z
Alene
Zenny, You`re in elite company. Exactly where you should be!!!!! Love you, Alene :-)
Kim S
Another feather in your cap, Zenny :), I’m not surprised.
@Judy Berube–Thank you but I have to commend Glenda Smith and all other rescue owners. They put so much time and effort into their cause.
@Cara Ezzell–So sorry about Mercy Merci and even sorrier to hear about the callousness of the teen at the stables. There is no reason to be that way.
RIP Mercy Merci and Mikey C.
Well Zenny, another busy race weekend and a holiday one at that. Enjoy your time outside with TT and your races.
Lotsa love to all.
Anita in CA
Congrats for making the list, Pretty Girl. You are deserving of it. I’m so proud of you. You will become even more legendary over the years. I feel so blessed to have lived in your time, seen you race, and met you in person. You are wonderful. Much love to you Baby (& baby).
Robyn Mullhausen
Zenny, I think you should be #1! What an honor to be on such a list of accomplished race horses, but being the only female makes it even more special, amazing and above all….TOO CUTE! You earned the honor Queen Z.
Gary Moulton
BABY RESULTS …………………………………. 09-02-11
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SARATOGA –
Race 2 – “Dehere of the Cat” finished last. He had a rail trip and it was still open at the top but no kick. Pletcher wins again. The top 4 horses were only separated by a length and the Cat was 2 lengths back. There was one scratch so the chamber only had 5 shots. The time was a little below average. -$10.00
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Race 4 – My key horse “Joy Rising” was out on top for ¾’s at 20-1 but she ran out of gas and finished last. “Royal Bonnie” won it and the time was below average. “Ladywell Court” held her ground and made up a couple of spots to finish 5th. Something went wrong with “Landlubber” out-side the ½ mile pole; she was pulled up and vanned off as the favorite. -$6.00
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Race 5 – WINNER – “Speightscity” put them away at a mile and won by 11 ½ lengths. He was all over the place coming down the stretch but it didn’t matter in the last 1/8th. A local trainer wins another one and I’ve been waiting for him to come back. Speight was entered two other times and was scratched both times. Third time a charm. You don’t see to many 2yr olds going 1 1/8th. The time was slow. Paid $8.20 x 5 = $41.00
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DEL MAR –
Race 4 – The key horse “Muchos Besos” had a tight trip but was still in it with a chance until half way down the stretch. He just wasn’t good enough but held 6th. The top 5 were separated by 4 lengths and a nose. Cash’s horse won it. The time was good in this one. Granny lost $5.20 today. My other horses finished 2nd, 3rd, & 11th. -$6.00
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Bet $32.00 today. Won $41.00 – $32.00 = +$9.00 Today +$125.20 Starting out Tomorrow
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@The List – I agree with Terry that you just can’t compare. The only possible discussion that I think might hold water is when you are talking about any undefeated horse because if they never lost how could you say someone could beat him or her. There is only one way, they have to race each other. I’ve seen six on the list run and I might have seen Dr. Fager and Kelso but I was too young to remember. I wish I would have been there for any of the Man o’ War or Citation races. Right now “Zenyatta” is NUMBER ONE on my list.
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@Cynthia H. – I think the author meant money but I guess anybody can read anything into it they want.
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@All – I hope everyone has a safe, fun, and profitable weekend. I’m off to the Maryland State Fair on Sat. and Sun. I follow the local horse pulls and I have a few friends that own Belgians & Percherons that compete. I’ll probably play the last 3 live races and stuff my face. The pulls start at 7:00 pm. The food is real good there if you know the right booth to buy from or the horse pull folks offer to feed me every year and that’s free. I better not forget to bring Granny home some fudge. Thanks for all the comments and Good Luck to you all.
Edie Dickenson
You SO deserve it, Zenny!
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny,
What are you after in Matt’s pocket??? Carrots, peppermints (small ration daily). You look TOO CUTE digging for that something.
Congratulations on making this very prestigous list and it is true
TB of recent have not been very sturdy and able to run soundly for a number or races Grade 1 like you have and of couse set many track and historical records. Hope you have a great weekend resting, relaxing, bathing and basking under your tree with TT. XXXOOO
signofthetimes
OH MY,
This filly half sister of Zenny’s is gorgeous, beautiful bay, Henry the Navigator is dark bay, how interesting she is so light. I think the other HTN filly “V” had went to Europe last year.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/64851/zenyattas-half-sister-to-sell-in-november
Really hope she has great talent, a wonderful team to nurture her racing skills and a great name. 4.2 Million for Mr. Besilu???Should be an interesting sale. !!!!
signofthetimes
Steve Haskin article on Uncle Mo; Really hope he races as a 4 year old with a build up to that season.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2011/09/02/mo-should-go-for-classic.aspx
signofthetimes
Any word on Shakelford??? next start???
I think he is discouraged at the long distances, he is losing his spark and fire. This colt is so wonderful, I hope they find a place for him to win. Don’t think it is BCC and I think he will get more discouraged.
signofthetimes
Best of Luck to HDG a beautiful talented filly;
Stay sound and safe beautiful girl on your trip in the Woodward.
Flat Out is going to be tough !!!!
signofthetimes
@ Terry Crow
Another great joke, agree with your comment about Jerry Lewis,
Thanks for keeping my spirits up lifted every day.
signofthetimes
So interesting; saw one of Bernie’s full sister’s race today, maiden allowance; she is having a hard time winning (Maiden Special at Saratoga) , so very interesting about he luck of genetics !!!!!!!
Very beautiful filly!!!!
Thanks for pointing this out in the lovely Vault Blogs Abigail!!!
signofthetimes
Oh Forgot; Her name is Bernadetta (Bernies full sister)
Sunny Boyd
Good evening Zenyatta,
no matter what list you’re on, you’re my # 1, although anytime your name is keeping company with the Great ones, you’re keepin’ pretty good company. :) I’m sure all your connections are bustin’ buttons.
Night chuckle:
I asked the waiter’Is this milk fresh?’He said, ‘Lady, three hours ago it was grass.
Phyllis Diller
Have a good night :) :) :)
Sunny Boyd
:) :) :)
signofthetimes
@Kari Bissell
Thanks for the repost of the link to Z video. Really enjoyed it and have it bookmarked.
Irene Caty
Congradulations my dearest Zen and in our book, you are #1, the very best. We have watched you race many times and as our eyes and hearts see it, there is no other like you. Love you so much and hope you have a great weekend. we will be thinking of you and your team as always.
Kathy S.
Kari Bussell, thank you SO MUCH for posting the wonderful video tribute to Zenyatta. You’re right, that is about the best ever.
judy berube
Dear Signofthetimes:
Wow, I have to see if I can find a photo of Bernadetta. Cute name. Thanks for the info. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Signofthetims:
Thanks for the link to Mo and Z’s half sister. You’re right. Her color is kind of light. (Not like Vertigineau or Henry the Navigator) Got to be an ancester with that coloring. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Understand there is a storm brewing in the Gulf area over the weekend. Just want to wish all of the Z’sters in the area safe going through the storm. Will be thinking of you. Hope it brings rain to the areas that need it. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Kim S.:
Oh absolutely, God Bless all of the rescuers who help these beautiful ex-racers and horses of all breeds. Hugs, J.B.
Sunny Boyd
@ Terry Crow
I just caught up with your opinion on the Jerry Lewis snuff. :(
Lewis & Martin were the 60’s/ very early 70’s. They packed them in. Zany & very animated. I enjoyed their routine.
Too bad.
judy berube
Dear Terry Crow:
Funny “Californians”. I think there are just too many wonderful horses to decide on just ten. How about Cigar, Alydar, Seabiscuit, Bold Ruler, Northern Dancer on and on. I love them all. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Karen Gogue and Susan in Tn.:
Glad you like the idea. Enjoy reading about them. I do. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Z,
Goodnight and Sweet Baby Dreams. Love you so much, Judy and Russ
Barbara Wood
@Sunny boyd–thanks for the great Phyllis Diller jokes.
@Susan in TN– where is Bluebonnet? I have donated to Habitat for Horses in Hitchcock.
candi cartier
congratulation your a superstar zenny take care and have a good weekend love ya xoxoxo.
Carmela Bozulich
Lady Z–I can’t say I agree with ALL the placings on that list, but of course you should be on it, somewhere!