Happy Monday to All!
It is the beginning of another wonderful week! I am enjoying all of the time I’m spending each day with my friends here at Lane’s End.
I just had a long chat with MATT…in between bites of my favorite grassy treats. We reviewed the entire weekend of fabulous racing. There were so many impressive winners in the various divisions. I absolutely LOVED seeing my pal, GIO PONTI, return to the winner’s circle again. His race was so impressive. I am SO PROUD of him! To stay at such TOP FORM and to COMPETE AT SUCH A HIGH LEVEL for years…is not an easy task. He and his connections deserve a big HIGH HOOF for doing so!
Some of my other personal friends also performed very well. On Saturday, SWITCH ran a very contentious 3rd in her return to the sprint arena at Keeneland. She will be sprinting again in her next start. I must also say, my 3 year old Barn 55 friend, MR. COMMONS, did a fabulous job to close in such fast fractions to be a very strong 2nd in the Oak Tree Mile. He clearly ran his highest speed figures to date…and he is a 3 year old running against older horses. This is not easy to do! The ability to move forward and continue to make steady progress as he has done is always important when one is competing at these graded stakes levels. My compliments to BOTH!
The 2 year olds, competing on 3 different types of surfaces this weekend: dirt, turf and Keeneland’s all-weather track, truly provided a great deal of excitement! Members of this age group are now at such an important time in their careers. In many instances, they are now being introduced to the concept of ‘going around 2 turns’ in their races. The ability to perform well at this is something that can truly begin to separate ‘the men from the boys’ in the future…so to speak. This is especially important as we begin to look for the ‘classic type horses’ who will be moving onto this stage at the Breeders’ Cup next month and also as 3 year olds next year.
Congratulations to ALL of these athletes and their connections for definitely providing the sport with exciting performances in these prep races.
The next few weeks will be so important to all of these horses and their ‘teams’ as they prepare for the World Championship Events. I remember every bit of it all so well!
Here’s wishing EVERYONE the best!
With Love,
Hugs to All~(It is getting exciting!)
Z
judy berube
Dear Sharon in Seattle:
Good to hear from you. Love your comments to Z and Dottie. Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Kennedy’s is San Diego:
Thanks for the info on Take Control. Hope he is recovered. Hugs, JB
tony and sue
Zenny, Yeah, for GP and the great race he ran! We KNOW he is happy YOU are not his competition…been there, done that. ;-) How gracious for you to keep rooting for those who were your rivals. Big girl, you are all heart! And, Mr. Commons looked very good indeed.
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Here’s info on Mr. Commons Sire, Artie Schiller; his pedigree, race record and earnings and a beautiful photo of him as well. Hugs, JB
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/stallion-directory/media/gallery/artieschiller.pdf
JAG / California :-)
Before this candle burns out, this is what I wrote to ALL:
My birthday was a blessing ~ I spent it with true friends! Horse lovers! People who know how to have a GREAT TIME! :-) Thanks JH & ZEN!!
Judy
Sue Fredrick
Kennedys In San Diego, thanks so much for the info on BL (my mighty mouse) and too bad about TC, I’m waiting for him to run!!! Also thanks for the post on Frazier, happily this sounds soooo much better.
JAG / California :-)
@ TERRY CROW:
Hey, I may have not been in “uniform” but didn’t you see that whip I was carrying…? I got poked by David Flores’ whip while standing at Clocker’s Corner ~ so I grabbed it and took off… ;-) LOL
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Daina Ryan — Thank you for your comments on Artie Schiller, sire of Mr. Commons. We only saw him race once — in the 2004 Breeders’ Cup Mile at Lone Star Park. Let’s just say it was not his day. But we will never forget his connections — the most excited, enthusiastic we have ever encountered. They were truly crazy about Artie and so happy about being there. On Saturday, while I watched Mr. Commons being saddled, a most knowledgeable horseman turned to me and said Mr. Commons looked exactly like his sire, Artie Schiller.
JAG / California :-)
THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY BASH!!
ANNE FROM PARAMOUNT
DIANA S (TEMPE, AZ)
DONNA P
KAREN GOGUE
KELLY (TERRI’S FRIEND)
KENNEDYS
MAUREEN
NANCY B
NANCY S (& RON)
RICHARD
TRINA NAGELE
TERRI
TERRY CROW
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WENT TO DINNER WITH ME AT THE DERBY RESTAURANT ~ WOO HOO ~ MIKE SMITH STOPPED BY OUR TABLE AND THE KISS ON MY CHEEK (blush blush) WAS THE ICING ON THE CAKE! :-) HIS AUTOGRAPHED PICTURES WEREN’T TOO SHABBY EITHER (wink wink)
Jeanie
Dear Great One,
I just met an important person in the life of some of your distant cousins here in Northern California. That’s right! MARLENE DODGE FROM VALLEY VIEW RANCH EQUINE RESCUE! Marlene got a late start and left this morning from her ranch near Paso Robles and we just had a 30-minute meeting standing out in the rain near her horse trailer. Inside the trailer was Galaxy, who is a paint/appaloosa cross. Her coat is a lot louder than your’s, but everything else looks pretty similar. She is a real looker and just back from Monte Roberts training, so she was very well behaved. Marlene is picking up most of the horses we helped purchase, but will have to make a second trip to get them all. She is picking up the horses from an area near the feedlot — not at the feedlot. She believes this is because the killers are coming to pick up a truck load of horses to take to Canada. They typically don’t want her around when that happens. The feedlot operator has a couple of other horses he wants to show her that she may also be able to rescue, so a second trip is in order and I will try to go with her on that trip. I discussed the horse shoes with her and she is going to see if she can get those. They might be useful if they can be made into something that could be sold to raise money for the cause. I believe that was @Patricia’s idea, and a very good one at that! Anyway, it was wonderful to meet Marlene. She is completely devoted to rescuing, retraining and placing horses in good homes. The horse that some of you commented on — the little Arab cross that came to the fence to greet you every time — his new name is Bannon and he is going to a woman who is so excited to get him that she already bought him a new halter, lead rope and brush. She just can’t wait. I think that is TOO CUTE! Anyway, I hope you are having a stunningly awesome day and out looking very lovely in your beautiful brown blanket and I am so glad that you ARE SO LOVED BY SO MANY. YOU ARE TRULY A GIFT FOR THE SOUL.
your humble J
Brenda S..
I have just lost my free link to HRTV, the picture disappeared and a notice told me that “rights are restricted in my area”. I was so looking forward to being able to watch all the BC coverage, I guess that I’ll have to do laundry and housework instead.
@ Judy B – Thanks for the link to Artie S – What a fine looking guy and fantastic dapples.
@ Terry C – Thanks for the pass into the club. I guess it was the Harley that did it.
JAG / California :-)
P.S. I forgot to thank my friend, Jeff Mallard, for taking photos of the ‘Z Dumplings’ ~ thanks, Jeff!!!
The Kennedys in San Diego
One more comment on Mr. Commons — he ran an excellent race against older horses even after bumping his head/nose while in or coming out of the gate. BRAVO!
Kendra
You sure look contented, Zenyatta. Does Lanes End do anything to keep you mentally alert? I bet that talking to Ann via Skype keeps you thinking. I miss you sooo much. Today when my granddaughters were playing with their Breyer horses, I asked them if they would like to see an exciting race. So I let them watch the 2009 Breeders Cup Classic. They were on the edges of their seats and were so happy to see you win. So you have two new fans. Zen, you are a jewel.
Irene Caty
Hi Zenny, You sure look good in that blanket and it looks so comfy on you. I guess it is getting cooler again and I believe you like the warm sunny weather. I am so glad that Gio Ponte won, he is an old favorite of mine. I remember when he was way out in front at the breeders cup race and then you came up from way in the back to breeze by him. He is a great horse and can really run a good race but on that day, you were the best of them all and the big winner and who could ever forget that. We miss you on the race track and wish you were still there coming from behind and winning as the croud held their breath and finally screamed and cried at your win. We love you and miss you so much and wish you much happiness.
Cathy Marshall
I like your maternity blanket.. You look good in that color! Love ya, Zenny!!!
Barbara Grimaldi
I’m a worrier, and I am of course worried about Zenyatta giving birth and about her health and the health of the foal. Following the conversations above about that moment, do you mean that Matt will actually be the midwife? Not Mario or the Mosses or Dottie or John? Shouldn’t they all be there for the birth since Zenyatta is the greatest mare who ever lived and is world famous and on top of that beloved by millions? I hope they have GOOD vets there to assist…I keep thinking her size may cause risk? As I said, I’m a worrier and Zenyatta is my magic feather…she gives me hope and happiness every single day. I want her to be safe. Like you, I adore her.
signofthetimes
@JAG
Wow a kiss from Mike Smith!!!!
Jeanie
Hi All,
Just noticed this updated story on Here Comes Frazier. Describes his injury a bit more. I sure hope he pulls through.
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/10/10/here-comes-frazier-recovery.aspx
j
signofthetimes
@Barbara Grimaldi
How very sweet !!!!
Marilu V.
Dear Zeny: Thank you for all the good news about your friends this weekend. Hope you are feeling good today.
How often do you have a check up? Praying always for your safe pregnancy and delivery. Hugs, Marilu
Christine in Michigan
This evenings report on Here Comes Frazier is more encouraging than this afternoons news, although his trainer says he will never race again. I too was wondering why jockeys are not briefed on each horse they ride as each horse is an individual with things they like and things they dont. Another question that I hope someone can answer is – who picks the jockey to ride a particular horse? Does the owner? Trainer? Lottery? How is this determined? I would really appreciate an answer to this one.
JAG / California :-)
Together Again: Jones, Havre de Grace
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/65462/together-again-jones-havre-de-grace
Good guys wear white hats! I remember the story that Larry told the media. When Zenny was back at Churchill to race (not the BC Classic)she was boarded where Larry Jones had his horses. Larry said he had to put his horse to bed early – before Zenyatta came in – because his horse was “smitten” with Zenyatta LOL He had a grin from ear to ear… so sweet! His horse had a CRUSH ON THE QUEEN ;-)
judy berube
Dear Barbara (Skip) G.:
What a sweet post. I guess we will all be “Nervous Nellies” as Z’s time draws near, but with all the love and prayers from her Dumplings, I think she’ll do just fine. Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear JAG:
What a great story about Larry Jones and his horse. Too Cute. Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Kennedy’s in San Diego:
Wow, I didn’t realize Mr. Commons had bumped coming out of the gate. He really closed well and with a lot of speed. He did very well against the older horses. Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Brenda S.:
You’re welcome. Beautiful dapples. Hugs, JB
Terry Crow
@Christine in Michigan-A trainer usually makes the decision as to which jockey will ride. Sometime a trainer will use a jockey exclusively for every horse he or she starts and other times a jockey agent will lobby the trainer to give his “boy” a chance. Jockey agents are among the finest handicappers at the track and will try to get their charges on the best horses. The owner rarely makes this decision, although it is not entirely unprecedented. There is no lottery. To fully answer your question, a trainer will give a jockey instructions before the race as to where to place the horse during the race and use of the whip. However, jockeys have been known to disregard these instructions, sometimes out of necessity. If a jock is told not to use the whip, generally speaking they won’t. To make of this, sometimes the jockey will ride without the whip.
Sharon call
@Barbara Grimaldi. Calling Matt Z’s “midhusband” was, I am sure a joke because of his and Z’s close relationship. Z will be monitored very closely and when she starts showing signs of labor, a vet will be called. Don’t know if the Mosses or John or Dottie will be there or not, but they would not help with the birth if they are there. Z’s size should make no difference. Remember, Bernardini is not as large as Z is. Z will be just fine! Don’t you worry. She’s in one of the best breeding farms in existance. That’s why the Mosses chose to put her there.
judy berube
Dear Jeannie:
Thank you so much for your update on the horses that Marlene is saving (with the help of Z’ Fans and so many other wonderful people who donated). It’s great to hear a positive, upbeat story like Bannon’s and his new owner. Thank you. Hugs, JB