Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #19

Fillies in the paddock at Lane's End. Photo by Kyle Acebo.
Fillies in the paddock at Lane’s End. Photo by Kyle Acebo.

Q:

Sales have always fascinated me but I don’t have a full understanding of all the mechanics of them. How is it chosen which yearlings will be sent to auction and what sales they will be sent to?

Brooke Coleman

Versailles, KY

A: Determining if a yearling will go to public auction depends on a number of factors, beginning with the initial interests of the breeder. Some clients breed to race, some breed specifically to sell, and some do a little bit of both.

Sale nominations are submitted to the auction companies by May 1st of their yearling year; this is when it is determined who will be kept to race and who will be pointed towards a sale. This decision is generally made by the owner in conjunction with the advice given by our managerial and sales staff here at Lane’s End.

Various sales are held throughout the summer and fall; some are “select”, meaning nominated yearlings must be accepted by the sale companies upon inspection, and other sales are open, or acceptable for all types of yearlings. Determining which sale to nominate a yearling to prior to the May 1st deadline depends on a few important factors:

1) Physical
Yearlings are very similar to teenagers—they can go through awkward stages as they grow and develop, so it is important to select a sale that corresponds well with a horse’s maturity level. Our public sales and managerial staff inspect yearlings every two-three weeks through the Spring months. Notations are made on the horse’s conformation, condition, stride, and even demeanor. Maintaining notes on their physical development allows us to judge how each horse matures and determine the most appropriate sale for them.

2) Vetting
When all yearlings at Lane’s End are between 10-11 months of age, a set of survey x-rays (36 views) is taken to help us determine if any joints need special attention or surgery based on radiographic findings. For sale yearlings, survey x-rays also allow us to establish a suitable exercise program for each yearling entering the sale prep routine on June 1st.
We are mindful of survey x-rays at sale nomination time because radiographic findings can affect how commercial a yearling will be at a sale. Another set of x-rays are taken within 21 days of the auction date and provided for veterinarians to review on behalf of potential buyers.

3) Pedigree
The strength of a yearling’s pedigree also affects which sale we nominate it to. For example, a horse by a proven sire out of a stakes winner/producer will appeal to buyers at select sale venues. Alternatively, a horse with an unproven family will probably be best-suited for a larger, open sale venue where there are more potential buyers present, some of whom may not have steep pedigree requirements.

Lane’s End typically consigns yearlings at the following sales:

July 15: Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Select Yearling Sale
A one-day select sale best suited for a physically forward yearling with few (if any) significant radiographic findings. Because it is a select sale, all yearlings must be accepted in a conformation inspection performed by the sale company. Physicals and X-Rays are very important here as this is the first summer yearling sale and buyers are not pressed to purchase a horse that doesn’t meet their exact requirements. Minimum bid required: $10,000
2012 # Catalogued: 283
Average sale price: $81,291
Median sale price: $60,000

August 5-6: Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale
A select sale taking place over two evening sessions, held in conjunction with the prestigious race meet in Saratoga Springs, NY. Physical, pedigree, and vetting are all extremely important at this sale as it is concentrated with some of the best yearlings to be found all year. Minimum bid required: $10,000
2012 # Catalogued: 162
Average sale price: $299,065
Median sale price: $225,000

August 10-11: Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York – Bred Yearlings
A two-day sale for New York-Bred yearlings only. Athletic-looking individuals sell well here as the sale is well-attended by trainers and end-users looking to race in the lucrative state-bred program. Minimum bid required: $5,000
2012 # Catalogued: 223
Average sale price: $62,551
Median sale price: $50,000

September 9-20: Keeneland September Yearling Sale
This is the largest yearling sale in the world and it is suitable for yearlings of all types… a one-stop shop for buyers! 11-12 sale sessions are typically catalogued within 6 sale books. Horses catalog primarily by pedigree with the best pedigree + physical combinations selling in Books 1-2. Keeneland September attract thousands of international and domestic owners, trainers, and bloodstock agents. Minimum bid required: $1,000
2012 # Catalogued: 3,604
Average sale price: $87,354
Median sale price: $45,000

October 21-23: Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale
A three-day sale acceptable for all yearling types, especially late bloomers! This sale is also a good option for yearlings that may have been injured or experienced a physical setback over the summer months. Minimum bid required: $1,000
# Catalogued: 1,254
Average sale price: $26,127
Median sale price: $12,750

Our Expert

allaire

Allaire Ryan

Sales, Lane’s End

Allaire was born and raised in Lexington, KY. She developed an early interest in Thoroughbreds by attending the sales after school with her father, a bloodstock agent, and growing up she gained sales experience working for various farms and consignors. She works with clients old and new to develop Lane’s End’s public sale consignments of yearlings and breeding stock.

Reader Interactions

1,118 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Americain to Stand at Swettenham Stud in 2013
    The Blood-Horse Posted: Thursday, January 10, 2013 8:08 AM
    Champion stayer Americain , set to stand his first American breeding season at Kentucky’s Calumet Farm in 2013, will also mark his first Australian season at Swettenham Stud, it was announced Jan. 10.
    Kevin and Colleen Bamford and Gerry and Val Ryan, who raced the son of Dynaformer in partnership, this week signed off on an agreement to stand Americain at Swettenham’s base in Nagambie, Victoria for the 2013 breeding season.
    The 2010 Emirates Melbourne Cup (Aus-I) winner will stand at a fee of $12,500 plus GST (Goods and Services Tax).
    “Americain is a superior stayer who possesses a sensational turn of foot and it is an honor for Swettenham Stud to be selected as the home for his debut Australian season,” said Swettenham Stud’s Adam Sangster in a statement. “There was significant competition from high-profile studs in New South Wales in the race to secure Americain and his presence will be an asset for the Victorian breeding industry.”
    After winning the Melbourne Cup, Americain ran fourth in the race in 2011 and finished out of the money last year in what was his final start.
    “Americain is out of the Arazi mare America and has duplicated open lines to Plucky Liege, Blossom Time, and Sierra in a similar but slightly stronger genetic pattern to the recent English Derby (Eng-I) winner New Approach, who is one of the world’s hottest young stallions,” Kevin Bamford said.
    Americain will stand at Calumet Farm for a fee of US$20,000.
    The owners are offering a limited number of lifetime breeding rights on a first-come-first-served basis.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75471/americain-to-stand-at-swettenham-stud-in-2013#ixzz2HZwm1m4g

    • / Reply

      Thanks for the repost, Keta.

      Kathy R posted original infomation.

  2. / Reply

    Sprinter Sacre scares off Champion Chase rivals
    By Stuart Riley 1:00PM 10 JAN 2013 Racing Post
    SPRINTER SACRE could have to defeat the last two winners of the Queen Mother Champion Chase, the crown he so covets, with both Sizing Europe and Finian’s Rainbow among his 16 potential opponents
    The young pretender already seems to rule the 2m chasing division, but the crown would be confirmation of his fantastic ability that has quickly seen him annointed as one of the best ever to operate over a fence.
    Cue Card, who has finished one place behind Sprinter Sacre at the last two Festivals, could also reoppose, while Ireland’s most exciting chasing prospect Flemenstar also gets an entry.
    Sanctuaire, Simonsig, Somersby and William’s Wishes add further intrigue, but the field will no doubt be depleted with rivals running scared of Henderson’s wonderhorse.
    Of the big guns, most will no doubt feel they have a better chance of winning a race at the Festival elsewhere and the question remains, will any be brave enough to take on the seven-year-old who looks set to dominate the division?
    http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/cheltenham-festival-cheltenham-sprinter-sacre-scares-off-champion-chase-rivals/1184705/top/#newsArchiveTabs=last7DaysNews

  3. / Reply

    Tom Hall‏ tweet Magic Millions day 2: 1st 7-figure lot:
    Coolmore gives A$1,350,000 for Fastnet Rock c o/o Mister C. (Danzig) mare Smart Company

  5. / Reply

    dear keta so sad about little katchit a small horse with a huge heart RIP little man
    looks as if sprinter sacre is going to be the HORSE this jumping season such a beautiful individual hoping he races at ascot on the 19th but forecast not good promises a cold spell for us hugs sheena

  7. / Reply

    I caught a show last night, I believe it was called redneck vacations, or redneck travel, I’m not sure, in which the main guy traveled to northern New York state to attend the outhouse races. These were real outhouses up on skis, kinda looked like a bobsled, with what would be the “driver” seated on the throne, with people pushing the entry. Anybody else see this?.

      • / Reply

        Sure looks like the one I saw last night. But, this one was in New York on a frozen lake, with the resident redneck traveler stating that it doesn’t matter where you go, you can find rednecks.

        • I forgot to mention that I did have a problem with the show. The redneck traveler kept referring to the outhouse as the crapper, but we afficionados know that Thomas Crapper supposedly invented the flush toilet.

    • / Reply

      Dear Ann and TC,
      I am laughing so hard while sitting at a huge
      truck stop. Semi’s and Rednecks everywhere.
      The truck stop called “Loves” (I’ll leave that for
      anyones immagination) has huge truck size windshield
      wiper blades inside for sale. They are at least 3
      feel long. Great place to people watch !!!

      • / Reply

        Dear Ann, Terry and Sign: You people are just crazy! But need laughs a lot right now. The outhouse story reminded me of an old country and western song down here that had a line “May your chooks (chickens) turn into emus and kick your dunny down”. There is also one called “The redback on the toilet seat” which was always a worry when we visited my Nana in the days before Sydney was totally connected to the flushing system: that, and Dan the Lavatory Man coming to collect the “offerings” while you were still enthroned. My older sister has never quite got over the shock. Hugs, KathyR. And thanks for the laughs.

        • Dear Kathy R,

          Love the Danny the lavatory man collecting the “offering”.
          A great down under redneck joke/stories.

        • KathyR.
          Hope things are looking up for you folks.
          TC, yes, I agree 100%.
          Enjoy your additions of Dan and chooks and being enthroned.

      • / Reply

        Should we have a truck windshield drop ?????

        Still working on the Texas Roach Drop,

        Maybe Big Woodrow’s would incorporate this
        event in the Redneck Games in 2013.

        Will keep you all’ posted !!!

        • LOL!! Could have used the 3ft.long wipers over the holiday drive. From Starbucks to Loves…Sign you be gettin around!

        • Dear Ann,

          Yes, that would have been a great idea. Guess I should have bought
          some for the future. Next time I am at “Loves” I will.

          Yes, I am getting around to some very unique parts of Houston these
          days, some urban some rural. You can guess which are the better parts by the described surroundings.

    • / Reply

      I’m sorry I missed that, Terry. When I think of rednecks I don’t think of New York, but I guess they’re everywhere. I’m surrounded my them here!

      • / Reply

        That was the point the redneck traveler was making. You don’t think of New York as teeming with rednecks but you can find them anywhere. Apparently this area of New York depended on outhouses until just recently.

  8. / Reply

    BROWN ALMIGHTY AT OAKLAWN Jennie Rees‏ tweet
    This has been reported elsewhere previously, but Brown Almighty to make dirt debut in Smarty Jones @Oaklawn_Park w Nakatani up

  10. / Reply

    BARBECUE EDDIE WINS!
    Marcus Hersh‏ DRF tweet
    9yo Barbecue Eddie wins 7th on Meydan Tapeta in Rd 1 of Maktoum Challenge.
    Favored Out of Bounds led & stayed on well for 2nd. #dubai

    Marc Doche‏ tweet At the ripe old age of 9, Barbecue Eddie notches his 10th career win in the featured $250,000 Al Maktoum Challenge

    Maryland TB tweet BBQ EDDIE!!!!!!!!!!

    • / Reply

      Thank you,Keta.
      Loved hearing the hand “love” pat on his neck….and he calmly walks to the track.
      He looks great,happy,eager to breeze.

    • / Reply

      Ann C. Liked the comment that he was acting “fresh”. Sounds like he is back to his normal self. Looks terrific, very intent on his training.

  12. / Reply

    Horse Racing Insider: Animal Kingdom to race, retire; Merriman tops at Northfield
    By D’Arcy Egan, The Plain Dealer on January 09, 2013 at 2:31 PM,
    The 2011 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Animal Kingdom, owned in part by Bruce Zoldan of Youngstown, has at least a couple of top stakes races on tap for his five-year-old season, and then it’s off to Australia to stand at Arrowfield Stud.
    Zoldan said trainer Graham Motion will race Animal Kingdom in the $300,000 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap on Feb. 9 in Hallandale Beach, Fla. Then it’s off to the $10 million Dubai World Cup on March 31. Animal Kingdom might wrap up his career with a June appearance at the Royal Ascot meeting in England before retiring to stud in September.
    Controlling interest in Animal Kingdom was sold to Arrowfield Stud, said President Barry Irwin of Team Valor International. Irwin said the breeding farm was chosen because of owner John Messara’s success with sires Danehill and his son, Redoute’s Choice.
    Merriman sizzles: Aaron Merriman scorched Northfield Park’s half-mile track on Dec. 29 to help wrap up a stellar 2012 season that included his fifth Northfield driving title. Merriman drove six winners on the card, including Tag The Lady ($17) and SF Stampede ($14.60). The local horseman won 315 of 1,169 starts, a sparkling 27 percent that was tops at the harness track. Ryan Stahl was second with 258 victories, followed by Tyler Smith (204), Kurt Sugg (179) and Ronnie Wrenn Jr. (165).
    http://www.cleveland.com/horseracing/index.ssf/2013/01/horse_racing_insider_animal_ki.html

    • / Reply

      Thanks for the reposted information, inital info
      in Bloodhorse posted a few pages ago.

      • / Reply

        Sign, there was really no need for you to comment that this was “reposted info,” meaning that YOU had posted the info earlier. You seem to love to engage in oneupmanship, but I find it quite rude and wish that in the future you would take your earlier post about “courtesy” to heart. I’m just sayin’…

        • In psychological terms, Kelly defined hostility as the wilful refusal to accept evidence that one’s perceptions of the world are wrong. Instead of reconsidering, the hostile person attempts to force or coerce the world to fit their view, even if this is a forlorn hope, and however harmful the cost.

        • The Rescuer not only depends on her role to give her a sense of self, but she also depends on it to bridge the gap between self and others. In other words she needs the Rescuer role just as much, probably more, than the rescued needs rescuing.  In fact, the Rescuer tends to feel as if her self-esteem has taken a big hit when there is a lag-time between rescues. Though on the one hand she might be relieved that she’s not having to take care of every little thing for the rescued during that lag-time; on the other hand, she’s wondering what she’s doing here if it isn’t to rescue someone else. There’s a deep unsettling underground tremor that tells her that something is really wrong with this picture. So, without really paying much attention to it, she launches herself into another search for the next victim in need of rescue.

  13. / Reply

    Dear Sign: Thanks so much for the two prayers on the previous page: will feel a lot better knowing those angels will be hovering about. Hugs, KathyR.

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R,

      Sending those angels down under. Such a stress
      to deal with. Losing ones home to a fire
      is probably the worst as all is gone with no
      trace of anything.

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R,

      Love the article and the cartoon. Too cute. Spending 6 months on a “holiday” is going
      to put weight on any horse. Kauto was out to on “holiday” for 8 weeks and came back
      pudgy. She is a large boned and muscled mare. Just like humans, some weight
      more than others and have heavier bones and muscles than others. Because of
      the large muscles and bones some humans have their weight is greater than
      other contemporaries. We have human height and weight charts that factor in
      small, medium and large bones with appropriate weights.

      She will be fine and Peter Moody will know if she is ready to take on a 2013 career.
      Don’t think he will run her if she is not in shape. Aquaciser and swimming are almost
      better way to getting in shape as not so hard on bone and muscles of horses.

      Wish we used more Aqua exercise here since the focus is on dirt, there would
      most likely be less injuries.

      Thanks so much for keeping us on the cutting edge of the news down under.

      • / Reply

        PS:

        My dog is doing physical therapy in an AquaPaws treadmill. I had thought of
        buying a treadmill for my home to run him on, but discussed with vets and they said it can put too much stress on a young dogs bones and muscles. Same concept for horses. There is also greater resistance running in water so an animal or human can get in better shape. He loves the water work !!!!

        • Here’s hoping your dog returns to his previous state of health. Nothing more precious than a pet, regardless of the type.

        • Sign,
          Had not heard of this for dogs.
          Our Cavalier is 9 years old with arthritis.
          Might be a good answer for her. I’ll check with her vet first.
          Hope it helps your dog–you are a good pet parent.
          Hugs, Keta

        • Dear TC and Keta,

          Sorry for the confusion. He is actually doing the underwater treadmill for gait training and muscle building and definition. Luckily no injury. The place he is going to has a huge orthopedic surgery department so they do rehab a lot of injured Animals. The underwater treadmill is good for arthritis, too

      • / Reply

        Kathy R & Sign,
        Next we will be posting
        “She’s a big girl but she has such a pretty face!”
        Sorry, Terry made me do it.
        Keta

      • / Reply

        Terry
        Googled because I was curious
        The redback spider is one of Australia’s most recognisable species and they are commonly found in habitats ranging from bushland to urban area
        Seems similar to our black widow spider
        Hugs, Keta

        • Dear Terry: Sorry about that – should have “translated” the redback into a similar species to your black widow. Our redback is a fairly harmless, poisonous spider – not at all aggressive. they build very messy webby nests, and catch a lot of nuisance bugs, like grasshoppers. In fact, I’ve picked one up when gardening and have had no problem. The really nasty one down here is the funnel web that lives around the coast of New South Wales – they can bite through leather shoes, and will attack. Luckily they don’t like the cold so don’t live here in Canberra. The redback caused panic in Japan a few years ago when some ended up there via some sort of shipment.

    • / Reply

      Kathy R
      That was great from the “Weight and see” headline to and including the cartoon.
      Buried in the story was this gem indicating that this may not be Nelly’s only race

      “While nothing is locked in, it is possible that Black Caviar’s swan song campaign could include starts in the T.J. Smith Stakes at Randwick on April 13 and two possible starts during the Brisbane winter carnival.”

      Interesting!
      Hugs, Keta

      • / Reply

        Dear Keta: Peter Moody has always wanted to send Nelly on a swan song through most of the country: I suspect that the connections will do that even if it is for an exhibition gallop (or maybe a quick walk if she can’t lose the weight!). Love your comment about the pretty face. What a wicked bunch we are! Hugs, KathyR.

    • / Reply

      Thanks Kathy. Interesting story, and the cartoon is just a hoot!!! :-) How are you dong down there?
      Sandy

      • / Reply

        Dear Sandy: I do sometimes feel that I’ve got bells in my head – must be advancing age! We’re hanging in, and now counting the days until autumn. There’s a cyclone developing off the coast of Western Australia, and hopefully it will be strong enough to push the really hot inland air out to sea (maybe New Zealand?) and bring in a better weather system. I don’t mean to sound uncaring about cyclones, but there’s not much up in that part of West.Aust. except for mining towns, and they are very used to that sort of weather. Hugs, KathyR.

  15. / Reply

    dear kathy great article about black caviar she’s always been a big girl bigger than our denman who was known as “the tank” cartoon was too funny!!we’ve been forecast snow now and bitterly cold weather am sure you would enjoy some hope your mum is coping keep safe hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      sheena,
      We in Phoenix will be bundled up with you.
      Expecting temps below freezing at night .
      Our usual highs at this time of year are in the 70’s F.
      Being told to put frost blankets on trees, shrubs, & plants.
      Brrrr!
      Hugs, Keta

  18. / Reply

    Drosselmeyer’s First Foal Is a Colt
    By David Schmitz, The Blood-Horse Updated: Thursday, January 10, 2013 6:25 PM
    The first reported offspring by Belmont Stakes (gr. I) and Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) winner Drosselmeyer is a chestnut colt foaled Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Craig and Holly Bandoroff’s Denali Stud near Paris, Ky.
    Bred by Galatyn Stables, the colt is the second foal out of the winning Hennessy mare Heather’s Angel, whose dam, stakes-placed Taghkanic, is a half sister to grade II winner Private Emblem and the stakes-winning dam of grade II winner Gantry.
    “He’s a nice colt, very classy looking,” said Gary Bush, Denali farm manager. “He has above average size, good leg, and covers a lot of ground. There’s a lot to like at this stage.”
    Drosselmeyer (Distorted Humor —Golden Ballet, by Moscow Ballet) stands at Kenny Troutt’s WinStar Farm near Versailles, Ky. His 2013 fee is $17,500 stands and nurses.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75497/drosselmeyers-first-foal-is-a-colt#ixzz2HcTARV4N

  19. / Reply

    BC Marathon Winner Calidoscopio Nears Return
    By Jack Shinar The Blood=Horse Updated: Thursday, January 10, 2013 6:00 PM
    Breeders’ Cup Marathon (gr. II) winner Calidoscopio is preparing for his 10-year-old debut next month at Santa Anita Park under the guidance of trainer Mike Puype.

    Stud Dona Pancha’s Argentina-bred gelding by Luhuk won the Nov. 2 Marathon
    at 1 3/4 miles by 4 1/4 lengths in a 17-1 upset at Santa Anita. Trained at the time by Guillermo “Bebe” Frenkel, Calidoscopio was transferred to Puype for his 2013 campaign in the United States
    Calidoscopio, an eight-time grade stakes winner, has had three works since Dec. 21. He produced a bullet move in his most recent Jan. 9 over a fast Santa Anita main track, covering five furlongs in 1:00 flat. It was the quickest of 36 drills at the distance on the morning.

    “We’ll look at the San Antonio (gr. II) and then if all goes well the Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I),” Puype said.
    The San Antonio, at 1 1/8 miles, is Feb. 3.
    The 1 1/4-mile Santa Anita Handicap is March 2.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75494/bc-marathon-winner-calidoscopio-nears-return#ixzz2HcUqWt4m

  20. / Reply

    I keep checking Lane’s End website to see if any foals have been born, but none yet. Last year, the first one was on Jan. 8th.

    I’m not so up tight about Zenyatta this year (you would have thought I was her owner last year), but feel a little disconnected. The Diary really kept us up to date and we had daily pics thanks to Sarah Campion. I know we can’t have that anymore. Guess I’m feeling a little nostalgic about it. I don’t think we even know who her paddock mate is.

    Last year Zenyatta and Matt made the long trek from her Maiden Mare paddock to the foaling barn and the nearby paddock on Feb. 2nd. I wonder if she has far to travel this year and if she’ll be going inside at night again soon.

    The next thing I plan to do is re-watch Donna’s video about the foaling process. First I have to find them in the archives.

    Today the Moss owned mare, Roxanne O, sold in the Keeneland Sale for $15,000. She was sold as a broodmare prospect, only. The purchaser is in Ohio. She looked really good in the sales ring.

    I’ve been enjoying reading all the posts and links. The most generous people come here. Thanks to all. Marty R.

    • / Reply

      Ditto from me Marty. And remember that great picture of Z and Tasty “crossing the bridge” as they moved nearer the foaling barn? I’m trying to be hopeful that we will get more frequent pictures as the time gets nearer.

      • / Reply

        Yes, I do remember that picture and also the one where, from the angle of the shot, it looks like Zenny is leading Matt toward the foaling barn. And, once inside her stall, she checked it out corner to corner. Always the curious one.

  22. / Reply

    Magic Millions‏ tweet Rider Change
    Leading Sydney rider @SchofieldGlyn is the new rider for No Looking Back
    replacing Blake Shinn in tomorrow’s $1 million Gold Coast Guineas!

    Andrew Bensley‏ tweets
    Blake Shinn will not be riding at tomorrow’s Magic Millions meeting on the Gold Coast. Complained of dehydration yesterday at the Gosford.

    Glyn Schofield tells Sky Racing World he’s picked up the ride on No Looking Back
    in tomorrow’s Magic Million Guineas. Great ride

  23. / Reply

    Magic Millions‏ tweet Sales info
    The REDOUTE’S CHOICE COLT from Group One winner Apercu (lot 399)
    from Newgate Farm has sold for $800,000
    to leading NSW trainer John O’Shea!

  24. / Reply

    Andrew Bensley‏ tweet
    MISSY LONGSTOCKING has been passed fit to run in MM 2YO race tomorrow
    by QLD Racing Vets.
    Was short in action yesterday but no problem today

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta: Saw Bensley on TVN racing last night – the poor bloke is looking very worn with all the humidity up at the Gold Coast. Blake has dropped off all his rides because he’s been feeling so poorly. Good pick up rides for some!

  27. / Reply

    Dear Zenny Fans, Dumplings and All,

    There is a reason the sun rises anew each day.
    Everyday is a completely new day.
    Forget the difficult days, a new day
    has started.
    Forever. For good.
    We tend to think we need to relive
    previous days to learn our lessons,
    then the blessings become difficult.
    Happiness is really just a habit;
    a decision to accept grace and embrace joy.
    We are works in progress and our
    progress is recognized and followed
    by the Lord.

    Amen

    Have a blessed and happy Friday.

    • / Reply

      Wow!! Some serious competitors there. What a test that would be for Eblouissante, especially after having only run in one race. I’m thinking she will have a workout this weekend that will help John and Mr. Kronfeld decide.

      My husband and my 48th anniversary will be on the 20th. If E runs, and especially wins, that would be an anniversary present to end all. Of course, my main prayer will be, safety for all in the race.

  30. / Reply

    BLOODHORSE: WISE DAN BACK IN TRAINING AT KEENLAND

    (Wise Dan gained 100 lbs in his time at Lopresti’s farm 2 months;
    Black Caviar gained 154 lbs in 6 months – when compared to Wise
    Dan she did not gain much)

    Wise Dan Rejoins Lopresti at Keeneland
    By Claire Novak, @BH_CNovak
    Updated: Thursday, January 10, 2013 10:44 PM
    Posted: Thursday, January 10, 2013 5:59 PM

    Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
    Wise Dan
    Order This Photo
    Leading Horse of the Year candidate Wise Dan returned to the track Jan. 7 following some turnout time at trainer Charlie Lopresti’s Forest Lane Farm near Lexington, joining half brother Successful Dan and grade I-winning stablemate Turallure at Keeneland.

    The newly turned 6-year-old son of Wiseman’s Ferry will train at his home base with an eye on the Maker’s 46 Mile Stakes (gr. IT) at Keeneland during the spring meet as a target for his 2013 debut.

    Wise Dan won the Breeders’ Cup Mile (gr. IT) in a record 1:31.78 at Santa Anita Park Nov. 3, closing out a stellar campaign that included turf victories in Keeneland’s Shadwell Turf Mile (gr. IT), the Ricoh Woodbine Mile Stakes (Can-IT) in Canada, and the Fourstardave Handicap (gr. IIT) at Saratoga Race Course. He was also second in the Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) at Churchill Downs on dirt and set a record of 1:46.63 for 1 1/8 miles on Polytrack at Keeneland in the spring when rumbling to a 10 1/2-length Ben Ali Stakes (gr. III) win.

    “He’s doing great,” Lopresti said. “He put on about 100 pounds or so. I would think that mid-February, weather permitting, we’ll probably go an easy three-eighths or a half. I can tell you right now, he didn’t lose much conditioning. I watched him in the paddock over the last couple weeks, and he was ready to go back to work.”

    Wise Dan will gradually gear up for his return to the races. First he walked the shedrow under tack. On Jan. 9 and 10 he put in an easy jog with regular exercise rider Damian Rock in the saddle.

    “We’ve just kind of been tack-walking him around the barn and jogging him a little bit, and we’re still putting him in the round pen up there so he can play,” Lopresti said. “We’ll probably just fiddle with him the whole month of January, just kind of get him legged up, and February will be more serious.”

    Lopresti said this year’s edition of the Ben Ali could be a fall-back plan if a delay in training occurs, and that a more detailed roadmap will be organized once the gelding returns to the races.

    “The Maker’s Mark Mile is the target as long as we don’t have any hiccups in the road, and if we do, there’s also the Ben Ali,” he said. “We’d like to see him run in the Maker’s Mark, but if it doesn’t happen or weather holds us back here this winter and we get bad weather or something, I’m not going to push to make it.”

    The option of trying Wise Dan on dirt again in 2013 is one owner/breeder Morton Fink and Lopresti have already discussed. The chestnut has a victory in the 2011 Clark Handicap (gr. I) over the main track at Churchill to his credit.

    “We may try to run him on dirt, Mr. Fink and I talked about that,” the trainer remarked. “He can run on the dirt, he runs on any surface, but I think he’s at his best on the turf, and it depends on what ‘big brother’ does.”

    That comment was a reference to Successful Dan, who was also bred by Fink out of the Wolf Power mare Lisa Danielle. The 7-year-old son of Successful Appeal is back in training after being sidelined with a strained distal sesamoidean ligament in his left foreleg while prepping for a start in the Whitney Invitational Handicap (gr. I) last summer at Saratoga.

    Successful Dan beat eventual 1-2 Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) finishers Fort Larned and Mucho Macho Man in the 1 1/16-mile Alysheba Stakes (gr. II) at Churchill May 4, setting a track record of 1:41.04, and finished second to Fort Larned in the Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap (gr. III) in June before going to the sidelines. He underwent stem cell therapy and was turned out at Lopresti’s farm for the remainder of 2012.

    “He could run in an allowance race like they wrote for him last year, which would be great, or he could be one that maybe would run in the Ben Ali,” Lopresti said.

    The gelding won the Greenbriar Fayette Stakes (gr. II) at Keeneland in the fall of 2010 and came back after taking off 2011 to win a spring allowance at the Lexington oval leading into his Alysheba score.

    “I’m going to be real picky about how many races he has, because I think that horse could be a Breeders’ Cup Classic contender,” Lopresti said. “He’s a really good horse, but I’ll mainly pick three or four races just to get him to the Breeders’ Cup.”

    One more key runner back in training for Lopresti is Four D Stable’s 2011 Woodbine Mile winner Turallure, a 6-year-old son of Wando who was sidelined with bone bruising following a fourth-place finish in the Firecracker Handicap (gr. IIT) at Churchill in July.

    “He’d be the one we’d run in an allowance race for sure,” Lopresti said. “I’d like to put him in a race where he can win first time out and build from there.”

    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75493/wise-dan-rejoins-lopresti-at-keeneland#ixzz2HfWvPgjc

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