Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts: Mike Cline, Part 1

Q:

What is it like to have Zenyatta at Lane’s End? How is she different than other horses at the farm?

Cassandra Gregory

Manitou Springs, CO

 

A:I started hearing rumblings that the Mosses were sending Zenyatta to Lane’s End shortly before the Breeders’ Cup 2010, and we had some staff meetings here at the farm about it. I’d been told that she had a huge following, and obviously i had admired her through the years in racing, but I don’t think anything that I knew about her then would have prepared me for where we are now, a couple years later, my experience with her, and what she means to so many people.

Zenyatta, 2009. Photo by Ann Moss

I remember she flew in on a plane to Bluegrass Field and was vanned over to Keenland on December 5th. I guess I should have gotten an idea about how it was going to be that day, because there were about four or five hundred people standing out in the freezing cold and rain and snow to watch her arrival. She didn’t disappoint; John Shirreffs came in with her and walked her around the walking ring at Keenland, and she was admired and photographed by everyone that was there. Everyone was genuinely enthralled by how magnificent she looked.

Again, I should have thought then, should have prepared myself… You always want to say that when we get her here, we’ve got to treat her just like every other mare. That works pretty well when you’re doing repro work on her, you have the blacksmith here trimming her, or you’re vaccinating her—you do treat her like every other mare. We have lots of nice mares here, and over the years we’ve had champions and terrific mares, but I must say that we’ve never had a thoroughbred stallion or mare that has the following of Zenyatta. Everybody told me that, but I had to learn it for myself.

Just being around her every day and being able to drive by her paddock, and listen to all the people that call in here and ask questions about her and follow her on the website… she’s definitely a rock star, no doubt about that.

The Mosses have been kind enough to let us do so many charitable things with her, be it selling halters or auctioning off visits, raising money for all kinds of different things. The last of which was some storm relief work that she did. It was their idea to have her here and to share with the horse community, and we have to sort out how we balance that. I know everybody doesn’t get what they want, but we try to be fair about it, understanding that she comes first. There are times of the year where you can come see her, and there are times of the year where you can’t come see her.

We see her every day and she never ceases to amaze us with the stuff she does, and she’s just different from other horses in a lot of different ways. Her feel for humans is totally different. We have lots of kind, quiet mares, but she’s thoughtful. I don’t think there’s any chance she’d ever bite anybody or kick anybody, and I think it was like that on the racetrack as well, from what I’ve heard.

Certainly, she keeps us on our toes here. We feel privileged to be some small part of her development, and we look forward to seeing her live out a long healthy life here and produce, hopefully, somebody that can keep up with her.

Note about visiting Zenyatta:
We understand the desire of many to visit Zenyatta at Lane’s End Farm. Currently, visits with Zenyatta are not available to the public. If the policy changes, the fans will be the first to know.

Our Expert

Michael H. Cline

Farm Manager, Lane’s End

Michael H Cline is the Manager of Mr. and Mrs. William S. Farish’s Lane’s End Farm near Versailles, Kentucky. He has held that position for 33 years and he played a key role in the design and development of the farm from the time Mr. Farish first purchased the land in the late 1970’s.

Mike is a local having graduated from Woodford County High School and attended the University of Kentucky. He is the proud father to two sons, John and Chad and one grandson, Charlie.

Mike’s family has been involved in the Thoroughbred industry beginning with his father John Cline, who managed Haven Hill Farm for Herb Stevens and his brother, Pete is the Manager of Shawnee Farm in Kentucky. Prior to his employment at Lane’s End, Mike was Manager at Big Sink Farm in Versailles.

Reader Interactions

879 Comments

  1. / Reply

    I found this article in the New York Times the other day and I think if you go to the movie’s website it gives the areas and theaters where it will be shown. All about the training of these wonderful Mustangs.

    It’s going to be in San Diego sometime in September down at the Gaslamp theater.
    I saw the previews. Looks like a good movie.

    I saw Cynthia Friday and some of the horses, all look so happy and healthy, was hoping to see Tiz Gianni but he had gone back to HP. Mr. Commons wasn’t there yet, but was coming either Sat. or Sun. A great backside visit. I could stay there all day/night/next/day just love being around them. Everyone so very nice and personable. Horses all so sweet. Just like big babies.
    http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/24/movies/wild-horse-wild-ride-from-alex-dawson-and-greg-gricus.html?_r=1&emc=tnt&tntemail1=y

    • / Reply

      This is sooo awesomer Delrene. I posted a while ago a female trainer who enters the contest of Train a Mustang in 90 days and saw the show as she was training them.

      They are sooo very different than domesticated horses as they have much stronger
      flight issues, they are very sensitive to their underbelly being touched (as Monty Roberts would say where the cats go) and often very spooky. She trains them for this show and then sells them to a good home. The one she last had was soooo spookey,
      and she was very very very patient with him and when he showed in show he was a gem because she had built a strong bond of trust by reassuring him time and time and time again that when he was spookey it was ok.

    • / Reply

      Dear Delrene:

      Would like to see this documentary on the training of our Wild Ones. Hope these horses are eventually adopted out to caring, loving people. They’re just beautiful. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Thanks Delrene for sharing this about the wild mustangs.

      Judy,friends of mine were chosen to train 3,all achieved high rankings when they showed at their district “round up” show. They were able to keep 2 of their horses in the end. I believe the people that are chosen to take these horses ,must meet certain standards,so they go to great homes.

      Sign, it is a joy watching the training of these horses. My friend was over the moon to have been chosen to train his. That horse was like a puppy dog following him around on the farm,so cute. My daughter and I were fortunate that we could watch some of their work w/ these beauties. She later wrote a paper about it for a school project. Of course, the teachers knew it would be about…what else…horses! They knew her so well! Where the cats go!!!! Cute!!

      Hope we can all see this!

      • / Reply

        Dear Ann:

        Thank you so much for sharing this info. Good to know. The Wild Ones need out help so much. Hugs, JB

  3. / Reply

    To : Terry Crow GPPermalink
    August 28, 2012 at 8:24 am
    An owner or a trainer is always upset when an old friend goes elsewhere. From what I can tell, I doubt that El Vino’s claim will be considered to be one of the better ones made. There was a shake to see who would end up with him, but I do not think the winner is going to make much from owning him. Chances are, when he is no longer an effective race horse, the Mosses will purchase him privately and retire him.

    Terry don’t know what you mean when you say they will not make much from owning El Vino? He is only 6 years old and still a lot to give. Other geldings have done very well after going through several trainers. John Henry is an example. I am not saying he will become a John Henry but he still has potential. Here is a short description about John Henry –

    “He had a series of trainers, making his mark as a workmanlike racehorse who earned money in minor stakes, allowance races, and mid-level claiming races.” The rest is history.

    El Vino is one of the heroes of Barn 55. I am not giving up on El Vino. Did you read the article written about Sarbonne and El Vino? Great article

    http://www.drf.com/news/little-glory-early-morning

    Marilu

    • / Reply

      Marilu V,
      I just spent the better part of 30 minutes searching for the link to that article. I came back here to post it and saw your post. Thank you very much for posting this. It has long been a favorite of mine.
      Delrene,
      I am so glad you got to see Cynthia . To say I will be happy and grateful when returns would be a gross understatement.

    • / Reply

      Dear Marilu, Ashton and Z Fans:

      I remember this article from 2010. Oftentimes good horses have to take a back seat to great ones. That was the case with these two. (The same is true of Franke’ls Brother, Bullet Train).

      Sarbonne finished 2nd on 8/23/12 in a $4,000.00 Claiming Race at Emerald Downs. El Vino finished 3rd on 8/4/12 in a $32,000-$28,000 Claiming Race at Del Mar.

      Hopefully, both of them will stay sound and continue to race in the money and be handled well by whoever has them in their stable. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy:

        Like you and many others we hope they will stay healthy and strong and have more Winner Circles ahead of them. One of our Z friends, Sharon in Seattle, says Sarbonne was claimed twice by his previous owner. Happy he is in good hands. That is comforting. Sarbonne should have been in the Winners Circle in that last race. Here is the race – for those who have not seen it.

        You will need to click today’s date and then race-4.
        http://www.emeralddowns.com/subcontent.aspx?SecID=1010

        Ashton – Glad you read my post. We where in the same wave length!
        No coincidence. Hugs, Marilu

        • Dear Marilu V:

          Oh it is good that Sarbonne was claimed by his previous owner. That shows how some owners keep track of them and try to get them back when they can. Hugs, JB

        • Dear Max:

          Thank you so much for this link. What a legacy. Did you see Sheena’s post below? She posted that Goldikova is in foal to Galileo. How about that! You may have already known.

          Yes, Bullet Train is half brother to Franklin. I take the liberty of calling him Frankel’s brother, but he’s not by Galileo. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Z would have a Galileo colt some day. Probably will never happen though.
          Hugs, JB

        • JudyB. You were not wrong. Siblings are traced through the mother. They are all brothers, but NM and Frankel are full brothers. They actually call Bullet Train a three parts brother because Sadler’s Wells is Bullet Train’s father, but grandfather to NM and Frankel. Sometimes these pedigrees can give headaches trying to figure things out..

          Thanks for this news of Goldikova. Hope that all goes well for her. She is a real champion. I remember that Freddie Head said that she was ready for retirement after the BC last year. She had done enough.

        • Dear Max and Judy,

          It was announced last year that Goldi was in foal to Galileo. Her 1/2 sister
          Galaktikova (?sp) is sired by Galilieo through the same mare as Goldi.

          She should have had her foal by now.

        • Dear Max, Sign and Z Fans:

          Yes, sometimes the Pedigrees are tough to figure out, but I find it fun to try.

          Sign, I’ll see if I can find anything on Goldi having her foal. Hugs, JB

        • Dear Sign, Max and Z Fans:

          All the articles I could find just state that Goldi would be going to Galileo next season. One of them was dated November 2011. So don’t know exactly when she was bred, but if their breeding season is like ours, it starts in the Spring; then she probably won’t have the foal until next year. Can’t find anything more concrete. Will keep checking. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Marilu-There are always exceptions like John Henry and Lava Man, But, El Vino is six years old and was claimed for $40,000. It takes a lot of money to keep a horse in training and El Vino has maybe two good years left. Taking into consideration the cost of keeping him in training. he would have to earn an average of $35,000 each year he is in training and racing effectively for the connections who claimed him to break even, much less turn a profit. Not saying that it can’t be done, but I doubt it. It is just my opinion and I don’t remember his connections checking with me before they made the claim. Let’s put in this way–I hope you are right and I am wrong.

  4. / Reply

    Paynter found to have colitis; vet expresses great concern
    By Jay Privman DRF
    Paynter on Tuesday night was described as being seriously ill by Dr. Mark Cheney, the respected equine veterinarian who is overseeing his treatment, who said the Haskell Invitational winner has colitis – an inflammation of the colon – and that a principle concern now is also founder.
    “I’m worried to death,” Cheney said in a telephone interview. “You’ve got to keep your fingers crossed. Just hope and pray.”
    Paynter was taken late Sunday to the Upstate Equine Medical Center in Schuylerville, N.Y., nine miles northeast of Saratoga. He had been at Saratoga for several days after arriving from Belmont Park. This is the second time in less than a month that Paynter has become so ill that he needed to be sent to a veterinary clinic.
    http://www.drf.com/news/paynter-found-have-colitis-vet-expresses-great-concern

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta and Z Fans:

      Will pray for this Beautiful Boy and light a Z candle. Hope he recovers, but don’t want him to be needlessly in pain. Hugs,JB

    • / Reply

      I was worried when I saw on Bloodhorse he was experiencing fever and diarrhea. Colitis is bad stuff. He is a tough boy, hang in and prayers that he gets well and that he does get better.

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta,

      This is tooo bad. I was absolutely wrong about it being from his lungs, however
      they have been very unclear and secretive about what has been going on with him.
      Thoughts and prayer to his owner and connections. GI issues in a horse are
      very tenuous.

  5. / Reply

    Just read the drf article on Paynter. Colitis and founder are NOT good!! The vet has every reason to be worried about him. Paynter, I know you’re a tough lil guy so please, please, please get better soon!! I don’t care if we see you on the track again or in the breeding shed, just as long as we can SEE You happy and healthy! God, please be with this fabulous colt! :(

  8. / Reply

    Thank you Heidi! I am definitely in it, just waiting to lose power. Getting a little scary outside and I wish I had gotten ear plugs! The noise of the wind just freaks me out. Fingers crossed.

    • / Reply

      Louise, Where are you anyways? I have my fingers crossed for you and everyone else!

      • / Reply

        Heidi, thanks, I am in Pass Christian, MS, 60 miles east of New Orleans, 10 miles west of Gulfport, MS. We had a direct hit during Katrina. Thank goodness, this is not near as bad (knock on wood)! They just are never fun, as you can imagine! We did leave during Katrina but we came back to four feet of Gulf inside and had to gut the inside. My husband is out of town and my grown daughters and two dogs are with me now and we are riding it out. So far, so good!

    • / Reply

      Louise: Prayers to you from California that you are safe and also to others who are in the path of the storm.

  10. / Reply

    Z Family,

    The specks of Isaac are losing their mind at my house. Just waiting for them to pass over, but I do enjoy the rain.

    Finishing my writing and my article for the Woodward is up, so if anyone is interested in reading it, I would gladly put up a link. I have a poll going on (I always have a poll) and I hope everyone participates.

    It’s almost September, and that means it’s only two months to Breeders’ Cup. I can’t wait to meet everyone. I’m very excited for this.

    I found a picture of my dearest Sammi, and a frame. She is now proudly hanging on my wall with the rest of the family portraits. She was every bit a member of this family, and she deserves her spot.

    Hope everyone in the path of Isaac stays safe!

  11. / Reply

    Vinery USA for Sale
    Ray Paulick tweet
    In a stunning announcement, Dr. Tommy Simon said he is putting his entire multi-purpose USA Thoroughbred operation, Vinery, up for sale.

    The Thoroughbred tweet to Ray Paulick
    @raypaulick Tom Simon did the same with Vinery Aust in 2005, sold to a group (Gerry Harvey, John Singleton etc) and retained an interest

  12. / Reply

    And Neil Armstrong died, the Man On The Moon. I still remember where I was when he said those goosebumply :) words, One step… It was sthg. Yep, it always comes in threes. It certainly is a diverse crowd Diller, Mc Kenzie & Armstrong.

  14. / Reply

    I checked out the new photos Watch Baby grow, and and on the newest ones, it looks like Z12 actually has two diamond shapes going on, one dark and much larger on his face and in the middle of it the white diamond. It’s getting interesting. Maybe his name should be’ Z’s Diamond’, :)

  15. / Reply

    Terry, Judy, Sign, Max, everyone left you a message on previous page. You guys are great. Thanks for the wonderful discussions and sharing your knowledge. I worry about all horses welfare, but my mind right now is on Gabby a lot. Hope so hard she stays safe. I met her and there’s just a connection there.
    Darlene, Hey welcome to the over 55 club. Happy early Birthday. Geez, I just turned 59. Oh My

    • / Reply

      Peggy,

      50’s and 60’s and even some 70’s are definitely the new 20’s, 30’s. We are just “babes in the woods”, right? Don’t forget it? Haha.

      • / Reply

        Definately Darlene just babies. I loved what Judy said (just barrelling along.) I hope we can all keep doing that.
        Listen we’re not getting older, we’re getting better, right. After just having my 40th anniversary at the bank I had a customer to come in a few days ago and he told me he saw my picture in the paper and about my anniversary and he said you started here when you were l0 right? I just answered , Yes. LOL
        Oh, Judy you’ll have to tell us about Papa charlie.

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy N.:

      Thank you for your kind words. I know exactly what you mean about “connection”. There’s a special place in my heart for one called, Papa Charlie. Hoping for safety and soundness for all horses too, especially for Gabby on Friday. Hugs, JB

  16. / Reply

    @Terry Crow, GP– well, we had pork and beans with our hamburgers at lunch today, so my redneck club credentials remain impeccable–haha.

    @Heidi K.–thanks for the link. It does sound ominous for Paynter. Prayers being offered. I don’t know how to set up the candles. Would that be appropriate?

    Also prayers for those in the path of the storm.

    @Louise Castello–thanks for checking in.

      • / Reply

        Marty, I just lit some candles for various reasons. Thank you and hugs to you.

        P.S. The horses I have been watching look fubulous!! Have not yet spoken to owners. With the sun going down earlier and coming up later it is much more difficult to find someone home and outside. But, the most important fact is that the horses look fabulous!!! Will keep you posted and thank you to you and Barbara Wood for careing so much! Love to you my friends.

    • / Reply

      Barbara – Pork and beans is one of my favorites, but I almost never eat it without putting sliced jalapenos in it. Needless to say, I am a fire-breathing Redneck.

      • / Reply

        Oh, then dear Rosemary, you must try my homemade salsa. It makes grown men cry and weep for mercy. Coming to BC, I will bring you some?

        • I am definitely coming to the BC and have tickets for the party after. I am crazy for salsa and how generous of you to offer. I would love it! A Zenyatta party and salsa – how perfect is that?

        • Rosemary,

          I am so exicted! Will bring you some of my salsa. I can feel my purse getting heavier and heavier, LOL!

        • Darlene,
          You might be “redneck of the year” if TSA won’t let you get past security with SALSA in your purse!!! :-)

        • LOL!!
          I just have to find a way out to the BC.
          I will bring the chips. Z and Zalza party…sweet.
          Sandy, I want to see Darlene going thru security w/ the salsa!
          Sounds delicious Darlene.

          Rose…fire-breathing,ha. Nobody will bother YOU!

      • / Reply

        Ann – I hope you come to the BC and join in the Z and Zalza party festivities. We will all be fire breathing Z fans!

  17. / Reply

    Paynter will be praying really really hard for you. Get well my beautiful Colt. May many Angels be with you also. You have to ask God for help and for Angels help and I am asking very hard for you. Love You

  18. / Reply

    thinking of all of you caught up in the storm.lovely pic of 12z judy the image of his mum we have agood mare over here called snow fairy who might run in the breeders cup trained by ed dunlop.do you remember goldikova she’s in foal to galileo.it’s very wet in wales today too love to all Z fansXXX

    • / Reply

      Sheena,

      Welcome. I love your posts. Was always a big fan of Tom Jones, who of course is from Wales. I did not know Goldikova had been bred, thank you for sharing. Hope you post often with us. It is so much fun to think I (we) have friends all over the world, for the sole reason we LOVE Zenyatta!

      • / Reply

        Goo morning, Carol,

        I always have a special place in my heart for the fillys too! Love all the colts/stallions, but the fillys just really pull at my heartstrings!

    • / Reply

      Sheena: Thank you for the update on Goldikova. She is one of my favorites. I will always remember one of her handlers running and jumping for joy after one of her Breeders Cup wins. Looking forward to hearing about her first born.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena and Z Fans:

      Love Galileo. What a lovely foal that will be; Goldy and Galileo.

      It’s amazing how much 12Z favors his Mom. Can only imagine how gorgeous he will be as a three year old.

      Will check out Snow Fairy. Will try to find a photo of her. Sounds like a Gray?

      Am linking a photo of a Street Cry colt. An idea of what 12Z might look like? Hugs, JB

      http://twitpic.com/8rjym4

  19. / Reply

    Dear Mike Cline,

    I have watched this video many times just because I love to hear the way you speak of our Queen. Thank you for everything you and all of Lanes End do for Zenyatta, 12Z, and all the horses there. God’s Blessings to Lanes End and the Mosses. Love to all.

    Praying for all in the path of Isaac and for a full and speedy recover for Paynter. Can anything else happen to our beloved TB’s this racing season? What a year of ups and downs. The biggest Up of all, was the birth of our dearly beloved 12Z!

    Zenny and 12Z, you will probably have more mud to play in this weekend. Rain is coming from hurricane Isaac. Take care my loves.

  20. / Reply

    hi darlene my mum loved tom jones too! it’s amazing how we’ve all come together because we love zenyatta!i still cannot watch 2010 breeders cup get too upset we have derby winner camelot going for final leg of triple crown next month fingers crossed!!be first to win since nijinsky in 1970!love to all Z fansXXX

    • / Reply

      Sheena,

      Please, dont get upset watching 2010 BC, She did not ever lose, she only ran out of real estate, look at her ears. If only a little farther she would have won!

      Go, Go, Camelot!!!

      Tell your Mum, I saw Tom Jones in concert once in his hayday and he was awesome! Love to you and your mum!

        • Darlene. I would love to meet you and other Z fans.
          I can not make it this year,weddings and college have emptied my pockets!
          Maybe next year!

          Have a wonderful time. I’ll be there in spirit!

      • / Reply

        Ann
        Thanks VERY much for your kind comments on the previous page ♥
        I’m sorry to realize that you won’t be able to be at the BC :-( Would love to meet you and thank you in person. Can’t tell you how excited I am about this, but have to hope that my very poorly recovered knee will experience some type of miracle before then. Have you said where you’re from? (Don’t see it in your sign-in name).
        Sandy

        • Sandy,
          I hope to meet you one day. Hope your knee will mend, so you can have an even better trip. I am sure the dumplings will help to run bets for you ,to the windows and keep you in beverages.You sit back and enjoy the day. Take in all of the sights,sounds and fun!

          I am a RN club member from N. Carolina.
          Thanks for your kind reply.

        • Ooooh! It’s coming back to me now :-) Sorry I didn’t remember (and some of these OTHER folks talk about being “old” – HA!) , but I’m glad you’re “here” (and good that you have provided this additional identifying info). We were trying to get peeps to do that so that we could see (and be astounded about) how widespread Zenny’s fans are!

    • / Reply

      It is not a sure thing for Camelot. Thought Worthy, a son of Dynaformer, sired in Kentucky and US owned, is entered in the St. Leger, the third leg of the Triple Crown. I am hoping that he wins that race like his brother, Lucarno, did.

      • / Reply

        Max,
        I will keep finger,should have been fingers, crossed for a safe trip, for all of these gorgeous creatures,but, TW will be my guy.

        I still chuckle thinking about Lucarno and his HUGE personality. The lady leading him in the ring that day, the look on her face,it just cracks me up. She had her hands full w/ him. It is the same look I tend to put on my face,when being pushed to the edge.
        Dynakids!!!

        • Ann. I think that the commentator mentioned that you have to know what you are doing to lead horses. Lucarno was just giving buyers a taste of what was to come, if they hired him. TW is probably a chip off the old block. I really would like to see him do well for Big D by winning that race.

  21. / Reply

    TC – GPB – I may have missed a post regarding the Redneck joke contest. Was there an official determination or did we not have enough entries? I say, let’s try again, if the latter is true.

      • / Reply

        Okay, you talked me into it – here are some more Redneck computer terms:

        HARDCOPY: Picture looked at when selecting tattoos.

        KEYBOARD: Where you hang the keys to the John Deere.

        MEGAHERTZ: How your head feels after 17 beers.

        ONLINE: Where to stay when taking the sobriety test.

        SCREEN: Keeps the skeeters off the porch.

  23. / Reply

    I see Paynter has Colitis and from what I read it is life threating. Is there nothing that can been done for this precious boy?

  24. / Reply

    Paynter Update
    David Grening‏ DRF tweet
    Paynter showing signs of improvement this morning, according to Doc Cheyney

    A.ZAYAT tweet:
    “fever is still there diarrhea still there , his feet are comfortable this morning .stable .only good thing his attitude is better #pray”

    • / Reply

      A.ZAYAT‏ tweet Wed Aug. 29 at 10:15 am (Phoenix/Pacific time)
      Paynter update.; just got this from Dr. Javsicas “he is eating fresh grass and more playful ” whatever works!

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta:

      Thank you so much for these updates on Paynter. Praying he continues to improve. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Oh this sounds a little better, come on beautiful boy, you’re a scrappper so keep fighting, while I’m praying. Hugs

  28. / Reply

    Mike Smith to ride Mucho Macho Man in Woodward
    Mucho Macho Man, Ritvo in hunt for Woodward win
    Posted: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 5:50 PM by Nicole Russo
    For the past several years, the Woodward Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course has belonged to the ladies.
    In 2009, the three-year-old filly Rachel Alexandra defeated older males in the historic event to complete an undefeated season. Last year, Havre de Grace became the second female ever to take the race. Both fillies went on to earn Horse of the Year honors.
    Trainer Kathy Ritvo could make her own history as the first female trainer to win the Woodward when she saddles Suburban Handicap (G2) winner Mucho Macho Man against what is expected to be a short field for this year’s renewal, on Saturday at Saratoga. A victory would be the first career Grade 1 score for Mucho Macho Man, by far the most accomplished runner Ritvo has handled.
    http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2012/08/28/mucho-macho-man-ritvo-in-hunt-for-woodward-win.aspx

  29. / Reply

    From Saratoga Notes on Sign
    Stall (Trainer Al Stall) also expressed his happiness with Sign, a 2-year-old Pulpit filly who debuted an 11 ¾-length winner Sunday under jockey Rosie Napravnik

    Sign, 10-1, left the gate towards the rear and after fighting her rider early, moved off the rail at the three-eighths pole and mowed down the leaders to easily pull away in the stretch, completing the six furlongs in 1:10.37.

    “She showed us a good turn of foot,” said Stall, who likely will point Sign to the Grade 2 Pocahontas in October at Churchill Downs. “We said, ‘Let’s get her up here and get one race in her.’ I liked the way she turned for home and instead of getting a little wobbly, she leaned in and turned for home and whoosh!”

      • / Reply

        Thanks Keta. The jocks and canoes look great. Loving the colors of GT on the canoe.
        What does Saratoga Goose think about his pond,now w/ 2canoes? HA!
        They have had a great time w/ this,good to see!

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