Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Cooper Sawyer Talks Yearling Prep

Cozmic One in the yearling barn. Photo by Kyle Acebo
Cozmic One in the yearling barn. Photo by Kyle Acebo

Cooper Sawyer, Yearling Manager
Cooper Sawyer is the yearling manager at Lane’s End farm, and he is responsible for the daily care of all the yearlings. He came to Lane’s End in 2010 from Mill Ridge Farm, where he also served as yearling manager. Cooper has worked with yearlings since he graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2005. Prior to that he worked with mares and foals.

Keepers vs. Sale Horses
Lane’s End does things a little differently than most other farms. They identify the yearlings as either “keepers” or “sale” horses. Keepers are horses that the owners have decided not to sell but to keep and race, such as Cozmic One. The two groups are separated in May, about two weeks after the Derby. That’s when they start to get “coltish” and play rough.

Behind the scenes
Cooper being interviewed in June.

Turnout
The colts are turned out into individual paddocks, which keeps them from roughhousing. The sale colts are turned out at 7 pm to protect their coats from the sun so that they look their best in the sale ring. The keepers go out after their noon feed, about 2 pm.  This is also the main difference between the keepers and sale horses.  One of the things that separates Lane’s End from other farms is that they do give the keepers this experience and that they turn out our sale horses at all. Many farms like to keep their horses in all the time.

Prep
The prep process is the foundation and education that makes the transition from yearling to 2 year-old to racehorse a little easier, and it begins in May. The yearlings are broke to tack (surcingle and draw cords) and the walking machine. The walker helps get the horses fit. Putting them in a tight space gets them used to going in the starting gate. They are also broke to a hose, as they receive daily baths and rubdowns. For Coz, this whole process will help him when he goes to the Mayberry’s in Flordia. They will put a saddle on him, put him in the starting gate and will help him become a better mover.

Coz and others entering the walking machine.
Coz and others entering the walking machine.
Coz gets a bath.
Coz gets a bath.
Cozmic One, August 2013. Photo by Alys Emson
Cozmic One, August 2013. Photo by Alys Emson

Reader Interactions

970 Comments

  1. / Reply

    I hope all my fellow handicappers did well today. I went with my heart and went with Paynter. It was a really tough race to pick. Alpha looked great.

    @Terry Crow – Our football coach is Bob Stoops little brother. I wish he could have brought some Oklahoma players with him. He was formerly the defensive coordinator at Florida State. The first quarter’s almost over and we’re down 7-3 against Western KY who also has a new coach, Bobby Petrino. I hope we start playing better or I will be circling the first day of basketball season on my calendar!

    @Shirlee – I know what you mean about being the homecoming game for all the SEC schools. It’s pretty sad, isn’t it? Hopefully things will start looking up.

    • / Reply

      It was very sad to see Paynter come in last. Maybe he can’t be the same 2012 horse he was. All of that illness may have taken the extra spark out of him. I hope he is ok and they give him a long rest.

  2. / Reply

    Coz is one very handsome boy. Really gorgeous. I really think he looks like Mom in the face. This was a very good blod. Learned abit about the process. I don’t like the idea of keeping a horse in full time. Glad the Moss’ chose toe send Zenny here.

  4. / Reply

    I was out today and a stray thought entered my brain….
    the “dragged JV” was on Alpha…..gotta change my bet…
    forgot to do so….
    I am considering just betting JV…..forever
    But I did have S Dan to show

  6. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Found this video by accident. It’s a sober reminder of how unpredictable quality breeding and the success of the racing career of the resulting foal may be.

    I vaguely remember reading about this. This is the video of The Green Monkey who was purchased at the Fasig-Tipton Select Two Year Old Sale for $16M in 2006.

    He was born in February of 2004 (same year as Z). He raced three times and finished in the money once; third. He was then retired to stud in Ocala, FL. I hope this poor boy is still with us.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyggMC85Zsg

    Here’s his pedigree chart.

    http://www.pedigreequery.com/the+green+monkey

      • / Reply

        Dear Pati:

        Thank you. Couldn’t find anything recent on him. Glad to know he is OK. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Pati:

        Just did some more checking and Kinz Funky Monkey, three year old filly by The Green Monkey out of Pretty Ready (More Than Ready) is in the 8th race at Del Mar tomorrow. She won the Manhatten Beach Stakes at Hollywood in June. She is among his first crop of foals from 2010. She has five starts; 2 wins, 1 second and 2 thirds. Earnings $119,402.00.

        Glad he is having some success as a sire. Beautiful Boy. Hugs, JB

        • Wonder how long it will be before his sale price will be recouped. Never comes to mind. I can’t bring myself to feel sorry for any group that can afford to pay such an outrageous price. This is the sort of thing that led to the downfall of Calumet.

        • I feel sorry for the horse.
          No horse deserves to carry a reputation
          that he was saddled with by the people who bought and sold him.
          No matter how well any of his offspring does, his story will always
          overshadow their accomplishments.

        • Dear Janet:

          Exactly right. They are innocent of any of the greed and hype. They are just beautiful horses. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      The Green Monkey is owned by Coolmore. They are about the most successful breeding and racing syndicate going at present and have been for decades. They have Vertigineux at Ashford. They own St. Nicholas Abbey and are trying desperately to save his life, calling in US experts to assist. In 2012 they nearly won the English Triple Crown with Camelot. The last English Triple Crown winner Nijinsky was trained by them. They own Galileo with the highest stud fee of any horse, which is privately negotiated. The Monkey had a fall and injury at Churchill early in his training which eventually led to his retirement. His pedigree is such that he might yet have some very talented runners. Too soon to know what the future holds. Never count out those Storm Cats.

      • / Reply

        Dear Max:

        So true; Storm Cat has left quite a legacy.

        Thank you for more info on The Green Monkey. Did not know about his fall during training or that he is owned by Coolmore. I did surmise, because of his purchase price, that the buyer must have been an extremely wealthy individual or conglomerate. Glad he is healthy today. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        You are all correct. The horse is not to blame and I hope he stays healthy for the rest of his life. I have been aware of him for quite some time. The more I learned about the fall of Calumet, the more I associated this horse with those problems. I apologize to The Green Monkey. That having been said, such a price for an untested horse is obviously not good for horse racing. Smacks of futures trading.

        • Dear Terry:

          Knew about this stallion down here, because this “excessive” price thing crops up a bit around sales time. We’ve had a few that cost big money – one of the most “famous” was a fellow (gorgeous horse) called Mount Olympus that went to Gai Waterhouse for training and flopped. And then to another NSW trainer, and he’s now in the hands of one of the local blokes here in Canberra, and still having trouble making the placings. I’m with you that too many of these horses are used as a commodity, with absolutely no respect for the magnificent animal. And I make no apologies if that sound harsh. Cheers, KathyR.

        • TC and KathyR. This price for TGM looked to be the result of a bidding war at the sale between long time rivals Coolmore and Darley and a huge price tag was the result. That being said I have never heard of Coolmore being accused of treating their horses like commodities. They appear to have looked after The Monkey despite his less than stellar racing performances. The way in which they are doing everything possible to save St. Nicholas Abbey’s life says the opposite about them, that they do love horses and treat them with respect. I doubt that the late Eric Kronfeld would have sold Vertigineaux to Coolmore if things were otherwise.

        • Max-I have great respect for both yours and Kathy R’s opinions. I won’t mention anything about The Green Monkey again because the issues surrounding him are too acrimonious.

  7. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Congrats to Jackson Bend on a good second. Glad he is OK.

    Hoping that Paynter came out of the Woodward in good order. Love and Hugs, JB

  8. / Reply

    Thank you so much, Lane’s End and Mr. Sawyer for this wonderful update on Cozmic One. He is just perfect in every way. It’s just such a privilege to be part of the Zenyatta nation and we appreciate all your efforts to keep us in her family’s loop.

    He is a true champion already.

    I must comment on the tragic passing of Saginaw. Such a terrible loss to all of us who love these beautiful, fragile creatures. Rest in pece Saginaw, you truly gave everything.

  9. / Reply

    Thanks Cooper for the informative info on the yearlings!
    WOW! COZ looks amazing! Can he get any better looking!! Lots of love & kisses coming to Mama Zenny and the boys! MWAH..

  10. / Reply

    He looks just like a young Zenyatta! Coloring is just like his momma! He’s feisty and handsome and healthy–good luck in all you do, Coz!!! You were born into a huge fan club and you haven’t even started your career yet!

  11. / Reply

    Andrew Bensley ‏tweet
    Miracles of Life will be kept to sprint races according to trainer Daniel Clarken.
    Won’t go to Thousand Guineas.
    Next run Sept 27 M/Valley.

  12. / Reply

    2013 Forego Stakes Race Replay Video
    Published on Aug 31, 2013
    The Blood-Horse Racing
    Pacesetter Strapping Groom, a $35,000 claim in May, captured the Forego Stakes
    (gr. I) in a 15-1 upset Aug. 31 at Saratoga Race Course, surging in the final strides to edge Jackson Bend on a sloppy track.
    The surprising victory came a day after trainer David Jacobsen and owner
    Drawing Away Stable, who claimed the winner at Belmont Park this spring, lost their star ex-plater Saginaw in a breakdown at Saratoga.
    Junior Alvarado rode Strapping Groom to victory despite drifting out through the lane as Jackson Bend launched a determined bid from his inside. But Strapping Groom, who appeared to be headed in deep stretch, came on again to get the narrow victory in 1:22.27 for seven furlongs on a sealed track.
    Grade I winner Justin Phillip was well back in third in a field of eight.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBhWFREDE9Y

    • / Reply

      Thanks for the post of the race replay. It was hard to tell since they were all so muddy but I think sweet Lea was 4th and closing. Could be just my heart talking but he did pretty well considering he had only run once before on dirt and led all the way so no mud or dirt in his face. I think (am sure Claiborne will consult me) that he needs more distance.

      What a day. I turned on the tv to watch the races and Muchie was scratched then Lea and Paynter did not do well. It appears all were okay after the races and that is the important thing. Dratted JV did it again.

  14. / Reply

    Aga Khan Studs ‏
    DARBADAR (Danehill Dancer/Darsha) beats Paan (#Dalakhani) in conditions race
    (B) Prix de Villevert at Chantilly. Trainer Mikel Delzangles.

    OPERA GLOVES kept on well to win by 1,5 lengths in the Killarney Grand Race,
    for Mick Halford. Great day for her sire #Dalakhani!

  15. / Reply

    Coz is just gorgeous! It’s amazing how our love for Zenny just transfers to her boys. Your faithfulness in providing this info is appreciated beyond words. Love to all.

    Just had to add a note about how you can see that he still loves to show off, remembering when he would run around the paddock whinnying to make sure everyone took note.

  16. / Reply

    I just saw a fb post about a 2yr old and pulled up his race to watch…..
    Race 3 at Saratoga…..colt is Honor Code…first race ever…son of AP Indy….
    came from over 20 back…in the slop….hugging the rail …won for fun pulling away…
    good Calvin Bo-Rail impression
    best Silky Sullivan impression I have seen in years..
    I have added him to my stable

  20. / Reply

    Zensters,
    I have just now started reading posts again and hope to catch up. First let me thank all of you who posted prayers and best wishes for my Cisco. We are in a wait and see mode as he is on steroids to help shut down the overproduction of white cells which are attacking and destroying his red cells. It is called Regenerative Auto Immune Hemolytic anema, and they don’t know why it occurs, but it does cause the liver to enlarge as it deals with the excessive red cells. At this time my beloved vet will not do a transfusion as it would only cause the white cells to continue their evil work. So we try to shut down this acitivity first. He does not have liver cancer so that is a good thing but I don’t know the long term story yet, and if he will have any quality of life from now on. So at some point I will have to make the hard decision. He’s such a love, and character I can’t imagine my life without him.

    On a happier note I so enjoyed this post with all the wonderful info about COZ and what he’s been up to. To see him in the confirmation pose blew my mind. He is stunningly beautiful, a superb combination of Zenny and Bernie! I bet the Mosses were just thrilled when they saw that picture….he’s perfect. Love the shower shot with those marvelous EARS of mammas. Thank you all at LE for your wonderful pics and informative posts, you have certainly brightened my day.

    And LE staff please pass my congratulations to papa INDY and the Farish’s on the super win of Honor Code yesterday. He ran an amazing race in the slop, I hope INDY will have a Derby contender next year, pray he stays healthy.

    Congrats to all winners yesterday, so happy for Alpha and Flat Out, and that tough little Jackson Bend for second. I think Paynter just didn’t like that track but he’ll be back.

    Hugs to all you caring folks and kisses to my Zenny, COZ and the beauty Red, Auntie Sue

    • / Reply

      So glad to hear from you Sue! Don’t know anything about this illness (other than auto-immune things are difficult for anyone), but it’s good to know that there is at least a treatment plan, and I’m joining everyone else in sending healing thoughts and prayers to both of you. Give Cisco a pet form me. Hugs!

    • / Reply

      Sue I am glad you posted. I was thinking about you and Cisco this morning looking for some info. We will keep praying and hoping with you.
      Love Sue

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue Fredrick:

      Praying Cisco’s condition can be managed. Love is wonderful medicine and Cisco has plenty of that. Couldn’t help thinking of Unclo Mo, one of our favorites, who experienced similar WBC and liver ailment.

      Hope your daughter is doing well. Big hugs to all of you. Love, JB

    • / Reply

      Cisco has regenerative IMHA? We used to see it pretty frequently at my old hospital (emergency/critical care). The big thing is that he’ll be on corticosteroids for a good while and you have to wean him off of them so be sure to follow the protocol given. You can do an oxyglobin transfusion which doesn’t cause the immune mediated response. Also, we used to use cyclosporine in the IMHA dogs. Here’s a link for anyone who wants to understand what Sue and Cisco are going through. Will keep you guys in my prayers. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?A=1390

      • / Reply

        Dear Casey,
        Thank you so much for this link, it is very informative. I’ve printed the whole article so I can read it over and over. And thank you for your heartfelt sentiments, my Smooch and I are going to work on this bump in the road. hugs.

  23. / Reply

    As usual, I haven’t been on the computer for a few days so am late seeing the latest news. Thanks goodness Sandy gives me a nudge on email when there’s a new post.

    Wonderful information about the Lane’s End process with the yearlings and how Coz is starting the next phase of his life. Many thanks to Alys for the photo of him, he is absolutely stunning. What a great photo Alys, you certainly have a second career should you decide to make a change.

    On Wednesday Vic and I went to visit a colt who is just a couple of months older than Coz. We have known him since he was just a few weeks old and he is going to the Woodbine yearling sale this week so Vic wanted to see him again before the sale ring. He was just as lively as Coz and a big boy, about 16.2 hands already.. We are going to the Woodbine preferred sale on Tuesday, a first for us, so we are looking forward to experiencing a live sale – better than the streaming on the computer.

    We had hoped to make a second visit to Saratoga if Ebby had raced again but I think we will now have to wait and make a first visit to Belmont. Thankfully Ebby is fine, she looks wonderful in the photo that John posted (John and Jacqueline look pretty good too). Congratulations to Mentor Cane on his second place finish in the King’s Bishop.

  24. / Reply

    Dear Sandy Hovis’ friend William fox-in-a hole won a bronze medal at the European eventing championships in Sweden.Would have been gold if he’d ridden Hovis!!!! . The GB team didn’t do well though!!!hugs Sheena

  28. / Reply

    Highclere Racing on Sat. August 31
    Guarantee suffered a major tendon injury yesterday and was taken back to Newmarket.
    His condition is critical and we are all v concerned :(
    Highclere Racing update tweet on Sun. Sept. 1
    Thankfully some good news on Guarantee. The vets are hopeful that he will recover from this injury but sadly his racing days are over.

  29. / Reply

    Coz is so mature looking. Just beautiful like Queen Z. Still miss seeing her beautiful Dance at both Santa Anita Breeders Cup Classics. Thank you LE

  30. / Reply

    Coz you look fantastic! So happy to hear about the yearling training. thank you. Hope we will learn about his best friends, and where they go, and their names.

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