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Breeders’ Cup Ticket Giveaway!

courtesy of AP Photo / Jae C. Hong

Happy Friday!

We have a special opportunity for Zenyatta’s fans today: we’re giving away 40 pairs of Breeders’ Cup race tickets! To enter, use the form below to tell us why you love Zenyatta.

The contest will be open for entries until 9 pm PDT, Monday October 15. Forty winners will be chosen to receive a pair of tickets to the Breeders’ Cup, Friday and Saturday November 2–3, in the Zenyatta section.

For more information about the Breeders’ Cup schedule and events, visit www.breederscup.com.

We can’t wait to hear from you!
-Team Z

Edit: Thank you to all who entered the contest! Winners will be notified soon.

Reader Interactions

1,009 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Dear Z fans,

    Here are a few of Adian O Brian’s group coming to the BC

    Declaration to War – A War Front colt that has run well on the poly
    Excelebration – Turf Mile a great contender for Wise Dan
    Fame and Glory – Marathon

    There are about 7 or 8 more will get them later today and post.

  2. / Reply

    Dear Z fans,

    From France:

    Freddy Head has taught his mare Moonlight Cloud to turn left and she seems
    to like it. She will come.

    Flotilla
    Sharetta (sp)

    There are 3 more will get those later, too.

  3. / Reply

    dear sign thanks for your good wishes for sir henry I cant imagine the prince changing his mind about frankel some commentators had thought he might keep him on as a 5 year old but no such luck! it is’nt as if he needs the money!!!!I think his stud fee will be £100,000 he’ll cover about 120 mares a season (coolmore tend to overwork their stallions) not long to the BC now bet you’re all excited!!!hugs sheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      Still hoping, we thought Z was retired in 2009 and she ran again in 2010.
      Maybe Sir Henry can convince the prince ???

      That is amazing 120 mares per year, the stallions at Darley US cover 150 and amazing Cape Blanco covered 220 his first year. I agree, that is tooo many mares !!!

      • / Reply

        Sign. They tried to get Frankel to change stalls at Warren Place and he would not adjust so that they had to send him back to his own box. Maybe you will get your wish? That horse loves to race.

        • Sure hope so and he definately has a mind of
          His own!!! Sir Henry deserves another great year.
          Frankel is sooooo very opinionated and knows what
          He want, the girls may have to wait !!!

        • Max & Sign
          Heard a great story that when Frankel was first brought to the farm, he was with the yearlings–as he should have been.
          When they saw he had promise, they moved him to the front of the farm.
          That did not work.
          So, supposedly to this day, Frankel is in the same box where they put him as a yearling.
          Keta

        • Cute information, very much a creature of habit
          An very strong willed. And those types don’t easily
          Change. Sir Henry has gotten him to the top of
          His game and he wants to keep going !!

        • Max,
          Or Sir Henry is going to have to set up a breeding
          Operation, because Frankel won’t move. He has
          Done this a couple of times before and he may win.

  4. / Reply

    Paynter Progress Report Mon. Oct 22 Justin Zayat tweets
    Here is a text we received from Bruce Jackson
    All continues very well here. Weight today 938lbs up 17lbs from Thursday.
    Temp remains constantly around 100.6 to 100.8.
    Most importantly in my view is that his attitude is just great. He gets feistier & feistier every day. Squealing, striking the air, playfully kicking out, just acting like a happy horse.
    Dr Southwood came to see him yesterday and was very happy. We all had a long discussion about his progress/plan going forward.
    We are going to slowly switch his feed over during the next week or so. Plan to continue just hand grazing for another 10 days and then add small pen turn out + start handwalking excersise.
    We also discussed treating him in the hyperbaric chamber and everyone is on board with our plan

  5. / Reply

    A Salute to Chantal Sutherland & her Accomplishments!!
    She won 931 races from 7,350 career mounts and had purse earnings of more than $47 million, according to Equibase
    From ESPN
    In 2001, she captured 44 wins and 145 in-the-money finishes. Her stellar year was rewarded with a Sovereign Award as Canada’s top apprentice rider.
    In 2002, Sutherland stamped herself as a genuine talent, notching 124 wins in 724 mounts. She ranked third overall in the colony and won her first-ever stakes race aboard Biddy’s Lad in the Bull Page Stakes. She capped off her campaign with a second straight Sovereign as the country’s top apprentice.
    She rode in New York and Florida in 2005 for several high-profile trainers, including Hall of Famer Allen Jerkens and Eclipse Award-winning trainer Todd Pletcher but returned to the Toronto oval in 2007 winning 69 races, ranking seventh.
    In 2008, Sutherland, featured prominently in the reality series “Jockeys,” and won 89 races at Woodbine to rank seventh. She also partnered that year’s Canadian champion juvenile Mine That Bird to three added-money scores — the Grade 3 Grey, Silver Deputy and Swynford. Mine That Bird went on to score a famous upset in the 2009 Kentucky Derby.
    In 2009, Sutherland was a Sovereign Award finalist as Canada’s top rider after finishing second at Woodbine, with a career-best 139 wins and 12 local stakes wins, along with more than $7.5 miliion in purse earnings.
    In 2010, Sutherland was once again a dominant force at Woodbine, winning a career-best and colony-leading 18 stakes, recording 136 victories, to finish third in the standings. She posted approximately $8 million in purse earnings, also a career-high number and was a Sovereign Award finalist as Canada’s top rider.
    Game On Dude took Sutherland to new heights in 2011 with Grade 1 wins in the Santa Anita Handicap and Goodwood, as well as a second-place run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
    In 2012, she continued her winning ways with Game On Dude taking the Grade 2 San Antonio at Santa Anita, as well as the Grade 2 Californian and Grade 1 Hollywood Gold Cup at Hollywood Park. Fittingly, Sutherland’s final stakes score came on July 29 at Woodbine in the Wonder Where Stakes aboard Awesome Fire — a Canadian-bred filly owned by her brother, Hugh Sutherland.
    http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/8535160/sutherland-retires

  6. / Reply

    Paul Lo Duca‏ TVG tweet
    All the boys better hope Royal Delta enters in the Breeders Cup ladies classic…
    heard she worked like a machine.
    Keta Note: Here is workout info
    Royal Delta (4-Year-Old Filly)
    Date: October 22, 2012
    Track: BELMONT PARK
    Distance: Five Furlongs
    Time: 59:16 Breezing
    Track Condition: Fast
    Surface: Dirt
    Rank: 1/6

  7. / Reply

    Street Sense to stand for Darley in Japan
    By Glenye Cain Oakford DRF 10/22/2012 10:59AM
    Street Sense, the 2006 juvenile champions and 2007 Kentucky Derby winner who is now a Darley stallion, will join Darley’s Japanese roster for 2013. Multiple graded winner Desert Party also will move from Darley’s Kentucky operation to stand at Sequel Stallions in New York, alongside another Darley sire, Girolamo.
    Both Street Sense and Desert Party are by Darley’s Street Cry, who stands at Darley’s Jonabell Farm in Kentucky. Street Sense, the only colt to complete the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile-Kentucky Derby double, has sired four winners from six starters, including a leading Japanese 2-year-old in Knowledge, a graded-placed runner there. Among Street Sense’s U.S. stakes winners in 2012 are Acorn Stakes third-place finisher Aubby K and Frizette third-place finisher Miss Netta.
    Darley’s Japanese division stood Admire Moon, Deep Sky, Pyro, Storming Home, and Xaar this year. Darley COO Olly Tait called Japan a “racing superpower,” and said: “The transfer of Street Sense there is an indication of the ambition that Darley has for our operation in many different parts of the world.”
    Tait also said Street Sense will breed the majority of Darley’s mares in Japan next year. Desert Party, a $2.1 million juvenile at the Fasig-Tipton Florida 2-year-old auction, is the second Darley stallion to stand in New York, after Girolamo, who entered stud at Sequel Stallions this year. His first foals were born this year.
    http://www.drf.com/news/street-sense-stand-darley-japan

  8. / Reply

    There are Frankel fans and then there are FRANKEL fans!
    Ed DeRosa‏ tweet
    Getting a pre bc 12 haircut. Need to leave it long enough to cover my neck tattoo of frankel_horse written in purple

  9. / Reply

    Classic Breeders’ Cup Moment: Blame Edges Zenyatta
    By TFTribe on Oct 22, 12:51p

    I’ll never forget the first time I yelled, “Get her going, Smith!” at my television. It was right after they entered the far turn with about a half mile remaining. He was just too far back. The pace was respectable, but had noticeably slowed as they moved into the last 4 furlongs. I probably yelled at Smith 25 times after that too. Mike Smith was content to just let Zenyatta cruise along at the back of the pack, overly confident in the ability of the most beloved horse in America to close any gap and catch the leader at the wire. In the end, Smith understood what had to be done, and he just didn’t get there.
    In the end, Blame stood victorious in the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs. And he certainly is nothing to sneeze at. But Blame? Blame beats the indomitable Zenyatta? This was her moment. The time for Zenyatta to triumphantly ride out a winner. The crowds were for her and her alone. Churchill Downs was packed with fans that loved Zenyatta, loved her spunk, loved her attitude. It was her day.
    Looking back on it you see that she was a synthetic freak who just plain didn’t like the dirt in her face. Just watch the replay and it’s clear that coming out of the gate she wanted nothing to do with the Churchill surface as it was kicked up at her. She was comfortable way back where she could stay clean. Meanwhile, Blame got the race and trip that Garret Gomez wanted: quick early fractions, a slowed second half mile, and speed up front that just could not hold off the classier runners that were further back. Gomez put on a masterful performance in the quarter mile plus from the 3/4 pole into the straight, moving from 7th to 1st and making up 8 lengths while Zenyatta made her move and made up 13 1/2 at the same time. That 5 length difference was enough to hold off the charging Zenyatta by a head at the line.
    Mike Smith was noticeably emotional after the loss:
    “She just wasn’t leveling out like I wanted to; the combination of the dirt hitting her face was a lot of it,” Smith said. “Just left her with too much to do. I truly believe I was on the best horse today. If I had to blame anybody, it would be me.”
    But this was no fluke as Blame was certainly no pushover. He won 3 G1s (the Stephen Foster at Churchill, the Whitney at Saratoga, and the Classic) a single G2 (the Schaeffer) and placed in the G1-Jockey Club Gold Cup, all in 2010. He was as good a dirt horse in the country (actually, looking back on it, by beating Zenyatta he proved he was the best dirt horse in the country) as there was that year. Amazingly, he only went off as the third favorite, behind Zenyatta and 3 year old sensation Lookin’ at Lucky.
    But I will never forget yelling at my television trying to spur Mike Smith on to victory. If only he had listened to me, I was right down the road from Churchill and I know he could hear me.
    2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic – BLAME (Zenyatta Is Still The Best Ever!) (via hotilyer)
    http://www.anddownthestretchtheycome.com/2012/10/22/3527402/my-most-memorable-breeders-cup-classic-moment-blame-edges-zenyatta?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

  10. / Reply

    Dettori: It’s over, Dubai! Jockey quits Godolphin after calculated act of defiance on Coolmore horse
    By Marcus Townend Daily Mail
    PUBLISHED:16:30 EST, 21 October 2012| UPDATED: 16:37 EST, 21 October 2012
    Frankie Dettori appears destined for a freelance career after ending his 18-year association with Dubai-based Godolphin.
    The position of Britain’s best known Flat jockey had looked in serious doubt since he accepted the Prix De L’Arc de Triomphe ride on Aidan O’Brien’s Camelot earlier this month.
    Riding a colt owned by the Coolmore Stud – fierce commercial rivals to Godolphin and its founder Sheik Mohammed – appeared a calculated act of defiance which placed the 41-year-old on an inevitable path to Sunday’s conclusion.
    Dettori had lost his No 1 role at Godolphin and, at times, looked a humiliated figure as opportunities were handed increasingly to rising 21-year-old French rider Mickael Barzalona, who rode Godolphin’s 2012 Dubai World Cup winner Monterosso and St Leger hero Encke.
    There were rumours Dettori was about to quit before the Derby in June, and on Sunday he said: ‘Godolphin has been a major part of everything I have achieved in racing and I have loved every minute of it.
    ‘I feel the time has come for a change. My position in the stable has changed a little bit and I need a new challenge.’
    Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said he hoped Dettori would still ride for the stable, but an era has ended.
    Dettori’s last mounts in the Godolphin blue may prove to be Artigiano at the Breeders’ Cup and Cavalryman in the Melbourne Cup next month.
    Suggestions a big job may be in the offing from racing’s growing number of Qatari owners were countered by a strong suggestion Jamie Spencer is poised to land a major role with Shiek Fahad Al Thani and his family.
    Godolphin’s racing manager, Crisford, added: ‘We have had a tremendous association with Frankie over many years.
    ‘However, Frankie is looking for a fresh challenge and we felt that the retainer was not really working so this is the best way forward.
    ‘We have had many great days together and we look forward to working with Frankie in the future and hopefully enjoying more success together.’
    Dettori had not ridden for Coolmore since winning the 2005 St Leger on the O’ Brien-trained Scorpion, after which he was forced to issue a public apology for his lack of loyalty to Godolphin.
    Barzalona, on board Encke when the colt provided Godolphin with their one British Classic winner this season in the St Leger, also rode Godolphin’s most prestigious winner of the year when partnering Monterosso in the Dubai World Cup in March.
    That loss of Dettori’s No 1 status, in particular Godolphin’s newest trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni seeming to favour using Barzalona, was in effect a public humiliation for Dettori and the Camelot taking ride appeared a calculated act of defiance.
    Both Dettori and Godolphin are expected to say that they will still work together but those situations look likely to be infrequent at best.
    The 41-year-old Italian has enjoying massive success with Godolphin.
    He was on board their first Classic winner when Balanchine won the 1994 Oaks at Epsom.
    In all he has ridden in 3,442 races for them in 14 different countries, won 943 races with 110 at Group One level.
    Although he never won the Derby for the Sheik Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai he affectionately calls The Boss, Dettori landed nine British Classics for the stable.

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/racing/article-2221071/Frankie-Dettori-ends-association-Godolphin.html#ixzz2A3QsHyFV

  11. / Reply

    @ Carol in Utah-Your post about your up-coming trek to Arkansas couldn’t help but remind me of my big move here in 1979! After the Mayflower van with 12,000 pounds of our stuff (taking up the WHOLE thing!) pulled out,it was our turn to hit the road. My then husband and my daughter Dana,whom many of you will meet at the BC,and our two dogs,one a large Airdale,Walter, and Honey,our sweet Coyote,Whippet and German Shepherd cross,in my daughter’s 65 light blue Mustang,taking the lead. Honey,who was frantic that she was not in the car with me,stood up in the back seat (while Walter reclined) the whole 20 hours it took for the drive,staring at me,following in the car behind!

    Carol,you mentioned plural cats,but didn’t indicate how many.Unless you are crazier than I,I’ll bet I had you beat–I brought 25 cats with me—in a Cougar,no less!!! I have often thought I should write a short story about the trip–it was something else!! I could not get out of the car for the whole trip-( you don’t want all of the details on how all of that worked-TMI–but food and the gas card etc. had to be passed through the driver’s side window!. The funniest thing that happened was at about 2AM in La Grande,Oregon,at an all-night drive-in connected to what was then a Union 76 Service Station. I pulled in to a parking place next to a big pickup with a big tall camper on it. There was a little boy,high up in the camper–still awake at 2AM–who suddenly shreiked to his parents ,who were in line for food, “Mom,Dad,look at all the cats in that car!!!” Of course,everyone in the drive-in was immediately fixated on my car. If sure that,if they hadn’t had to bring me my food,the rest of my family would have pretended they didn’t know me!!!

    Hope your trip is safe and uneventful! Love and hugs–Sue

    • / Reply

      Hi Sue….just the two cats…told their story a few pages back….they are the “harvested from our garden” newborns ….you should write a book or story…while reading your note it was like a word picture…I could “see”it…we are slowly making ptogress …target date to leave is 11/8..

    • / Reply

      Sue Noel
      This qualifys for a Disney movie.
      Script could not be better than your real life adventure.
      The adventures of Emma our Cavalier King Charles and Trixie our domestic short-hair cat could not rival these. And, they have had many
      Family has done cross-country Chicago to New York City with car full, but nothing to compare with yours
      Hugs, Keta

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue,

      Love these stories and all of the animals, I had 2 cats and 2 dogs at one time and felt overwhelmed !!!!!

    • / Reply

      WONDERFUL story, Sue! I myself drove from Baltimore, MD to Santa Barbara, CA with my three cats in my car (this was years ago before I had any dogs). We had lots of stops along the way, and nowhere near the drama of YOUR trip, Sue! Thanks so much for sharing!

    • / Reply

      Oh lordy, Sue I can so relate!

      Now that I do rescue and foster and feral/stray caregiving, my next move will entail transporting 75 – – – or so, plus or minus a few, plus whatever other critters happen to be in my keep at the time. The mouse and snake have passed (unrelated circumstances) but the Cockatiel and fish are still in the mix. And there have been pot bellied pigs and a raccoon or two. Timing is everything! And then there’s Hoot. He should be the easiest one to move!

      Love and hugs, dia-the-zoo-keeper-stu-in-tempe

    • / Reply

      All right! Very curious now, 20 hours without a bathroom break? I assume the kitties had their litterboxes! Just asking LOL.

    • / Reply

      Cats in a Cougar…hahaha!!!
      These are all delightful tales.
      Thanks!
      Keta, my daughter now wants a King Charles.She is caring for one at our kennel and he is the cutest little buddy!

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R,
      Love this link, the mare and goal are beautiful.
      Frankel would be a great mate for Zenny, too as
      He is only 16 hands and a half. Giving Zenny’s offspring
      His speed and turn of foot with hers would also
      Be priceless. Frankel is a great mate for BC. Can’t wait
      For the special this Friday.

  13. / Reply

    Royal Delta pre-entered to Classic and Ladies’ Classic
    Updated: Monday, October 22, 2012 5:58 PM
    Posted: Monday, October 22, 2012 5:09 PM
    Champion Royal Delta has been pre-entered to both the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic and the Classic versus males, Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott told Daily Racing Form Monday. The winner of last year’s Ladies’ Classic listed a title defense as her first preference, with the Classic as a secondary alternative.
    Owner Benjamin Leon, who purchased Royal Delta for $8.5 million at Keeneland a few days after her 2011 Ladies’ Classic triumph, wanted to keep all options on the table.
    “He just wants to be in position to have the option if at the last minute we change our mind, if there were a bunch of defections out of the Classic,” Mott told DRF
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/73774/royal-delta-pre-entered-to-classic-and-ladies-classic#ixzz2A4HMmrAG

  14. / Reply

    Royal Delta is a great horse, but she is not in the same class as our Zenyatta. I think it will be many a year before we see a mare who can take on the boys in the Classic as she did.

    Anybody know if a rider has been named for MMM for the Classic? My fingers are crossed for Johnny V.

    • / Reply

      When RD sets hoof on track…for whatever race…how she runs seems to depend on how “sweaty” she looks…..if she looks dry…she could be awfully hard to beat…and some of my favorites are running in the Classic….but a dry RD and the boys could be toast….
      Personal opinion…of course….what do ya’ll think?

      • / Reply

        I agree with you. If they believe she has a chance, she should be allowed to try. When she isn’t sweaty and nervous, she is very hard to beat. I see nothing against her trying, and in fact, it would be very exciting to see another lady try the Classic again. If she wins, great. If not, then if she comes out well, and stays healthy, according to Mr. Leon, she can try again next year, as well as attempting to add the DWC to her resume.

      • / Reply

        Dear Carol,

        I think when she was sweaty, Mike tried to take care of her and calm her down.
        She got angry with him and did not run well, had he let her warm up and do her thing, sweaty or not, is seems there would have been a better result.
        At least that is what Mike and Bill Mott thought. That is why Mike let her run her race without any interference the next race.

    • / Reply

      MMM regular rider is Mike Smith and he has
      Already committed to riding him in the BCC.

      As far as RD, the are just trying to see where she
      Can win. Basically GOD is the biggest threat in
      The BCC with MMM second. The LC has been touted
      As a more challenging race than the BCC as there is
      More female talent there that in the BCC.

      Mike will have to decide who he will ride if both
      MMM and RD are in the BCC.

    • / Reply

      The field Zenny faced and the tracks in 2009
      And 2010 were the real issues for her. 2009 the
      Males were not the best and she was at her home
      Track. 2010 the males were faster and more talented
      And Blame was on his home track where he never
      Lost. In addition, a lot of horses don’t like to run
      At Churchill. The Mosses and Sherriffs let Zenny
      Defend her title under a lot of adversity, which should
      Always be done.

      In other words the talent of the horse is only one
      Element in the equation!!!

      • / Reply

        Sign:

        Have a question for you……a couple of pages back you wrote that Mike used the whip on Zenny in the 2010 BC race 20 to 25 times, my question is how did you find this out? Did Mike say he did or do you have hawk eyes and can count how many times she was whipped?

        Oh and another question I had was when jock’s get suspended for over using the whip on a horse like Frankie Dettori did, is that someone’s job to actually count each jockey’s use of the whip on each horse?

        I must really want the answers to these questions if I am willing to bring the use of the whip, (which you know is NOT my favorite topic!) I read ALL the posts I missed, and understand that “whips” are riding tools, maybe it’s the name “whip” I don’t like! (Lets change the name!)

        Thanks
        GirlSaratoga

        • Dear GS,

          Yes, someone did count the number of times Mike used the whip on Zenny, but it was not an official as the US does not stipulate how many times a jockey can use the whip, because he hardly ever had to use it in her other races, but he was truely overcome with emotion and sooo very much wanted her to win that he used the whip to move her forward, and perhaps that was what he got her sooo close to Blame.

          Yes, in UK they do count the number of times the whip is used as they do
          have a specific number in the British Racing Authority rules. That is how Chantal Sutherland got fined. Not sure what the number is but they said she used it 14 times, which was too many.

        • Dear GS,

          Here is a recent change to the whip rules in the UK from Feb 2012,
          8 strikes on the flat in the stretch and 9 for jumps but no longer
          black and white the stewards are now looking at each individual situation
          as the jockey’s were up in arms and thinking about going on strike.

          http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/horse-racing/17112253

      • / Reply

        I gotta disagree with you on the 2009 BC field. There were some very talented horses in that race. In fact the commentators said the field was “loaded” with some of the best.
        The following year Zenny was clearly superior with Blame her only real contender…IMO of course.

        • I was just going by what the HRTV commentators have said about both races. Everyone has a different view.

    • / Reply

      Kathy R. Americain looks good in these photos. I like his socks. He certainly gets a lot of attention from the Australian press. I hope that he wins the Melbourne Cup.

      • / Reply

        Yes, he is gorgeous. thanks Kathy R.
        Max, I love his socks,too!!! Very neat and sweet. I would call him white socks in the barn, nick name!

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy, Max, Ann and Z Fans:

      Kathy, thanks for this link.
      Americain is so handsome. Rooting for him in the MC. Hugs, JB

  16. / Reply

    Z Family,

    What an up and down weekend!

    Apparently, it was not poison ivy, but an allergic reaction. Problem is, we don’t know what it was from. So, being extra careful the next few days.

    I found all my books that I am going to read on my plane to and from BC. They are all horse related, of course, and some are just ones I like reading.

    I have my outfit all bought and prepared! Now we just wait…..the hardest part!!

  18. / Reply

    Barry Irwin (not sure how it is spelled) is Brigantin’s part-owner – is very happy with the horse, but thinks he’ll like a longer distance (has just had an interview with Andrew Bensley.

    Godolphin’s entrants have arrived – Lost in the Moment and Cavalryman – arrived into Melbourne late, so are still resting in the stables before a light workout tomorrow.

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R,

      You spelled Barry’s last name correctly. He is a well known president of a syndicate of
      owners here in the US, but he often purchases European horses and races horses
      outside of the states. The syndicate is called Team Valor. He can also be a very
      controversial character, known at times for bluntness. Will definately watch Brigantin.
      Barry is a very very knowledgeable about his horse.

      • / Reply

        Sign: thanks for that bit of inside information – the Cup field will be dominated by international entrants this year, so it’s hard to get your head around all the owners etc. Some of the other entrants have been suggesting Brigantin is a good prospect, as is Mount Athos for Luca Cumani. I’m still hoping for Americain! TVN here (a Victorian racing channel) had a terrific piece on So You think last night – tried to find it so I could put it on for his fans, but no luck so far. He is just so, so gorgeous (and looking VERY smug with himself now that he’s at stud!

        • Dear Kathy R,
          Keep looking for the piece on SYT. I bet he is
          Very smug, that forlock flowing and the girls
          All around !!!

  20. / Reply

    Ok I wanted to send in a question to Land’s End to “Ask the Experts” but I don’t know how to do that, and then I thought I have my very own experts right here!

    Here goes…..Do all broodmares deliver their babies the natural way? Because being a mother I know there are 2 ways we can deliver a baby!

    I hope this question isn’t too dumb, for some of you I’m sure it is and you are probably laughing!!!

    Anyone who has the answer, much appreciate it!

    Thanks
    GirlSaratoga

      • / Reply

        Sign;

        Thanks for this great article it was so informative! So 90 percent of the mares have normal deliveries, that’s better then us girls! i knew a lot of what the article was talking about, as I have seen a foal being born, but never knew or asked if they ever did surgical deliveries like our of C-Sections!

        Thanks for answering my other questions about the whip, and I do realize that Mike was very emotional and excited for “our girl” to win the 2010BC, so I can see how that may have happened. It must have killed him to have to use his whip so much on his “beloved Zenyatta” (knowing he never had to in the past) I am sure Mike did it with the softest of hand and the kindest of touches.

        Thanks again for always informative answers and links!
        GirlSaratoga

  21. / Reply

    Looking at 12Z’s pics, another name came to mind

    since he sports a white diamond on top of a darker bigger diamond

    Diamonds are Zee

    the travel stories with various pets are just outragously funny. :)

    • / Reply

      Thanks very much Vicki! Dullahan was the first horse I ever cheered for in an actual race (getting here to the party a bit late compared with most of you), and I am SO excited that I will actually SEE him run in whichever race they choose at the BC. I know there are a lot of Shackelford fans here – nothing against him guys. I just hope that they don’t run in the same race.

    • / Reply

      Dear Vicki,
      Great article on Dale Romans BC group.
      The one thing he does is get stuck continuing
      To race horses on surfaces or distances they don’t
      Like, not sure why.

  23. / Reply

    Bin Surour praise for jockey Dettori
    Departing Godolphin rider the ‘best in the world’
    By Leslie Wilson Jr, Racing & Special Features Writer
    Published: 07:00 October 23, 2012

    Dubai: Frankie Dettori, who will part ways with the Godolphin stable at the end of the season, can bask in the mark of respect he has been awarded by his long-time friend and Godolphin teammate Saeed Bin Surour, who has described him as the ‘best jockey in the world’.
    Dettori and Bin Surour forged one of horseracing’s most formidable partnerships during their 18-year alliance, during which they won almost 1,000 races in 14 countries, including 110 at Group One Level.
    Following Sunday’s news that the the Italian superstar would no longer be retained by Godolphin from next year, although he will continue to ride for the stable when required, Bin Surour said he was ‘sad’ that the partnership would be broken. “We started the journey together in 1994, and what a journey it has been,” Bin Surour told Gulf News from Newmarket, England.
    “From day one it felt special. Frankie is a special kind of person — you get that feeling whenever he is around. And he’s even more special when you put him in the saddle.
    “I’m proud to say that I had the best jockey in the world riding for me. Without him, I don’t think I could have won all those races. Just looking back at what we achieved together seems unbelievable.”
    Dettori won 10 British Classics for Bin Surour, including five in the St Leger, the oldest Classic in the world. But it was at Royal Ascot where they shone the most, and perhaps none brighter than in the Gold Cup, which they won five times, most recently with Colour Vision.
    Asked to describe what was it that made them click, Bin Surour said without hesitation: “The respect we had for each other. We never doubted each other’s abilities. We believed in each other and I think that always made the difference.
    “We were like brothers. In 18 years we saw each other more than we saw our families. We were continually in connection, professionally and emotionally. He knew what was expected of him and I knew what he expected of me.
    http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/bin-surour-praise-for-jockey-dettori-1.1092624

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    While Bin Surour was not willing to single out any one particular highlight of their association, he said that winning the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) in 1999 with Daylami was perhaps their finest hour

    “It was my first Breeders’ Cup success and Frankie rode a huge race on Daylami, who had an explosive turn of foot, to win the Turf at Gulfstream Park in Florida,” Bin Surour said. “It was an unbelievable occasion. I can almost recall the race as if it only happened a few days ago. Daylami’s Breeders’ Cup victory capped a brilliant year for the horse who won the Coronation Cup, the King George and the Champion Stakes. Frankie was on board on all those wonderful wins.”

    http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/bin-surour-praise-for-jockey-dettori-1.1092624

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    Mosheen Retired
    anthony mithen tweet
    Sad to hear about Phil Sly’s Mosheen. Retired due to fracture. She will recuperate with us at Rosemont be4 heading to Japan and Deep Impact
    SundaySilence0325 tweet Katsumi Yoshida’s Mosheen is retired from racing and mated with Deep Impact in Japan

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      Dear Keta and Z Fans:

      Always sad to hear about an injury to one of our beloved TB’s. Wish Mosheen a complete recovery and a happy life. Hugs, JB

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    Here is the news story from Australia
    Mosheen retired
    Breaking News | 23/10/2012 at 7:42pm
    Four-time group one winning mare Mosheen has been retired after fracturing a hind leg in the Tristarc Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.
    Trainer Robert Smerdon says the injury should have no impact on Mosheen’s stud career which will begin in the new year when she goes to Japan’s leading stallion Deep Impact.
    Mosheen fractured a the tibia of her near-side hind leg which helps explain a run that by her high standards was slightly disappointing behind Streama.
    A group one winner in both Melbourne and Sydney, Mosheen scored her most impressive win the Randwick Guineas last autumn, a race in which she beat the males with authority and class.
    Mosheen was purchased at the 2009 Inglis Easter Yearling sale for $250,000 by her first trainer Leon Corstens.
    She was later transferred to Smerdon and in January this year a 50 percent share in her was sold to leading Japanese racing identity Katsumi Yoshida who raced the 2006 Melbourne Cup winner Delta Blues.
    Along with his brothers, Yoshida operates Japan’s biggest thoroughbred stud, Shadai Stallion Station
    It is to Shadai on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido that Mosheen will be sent in January to be served by Deep Impact to northern hemisphere time.
    http://www.justhorseracing.com.au/general-news/breaking-news/mosheen-retired/170449

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    Bullet Train Retired!
    Matt Chapman‏ tweet
    Sir Henry also revealed that @frankel_horse best friend Bullet Train retired.
    “One of the few that could lead Frankel at home”.

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        Sign,
        Do not know–yet.
        Wondered if this was his reward for being the Frankel rabbit.
        Bullet Train could have continued and created his own racing history.
        Keta

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      Dear Keta:

      I was hoping Bullet Train would have a chance to actually win a race. He’s been the rabbit so many times. He’s actually half brother to Frankel, as Kind is his Dam too. I hope he has a long, happy life. Hugs, JB

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    How about that, Frankel! I am so happy for him and his connections. Thanks to all for all of the coverage and beautiful and touching photos….thrilling! Great run,super job,Frankel. Loved him hanging in the back and then….POW!!!!!

    Thanks to all, for all of the wonderful posts….. keeping us in the know.
    PUP! Sounds good,good job,big guy! Getting rowdy he is,good news! Bet he is crow hoppin, SIGN!!!

    Max,loved the video of, Cirrus and trainer. Now those are two peas in a pod. Max,can I borrow an umbrella? Would love to spend a day w/ her,the trainer!

    Thanks to all,for the well wishes for Moose and Goose. They did not place in the ribbons, but did place first in fun! They were behaved, looked so beautiful, and were up against some FINE looking bovines,many about twice as large as ours.
    Size matters in the bovine world.It was like showing Pee Wee Herman vs. Arnold Schwarzenegger! M & G being on the Pee Wee side. Hitting the gym is a must for next show season. Pump it up. I have never seen so many beautiful breeds of bovines,stunning. Hard working folks,our bovine farmers,I totally respect them for all they provide!
    So, until next year,Moose and Goose will be happy to be out to pasture, eat and get some hugs! It was a great experience,working w/ the bovines. All have mastered the art of walking backwards while holding the beast and not tripping! Plus,smiling while the bovine is wrestling out of the head lock! There were some tired puppies by the end of this show! Girls and cows all sleeping in the hay,what a weekend!
    Moose has decided to market her line of grooming products,called Moose Magic,for bovines,
    Moose was inspired by the line of Black Caviar grooming products. Ah,sweet Nelly.
    Now, back to equines!!!! Wish the equines could trailer as well as these bovines…cake walk,HA!

    Thanks again for keeping the girls in your thoughts,hugs!! Z fans are the best!

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      ooh! Sorry that they didn’t win Ann, but it sure sounds like you had a great time (hope the girls did too) and that’s what counts. Wait til next year (and trust me, nobody knows that better than somebody from Cleveland!!).

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        Just when you think, you have seen and done it all at the fair and this comes along!
        Sandy.a grand time was had by all,thanks!

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      Dear Ann,
      Those beauty contests equine, bovine or canine
      Can be challenging. Teddy my Vishla showed
      Over this past weekend, he has a polished working
      Do look, large head and muscular, he still has his
      Testicles and is a real “stallion”. Any way he won
      Winners dog two days then third the other two.
      The delicate pointy nose males with small head
      Are vet popular.

      So I sure your girls will grow this year and WOW everyone
      On 2013. Keep those equines crow hoppin’

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      Ann,
      Sorry that Moose and Goose finished out of the ribbons, but I know they looked beautiful! Glad everyone had fun!
      I didn’t make it to the fair this time. Last year I really missed not being able to get up close and personal in the cow barn as we used to be able to do. Funny how until recently, people could visit with the animals and owners and no one got sick (for decades – since fairs began). I guess folks were blessed with more common sense then.
      Cheers (Moo-moo-mooray!) for M & G!!!!
      Hugs, woofs, moos and whinnies!

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      Dear Ann:

      Glad the experience for the girls was a fun one. Moose and Goose I’m sure will be ready to try again next year. Hugs, JB

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    dear ann so glad to hear moose and goose are fine after their adventure!! better luck next year but they’re still no1 bovines in your eyes !! I would’nt a bit of moose magic myself!! love and hugs sheena

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      Dear Ann: Well done to Moose and Goose (I bet they were the only entrants with an international fan club). But nothing like experience in these matters, so onwards and upwards to better things next time round. Don’t know if you’ve caught up with the little piece I posted about Nelly further up (a possible covering with Frankel, nonetheless!). Cheers, KathyR.

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        Sheena and Kathy R., our members of the International Fan Club,thanks for sharing in the fun. You both add so much here on the blog.
        Thanks,Kathy about the Nelly info. She and Frankel….wow,exciting!

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