Today is Zenyatta’s 13th birthday, and she celebrated with her pals from Lane’s End Farm. There were cookies, cupcakes, and cards from fans around the world. Happy birthday to Queen Z and our boy Ziconic too!
-Team Z
Happy Birthday, Zenyatta!
Queen of Racing
Kathy
Wishing everyone a blessed day today.
Hugs, Kathy
Ann NC
Run, Red Prince, Run.
Godspeed.
Luv ya!
Marshall (NC Broad)
Ditto what Ann said!
Thanks neighbor.
Hugs and Love
sheena.davies(wales)
Go get em’ Ziconic.Remember all your mama taught you and you’ll be fine.
Celeste/Massachusetts
HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!
sheena.davies(wales)
Al Ain by Deep Impact wins the Japanese 2000 guineas I believe it was his debut.Ryan Moore at his best and a daughter of Blame(remember him Zenyatta) has beaten the Frankel fillies in the Prix de la Grotte.I think she is called Senga.Congratulations to all.
judy berube
Congrats Al Ain and Senga. Next time for the girls. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Yorkhill loses a dramatic Ryanair at Fairyhouse when Road to Respect caught him near the line.Yorkhill had jumped violently to the left all through the race why put him on a right handed course?Makes no sense to me.It really is funny to see the comments though.
Max
Mullins has tried to train out that left side jumping from Yorkhill. He also said that in a race a horse does what makes him or her comfortable and there is nothing that you can do about it. The Hill bro has done pretty well so far. Today’s second was bad luck. Yorkhill cannot win races if he’s not entered in them. Mullins knows what he’s doing better than any commentators who have never trained a horse. The guy’s a genius.
sheena.davies(wales)
The comments were mostly for the short guy’s riding!He should have won really he has the ability but should stick to left handed tracks.It’s his way of running someone suggested blinkers
Max
Who needs peanut gallery comments? Mullins knows what he’s doing. Yorkhill might go to hurdles next.
shirleeinindy
Saw the video of Classic Empire’s race. He did not have a smooth trip by any means. He was very impressive.
judy berube
Dear Shirlee:
Just watched the video of Classic Empire in the Arkansas Derby. Don’t know how in the world he pulled that off and having to go around horses. Hope it didn’t take too much out of him. What a display of heart and determination. Really nice ride by Julien L. too. Love and Hugs, JB
Darlene Daniels
Happy Easter to our Beautiful Zenyatta and all of you!
Ziconic, today is your day! Go get em Little Red. We all love you and wish you a safe and fun race.
Roberta Gonzalez
Does anyone know when Zenyatta’s due date is? Good luck Ziconic, may this holy day bring you good racing luck!!
Peggy (N) South Georgia
It seems like its Mid May
Fran W.
Show what your made of today and get this win under your belt! We love you and your brother and especially your mom!!
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Happy Easter to Everyone.
God Speed Coz.
Zenyatta Have a wonderful Easter
Ziconic Happy Easter
Remembering You Always Baby Princess Z and Baby Prince Z.
shirleeinindy
Just an hour until our Red Prince takes to the turf. Just be safe Zi.
Abigail1849
HAPPY EASTER greetings from Montreal!
Love & hugs to all
judy berube
Dear Abigail:
Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Heard Ziconic was 3rd.
shirleeinindy
Sheena,
That is what I saw on the Forum. Some unhappiness with Victor. Guess we will have to wait and see the video of the race.
sheena.davies(wales)
I did ‘nt get to see the race so cannot comment but heard he didn’t break well and they were not happy with Victor.Zi tries his best bless him and who can ask for more.
judy berube
Dear Sheena, Shirlee and Z Fans:
Didn’t get to see ZI’s race either. Did check Quick Results and Kid Charming was the winner. Anxious to see the race replay. Love and Hugs, JB
Martha Fosdick
I wasn’t able to see the race, but according to the Daily Racing Form, Ziconic was 3rd. DARN!
shirleeinindy
According to Equibase he had a slow start and went 4 wide but finished “well.”
Martha Fosdick
I just read some verbiage on the race but have yet to see the video. It did indicate however that he was coming from behind just like Mom used to do and looked like a winner coming down the stretch, but just couldn’t quite get past the first two. You can’t say our boy doesn’t try hard, but it just seems the right combination of things just hasn’t quite yet been found. I also saw that Coz had a recent workout. Maybe we’ll get to see him take another crack at thisi racing thing. In the meantime, maybe we’ll just have to keep busy waiting for the new sibling.
HERE’S HOPING EVERYONE IS HAVING A SPLENDID AND BLESSED EASTER.
shirleeinindy
Can anyone get up the race videos on Bloodhorse.com? All I get is a big black square on my screen and nothing else. The same thing happened yesterday.
Max
They may not have posted it yet. Have to keep checking. Disappointed in the result but not in Ziconic. Maybe they need a jockey change to shake things up a bit?
judy berube
Dear Shirlee and Max:
Have been trying for the past hour to access the video on Bloodhorse. It comes up that the video is available, but then it doesn’t access. Will keep trying to.
Max, would love to see Mikey have some works with ZI and then aboard in ZI’s next try. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
I tend to agree with Sheena. He’s doing his best and God bless him. Ziconic like Coz has an almost impossible standard with which he must live. His pedigree is kind of overwhelming, especially from his mother. We as her fans will need to give him more time. John will do the right thing for him.
judy berube
Dear Max and Sheena:
Yes, Zi always tries and the boys do have so much to live up to. I would agree, hope they both continue to train and race another day. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann NC
Considering his horrible break out of the gate, Zi ran an incredible race. He is all heart.
judy berube
Dear Ann:
Indeed! Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy:I hope we get to see a replay.Just been checking on Glesni to see if there was another egg but she is quietly incubating.Lovely pics of a naked Hovis eating his meagre rations!Hope your Easter has gone well.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Willow Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Cal Racing no longer offers free live streaming or replays. I have been trying for the past hour to post the replay from Bloodhorse without success. Don’t know if the problem is my computer or their website. Really want to see that replay. Happy incubating to Glesni and I hope Hovie is feeling better. Hope you had a good Easter Day too. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties
Sandy Couch
I just watched on Cal Racing – for free – no problems. Slow start. Came charging up the outside, just didn’t quite get there
judy berube
Dear Sandy C:
Wow, that’s strange. I used to watch the races live on their site and the replays too. When I went on to the site this time, I got a message that Racetrack TV Network would be the third party vendor providing Live Stream and Race Replays for Cal Racing from now on. I believe it’s a $12.00 fee for the year. That’s reasonable, I think. Love and Hugs, JB
Gloria
Ha! What do you expect from (several of) the hosts on TVG? I’m glad I didn’t see it, but I was at Santa Anita to watch the race. This is my opinion of the race after seeing it live (and watching it again this morning on Calracing). Ziconic broke a step slowly (as usual) out of the gate and lagged way behind early on. To be fair, after looking at the photos I took, the winner of the race looked like he broke nearly as slowly as Ziconic but he got a good position after the break. Ziconic started to pick it up as they turned for home and he made an excellent move down the stretch. I honestly thought he was going to pass all of the horses and get up to win. After watching a replay of the race today, I personally feel he had every chance to win the race, but he didn’t. I haven’t heard if he would have had any excuses late in the race, but that’s my take on it. Wish he would break better and maybe stay more in touch with the field early on. Hey, it’s the closest he’s ever come to winning, only losing by half a length. Maybe start lucky #7 will be the charm.
Gloria
Oops. I think I posted this in the wrong spot. I meant to reply to Peggy N from South Georgia. Unfortunately, I don’t see a way to delete this. Sorry ’bout that, guys.
judy berube
Dear Ann and Z Fans:
Nice article with great photo of Ben’s Cat return to racing from five month layoff. He and Trevor M. had to find a way through and he came charging at the end just short. There’s a video with the article, but I couldn’t access it. Trouble may be with my computer, though.
Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/221031/made-bail-spoils-return-of-bens-cat
Max
Not your computer. Sometimes these videos are not posted even though the article says that they are. They usually show up later or the next day.
judy berube
Dear Max:
Thanks. I’ll keep trying. My computer has been acting peculiar lately, so I thought it might be at it again. Have to take it to the shop soon. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
Who would not love Ben’s Cat? He’s a horse who loves to race and he’s awesomely good at it.
Ann NC
Ben sports a Velvet coat.?
Max
Ben’s a millionaire. That coat has to be sable. 100%.
judy berube
Dear Ann and Max:
Too cute! Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy:I cannot access the video either only the article.Love and hugs.
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Meant the post below for you and Ann. Mistakenly typed in Shirlee’s name. I’m losing it. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann NC
Thanks JB. Benny and Trevor , love it! Ben knows he OWNS that track. Will try the video later.
judy berube
Dear Shirlee and Ann:
Yes, I’ll try it later too. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Judy,
Good to see the old man back. Think he is the oldest still racing. Hope he stays healthy and they know when it is time to retire him.
judy berube
Dear Shirlee:
Totally agree! Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI and DC:
Goodnight and Happy Dreams to all of you.
ZI, you gave it your all again; next time beautiful boy. Love and Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.
sheena.davies(wales)
I have just seen some lovely photos of Ziconic at SA.John and Victor looked to be in a deep discussion.Ann was there and Dottie looked very summery.Zi looked very handsome.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
I saw Ziconic’s race today. Was very irritated even before the race began at the way the announcers from TVG were talking about Zi. You don’t talk about our boy like that. He broke from the gate badly, but I thought he did a great job to get up 3ld. He just needs more time. I don’t know weather to blame Victor or not. Maybe just like mom he needs more time, and maybe some more gate schooling. They were saying that he didn’t seem to want to pass horses, but he did pass horses. He just couldn’t get up to pass the 2 at the end. He came from way back to get 3ld. I thought Victor rode him pretty well everything considering. I do trust Victor’s rides and that’s so important to me. Very ticked off at the announcers though. I didn’t like their unkind remarks.
Ziconic just needs to get a little more mature I think. I think I like Victor on him. They need more time to bond.
judy berube
Dear Peggy:
I so want to see the race replay. Sometimes the broadcasters remarks are unkind; we love our Princes no matter what. Love and Hugs, JB
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Agree Peggy – and this is not the first time that they have dissed Zi! They went on about how much money he was taking and obviously felt he didn’t deserve it! :-(
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Sandy, I know they have been so unkind, and yes not the first time. Hate hearing that kind of talk.
Christine
Dear Peggy in South Georgia, We’ll said & amen, love Christine
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Finally I got the link to ZI’s race to work. Here it is. Love and Hugs, JB
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/race-results?startDate=4%2F16%2F2017&endDate=4%2F16%2F2017&trackLookupId=1663&type=MaidenSpecial&statesBred=&searchStateBredPlacers=false
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
I’m watching ZI’s break out of the gate over and over again. He’s at a disadvantage right from the start with that break and yet, he made up so much ground. I hope he gets the idea on how to come out of the gate faster and I think he will win his Maiden next time. What a beautiful, gorgeous boy he is. Also, still not certain all those hits with the whip are working for him. Just my opinion. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
Check out this maiden win by Ziconic’s mother. She had it down perfectly from day one.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zrcxr4EZYZs
judy berube
Dear Max:
That was perfection! Those long strides made it possible for Z to close like a bullet. Wonderful to see this replay again. Thank you.
Max, did you note David Flores; hand ride all the way. Love and Hugs, JB
Kathy
Dear Max,
I never tire of watching the Queen race. We always knew how they would end, but we always held our breath, nevertheless.
Hugs, Kathy
Max
JudyB. Zenyatta knew what to do and exactly what was needed to get there. You cannot train for that kind of instinct. It’s a gift from God and we do not know when it will happen because there are no guarantees with breeding. Mike admitted that her only loss was the result of his holding her back when she wanted to go. He left her with too much to do. Even then she almost had it and that was truly glorious to see. It may be the only race where the winner was in the a shadow of the runner up. It was a hand ride with Zenyatta because one does not use a whip on the Queen of Racing.
judy berube
Dear Max:
That last race was the most thrilling of all for me. Still can’t watch it without tearing up. Not because she didn’t pass Blame, but because of her pure courage, heart and determination. She was and is magnificent. That was a win as far as I’m concerned and I think she thought so too. Love and Hugs, JB
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Judy, I don’t like that use of the whip either. I guess i didn’t notice the whip use. Was so mad already with those announcers. Mind was on how they talked about him.
judy berube
Dear Peggy:
I know. I didn’t hear any of it, but I know it would have upset me too. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Zi was remarkable after that bad break.Gosh,he runs exactly like mama.He will get there soon.Give him time.Well done Ziconic.Love and hugs.
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Hoping so. Love and Hugs, JB
Kathy
Dear Judy,
Thanks for posting. He did very well even after that bad break. He shows a lot of potential, John just has to find the right combination to unlock it.
Hugs, Kathy
judy berube
Dear Kathy:
You’re so welcome. Yes, JS will figure it out. Love and Hugs, JB
Marilyn Braudrick
Thanks so much!!
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Judy.
I saw the race yesterday I think he was very good.
Thank you for the video.
Big hugs Ingrid.
judy berube
Dear Marilyn and Ingrid:
You’re so welcome. Love and Hugs, JB
Donna
Hi everyone.Happy Easter. I read all your statements.I agree that Z needs more gate work. I also got angry at what the Tvg announcers said.I watch Victor’s rides a lot. He really doesn’t use the crop often. He’s been working alot with John on teaching Zi and Gormley. These are just my feelings.Don’t Foget he took good care of Chrome, Pharoah and Stellar Wind. This week. I’m just trying to be supportive. Like most of you I love Zenny, her boys and theTeam. Happy dreams. Xoxoxo
judy berube
Dear Donna:
I like VE. It’s just that I do think he uses the whip more often than some other jockeys; Mikey or Gary S for instance. I counted a good 16 or 17 strikes in this race and some of the time ZI and VE were out of view. It’s just a style of riding.
Also, in fact, some horses do not respond to the whip well. ZI might be one of those. I do think a quicker break from the gate would really give ZI a fighting chance. Again, just my humble opinions. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
Agree with you, JudyB. Northern Dancer resented the whip, and his owner warned the jockeys not to use it on him. Wise Dan didn’t want any part of the whip. He wanted only to run. Arro looks like he doesn’t like it either. As for Ziconic, he seems to have the same one run style as his mother, but without her tactical eye for assessing the field and picking them off to win. That is a rare gift. Ziconic unfortunately comes up short each time. Arro broke his maiden last June at Santa Anita and Ziconic was in that race. Since then, what a diffference in fortune for those two young horses..
judy berube
Dear Max:
It’s well documented that ND didn’t like the whip. I think you’re right about Arro and yes, Danny was his own pilot.
They say the whips used today are not as damaging as the ones used in the past; but horses that are whip shy or just not happy with it, aren’t going to respond well.
Still hoping that we will see COZ and ZI winning their Maiden races soon. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
I cannot see any horse who would like being whipped. Most resent it a lot. I recall Dan’s last Woodbine Mile. The race caller said that Uncle Johnny never even had to show him the whip, just let him go. They called it a paid workout. Dan set a race and track record that day.
judy berube
Dear Max:
THE MASTER of the TURF! Love Danny. Hoping Barbara Livingston does a photo tribute to him on the farm for her Blog. Would love to see some recent photos of him. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Wow, no need to hit a young horse so many times.Victor was warned about our whip rules when riding at RA and now in France 6 strikes is the maximum It is 8 on the flat over here and 9 for NH.I would much prefer Gary or Mike to ride.Love and hugs
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
I very much like your whip rules. Love and Hugs, JB
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
I agree, way too much use of the whip!
Hugs, Kathy
Ann NC
Bring him east, along with, Moon Boy and RM and let young, Trevor have a go on him. It would be a meeting of the young minds and Zi and Trevor would hit it off perfectly!
judy berube
Dear Ann:
That’s a wonderful idea. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Donna:
Just to elaborate a little bit more on Victor E and the use of the whip. He used the whip around 20 times on Chromie in the Derby. He was fined $300.00 for breaking the skin on Stellar Wind in one race at Santa Anita and if you watch the replays of the 2015 Triple Crown Races and the Haskell you will see something very interesting.
After whipping Pharoah 32 times in the Derby, Victor mostly hand rode him in the Preakness, the Belmont and the Haskell. In each of those races, Pharoah ran better and better. The 2015 Travers Stakes was a different story. Victor hand rode Pharoah in the lead most of the way and he was a tired horse by that time in late Summer with all that he had accomplished in the Spring. Victor used the whip repeatedly in the end to no avail, as Keen Ice closed to win at the wire. That was sad. By late October and the BCC, Pharoah was well rested; he won in mostly a hand ride start to finish setting a new course record; about 6 whip strikes in the end, but he didn’t really need those. Here’s the glorious replay.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weKIGbOKHyE
I do believe jockeys need to have access to the racing crop to help control our beloved horses, but I also believe many of them race better without extreme whip use.
Love and Hugs, JB
Donna
Love you Zenny, Happy dreams ,hugs and kisses.
sheena.davies(wales)
Wishing the mighty Denman ‘aka’ the Tank a very Happy 17th birthday today.Now fully retired and living in Somerset this son of Presenting out of Polly Puttens won 2 Hennessys and an unforgettable 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup.I hope despite his arthritis he can enjoy some comfortable years in retirement.
We also have another Easter egg at the Dyfi delivered this morning.Glesni looks very proud.
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Good for Glesni and Happy Retirement Denman. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
The Moose is also a son of Presenting.
judy berube
Dear Max and Z Fans:
Here’s an article dated yesterday on Royal Mo and Battle of Midway. Looks like Royal Mo’s going in the Derby is still not definite. Hope he makes it in. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.paulickreport.com/news/triple-crown/battle-midway-works-toward-derby-shirreffs-hoping-royal-mo-gets-gate/
Max
Love to see Mo in the Derby, but there’s still the Preakness and the Belmont.
Ann NC
Get your Preak On, Mo!
shirleeinindy
Ann,
I think it would be so much fun to see Mike and Girvin and Gary on Royal Mo in the Derby. Neither horse is trained by one of the big guys and it would be great to have a different one in the winners circle.
Ann NC
Shirlee,
It will be exciting to see who runs. Like, JB and TC say, Even when you know, you never know. These horses are so fragile and everyday is a game changer. Pray they all stay healthy and loved.
judy berube
Dear Max, Shirlee and Ann:
That’s true Royal Mo could go in the Preakness, Belmont or both. Would be nice to see both of them in the Derby. We’ll have to wait and see what happens. Love and Hug, JB