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Zenyatta’s Boys, Back in CA

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Happy Friday!

If you’ve been waiting for an update about Zenyatta’s boys, this post is for you. Brothers Cozmic One and Ziconic spent the last few months with John Shirreffs at Belmont Park. They are pictured above eating some of their favorite treats, sweet potato for Ziconic and carrot juice for Coz.

This month, John and Dottie moved the horses back to Santa Anita for the winter. We’ll let you know how they’re settling in next week.

Here are a few photos from Ziconic’s November 25 workout at Belmont Park and a couple of Coz breezing as well. Photos courtesy of Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs.

Enjoy!
Team Z

Ziconic striding out... getting close to the finish line.
Ziconic striding out… getting close to the finish line.


Galloping out past the wire. Pretty stride and such focus!
Galloping out past the wire. Pretty stride and such focus!


Continues to gallop out.
Ziconic continues to gallop out.


This is well past the finish line and still going strong.
This is well past the finish line and still going strong.


Coz breezing at Belmont on November 27
Coz breezing at Belmont on November 27


Coz gallops out after his breeze.
Coz gallops out after his breeze.

Reader Interactions

474 Comments

  1. / Reply

    December 18 Cherokee Devotionals

    I watched her in the woods circling a red cedar not much taller than she was. It was her gift back to the woods that had given her so much peace and comfort-even when life outside the woods could be trying.
    She laid garlands of popcorn and cranberries over the sturdy limbs along with burr acorns and suet in mesh bags. Scattered beneath the tree were sunflower seeds and millet that cardinals and titmice would soon clean up. But one added gift would attract unusual guests-miniature marshmallows were scattered in and around the tree, a sweet touch for woodland friends. A sweet touch, the best part of the gift. She gave, and peace would be given back to her.

    Sometimes we prayed in silence; sometimes each one prayed aloud; sometimes an aged person prayed for all of us.
    Geronimo
    Apache

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy,
      Lovely devotional! What a wonderful scene that conjures up in your mind’s eye. I love red cedars — when I was growing up in a rural county, red cedars were the Christmas trees of choice. They were readily available since everybody had access to woods on farmland. You just went out and cut one for your home. The scent of cedar foliage still brings Christmas back to me. However, a cedar decorated for the wild creatures in the forest is just a beautiful image that makes me smile and appreciate nature even more.

      Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      Oh my gosh…Hovis in a onesie??? I can just picture that. lol!!! Hovis’ mum really has a way with words! Hope everyone has a great weekend. Safe trips for all horses and jockeys running this weekend.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Thank you. I needed a good laugh and I can always count on Hovis to provide. Laughing out loud. He’s channeling Z with that move in the photo. Love our Hovis. Love and Hugs, JB

  3. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.What a beautiful devotional today.As usual I am running late.I am ure the antlers will be out next week with Hovis.He is taking the credit for Nip and Tuck’s win,he taught him all he needed to know about streesage!Beautiful B/W shot of Treve on her FB today I posted it on my timeline.It’s another warmish day over here I have heard racing was cancelled at Flemington because of the heatwave in Australia.Mango and family are on their way to Ohio bless her she was cold in temps of 54F.Fubu is back his BP has risen again but his weight is very stable.Kimberly is suffering badly with her RA the meds are making her very sleepy.They are born fighters.Poor Mr Fibbs is in jail in Oklahoma and isn’t allowed a phone call!!!He took a bite of someone’s cheeseburger and got arrested!What shall they do???Zoe had a great day yesterday she looked so sweet in her Christmas dress and had a bath before going.I loved her saying mummy also had a bath!!Great night at Olympia watched the puissance last night.Have a great Friday.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO

  4. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    I’m running late, too! Can’t tarry…must run. Have a great day, hopefully I can chat more tomorrow! Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO

  5. / Reply

    Hi Zsters?
    Today’s devo:

    Are you facing a difficult time this holiday season? When facing hardships in life we can sometimes feel distant, removed or perhaps hidden from God. This week, we encourage you to schedule quiet time with God, focusing on James 4:8 – Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Pray for Him to bless you with His presence and power. Lean on Him with all your heart and let Him be your strength.

    Know someone who is struggling? Share this free eCard with a personal note inviting them to come alongside you this week as you focus on drawing near to Him and allowing Him to be your rock and foundation.

    HugZ❤ prayerZ, vamp

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,
      I like Christophe Clemonte, glad Hard Not To Like was retired, she was ready to be a mommy. Gorgeous grey and so sucessful at running. Sounds like he has a lot of up and commers and some success on the dirt.
      Love and hugs

  8. / Reply

    What a pair of gorgeous boys! So far John and Dottie have missed record-breaking high temps in New York! But we all know we’ll pay dearly for it before this winter is over… so enjoy beautiful Santa Anita and keep those boys happy and healthy. Hope to see all of you at Saratoga next August!

  9. / Reply

    Dear Judy.I sent you a link with the Cambridges Christmas card.Prince George is starting nursery in January.Cirrus has a photo up today he’s looking fabulous and having fun!Beautiful pic of Treve too in b/w.Goodnught God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties. Love and hugs SheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Thank you. I got your email with the photo. What beautiful, happy looking children they are. Good to hear CDA and Treve are happy and doing well. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties

  10. / Reply

    Very interesting article with graphic showing measurements
    American Pharoah vs Secretariat vs Seattle Slew vs Affirmed: how they actually measure up
    Michele MacDonald The TRC Newsletter December 17, 2015
    There are so many factors, tangible and intangible, that combine in the making of a great racehorse, from the lightning interaction of genes at the time of conception to the blades of grass and grains of oats consumed, to basic luck in avoiding injury.
    In the immediate afterglow of American Pharoah’s unprecedented Grand Slam sweep, trainer Bob Baffert said exceptional mechanics are what truly set the colt apart — his singular ability to soar over the ground with tremendous, free-flowing strides.
    https://www.thoroughbredracing.com/articles/american-pharoah-vs-secretariat-vs-seattle-slew-vs-affirmed-how-they-actually-measure

    • / Reply

      From article:
      Largest of the last four Triple Crown winners
      Not only is American Pharoah the largest of the last four Triple Crown winners, he also belongs to the most elite segment of athletes included in Seaman’s database. Those records span more than 850 champions, 2,000 G1 winners, 750 earners of at least $1 million, 50 Kentucky Derby victors and over 25 winners each of the Epsom Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

        • Max
          Fascinating article. Wonder if he did a measurement study on racing
          fillies/mares? Would love to know how Zenyatta, Royal Delta,
          Black Caviar, Rachel, Treve and so many other greats compared.
          Blue

        • Yes, that would be very interesting. I liked the commentary in this article about AP Indy. Love AP Indy and like to know things about him. He has a lot of fans.

      • / Reply

        Dear BGG,
        Thank you for this wonderful, interesting article! I’d never really put all of this together before. It fascinating. Hope you have a wonderful day.
        with love, Elizabeth

    • / Reply

      BGG,
      Thanks for the post. Very interesting. It does seem that they are very similar in almost all measurements except for body length.

  11. / Reply

    Dear Beautiful Mama Z, COZ, ZI and Montey:

    Goodnight. Stay comfy and cozy. Happy Dreams. Sweet Baby Dreams Z. Love You. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.

  12. / Reply

    December 19 Cherokee Devotional

    The road winds along the edge of the woodland and down over a steep hill until it reaches a gradual decline to the riverbottom. The land is rich with wildlife-turkeys, rockchucks, squirrels-and in the nighttime this is a meeting place for singing coyotes. Herds of whitetail feed on rich bottom grass, and mountain lions stalk their prey.
    A little country school was once nestled in the glen and its storm cellar and spring still jut from the overgrown soil. Nearby a wagon road dug deep by many wheels goes on down to cross the river to join community with community. Who were these people, what were their dreams, and how did they overcome all the obstacles? They knew nothing of television or nuclear plants or miracle medicines. Some of them handled life with faith-and so can we.

    We thank thee that thy wisdom has always provided.
    Sose-Ha-Wa
    Seneca
    1851

  13. / Reply

    What a joyful way to begin a morning looking at Ziconic and Coz enjoying their treats. Coz especially brings a laugh each time I view those photos. Many thanks to Zenyatta’s team for this blog and the happiness it brings to us.

    On another happy note. My little girl cat, Mitzi, is completely recovered from her surgery and her tumor was nothing serious!

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee,
      So glad your kitty, Mitzi, has recovered from surgery and everything is alright.
      You are so right that one photo of Ziconic in his work – he does have fire in his eyes
      just like his mama. He loves to be on the track. Hope he has some or all of her gift.
      Love and hugs

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee:

      So happy that Mitzi is doing well and recovering. They are so precious to us. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee,
      What great news about your Mitzi! Glad she has recovered and that it wasn’t serious.
      Have a nice Sunday.
      Hugs and Love

      • / Reply

        Max,
        Per the vet, it was a fatty tumor in her belly area. Big incision to get all the “feet” as he called them, just in case. I did ask him if he could perhaps remove some of my belly fat. Unfortunately, he replied that he just did animals and suggested Spanxs.

  14. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    Happy Saturday! All the furbabies I’ve visited are well. Fibbs is out of jail! Have a great Saturday. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO

  15. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.Am always running late this days!Wonderful devotional as always.Gosh,I was worried about Mr Fibbs in the clink starbing to death!But he’s home.I haven’t had a minute to visit the furbabies yet.My cousin’s cat Tiggs had to be put to sleep this morning .She was elderly.Great racing at Ascot.Prince Edward and family are there plus Santa Claus.Have a wonderful day.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO

  16. / Reply

    All of this comparing the TC winners – comparing a current horse to horses from 37 years ago is ludicrous; also all of this talk of AP completing the Grand Slam and no other horse has done that, well there was no BCC when the last TC was won is also ludicrous.

    The true comparison is between the status the previous 11 TC winners attained and can the 12 th measure up to them not them measuring up to him !!!!! He is unproven and no one even knows if he is fertile !!!! A horse can race but may not be any good in the shed and we all know that.

    He has no current legacy and can not be compared to the Great Galileo or Frankel – they are the standard for Thoroughbreds in the world. AP is a US triple crown winner.

      • / Reply

        Dear Sheena,

        So very true, but unfortunately consistent publication of how great the newest
        member of the TC group compared to the others in an attempt to obtain breeding $$$ is attempting to diminish the great stallions and TC winners that have already accomplished greatness and have made or are making their mark in
        the lineage of the world of TB racing/breeding. A publicity ploy by owners who are only thinking of the $$$$ that they can put in their pocket, which is unfortunate.

        And if AP is sterile, where will that leave them????

  17. / Reply

    Willie Mullins was denied a 5-timer at Fairyhouse today when Au Quart De Tour had an Annie Power type fall at the last.Both shorty and the horse were fine!Is there no stopping this man?even Chelsea have him on speed dial!
    We have a new favourite for the world hurdle in march.Thistlecrack was a fine winner of the long hurdle at Ascot for Colin Tizzard.Sheena.

        • The spoof account is funny, but it’s also mostly true. The guy is a genius with horses. He’s running Vautour in the King George. Short guy thinks that V has a good chance of winning for a young horse. Shorty also praised Kauto recently as his most exciting ride. Kauto’s last King George is a race that I won’t ever forget.

    • / Reply

      Very nice to catch a sight of his white blaze coming around that corner in the darkness. He’s looking fine. Good luck on your return, Chromie.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sophia,
      Thanks so much for posting this video; love this boy and can hardly wait for him
      to run on January 19 – he is our 2014 HOY and maybe on a TC winner but a wonderful
      ambassador or TB racing and we do get to see him run as a 5 year old and he is in
      his prime.

      Love and hugs.

  19. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Here’s a gutsy two year old, Ishaq, by Harlen’s Holiday. He loses his blinkers mid stretch (you can see them flapping) and keeps on going. This is the race replay. Scroll down to Race 8, Inaugural Stakes and click Video. Wow! Love and Hugs, JB

    http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/race-results?startDate=12%2F19%2F2015&endDate=12%2F19%2F2015&trackLookupId=1862&type=NonGradedStakes&statesBred=&searchStateBredPlacers=false

      • / Reply

        Dear Max:

        Did you notice he did slightly veer out a little bit and then regained his composure. A lot of poise for a two year old. We have to keep track of him. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Yes, I saw that. This horse has determination and the jockey also handled it well. Most young horses would have been completely derailed by that. Jockey had a real effort to pull him up at the end to adjust the blinkers. Glad that it all ended well. We do need to keep track of this guy. You are good at finding potential new stars.

        • Dear Max:

          Thank you, but you’ve come up with some very good choices too.

          Yes, the jockey was P. L. Cotto, Jr. He did a good job handling what could have been a bad situation. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,
      What a great find – a very composed and talented 2 year old for sure. Very mature for his age. Thanks for posting.
      Love and hugs

      • / Reply

        PS:
        So happy that Harland’s Holiday has such a nice 2 year old – it was so very sad
        for Winstar when he collapsed after returning to his stall from the breeding shed. He had a prolapsed rectum the veterinarians were unable to repair and he was euthanized. This is his last crop as he passed in 2013. – Go Harley !!! We miss you.

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy B.,
      Thanks for this link. Ishaq is definitely one to watch. He did maintain his composure pretty well, especially for such a youngster. His jockey did a good job, too.
      Glad it worked out well for everyone.

      Hugs and Love

  20. / Reply

    Dear Sheena:

    Hope you enjoyed the races today. So glad Shorty and AQDT are OK. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties

  21. / Reply

    Dear Beautiful Mama Z, COZ, ZI and Montey:

    Goodnight. Happy Dreams. Sweet Baby Dreams Z. Love all of you so much. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.

  22. / Reply

    Video of the Year: Pharoah Travers Gallop
    Steve Haskin The Blood-Horse 19 December, 2015
    There have been some exciting racing videos on YouTube this year, but none more exciting and revealing, and ultimately profound than the GoPro video of American Pharoah’s gallop the day before the Travers Stakes that also was posted on the NYRA website.
    A horse’s gallop is the video of the year, you ask? The answer in one person’s opinion is unequivocally yes, because of its reality factor – allowing us the feeling of what it’s like to be on the back of a Triple Crown winner – and its revealing content – providing the most logical reason for American Pharoah’s defeat the following day. –
    http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2015/12/19/video-of-the-year-pharoah-travers-gallop.aspx

  23. / Reply

    For anyone interested in the paddock and stands view with the crowd’s reaction, and listening to this fan losing her mind with the joy of the moment. It was one of the thrills of my life. You’ll hear others talking, but that’s me screaming at the top of my lungs as the comes down the stretch
    American Pharoah, Effinex, Tonalist, Honor Code, Frosted, Keen Ice 2015 Breeders Cup Classic. Two cameras… Hope you in enjoy. We had the time of our lives.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cF14zxNAUwE

    • / Reply

      Thank you for posting this. I felt like I was there too. Super interesting to see all of the horses before and after the race. AP is incredible. Magnificent looking and that rarified presence of a Triple Crown winner is on full display.

    • / Reply

      Dear Ashton:

      Thank you so much for sharing this video. Gave me the feeling of what it’s like to there. Love AP; what a wonderful Classic he ran. Of course, Z’s 2009 and 2010 will always be my forever favorite BCCs.

      Wishing you and yours a Happy Christmas and New Year. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Ashton:

      Wonderful to see all of these gorgeous boys in the paddock. Love the strut on Effinex; he’s impressive looking; but then, I think they all are. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Judy, I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I agree they are all awesome looking.
        I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Wishing you all the best, tons of joy and happiness.

        • My Dear Ashton:

          Wishing a Happy Christmas and New Year to you and your family and all the Best always. Think of your Moma often. Love and Hugs, JB

  25. / Reply

    Prayers are needed for Metro they fear he is totally blind .He freaked out after leaving his stall today and it was all they could do to get him back.Thankfully doctors at the opthamology department at the New Bolton Center saw the messages on FB and he has an appt on Monday.God bless him.Sheena

  26. / Reply

    Baffert horses run 1-2 in Los Al Futurity
    Jonathan Lintner Courier-Journal December 19, 2015
    Second in the slop last time out at Churchill Downs, Mor Spirit thrived Saturday over a fast track.
    The 2-year-old colt bided his time, then pounced in the stretch to overtake Bob Baffert stablemate Toews On Ice in the Grade I, $350,000 Los Alamitos Futurity.
    Baffert again appears to have another pair of leading Kentucky Derby contenders in Saturday’s top-two finishers. He touted Mor Spirit as one of his barn’s best before American Pharoah’s run at the Breeders’ Cup Classic, while Toews On Ice went into the Futurity having won three straight stakes.
    http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/horses/triple/derby/2015/12/19/los-alamitos-futurity-2015–bob-bafferts-mor-spirit-toews-on-ice-run-1-2/77641958/
    From article:
    With veteran jockey Gary Stevens aboard, Mor Spirit, a son of Eskendereya, covered 1 1/6 miles in 1:43.54. The race favorite returned $3.40.

    • / Reply

      Mor Spirt by Eskendreya – a very talented and gorgeous colt.

      Raced by Zayat Stables – breeding rights sold to Stonestreet Stables to settle Zayat Stables bankruptcy.

  27. / Reply

    Max & all A.P.Indy fans-a Must Read from Abigail in The Vault
    If this a a repost, I apologize in advance. BGG

    PICASSO LIVES AT LANE’S END: A. P. INDY‏
    Ireland has her Galileo, but almost a decade before he came along, A.P. Indy was born. His courage on the track dazzled us. And his contribution to the development of the North American thoroughbred has been beyond brilliant.
    This article is dedicated to one of A.P.’s greatest fans, Sue F., and to Louise H. and the wonderful folks at Lane’s End. And, of course, to The Great One himself.
    https://thevaulthorseracing.wordpress.com/2015/12/16/picasso-lives-at-lanes-end-a-p-indy/

      • / Reply

        Dear BGG:

        Thank you for posting this link. As Max said, another masterpiece from Abigail.

        What a beautiful foal Indy was. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear BGG and Judy B.,
          I echo what Judy B. said. Thanks bunches for posting this link. I enjoyed it very much.

          Dear Abigail,
          Loved this article! Great writing. So glad you got to visit with AP Indy. He sure looks happy and handsome. I am happy that he is at LE, too. That’s such a great place for horses to be.
          Thanks for another superb piece from The Vault!

          Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG,
      I was so honored that Abigail, dedicated this article on my Indy to me!! She’s been telling me this was coming and I couldn’t wait. As usual she surpassed my expectations. I didn’t know she had finally got to see him, but was so impressed with her description of the event, he has a presence, and truly knows what a king he is. She just has such a magical way with words that nothing compares to. Hope everyone reads this especially those who do not know Indy. I hope that CoZ and Zi carry his determination and courage and JS can bring that out. hugs to all

    • / Reply

      Thank you everyone! I rushed to get this one up before Christmas & only now realized that I forgot to post here when I published it! Thank you, BLUEGRASS GIRL, for posting the link. Such a lovely boy is “Our A.P.” — I’m still standing in his starlight all these months later. Love & hugs to all! Abigail

  28. / Reply

    Dear Judy.I am so glad Lola enjoyed her card and hope she is still recovering well.Very Christmassy atmosphere in Ascot today.Ruby has survived many falls but all was fine today.I have been enjoying our Dancing final.Jay McGuinness and Aliona Vilani won.The warm,damp weather continues in Wales and threats of floods in Cumbria again.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG and Tiz:

      Thanks for all the interesting and informative links you post. Love reading them. Love and Hugs, JB

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