We’re adding new prints to the Zenyatta Shop this morning. A sunset portrait of 13Z and photo of Cozmic One in a misty wash stall are available here in the 8″ x 10″ and 11″ x 14″ sizes.
This week, the first 20 customers to spend $30 or more at the Zenyatta Shop will also receive the small print “Zenyatta & Colt, April 2, 2013” free of charge.
Happy shopping!
-Team Z
Bluegrass Girl
WISE DAN WINS!!
Mr. Commons was 4th
Bluegrass Girl
Mosse leads Europe to victory in Shergar Cup
11 Aug 2013 | Ascot Racecourse
Gary Stevens won the final race on Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup day when Annunciation, trained by Richard Hannon, won this sprint for three-year-olds.
Stevens, whose mount produced a late thrust that narrowly deprived fellow American Rosie Napravnik on Noble Deed, took his personal tally to 18pts, although his team, the Rest of the World, could finish only third in the competition with 46 points – the winning Europe team amassed 97 points.
Stevens, for whom this was a 50th winner in Britain, said: “That was fun, and the only ride I’ve had today that played out right. The trainer wanted to try something new today and to drop him out, because he felt that was the only way he would get the trip. The partnership [owners Middleham Park Racing] didn’t think much of those instructions, but they are happy now.
http://www.thoroughbrednews.com.au/International/default.aspx?id=68005
Max
Congrats to Gary. Middleham Park is also the owner of Mad Moose. Moosie does not listen to instructions. LOL.
Ann NC
Thanks, BGG.
So cool they get to compete like this. Great competitors and congrats to Gary. Glad he decided to have some more rides.
Max, Moose is having a ” time out ” and should return w/ his big boy attitude. We hope?
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Congrats to Wise Dan and Johnny V. They did it again. What a Champion WD is. Mr. Commons finished 4th. Hugs, JB
Terry Crow
He looks almost unbearable at this point. He will probably go to Woodbine next and that will be his final start before the Breeders Cup. I wonder if his connections will consider running in the classic? He certainly has options.
Terry Crow
That should be unbeatable, not unbearable.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Groupie Doll
So Sorrry didn’t realize you were running today. I did get to see you though.
It’s OK your first time back in a while. It will go better next time. Love Ya
I know your missing Brass Hat.
Terry Crow
Agree. She did good considering it was her first race in over eight months. Look out next time.
The Kennedys in San Diego
Indeed, Terry. We just love Groupie Doll!
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Terry did you see my message on previous page?
Terry Crow
Yes. As one who has knowledge of the Calumet situation and how it pertains to now, I highly respect your opinion.
TIzHerself
Agreed welcome back to Groupie Doll – she put in a valiant effort – she is only going to get better after stretching her legs and look forward to her next start! I love the story between her and Brass Hat and how good buddies they are – one of those feel good stories :-)
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Wise Dan
Huge Congratulations. You sure looked like the Champion that you are. Way to Go.
Your in the History Books as one of the Greatest.
Terry Crow
Wise Dan’s connections have a variety of options. We can look forward to more years of top notch racing from him. Also, it does not appear that weight will be an issue. He is a cinch for the Hall of Fame.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z, COZ, Prince 2 and Baby Z:
Sweet Dreams. Love you. Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
That darn Johnny V did it again.
All joking aside, Wise Dan is probably the best horse in North America right now.
My sweet Lea gets the last laugh since he is a colt and Dan and King Kressa are both geldings.
Max
Wise Dan is the best miler on the planet. He’s all talent and courage. Nothing seems to be able to stop this horse when he accelerates and heads for the wire. He’s also efficient. He knows how to win and by how much. We may have yet to see him at his best. He’s spectacular.
@Terry Crow. If you check out Dan’s times at a mile vs Frankel, it may answer the question why Frankel never raced outside of the UK. Incredibly, Dan ran the Fourstardave faster this year than he did last year. He’s actually getting better, if that is possible, and it looks like it is.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
WD is something else. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC and all the Sweeties
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
What a horse. He makes it look so easy. Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC broad)
Dear Max,
Wise Dan certainly is awesome!! You are correct about his faster time for this year’s FourStarDave AND he was carrying 129 lbs this year versus 119 lbs last year!!! He is an incredible beauty! What a stride with a powerful kick!
Love this ol’ chestnut! YAY, Wise Dan — kudos to Johnny V., too!
Cheers and Hugs
Ann NC
Congrats to Wise Dan and all of his connections. Thanks for keeping him on the turf, taking great care of him and giving us a true champ.
Keep smiling, Dan, keep running and smiling across that finish line.
Shirlee, Lea is a wonderful horse, young w/ the winning spirit. He is a great competitor and his time is coming, SOON! Nothing better than race day training and he is soaking it all in. I love him too. Lea made it a thrilling race.
Terry Crow
Max-It would be interesting to see the final time if Wise Dan were to run a mile on the turf without any turns. Frankel was/is a great one, no doubt. Speculation is all we have.
Max
TC. We think alike. Those turns for Wise Dan on US tracks are just brutal as he is usually boxed in without a pacemaker. Dan’s on his own and it’s usually a win on a hand ride. No Bullet Train to clear the way over a straight mile or along wide, long English turns. After Dan won in torrential rain, lightning and nearly getting pushed over the hedge in the Firecracker, I was totally converted to this horse. Actually I loved him since he destroyed all the Euro raiders last year at Woodbine and cleared out the rest at the Breeders’ Cup. If healthy and in form, he is unstoppable. Uncle Johnny V says that Dan is a freak. You go Dan.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy My congratulations to the mighty Wise Dan!!! Wish he could come and race in the UK! Goodnight Sweet Dreams God bless you Lola Mae Charlie and all the Sweeties Love and Hugs SheenaX
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Congrats to Wise Dan and his connections. Is there anything he can’t do? Maybe sell programs before the race. What a guy. He clearly enjoys sizing up the competition.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Barbara,
I think you said it right. So appropriate. What a Guy
Janet Newman
He had the walk of a champion in the post parade.
Love this big chestnut gelding!
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
So . . . I remembered all my dear friends here and their “Even when you know, you never know” or something to that effect and decided to put my fantasy cappin’ bet on someone other than WD (NOT to “win” of course). Went with Shirlee’s Lea after my first pick (Za Approval) was scratched. At least I’m getting closer. What REALLY hurts is that I have a friend who knows even less about horse racing than I do (hard to believe) and who isn’t even officially playing but looked at MY cheat sheet and made the best bet of the race (if you don’t count the exacta). This is NOT FAIR!!
Ann NC
Hang in there my Capping friend! On to The Travers…honk, honk.
Sue Fredrick Happy as a lark
Sandy,
You crack me up. Hey I made my bet on Wise Dan, what a no brainer that was. I think I’ll go back to the method I used years ago…….picked the horses name I liked best, ha, ha. The funny part is I used to win a lot!!!!! hugs
Terry Crow
Sandy-I also had Za Approval in an exacta box with Wise Dan. When he was scratched, I merely shifted my bet to Wise Dan and took the attitude wait until next week. Person with no racing knowledge, and you certainly are not in that category, can on occasion come up with the best bet.
Sue Fredrick Happy as a lark
Sending congratulations to the Wonderful Wise Dan who proved again what a fabulous horse he really is………carrying all that extra weight too.
Sorry to hear about Freedom Child being injured but he will make a great stallion……he’s quite a hunk.
I found a link to great news about my TC Indy, here is the link: http://www.paulickreport.com/news/bloodstock/take-charge-indy-heads-home-amid-outpouring-of-support-from-fans/
NOTE TO TERRY CROW; it wasn’t me on the pogo stick that was Sally, I slipped on the banana peel on the floor of her car, ha. ha.
Kisses to my lovely Zenny and beautiful boys Auntie Sue
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sue Fredrick:
Thanks for this update on Take Charge Indy. So glad to know he is recovering and is at Winstar. Such a gorgeous boy. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Thanks Sue for the update on TCI.
Terry Crow
Sue-Thanks for the correction. I will have to needle Sally now.
JSmith
Anyone in Lancaster (PA?) who wants guiltless eating? The more you eat the more you’ll help horses, can’t beat that for a deal! Monday 12th…. Mt Hope Horse Rescue is having a restaurant fundraiser at Friendly’s Restaurant in Lancaster on the Oregon Pike. 5pm to 8pm. I shared for Pudge, who some of you are friends with on fb.
http://www.mthopehorserescue.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=164%3Aeat-here-and-donate&catid=10%3Afrontpage
Terry Crow
Now there is a situation I could sink my teeth into. Unfortunately for me, I live in California. It’s just as well. The rescue wouldn’t maker any money off of me. Buffets in Las Vegas shut down when they see me coming.
carol in arkansas
I was reading about cloning the other day….what if ….great geldings could be cloned….not for racing…but for breeding only…..Kelso….Forego…the Dan brothers…John Henry…etc….think of the genes that could be saved…oh well …probably a dumb idea
Terry Crow
No so dumb. I would bet that someone, somewhere is woring on this idea now.
Bluegrass Girl
Wise Dan Handles Test in Fourstardave Repeat (Race Replay Video)
By Jack Shinar The Blood-Horse Updated: Saturday, August 10, 2013 7:51 PM
Heavily favored Wise Dan ran his winning streak to eight while rolling to a repeat victory in the $500,000 Fourstardave Handicap (gr. IIT) at Saratoga Race Course, defeating pacesetter King Kreesa by 1 1/4 lengths Aug. 10 (VIDEO).
The reigning Horse of the Year, who began his current victory string with a five-length tally in last year’s Fourstardave, overcame the rail and a 129-pound impost while spotting the runner-up 12 pounds. The 6-year-old son of Wiseman’s Ferry clocked a strong time of 1:34 flat for the one-mile test over a an inner turf course rated “good.”
Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/79989/wise-dan-handles-test-in-fourstardave-repeat#ixzz2bcrcd8Ln
Bluegrass Girl
Sat., Aug. 10 Fourstardave Handicap II $500,000 3&UP 1 Mile (Turf)
NYRA Race Replay
Wise Dan wins! Carrying 129 lbs.
http://www.nyra.com/saratoga/videos/race-replay/STD/2013/20130810/10/pan/
Molly
Wow. Just read that Joel Rosario said that Zenyatta was his favorite thoroughbred that he never rode. (Paulick Report) Stay strong, Zenyatta.
Marshall (NC broad)
Dear Trina,
Thank you so much for all the wonderful poems you have given us over the past months since the blog began. Such lovely tributes given with an incredibly warm heart. You are the best of the best! Your poems have brought us closer together and provided so much insight. You have helped create this “Z Community” of ours, and you have made each of us feel special, too. Love and Hugs forever!
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS to Dottie Shirreffs and Mike Smith!!! All the Best
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Thank you, Marshall! Hugz.
Terry Crow
Marshall-You have put in words what most of us are thinking. Trina is irreplaceable.
Marshall (NC broad)
Amen, Terry! Irreplaceable indeed!
By the way, so are you! Love your stories and jokes. Hugs
Ann NC
Thanks, Marshall, my wonderful neighbor. Agree w/ all you stated.
The Spa Goose would give his, Honk, Honk!
Bluegrass Girl
Itsmyluckyday Recovering Well, Plesa Says
By Blood-Horse Staff Updated: Saturday, August 10, 2013 5:02 PM
Preakness (gr. I) runner-up Itsmyluckyday, pulled up in the Pegasus Stakes (gr. III) in June with what was later diagnosed as a fractured Ilium, a bone in the pelvic region, is coming along well, trainer Eddie Plesa Jr. said Aug. 10.
“Itsmyluckyday is doing outstanding,” Plesa said from Monmouth Park. “He’s still under stall rest until the first of October. The very end of September we’ll send him in for a bone scan to see how that Ilium’s healing. Mentally he’s doing great, physically he looks great, so I’m anticipating a big 4-year-old year for him.”
Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/79980/itsmyluckyday-recovering-well-plesa-says#ixzz2bczNXBi1
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Thank you for this update on It’s My Lucky Day. Hope he has a full recovery. Hugs, JB
quarterhossgal
Congratulations to Wise Dan and all his connections…..you are one of the great ones. When you watch him run he is poetry in motion. He makes such huge strides it looks so effortless! I could watch him move all day. He rminds me of another big chestnut we all love!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Thank you to Sue FL, Terry Crow, Celeste in TX, Shirleeinindy, Sandy in NE Ohio, Judy Berube, Max, Maryp NY, Bluegrass Girl, Sheena Davies (Wales), Kathy, Barbara Wood, and Marshall for your kind words about my poems. I am so glad you have enjoyed them. Big Z-hugz to all! Love in Dumplinghood, Trina
carol in arkansas
Trina …your poems are always wonderful and spot on…have enjoyed learning about the wonderful people who visit here thru your efforts….thank you
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Many thanks, Carol! I still owe you a poem next year, OK?
The Kennedys in San Diego
BRAVA, TRINA!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Thank you so much, Carole and Richard!
shirleeinindy
Curlin’s Horse of the Day yesterday was Rachel. Do you think he might be trying for another date?
shirleeinindy
Good luck to Twang and Thank You Marylou at Saratoga today.
Love that name, Twang. I get comments about my Central Kentucky accent so I relate to Twang.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max Brilliant run by Moonlight Cloud to win the Marois.One for the girls!!!! Dawn Approach could only manage 5th came much too soon after the sussex?. Toronado is taking on Wise Dan in the BC mile That should be a great race is a shame Dan and Frankel didn’t meet up.hugs Sheena
Max
Sheena. Wise Dan took out Midnight Cloud among others in last year’s Breeder’s
Cup Mile. If Dan stays in form, I cannot see any other horse winning against him. Time wise Dan ran all of his miles consistently faster than Frankel. It is however difficult to say what would have happened one on one. However, as a guess, I would never bet against Dan. He has what Hovis might call a “manly ” aggression and will to win combined with knowing how to get the job done in difficult circumsyances that you do not see in many horses. Z had the female equivalent about winning.
Terry Crow
Max-You have a way with words. I could not argue with anything you just posted.
Max
TC. If you have not heard, Cirrus des Aigles, the horse rated above Wise Dan by Timeform, just lost his third consecutive race yesterday. Not certain what is wrong because he’s a very talented horse and ran well against Frankel in his last race. Dan may be moving up soon. Why wait for Timeform to work out the details? I see Dan as # 1 in the world now.
Terry Crow
Based on his record and the ease with which he wins and the fact that he is carrying weight, it is difficult to argue, even if I was so inclined. It is always hard to compare horses which never competed against each other and/or were from different eras. Frankel deserves all his kudos, but I dare say that the result of such a meeting would depend on how far each had to travel.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
So very well said. Hugs, JB
Max
JudyB. Z was an expert at doing only what she had to win and no more. This shows how intelligent that she is, a superb athlete. Her last race would have been 20 wins, but for running out of room. She was overtaking Blame and just ran out of yards. I still think that she won that race.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Sounds like beautiful Dawn Approach needs some R & R. Hope they give him a rest. Power Up DA.
The BC mile should be so exciting. Love and Hugs, JB
Abigail_1849
HIGH HOOF TO CARL O’CALLAGHAN, trainer of KINSALE KING.
Stephanie Adamson (a FB friend) mentioned that Carl O’Callaghan has written a children’s book called Wish’s Derby that is loosely based on the story of Kinsale King. But what’s special about it is that ALL OF THE PROCEEDS go to a foundation that supports teens with autism & other illnesses. The book can be ordered here (below) and the first 500 copies sold will be signed by Carl, plus include a hoofprint from Kinsale King and the book’s co-star, Reuben, Carl’s stable goat!
http://www.wishuponateen.org
JSmith
This is a good book (I bought 3) to teach children to be accepting of others, it’s message is just because someone doesn’t learn/do things in a conventional manor does not mean they are weird, they can still be a good friend, and you can be a good friend by being supportive. Also, there are photo’s by lots of our fav photographers in the book. If for no other reason, buy the book because it’s just good to support people who are trying to do good. :)
Abigail_1849
I just ordered a copy & I’m hoping I’m among the 500 first copies sold BECAUSE I WANT KINSALE KING’S MONEIGH & HOOF PRINT!!!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Abigail:
Really like Mr. O! He’s quite a guy. Thank you for sharing this info. Love and Hugs, JB
casey
here are some photos (w/o Steph) from our visit there yesterday… http://caseyp.smugmug.com/Animals/Race-horses/Carl-O-Callaghans-barn/31138150_6ff462#!i=2693837110&k=sbTsbnX
Terry Crow
casey-Great pictures. What is the goat’s story?
Abigail_1849
Terry: You’re a riot! Loved “What’s the goat’s story” Ruben is Carl’s pet and the stable mascot. And — in Carl’s book — he’s a wise old guy who teaches Wish (the horse) how to “power up”!
Terry Crow
Thanks, Abigail.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Great photos – thanks Casey! The goat is adorable. Just shows that we should all be able to get along :-)
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Trina,
I so appreciate you being here and Thank You so much for your wonderful poems.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Thank you very much, Peggy!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Recently got the notification that Dullahan had a bullet work. Atta boy!
Terry Crow
I believe that Dullahan will win the Pacific Classic at Del Mar, The circumstances and speed scenario is almost exactly the same as last year. Del Mar is the most notorious of the “horse for course” tracks and he has already proven that he likes it there.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Yes, that was a GREAT workout report! We need somebody “on the ground” to cheer him on in the Pacific Classic (of course I think he will win it too Terry :-). Anybody????
Anne from Paramount
I THINK this is the right place to post, so here goes: about Mikey’s birthday yesterday, Diana (diastu) and I wished him a happy birthday IN PERSON yesterday at Del Mar. Full disclosure here, Diana did the talking and I mostly smiled, but I wished him a good one also. Diana actually said “Happy birthday from the Dumplings up north,” (and then she mentioned Auntie Judy by name! ) Mike smiled and said thanks, as he was headed to his horse in paddock for 2nd race. (Who did not do well at all. Sigh.) And, happy birthday to Dottie, too!
Recently Rod & I saw a picture of Rightful Image where he now resides, still healing, and he looked GREAT! It had been sent to trainer Mike Machowsky by one of the ladies there and Mike said she is “in love” with Rightful. Did our hearts good to see the pic and hear this.
Wise Dan did great, as has been stated here. And, John’s Poster Girl came in second yesterday at Saratoga.
Hello, Zenyatta! and to your boys, also! :-) Happy Sunday.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Anne:
Thank you for this update on Rightful Image. Was wondering about him the other day. Glad to know he is doing well. Love and Hugs, JB
Terry Crow
Anne-Good to hear from you and the positive report on Rightful Image. It sounds like you and Diana had a good time.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Thanks for the great post, Anne. So nice that you and Diana got to wish Mikie happy birthday in person, and I’m delighted to hear that Rightful Image is doing well and is well loved in his R&R locale. High hoof!
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Great to hear from you Anne and to hear that RI is doing well. Any news on your NEW horse? Does he have a better name yet? Really cool that you and Diana were at Del Mar and could give Mikey “in person” best wishes. Could you go back in a couple of weeks and cheer for my Dullahan????
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Mama Z, COZ, Prince 2 and Baby Z:
Goodnight. Sweet Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy Early night for you? Yes think Dawn Approach could definitely do with some Rand R now He’s had some hard races.Dont understand why Wise Dan’s owner did not send him over to royal ascot last year to tackle FrankelI believe he is an elderly gentlemen so maybe prefers to stick to the US tracks. Perhaps is best though we have 2 wonderful horses one European and one American whom we can love and appreciate thank God they are around in our lifetimes .Goodnight sweet dreams Lots of love and hugs to you Lola Mae Charlie and the Sweeties God bless SheenaX
Max
Sheena. Morton Fink has sent Wise Dan to Woodbine where he tackles horses who race at Ascot. Dan likes his international visit to Canada, and Fink has gone with him. If the choice was between travelling to Ascot and the Woodbine Mile for $1 million, the choice would be pretty clear that Toronto wins. The Mile is also a win and you’re in to the Breeders Cup.
Terry Crow
Let’s see–Dan is a defending champion in the Breeders Cup and Frankel has never beaten anyone outside of the UK. Dan is somewhat elderly at six, but many believe, as I do, that this is the prime year for a racer. I do not deny that Frankel is one of the all-time greats. Rather than say Dan should go to Ascot, maybe Frankel should have gone elsewhere. We will never know.
Max
TC. When you look at the wide, beautiful expanse of those English turf race courses like Ascot compared to the conditions under which US turf horses race with more confined space and turns, you can see why his handlers would not want to ship Frankel to Santa Anita and risk defeat. Not certain that they could have managed to get Bullet Train in there as a pacemake. Frankel’s races after a while got to be somewhat predictable. With Dan, it’s non stop excitement with real lightning bolts thrown in. Those other horses who race against him are not bad either. No one can say that Animal Kingdom is not a very good horse. Dan also soundly defeated Frankel’s consistent rival, Excelebration, and he took down Frankel’s stablemate, Cityscape, at Woodbine. You go Dan.
Terry Crow
Max–Yiu go, indeed.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
RIP, Charmed Hour. Devastated.
@Anne from Paramount–thanks for the first-hand account.
Maryp NY
So sad for Charmed Hour – just a baby – hurts my heart.
Marshall (NC broad)
Dear Barbara,
I am glad that I did not see this race. This is just so sad.
RIP Charmed Hour
Barbara Wood (Texas)
I don’t believe we could have seen it on the screen. We just learned of it after the race. She was a daughter of Harlan’s Holiday.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Her sad breakdown was not shown on TV. I remember seeing that she was last early on, and it never even dawned on me that only 5 horses crossed the finish line. It wasn’t until they showed an interview with the track vet that you even knew anything had happened. Lots of other problems in that race – horses bumping other horses, “winner” getting DQ’d etc. Does this happen a lot with baby horses like this?