Dear fans,
Ziconic is set to run on Saturday at Santa Anita. He’s entered in Race 8, going 1 1/16 on the dirt. He is post 10 of 11 in the field, with Victor Espinoza riding. Post time is approximately 5:30 p.m. PT.
Ziconic has been schooling with his pal Mario, and Dottie sent us these photos. Go Ziconic!
We’d also like to congratulate the winner of our Walk of Champions Gala giveaway, Catherine Simmons of Boonville, IN. See you at the gala, Catherine!
Team Z
Leslie R.
Congrats to Ziconic on his third place finish! He was flying down the stretch making up a lot of ground. He’ll get first next time!
Hugs to all,
Leslie
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee and Z Fans:
Just found this article on Bernie’s boy, Shagaf. He will be out for the rest of 2016; poor baby had surgery to remove bone chips. Explains his performance in the Derby. Wishing him a complete recovery; beautiful boy. Love and Hugs, JB
http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/15532987/shagaf-miss-rest-2016
Sally Blank (cherishes Z and her foals)
Dear Judy B; So thankful for a good future in racing for Shagaf. He is a beautiful boy.
love n hugs, Sally B
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sally:
Yes, me too. How’s that foot? Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Judy B.,
Thanks for this news. Glad Shagaf is on the mends and hope all goes well for his recovery.
Hugs and Love
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Marshall:
Yes, me too. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Judy,
Thanks for the news on Shagaf. So glad he will mend. Some time back at the farm should do him a world of good. Blessings to Joel for pulling him up in the Derby when he realized all was not well.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee:
Yes, wishing a complete recovery for Shagaf. GS is another great rider who puts the welfare of the horse first. Love him. Love and Hugs, JB
Ingrid Arnone
Wow Ziconic !!!
I think he was great,
the next one is gonna be much better….
Victor is a good jockey for him.
I pray so much…. Thank you God.
Big hugs….
Crystal Harrison
Great race Ziconic! You were really moving at the end and came from last to third close to second. When Victor got you moving you were going faster than any other horse out there! As the announcer said, when you all of a sudden was right there approaching the first tier of runners, “Ziconic has something to offer this afternoon”. I also like how he mentioned that you went into the gate with a minimum of fuss.
I am really proud of you as I am sure your mother is as well. :) ♥
pamhomeier
And he came out with a minimum of fuss! Way to go Ziconic! He also beat the favorite! Pam
Ann Maree / Tennessee
Very good effort today for Zi! Coming strong to get 3rd at the end. He got something out of the race, and he likely enjoyed it, which is very important. He looked like he knows what his job is. Next time the charm.
Janet Luzell
CONGRATULATIONS ZICONIC. You ran a great race. So very proud of you. Seems like the longer the race the better you like it. Just like momma. You’ll get email next time. Nice Race babe!
Faithful Zenyatta Supporter
Well, came in third like with Gary. Hmm, wish they could keep him from drifting so far back of the pack each time since he has that great move. Same ending. Three different jockeys. Now what? Coz no races for a very long time and no wins at age 4. Both have the expensive pedigree and mating so what gives?
Crystal Harrison
Can’t you just be happy that Ziconic is improving with each race? The second race had the bird fly right in front of him when the gate opened so toss that one out. In his other two races he really had a strong finish. He is super fast! They just have to figure out where to get him going to win!
Celeste_in_TX
Well done, young colt! Well done!! Ziconic really did so well today for coming in third. I loved how he passed the winner on the gallop out, so he probably learned a great deal from this effort. Woohoo!!! Love that beautiful red boy!!
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Here’s the replay of ZI’s race in case you missed it. You need to click on Video. Love and Hugs, JB
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/race-results?startDate=5%2F14%2F2016&endDate=5%2F14%2F2016&trackLookupId=1663&type=MaidenSpecial&statesBred=&searchStateBredPlacers=false
Max
Thanks for this. Although he’s built like a miler, Ziconic might just be a long haul horse. He’s still a baby, and there is always next time. It’s great that he is racing this often. Practice always eventually makes perfect.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Yes, that’s so true. Wish COZ gets to go again soon. I hope he’s OK and that there are no issues. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Think I saw Coz on the track today on FB.Love and hugs Sheena
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Thanks Sheena. Maybe we’ll be seeing him in a race soon. Love and Hugs, JB
Sophia Gates
I was thinking the same – he’s a long haul horse! He’s got a lot of power in reserve.
shirleeinindy
Max,
I am thinking the same thing. Built like a miler but runs like mom and needs more distance and some more experience. When he started to move he was coming on like gang busters! Did not appear to be very winded at the end. He has the speed and the stamina to do well once he figures it all out.
Judy,
Thanks for posting the video. Have to confess I did not check in last night.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee:
You’re so welcome. ZI looked great, didn’t he! Love and Hugs, JB
Sally Blank (cherishes Z and her foals)
Judy B Thanks Judy B. I could see the screen so much better. Do they know for sure that Zi is a come from behind horse at the distance he was kept back? It sure seemed like he was way too far back. Then Zi ran out wide and gave such a wonderful effort!! I am so proud of him. Zi will be back!!!!
love n hugs Sally B
p.s. my foot is getting better and better each day depending on what I do. Thanks for asking sweet friend.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sally:
I think he had a nice, clean break out of the gate, but like Z; he doesn’t break quickly. Maybe he’ll work on that and then be able to break mid pack and have that wonderful late run. He’ll get it.
Hope you’re elevating that foot when you can. I know it’s not easy when you have things to do. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Judy B.,
Thank you so much for posting Ziconic’s race! I am impressed by his run — he had to come around the last turn way wide, but he was surely moving fast. He was only about a head off the second place horse, One More Round. What a super effort by “the redhead”!
I know Mama is proud of you, Ziconic. Congratulations to you, Team Z and all connections, especially the Mosses, the Shireffs, and Victor Espinoza. Good race!
Hugs and Love
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Marshall:
Yes, he can really turn on the jets. Love and Hugs, JB
Kris (Lombard, IL)
Thanks for posting! I wasn’t able to watch earlier.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Kris:
You’re so welcome. Love and Hugs, JB
Linda in NJ
Congrats to you Ziconic!!! We all thought you were wonderful!!!!! Keep up the good work!!!!
Sending all my love to you!!
Linda
Kathy
Great job, Ziconic! We’re all so proud of you! Congratulations to the Team as well.
Kathleen
He was so far back and closed so well. I know he will get this figured out. Wonderful effort. And he is just so beautiful.
Sally Blank (cherishes Z and her foals)
Zenyatta, I am so pleased with myself because I was able to watch the race of your son Ziconic on CalRacing.com.!! I finally signed up. and figured out the Wi. time. I am very proud of him coming from behind quite a few lengths then placing third!!
Competing is not easy, although Z you made it look that way, and I believe Zi will only hit another gear. I’d like to hear what Victor has to say. Congrats to Ann & Jerry!
Love you with kisses and all your babies
and special dear Sir
Auntie Sally B
sue/Va
Ziconic…you were fabulous! Great race and I think you liked the entire trip!
Thank God you came home safe and sound. Love you, handsome boy!
sue and tony
We are so proud of you, Ziconic! You have an awesome closing kick and found the right gear heading into the final turn. Third is great effort!
connie
Ziconic, you really did good and looked beautiful too. You can tell you have been working hard with Mr. Shirreffs. I love watching you run. Take care and rest well.
Paula Higgins
He finished third and the notes said “he finished up well.” So he is coming along! Congrats on his third place. He was in the money.
Robin LOVES Zenyatta
Ziconic is absolutely gorgeous and so much fun to watch. As folks have said, it is so important that he enjoys his job and that they take it slow. We are so grateful to the Team who takes such good care of him. Thanks so much for keeping us up to date.
Deb E.
Good job My Chestnut Baby! I am so proud of you!
Sophia Gates
Ziconic is just so well balanced and obviously beautiful and talented but look at Coz!
https://twitter.com/ClockersCorner/status/731547563682205697
I think he’s going to show us something too. He’s become amazing.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sophia:
Thank you. Oh my gosh, he is breathtaking. Looks so like his Mama. Looking forward to seeing COZ race again. Love our Princes; just gorgeous boys. Love and Hugs, JB
Marilyn Braudrick
Hi Dear Zenny friends,
Oh MY!!!
I just returned from watching Ziconic do am absolute repeat of Zennys racing behaviors. AND in spite of a slightly too late start of a classic Zenyattaish long late single run, , in an 11 horse race, he almost(by (by so little ) almost got second. but here’s the really important part… he pranced and danced into the walking enclosure. He didn’t looked scared but looked at all of us as if he knew we loved him and continued to prance and dance and dance EXACTLY LIKE HIS MOM had so often done! It was an eleven horse race and he was gaining so fast at the end that if the race had been a little bit longer than 1 and 1/16th he would have won it. I watched her for her whole career and he ran the same and so fast at the end he would have won it if it had been that breeder’s cup classic, a longer distance.that i saw her win when she beat the boys. There were so many Ziconic fanes there cheering for him it was thrilling. My daughter and I not the quietest of them.
Friends , it was thrilling to see him run like her and prance and dance like her and Mario and John have him so happy and excited to race that I know he is a star just beginning to mature. Remember, Zenny did not really start her career until the end of her 3rd year. From what Melody and I saw today, we are looking at a star of the future. His happiness after the race tells me the not too distant future. He now discovered today that he LOVES it!! What a thrill!!! The whole track was screaming for him and he LOVED it. He knew it was for him.
Oh, We can’ t wait for his next race. Other people said the same words to us as we left. Again, oh what a thrill to see her (him) like this today. I am honored to have known her, touched her and have been able to share all of her that we all have shared on this blog.
I am not a professional racing sports critic I can only share with you what I and my daughter saw today- Zenyatta as a vision before us again but as a young colt with a brilliant red coat and a big white blaze, prancing and dancing on his way to a surely great racing joyous experience for himself, his Mother’s legacy, his wonderful owners, his trainer and Mrs. Shirreffs, and , Mario, his groom, Carmen, his hot walker, Andy and all of team Z at Lane’s end who cared for his Dam , the great Zenyatta, and for him a s a baby and as young colt.
Wow!!What a miracle. I can’t wait for what comes next..And I am so grateful for all of you, Zenny’s friends, to share this with.
Sincerely, Marilyn Braudrick ( and daughter, Melody)
P.S. When he got back and was unsaddled, he was absolutely covered with mud from his classic Zenyatta late big run and PRANCING!!!
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Marilyn:
Thank you for sharing your experience of seeing ZI up close and personal. So glad for you and your daughter that you were able to be there and it helped me to feel what it was like. He’s just magnificent. Love and Hugs, JB
Mary M
Thank you for Ziconic’s barn report. I watched online and yes he appeared so much more relaxed with Victor, and loving flying by the competition the last quarter. He just did not seem to understand that the goal was not to catch the leader, but rather to keep his momentum going and pass the leader. He certainly has time on his side. Built like his dad with a style like his mom. Team Ziconic!
shirleeinindy
Many thanks for sharing your experience watching the Red Prince. So many of us were wondering how he behaved before and after the race and you answered those questions for us. Were Jerry and Ann there? What a thrill for you and your daughter.
Sophia Gates
How beautiful. Thank you!
Donna Alsabrook
Ziconic, beautiful boy, you did a fantastic job. It’s apparent you are not a closer like your mama. Maybe next time you will be a more forwardly placed and have a chance to win. I think once you know what it is to win you will not lose. You are awesome!!!
Paula Higgins
Just saw the race on video. This horse has some real closing speed like his mom. He doesn’t have her lengthy stride, but the afterburners were on big time and he made up a ton of ground fast. I am impressed by what I saw. He gets off slowly like mom too. He is a horse with real potential and I think he will like the longer races as he matures.
Donna Z
Congratulations Team Z on Ziconic’s third in his race today.
Good race, Ziconic! You were flying at the end…maybe you need to run in the Belmont where you will have enough ground to pass all the other horses. It looked like you did better coming out of the gate today, too.
I am thinking that John will be moving his stable to NY for the summer soon. First to Belmont & then to Saratoga in late July. I would love to see both you & Coz race in person at Saratoga in August.
Also in August, your fantastic mom will be inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame. I already have the day scheduled off from work so I can be present for that.
Thank you, Sophia for posting the link to Coz’s picture. He looks great! It looks like he’s both grown taller & filled out a lot. I wonder how tall he is now. Maybe he hasn’t been racing because his body has been developing & he needed more time for it to be ready for racing conditions. John will know when Coz is ready just like he did with Mama Z, waiting until the fall of her four year old year.
Take care, Zenyatta! I am eagerly awaiting the announcement that you are confirmed to be in foal. Enjoy the warm spring days in the sunshine with your friend, Vixana.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Donna Z:
What you say is so true; COZ could still be growing physically and mentally.
Actually, Zenyatta’s first race was on 11/22/2007, in the Fall of her third year when she broke her Maiden at first asking. Her actual birthday, as you know, is 4/1/2004; so she was three years and six months old when she won her first race.
Seems COZ is taking a bit longer mentally to figure things out and, yes, could be the physical aspect of it as well. I do have a strong feeling that once he puts it all together, he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with. COZ is four years and two months old now and he could have a very successful campaign this year. I know we all would love to see that happen for him, Mr. & Mrs. M and JS. But, no matter what happens, these Princes will always be so well loved by so many. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Donna Z:
I have to correct myself, Z was three years and “seven” months old when she made her first start on 11/22/07. Sorry about that. Love and Hugs, JB
Rosie
Ziconic had a beautiful race today and it certainly looks like he understands now what his
job is and he likes it. He went without hesitation into the gate and came out a little late but
Victor guided him along just right and he flew down the stretch to almost come in second!
Both Victor and Ziconic came back with really dirty faces after the race.
Congratulations Zi making third place and I believe a first place is in the making!
Claire
Wow, when Ziconic started passing the other horses, he really hit the afterburners! With all the ground he had to cover, it’s impressive that he caught third (and almost second at that!) I’m so thrilled to see him run and looking forward to his next race! Good job Ziconic the chestnut Z-icon!
The Kennedys in San Diego
An exciting race with a commendable finish. Bravo, Ziconic.
Yvonne Splichal
Great race, Ziconic! You were right there at the end and closing fast! It was wonderful watching your race. I’m so thankful for a safe race! Thank you for the joy of watching you come from behind!
debbie sutherland
Congratulations Ziconic on a great race and a strong finish,any longer and you would have taken it. Well done, have a good rest and know we are so happy for you and your team.
Thanks Marilyn for your wonderful description of the race,what a thrill to see Zi in person! It made me smile to hear that he was dancing and prancing like his Momma.
Roberta Gonzalez
Ziconic was as far back as Zenyatta was in her last race. He had a sustained run, where he was going faster then any other horse in the race, including the winner; he just ran out of race track. A nose, and he would have gotten second. If it was longer, he could have won. In my book that is improvement. He has the same racing style as his mom, and has started racing sooner. Anyone who saw him picking off horses the way he did, can’t say that this race horse doesn’t have talent, and he enjoyed it. Good job Ziconic!!