Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ziconic

Ziconic to Run Sunday

Ziconic finishing third at Santa Anita on May 14. Photo by Cynthia Holt.
Ziconic finished third at Santa Anita on May 14. Photo by Cynthia Holt.

Dear fans,

Ziconic is scheduled to make his fourth start this Sunday, June 5. He is entered in Race 2 at Santa Anita Park, a 1 1/16 mile maiden special weight. Victor Espinoza will be riding.

Post time is approximately 2:30 PM Pacific. Watch online at calracing.com (free account required).

#GoZiconic

Reader Interactions

510 Comments

  3. / Reply

    Both Ziconic and Coz go back to AP Indy. Maybe that cross just isn’t the right one for her.

    Look what happened with Balance’s colt out of AP Indy. Never ran a lick and is at stud in TX somewhere. Mr. Besilu.

    • / Reply

      Dear Bobbie:

      Mr. Besilu sold for 4.2M as a yearling. That old adage comes to mind: Breed to the best and hope for the best. You just never know. Love and Hugs, JB

  4. / Reply

    Love you, Ziconic! You’re wonderful! And best of all, you’re trying! You’ll get there!

    Hugs and kisses to you!

    Stel

  5. / Reply

    todays devo:

    7 Good Things…to Affirm about Guidance
    via Roy Lessin

    We are all in need of God’s guidance in our lives—when to move forward, when to slow down, when to wait, when to say “yes” and when to say “no.” The most important thing in knowing God’s guidance is not about knowing a formula, but knowing God; not about hearing opinions, but hearing God’s voice; not about striving, but resting in God’s wise and wonderful will.

    Here are 7 affirmations of faith relating to God’s guidance:

    I don’t know the next step on the path, but I know the Guide (Psalm 32:8).

    I don’t know the next chapter in the book of my life of faith, but I know the Author and Finisher. (Hebrews 12:2).

    I don’t know the best decision to make, but I know the Counselor (Isaiah 9:6).

    I don’t know how the need will be met, but I know the Provider (Philippians 4:19).

    I don’t know how I will get through, but I know the Way through (Isaiah 43:16)

    I don’t know all the answers, but I know the Truth (John 16:13).

    I don’t know how this will turn out, but I know the One who cannot fail and never makes a mistake. (Ephesians 1:11).

    I know the One in whom I trust. 2 Timothy 1:12 (NLT)

  7. / Reply

    Dear Ziconic, I know you will blossom as you get a little bit older. You will find the place you are supposed to be. Coz, the same goes for you. handsome boy.

  8. / Reply

    Another 2 winners for young Joe with Zig-Zag and Oathkeeper to make it a 4-timer on his first day.
    Some very sad news Faugheen’s breeder Dr John Waldron was killed yesterday in a car crash returning home from a point-to-point meeting where he was on duty.He sold Faugheen for only €4000 and relished watching him.Much sympathy to his beloved family.RIP Sheena

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Congrats to JO’B. Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB,LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,
      This is such sad news. Sympathy to the family. RIP Dr. Waldron

      Hugs and Love

  9. / Reply

    Joseph O’Brien lands memorable four-timer
    By Jack Haynes Racing Post.com 6 JUN 2016
    JOSEPH O’BRIEN’S transition to the training ranks got off to a flying start on Monday when he landed a four-timer from his first seven runners.
    The 23-year-old enjoyed the perfect start when the first runner to race under his name, Justice Frederick, landed the opener at Gowran Park.
    And the former dual champion Flat jockey in Ireland did not have to wait long to celebrate a first winner over jumps, as 45 minutes later Mai Fitz Jack made all in the 2m maiden hurdle at Listowel.
    Zig Zag later made it an across-the-card treble with victory in the 1m1½f handicap at Gowran and a fairytale day was completed when Oathkeeper, partnered by Joseph’s sister Sarah, breezed to an emphatic victory in the 2m4f bumper at Listowel
    http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/joseph-patrick-obrien-fairytale-start-for-obrien-after-fabulous-four-timer/2095995/top/#newsArchiveTabs=last7DaysNews

  10. / Reply

    I sometimes wonder if a thoroughbreds training should start when they are a couple of months old. You take the mare and it’s foal to an empty racetrack. You put a rider on the mare, if she’s broke, sound, and has good habits, and go at a slow walk, trot, and gallop so that the foal can keep up easily. The foal will follow it’ mother. Gradually you add other older gentle horses and riders and keep at at distance behind the mare and foal. Always let the mare and foal pass, but never let the other horses and riders pass. It would imprint the foal to stay in front. I know this theory is probably too time consuming if you have a lot of horses to train but I think that it might be worth it if you feel you have a diamond in the rough foal and you have the time, $, and resources. Just my wondering and thoughts. I really love following Cozmic One and Ziconic. They are just late bloomers that will come around.

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee:

      Wish they could find an effective treatment and cure for this horrible disease. He was a 17 year old son of Gone West. RIP beautiful Proud Citizen. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        RIP Proud Citizen
        So sorry this awful disease has taken you away. Much too young to leave this world. Condolences to all connections.

        Hugs and Love

  12. / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI and DC:

    Goodnight. Stay comfy and cozy in your stalls. Love You. Happy Dreams. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.

  13. / Reply

    Dear Judy.The O’ Brien’s are such a talented family.Sarah was riding the Oathmaker.It’s good to see Joe putting on some weight.Very sad to lose Ortensia she had a tumour on the lung.I remember she came over the same year as Black Caviar.She has 2 foals to carry on her legacy.We have had some heavy thundery showers tonight.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Congrats to Joe. RIP beautiful Ortensia; Godspeed to her foals. Hope the weather there improves. Love and Hugs, JB

  14. / Reply

    Very interesting & well worth the read! BGG
    The Truth About Bloodlines in Horse Racing
    A fascinating report courtesy of True.Ink’s campaign to crowdsource a race horse.
    Geoffrey Gray Maxim June 6 2016
    Excerpt from article
    “Outside of traditional folks who use wisdom culled from growing up on horse farms and watching thousands of races, we met Jeffrey Seder, who picks racehorse with a far different methodology.”
    http://www.maxim.com/entertainment/bloodlines-horse-racing-2016-6

    • / Reply

      Thanks for this very interesting article, BGG. It is informative and presents another approach for sizing up a horse’s potential and the possibilities for success in racing. Yes, it is quite fascinating.

      Hugs and Love

  15. / Reply

    American Pharoah raking in millions in stud fees
    Darren Rovell ESPN Senior Writer June 6 2016
    A year after winning the Triple Crown, American Pharoah has made the most of his life as a stallion.
    The horse has been bred with more than 200 mares in 115 days, according to Ahmed Zayat, who owned the horse for its entire racing career and still owns an undisclosed share of his stallion rights.
    http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/15993447/american-pharoah-raking-millions-stud-fees

  16. / Reply

    I was reading some of the post, and I have to agree with Ziconic not being build like Zenyatta or Coz. I’m going to say something I know is going to be unpopular, but it’s a thought, and things aren’t working know. They say Ziconic is slow out of the gate, but I have watched his last two races closely, and he breaks right there with the rest. After the break, he slowly drops back, and has to make-up all that distance he gave away. Zenyatta is only part of his pedigree. Why is everyone forgetting about his father, only the leading sire in North America? His sons and daughters do very well, and they are front runners or at least up close to the pace. When I see a horse break with the rest, and then drops back, that tells me that he has been taught to run that way. I know John has been a good trainer for Zenyatta, and probably she wouldn’t have gotten as far as she did without John, but Ziconic, who is built like his father, can never do what Zenyatta did, with her big long strides can do. Ziconic has been done a disservice, trying to force him to race against his body type, and half of his pedigree. Now Ziconic is in real danger of losing all that confidence he use to display from the very beginning. If John insist on trying to make him over in Zenyatta’s likeness, I think it’s time to find a trainer who will train Ziconic as his own person (so to speak). I saw, when he was working with other horses, you could see it in his eyes, he wanted to pass the other horses. Now he acts like he is lost out there, because he’s not even up with them, That’s why, when he is in touch with the field, he has the will to win, with the fast closing. If they continue training him this way, he will never win, and he is losing that wonderful fighting spirit. Please stop trying to make him into Zenyatta, and train him for him, and his body type, and the other half of his pedigree, before he is ruined. He has shown talent, listen to him!!!!

    • / Reply

      Actually, based on comments on the forum side and on the previous page, a fair number of people agree with you, in whole or in part.

      • / Reply

        I agree. It makes me so sad that he is probably wondering what the heck he is even doing out there. He does break well but he has no clue how to battle for position or even if he has the heart to win. I commented after his 3rd race that it was apparent he is not a closer like his mama. He is a race horse, let him race with horses not lollygag in the back of the field. Oh well.

    • / Reply

      I agree. I would like to see a shift with the training strategy and at least try something new. I do not want to see Ziconic boxed into a running style that was great for Zenyatta but may not be the best for him.

    • / Reply

      Some horses just take longer to learn to win. John Shirreffs had another Moss horse who took 5 races to break his maiden, but, when he did, it was something very special. Giacomo won the Kentucky Derby as his first win. Patience can be golden.

      • / Reply

        Dear Max:

        Agree, Cherry Wine is a recent example (broke his Maiden on 5th try). He finished second in the Preakness and is a potential contender for the Belmont on Saturday. Love and Hugs, JB

        • PS: I believe JS trains by what he sees in the individual horse. Don’t see justification in criticism. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Judy B.,

          I like Cherry Wine! He is a lovely grey, and from what I read, has a very good personality — somewhat like his sire, Paddy O’Prado, but not quite as verbal. Dale Romans has known him since he was born and said he is like one of his children.
          If you would like to read the article, click the link on American Pharoah that BGG posted above, and scroll waaay down until you find the Dale Romans/Cherry Wine article. I enjoyed reading this as it gave a bit of background on CW and the connection there.

          Have a goodnight!
          Hugs and Love

        • Dear Marshall:

          Thanks, I will read the article. He’s a beautiful Gray. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Judy B.,

          Thanks for posting the link on Cherry Wine & Dale Romans. I thought it was very interesting, too. I didn’t know how to post just this link since it was one in a long series of articles so I am happy that you did. Very strange thing that happened to C.S.Royce — so glad they retired her from racing so as not to take a chance on her life.

          Hugs and Love

      • / Reply

        Giacomo started running as a 2-year-old. He broke his maiden the second time out, in a MSW at Santa Anita. He was in graded stakes company by his fourth race, where he was second in the G1 Hollywood Futurity. So he’s not a good comparison to either of Z’s boys.

        Cherry Wine did indeed take five tries to break his maiden, but he improved every time out.

        • Took my info from horseracingnation.com. Perhaps I was wrong. These gotcha moments are tiresome. I’m gone.

        • My apologies. It wasn’t intended as a “gotcha.”

          However, there’s no need for you to leave. I’ll be happy to confine myself to the blog side from now on.

        • Max and lauraj,

          There is plenty of room for both of you here on the blog. Please don’t go away!
          We learn a lot from your posts and enjoy them.

          Hugs and Love

  17. / Reply

    i think that roberta makes an interesting coment. one needs to look at the whole picture. i think you may be asking to much off this style. he is a beautiful horse and appears to have talent…use it carefully and wisely

  18. / Reply

    I am so very late in writing after his race….. Upset with myself that I missed it live on Cal Racing and had to watch the replay. Such a gorgeous boy. Wishing you and your bro- Cozmic One the best and hoping we might see you both at Del Mar this summer. Hope all is well with you and your beautiful Mom Zenyatta. Those are very big shoes to fill but you have a loyal fan base following you both forever. Thank you to Lane’s End for sharing all the news about Zenyatta and her family.

  19. / Reply

    I was wondering whether Zenyatta is in foal, after her last mating? It would be nice if she had another filly foal, another future brood mare for your stud. Laminitis is a terrible affliction for a horse, not only do stallions get it but young horses do too. Barbaro was killed by laminitis, not the injury to his hind leg, from which he recovered,so many horses are killed while racing, the great filly Ruffian amongst them, while horses like Red Rum and Desert Orchid lived in contentment until their deaths at great ages. Stallions like Frankel, Australia,Golden Horn, are part of the younger generation whose colts and fillies will grace the track in the future . Hope Zirconic does well in his next race, and that Cos will be racing soon. Love to all at Lanes End Farm, Julie.

  20. / Reply

    spare beautyfull tall warm good kind Proud Citizen and Ortensia :-( :-( , Pharoah 200 lovely mares in 115 days too much, you will be tired, have some rest on green grass in middle time between mares,, in time of quiet rest joyfull video for Zi Coz Tug and chestnut horse that want on air in Victor video of Coz and Zi in stable google ” youtube jiving with Lisa McHugh ” , this is two weeks after lil 16z :-( ,lil sad, good coordination of moves, not convenient shoes sport shoes better, :-) Coz and Zi you are good racehorses, beautyfull Zenny do all quietly and not quickly, say to Vixana too :-)

  21. / Reply

    June 7 Cherokee Devotional

    Too often we allow our emotions and feelings to dictate our lives, but emotions are not always dependable. We too easily connect the present moment with all the other times we have been hurt and the result becomes overpowering. Sometimes we discover too late that what we thought and believed in a tense moment was not true. So how do we deal with emotions? We can center ourselves in a faith that does not waver in the face of emotion. Our faith will support and guide us when we are incapable of seeing with a clear and unprejudiced eye.

    We do not wish to destroy your religion, or take it from you. We only want to enjoy our own.
    -Chief Red Jacket, Seneca

  22. / Reply

    I too am one who is wondering if Ziconic is being trained to run like Zenyatta on purpose. Hm!. That sounds very much like Nicanor, Lentenor, Margano and Pennmarydel, the siblings of Barbaro. If they had been allowed to run the way they wanted instead of fighting their jockey of the moment every step of the way, they all would have done much better. Nicanor and Lentenor at least got to the breeding shed and their offspring may or may not be racing later this year or next. Margano unfortunately was gelded and is now retired. Pennmarydel may or may not be retrained for another career, Let’s hope better things are in store for Coz and Ziconic.

    • / Reply

      I wouldn’t consider it unfortunate that Margano was gelded. He’s probably living a much happier life than he would be if he were intact. He’s able to be turned out with a companion on a lovely farm. With two brothers at stud, he didn’t need to go there too. Pennmarydel has a really nice new home.

      • / Reply

        Dear Laura J:

        Thanks for this info on Margano and Penn. Wishing all Barbaro’s brothers happy, healthy lives. Love and Hugs, JB

  23. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    You must be shopping today. The FB furbabies I’ve visited are well. They are having a cute contest on Marty’s page, campaign posters for Fibbs. Creative entries! I think the winner will be announced on Thursday. Have a good Tuesday. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Angel Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO

  24. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.No,I am not shopping today but late again as usual!I am ruled by my emotions.We had thunder last night but it’s cleared up now.It looks as if the Dyfi escaped.Great video of “bad bob” in a food coma.Hurricane Fly’s page has gone public so you may be able to access it.Says his name then (retired)I heard the last known search and rescue dog from 9/11 has died aged 16.Did they take her to New York for her birthday once?Mr Fibbs is busy today looking for botes (last super Tuesday)He will definitely make it to the White House and then you can eat doughnuts all day and cancel Mondays!!!Samwise has gone on an early morning walk in the woods.He is settling down well with Tom.Loki is 4yrs old today and still doing pretty well.Have a great day.Love and hugs to you,kisses for Angel Holly,Nikko and Sugar SheenaXOXO

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      Yes, they did celebrate Bretagne’s 16th birthday in NYC last September. She was a beautiful golden retriever. Sad to lose her, but she lived a long life for this size dog and especially so in view of any external irritants which may have been in the rubble where the searches occur. Sounds as though she had a good life, and they gave her a fitting farewell.
      Rest in Peace, brave Bretagne. We are grateful for your devoted service.

      Hugs and Love

      • / Reply

        Dear Marshall.Thanks for that news.I always felt I had seen.a video of her celebrating.I cried watching the firefighters honouring her by the clinic.Denise had slept by her side throughout the previous night.She had a wonderful life and loved her work.Sleep tight Bretagne you deserve your rest Love and hugs SheenaX

  25. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    Glad the Dyfi escaped the storm! “Bad bob” in a food coma…lol! Yes, I was able to access Hurricane Fly’s page. Sad to hear of the death of that last search and rescue dog. It’s sad that we lose furbabies so early. If only we could have them with us longer! I’m not sure if they took her to New York for her birthday. Go Fibbs! All those doughnuts plus no Mondays is a fabulous platform! Samwise will have a wonderful life with Tom. Happy 4th birthday, Loki! Until tomorrow. Love and hugs and puppy kisses. Kathy XOXO

  26. / Reply

    Re: Ziconic, his build, running style etc. – just to echo some comments above, he really looks like Tapit and he does seem to have that kind of explosive power but he does NOT have Zenyatta’s long, long, ground eating stride that enabled her to come from so far back time and time again.

    So, here we are on the rail second-guessing, but it is puzzling. Zenyatta is very unusual and had the sheer size along with a relentlessly competitive nature, so she could get away with her style, though in the end it finally cost her.

    Anyway, IF Zi is being trained in that style it may not suit him purely based on his size and build.

    I totally apologize if I’m off base here?

  27. / Reply

    todays devo:

    What a Savior!
    by Roy Lessin

    What a Savior!

    When Jesus Christ is your Savior you have not only received His salvation, but so much more:

    You are—

    Clean in His purity,

    Secure in His consistency,

    Bold in His authority,

    Alive in His reality,

    Blessed in His generosity,

    Amazed in His majesty,

    Free in His liberty,

    Content in His sufficiency,

    Edified in His excellency,

    Confident in His immanency,

    Established in His permanency,

    Courageous in His potency,

    Overjoyed in His transcendency.

    He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. Colossians 1:17-20 (NKJV)

    hugz/prayerz, have a blessed day every1, vamp

    • / Reply

      Yes, safe travels both in the air and on the ground to this marvelous horse! It’s going to be hard to watch her without worrying about her past breathing issues and the fact that she will not be on lasix and can’t wear her breathing strips. Hope she can overcome these things to do well. ♥♥

  29. / Reply

    Re our Red Prince . . . have others noticed that he was shaking his head the entire trip out to the starting gate like something was really bothering him, and his tongue seemed to be sticking out more than you usually see? It’s been noted elsewhere that maybe someone tied his tongue tie too tight. I’m not sure what that is or what it does, but he certainly didn’t look happy. Not making excuses – just asking. However, it is hard for me to believe that John is trying to train him to run like anyone other than himself. Any of us (even me) can see that his stride is not like Zenyatta’s so I’m quite sure that hasn’t escaped his trainer. Would love to hear Victor’s and John’s thoughts about the race.

    • / Reply

      Sandy, they tie tongues so there is no chance of it getting over the bit. It is done with Medical Gauze so it is soft. But yes, it has to be properly done or they will continually fuss and be distracted by it.

  30. / Reply

    R Sunday Surprise, two year-old full sister to California Chrome, will make her racing debut next Thursday at Santa Anita.

    • / Reply

      Dear Especially Horses:

      Thanks for this info on SS. Godspeed beautiful girl; safe and sound. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Any idea which race? Approximate time? She is a beauty, looks a lot like her brother! It would be fun if she ran like him, too!!! Good luck pretty girl!

      • / Reply

        It’s probably Race 2, a Maiden Special Weight for California-bred/sired fillies 2 years old. It’s a five-furlong race, $56K purse. Post time for the first race will probably be 1:30 pm PDT, so the second race would be 2-ish. That’s assuming that the races stay as they are in the condition book.

        She is not yet officially entered, as it’s too early. Look for an official entry early next week.

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