Happy Friday!
Today is a very special day, as Coz will make his debut at Santa Anita this afternoon!
Cheer him on with us as he runs in Race 2 at Santa Anita Park. Post time is 1:27 pm PT. #GoCoz!
This week, John and Coz have been working on FOCUS in preparation for the big day. Scroll down for photos of his morning lessons.
Enjoy!
-Team Z
Especially Horses / So Cal
If he weren’t Zeny’s son there is a good chance that due to his high strung nature he would have been gelded before his first race – like Shared Belief. I am not advocating that Coz be gelded, not yet anyway. There are too many options to employ first in hopes of improving his performance. Someone had mentioned “gelding this late wouldn’t be a quick fix”. Actually just a side note, stats show a high percentage of wins for horses making their first start after being gelded. In fact, knowing a horse has been gelded since his last start is an important bit of information for the handicapper.
While I agree with most of my fellow armchair trainers on the breakdown analysis of the race (actually even starting before the race (from the walking ring to the gate loading to the break), my one take away is that I saw no speed. I’m glad that John mentioned in the Bloodhorse article that training for speed is next in the training process. I’ve read all the comments about what needs to happen next and my two cents is “without speed, I don’t think blinkers, cotton in the ears, being on the right lead, a change of jockeys, or being gelded” is going to move him up enough in allowance or stakes company to make much difference.”
Circling back to the gelding aspect, I’d rather see Coz gelded, and given a chance at a second occupation and living a happy life surrounded in a field with other horses then ending up a confined stallion standing at an obscure farm for a fee of $1,500 with his only selling point being “son of the great Zenyatta”.
Max
Northern Dancer was a handful too and routinely bit his people and caused a lot of trouble. It was his trainer, Horatio Luro aka El Grand Señor, who recommended gelding to his owner. His owner refused and told Luro to get with the training instead. Good thing that EP Taylor did not listen to a real expert. Give Coz a chance. It’s only one race.
maureen ph[llips
Dear Max;
I totally agree with you, no gelding for our First Prince, he will be just fine, its only one race and we are already writing him off. Let’s keep the faith people.
I remember when he was little there was no word in english language to describe ugly that he was not called but look at him now. His now Mr Photogenic!. In the spirit of that, let us not geld him as he might well be a late bloomer like his mom.
It is always well at Z Nation. We Love you Coz,
Max
Good thing too that no one ever separated Big D from his vital parts.
Never heard that Coz was criticized for his looks as a young one. He always looked good to me. He certainly is stellar looking now.
Tizgood
Unfortunately CoZ’s testicles are causing him a lot of problem; but they are the golden
family jewel whether he is a champion or runs at all they contain Zenny’s and Bernardini’s genetics which are very valuable, so they will remain in place forever !!!
maureen ph[llips
Amen Tizgood, the golden jewels will remain in tack for all time, a champion or not.
Tizgood
I don’t think he will be a forgotten stallion at all, there are stallions stsnding that
are stakes winners only for reasonable fees like Lucky Pulpit. In fact Tiago and Giacamo were standing in KY then CA then back to KY; it all depends on the market. And look at Lisa Daniel, she did not have a stellar racing career, but she produced Wise Dan and Sucessful Dan and a really good filly. So maybe Coz is not the greatest on the track we don’t know now but maybe he sires a KY Derby Winner, genetics are a crap shoot and I think the Mosses are going to take very good care of all of Zenny’s children because they are her children no matter how sucessful they are.
LauraJ (Cincinnati, OH)
Tiago and Giacomo are both G1 winners; Giacomo won the KY Derby. Apart from California Chrome, Lucky Pulpit has had a modest stallion career, siring one other graded stakes winner and two other non-graded stakes winners. Compare that to the record of another Pulpit son, Tapit.
The race record of dams is a lesser consideration compared to sires. A dam can only have one foal at a time, so limiting the broodmare population to stakes winners would not be feasible. It is far more practical to expect stallions to earn their places in the breeding sheds by performing on track.
Genetics are a crapshoot, but they are not totally random. There are loaded dice in the game. High performing sires tend to have been high-perfoming horses. And research has shown that the offspring of high-class mares are much more likely than average to become high class runners. Of course there are flukes–horses of modest breeding who outrun their pedigrees. They’re unusual, though. That’s why they make such great stories. But there are many more horses with great breeding that don’t do much on the track. Nor is great breeding a guarantee of a successful stallion.
My point is that a great pedigree should never be the only reason for standing a stallion at stud. I think we all hope that John can get Coz’s head in the game, that he goes on to have a great racing career, and that he earns a place at a top breeding farm. But if it comes to the point where Coz’s nuts are clearly the thing that’s standing between him and a brilliant racing career, then a decision will have to be made.
Tizgood
Ya know Laura Coz is regally bred Just like AP Indy and everything was done to give him a great racing career and a great stallion career; there is
no way Zenyatta first born son and the son of Bernardini as royally bred as the great AP Indy by Seattle Slew and Secretariat will be gelded. All of your academic information aside everyone of her foals are worth multimillions as much as AP Indy was and they will be given every effort on the track and in the shed.
Tizgood
In addition Laura J, since Street Cry has passed Zenyatta is his champion mare and represents the possibility of him becoming a broodmare sire. I am sure that at some point Darley will begin investing in her foals or her foals foals. Street Cry was a phenomonal stallion and Zenyatta and Street Sense are going to carry on his legacy in the US. There is so much hinged on developing her family that looking at her first foal is only one piece of the larger one. I am sure Dottie is picking each sire with that in mind as well.
And they have a lot of pressure on their plate !!!
LauraJ (Cincinnati, OH)
@Tizgood, I am perfectly aware of Coz’s breeding, as well as those of his ancestors. I am also aware that there are numerous sons and grandsons of high-class sires–AP Indy, Storm Cat, and other notables–standing at stud whose only credential is their blood relationship to the aforementioned sires. Yes, Coz is regally bred, and I hope along with everyone else that John can turn him around and get his head in the racing game. I don’t dispute that he’ll be given every chance to excel as a race horse, hopefully with all the parts he was born with.
But you can’t possibly think that Coz’s breeding is unique. The racing world is full of AP Indy-line horses, some of whom are sons and daughters of Bernardini. Street Cry is already a broodmare sire as well as a sire of sires and has been for a while. His credentials don’t depend on the produce of one particular mare, even one as distinguished as Zenyatta. I certainly want to see Zenyatta’s genes preserved through her offspring, but she’s got years in which to produce several more foals. Her DNA isn’t going to be lost if Coz (or Ziconic, or any future offspring) doesn’t turn out to be a sire.
Since you mention AP Indy, he earned his right to be a sire ON THE TRACK, not just by being Slew’s son and Secretariat’s grandson.
As for value, yes, horses like Coz, Ziconic, Taco, et al. are worth millions when they are born. But that’s due to perceived potential. Once the horse hits the starting gate, his value depends on his on-track performance and can go up or (usually) down. A stallion’s value in the breeding shed depends on customer perception–whether they’ll pay the stallion’s stud fee. A stallion that has a cranky disposition can be quite successful, PROVIDED that he has a good race record and sires winning offspring. A stallion prospect that does not have a good racing resume is unlikely to appeal to owners of good mares, no matter who he is related to. There are plenty of examples of regally bred, well connected horses standing for cheap and not getting many mares: The Green Monkey is an example, as are Barbaro’s full brothers Nicanor and Lentenor. I find it unlikely that Coz (or any other of Zenyatta’s male offspring) would have a stellar stud career without a stakes-winning resume, regardless of who his momma is.
BTW, Dottie does not select stallions for the Mosses. She is their racing manager. Her son David Ingordo is their bloodstock consultant.
shirleeinindy
Cannot believe the Mosses would let him end up as a forgotten stallion on some obscure farm! And we will not let him be forgotten no matter what path he takes.
maureen phi-llips
Amen to that. It is well.
Dona
I can’t believe these experts on Coz!
Seems like half want him gelded and the others want him for Dressage!!!
It was his first race, people, and maybe you think every horse wins first
time out, but that’s not the norm. Sorry.
Would we love for him to win every race? Of course, but that’s not going to happen, now. Let’s give him a chance, his trainer sure is, and I for one, trust his judgment. John said Coz has to prove himself and by golly, their going to give him time. As much as he needs, I’m sure. Isn’t that the least
the so-called fans can do?
I read all those stupid comments on the bloodhorse site and was sickened. Stop it.
Let’s all wish Coz the best, hope he stays safe, happy, healthy and learns to be the race horse his owners want. If you are a fan, that,s what you should want too.
maureen ph[llips
Amen Dona, Thank you.
Z13Rulz
The comments about gelding him have nothing to do with how he raced.
The comments about gelding him are coming from what John S has himself said about the horse.
CoZ wants to fight. He had a significant biting issue, he is striking at his handlers and he’s so focused on wanting to be mad, fight and dominate everyone and everything around him that he’s not focusing on the idea of racing. Sherrifs had to get special permission from the stewards on how to bring the colt to the paddock in an effort to keep CoZ from blowing up.
Any other horse, any other owner, trainer the stewards would have said “Scratch your horse and come back when he’s ready to come to the paddock like everybody else.”
This is dangerous behavior and it’s counter productive to a successful racing career. Gelding him would probably be safer for everyone around him and is a proven step in the right direction to adjust that “I AM GONNA FIGHT EVERYONE!” attitude. Look at Shared Belief, Wise Dan, John Henry. There were good reasons those horses were gelded and look at their racing careers as a result.
Max
Interesting thing about Northern Dancer was that he was like a little sweet pony around EP Taylor’s wife and any kids who visited him. It was his trainer, his male handlers and other horses who irritated him. He loved fillies however as became evident in his second career.
Z13Rulz
Well the wife and kids were probably bringing him treats and not asking anything of him. ;)
Stud colts and stallions take specialized handling, especially when you have a relationship with them when you have to make them yield to your will.
Instinct is against you.
The drive to dominate and to fight anything that challenges that dominance is strong. It’s why you see handlers in body protection and helmets when they take stallions to the breeding shed. Stallions will turn on their handlers if the handlers try to get too forceful about manners or the like because that is seen as a challenge to their rights to that mare.
This sort of aggression can be in young stud colts from the word go. Of course we’re speaking generalities but everything John S has said about CoZ indicates that CoZ has an aggression issue. Given his lines this isn’t a complete surprise either.
If this aggression continues to get in the way of CoZ’s racing career then gelding has to be raised and discussed.
Max
It was more than a wife and treats no demands thing between Mrs. Taylor and Northern Dancer. The Dancer had a genuine emotional connection with Winnifred Taylor which some have said was akin to adoration. He was always on his best behavior whenever she arrived in his barn or he saw her at the track or in the winner’s circle. Mrs Taylor was also a partner with her husband in handling the operations of their thoroughbreds like Jerry and Ann Moss are partners. She is credited among other things with naming their famous stud farm Windfields.
Abigail_1849
I knew E.P. Taylor’s daughter. The ONLY person that my beloved Dancer behaved around was Winifred Taylor. Judith (Taylor) Mappin always described The Dancer as “not a nice horse” although he was loved & respected by all @ Windfields and in Canada in general. He was — and remains — our King of Thoroughbreds!
maureen ph[llips
As much as I hear you, but not after a first race. It is only one race for crying out loud. No, no gelding, but again, luckily it’s not our decision. First Prince will be just fine.It is well. That bridge will be crossed when the time come. The Queen was that head strong too until they figured out how to handle her. Lets keep the faith please.
Z13Rulz
I’m have no doubt CoZ will be fine.
It’s John and his staff I’m hoping come out of this in one piece.
An aggressive 1200lb stud colt is a special level of dangerous, usually only tolerated when they are performing to the best of their ability. I think we can all agree that his race yesterday was not the best of CoZ’s ability.
Max
They gelded Hurricane Fly and he’s still aggressive. Bit his trainer, drew blood so that Mullins could not sit down for a week. If he’s not biting and kicking, The Fly is not feeling well. Have to concede however that The Fly performs at the highest level. Holds world record for grade one wins. Coz looked pretty well behaved yesterday, although all that I saw was the video. We do not know what instructions were given to Victor about what to do. The Mosses will make the right decision in the best interests of the horse. John’s a former marine. He can probably handle more than the young Coz can dish out.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
I think this is a very very good discussion. I am not an advocate of gelding Coz Right now, but if his demeaner continues to be very bad. I would have no problem with hearing he’s been gelded. The thing is he’s not only dangerous to his handlers and the like, but he’s very dangerous to himself. To be blunt I sure don’t want him to pull a tantrum rear up go over backwards and it kill him. Oh Dear Lord No. “Even though this could still happen” with him gelded. Gelding them can make them a lot lot calmer. A World of difference at times. I had a Gelding and he was the best horse I ever had. So many great horses have been gelded as already been stated. Young 3 year old Night Prowler was gelded also. If he was giving them problems I am so glad they did it.
I know John will know in time what is best for Coz. He will know.
shirleeinindy
Hey guys, Did you all ever hear of Tabasco Cat and Wayne Lucas?? Colt was full of fire and a handful but a very successful race horse.
Also read the book Seabiscuit. His sire, Hard Tack, had a raging temper and would hurt people if he could get to them. If he had been gelded–No Seabiscuit.
Max
They needed baseball bats to control Hastings. Hastings used to bite other horses during post parades. He was never gelded. If he had been, no Man o’ War. No Tiznow who is his direct male descendent.
Z13Rulz
Tabasco Cat also put Jeff Lucas in a coma for a few weeks.
Tabasco Cat had a win and solid efforts under his belt as well, which made a case for him staying intact. He was a handful but he was channeled towards racing. CoZ is a handful and it’s interfering with his racing. That’s the difference.
Max
For what it’s worth, Jeff Lukas also argued strongly against gelding Tabasco Cat. A few years ago D Wayne, who trained Big D or tried to, was interviewed and was wearing a very large bandage on his head. He said that he had made a mistake and was kicked on the forehead by one of his trainees. He took the blame for the injury, and never blamed the horse. Mullins never blamed Hurricane Fly for the bite that kept him standing. This is one of the ever present dangers of training even with some sweet dispositioned 1200 pound horses. Never let down your guard for a second because anything can happen. I think that John knows this.
LauraJ (Cincinnati, OH)
Nobody’s suggesting that a visit from the vet is in order at this time. I certainly hope that John can get Cozmic One to focus on his job so that he becomes a successful race horse who is able to earn a place in a good stallion barn someday. I think we all do. But I also think that, as a general rule, a horse’s balls shouldn’t be perserved if and when it becomes clear that they are standing between him and a successful racing career. There are too many studs whose only credentials are their pedigrees.
Gelding is not the worst thing that can happen to a horse. In many ways, it’s a kindness. Geldings are allowed a social life; intact horses aren’t.
Max
Some people are in fact suggesting gelding Coz now, otherwise we would not be having this conversation. The only consensus on this blog is that the Mosses will do what is the right thing for Coz. In the meantime, every one has an opinion.
Craig Collins
Graet commrnt
pamhomeier
Totally agree, Dona! Hang in there CoZ, you will learn how to do it!
Ann NC
Happy, happy Birthday Judy B!
Hope you have an extra special day.
Papa Charlie should be wearing his party hat today!
Love and hugs to a special lady.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
My Dear Friend Ann:
Thank you so much. Too cute. Love and Hugs, JB
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Judy
Happy Birthday.
Love and hugssss!!!!!
Ingrid. :) :) :)
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
My Dear Ingrid:
Thank you so very much. Love and Hugs, JB
pamhomeier
Happy Birthday Judy!!!!!
Marshall (NC Broad)
Thanks, Ann NC, for the heads-up on Judy B.’s day!
Hope you are doing well and will have a lovely Sunday.
Hugs and Love,
Marshall
Dear Judy B.,
This little message carries a boat-load of good wishes and lots of love heading right to our special friend in Rhode Island! HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND ALL THE VERY BEST, ALWAYS!!!
Hope you have had a wonderful day because you deserve the nothing but the nicest birthday possible. You brighten our Zenyatta blog and our lives, too!
Lots of Love and Big Hugs
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
My Dear Marshall:
Thank you so much for your sweet words and your birthday wishes. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Oops! Sorry about the extra “the” — it should say “. . . deserve nothing but the nicest . . .”
Goodnight and sweet dreams to all!
Ann NC
Thanks Marshall. Cleaning off the pollen today.
Thanks go out to, Sheen and Sandy for alerting us about JB’s special day!
Enjoy the day!
Barbara Wood
Have loved reading everyone’s comments about the race yesterday. We will stand by for the next one. He looked stunning.. I am so thankful when they all come home safe and relieved the pressure is off the “first race” now.
Joining in publicly here to wish our Judy B. a marvelous special day. Hugs to all.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
My Dear Barb:
Thank you so much. Love and Hugs, JB
maureen ph[llips
Dearest Judy B from Rhodes,
Here is wishing you the Happiest of Birthdays, may you have many more such happy occassions. Hope you ate lots of ice cream and all the good stuff you like but would never eat. We are Blessed to have you as part of the Z Nation family and a die hard one too. The First Prince, Cozmic One also appreciates you and all your support of him even when he has seemingly not lived up to peoples expectations. The Queen Zenyatta herself loves you more than you can even imagine and thanks you for all your loving support of her and her family.
Have a wonderfully Blessed weekend and Birthday, It is well always at Z Nation. Much love.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
My Dear Maureen:
What a sweet, loving post. Thank you so very much. Our shared love of Zenyatta and her beautiful babies has brought all of us together here on her Blog and I am so grateful. Thank you again for your beautiful words. God Bless you. Love and Hugs,JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.Hopefully we will see Hootenanny in the guineas he’s been cut to 20-1.Wes Ward is fond of running at RA too.Our guineas hopefuls have’nt been doing so well.Sheena.
Max
As you know, he’s owned by Coolmore. They could have 3 horses in that race if Hootie goes. Wonder if they will go with a U.S. jockey?
♥Auntie Judy aka JAG So. California
First of all, Dottie, you took some awesome photos! You go girl!
♥ Hi CoZ!
I was so happy to be one of your many Aunties at your maiden race! You have Z-nergy running through that gorgeous body! John is trying to help you channel that. You’ll be just fine. You are one-of-a-kind! You are unique. We love you and always will!
Take care, CoZ. If you ship back to New York with John (I’m sure he won’t leave you here) be prepared for crazy East Coast Aunties. They will take over where we left off LOL
HugZ Auntie Judy XO ♥
♥Auntie Judy aka JAG So. California
p.s. I forgot to mention I had the honor of calling Riders UP (even though Victor was already aboard). That was a thrill!!! I stood not too far from Team Z. I didn’t want to ruin the pictures peeps were taking of them so I kept my distance. I’ve had peeps ruin my pictures in the past! Cropping only works to a certain degree :-)
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Auntie Judy
So happy you got to do the Riders Up Call. Congrats
♥Auntie Judy aka JAG So. California
Thanks! It was a surreal day! We’ve been looking forward to this day since he was born.
shirleeinindy
Auntie Judy,
So happy for you to get to call “Riders Up” but am jealous. Did Coz look as beautiful in person as we all think he does in his pictures?
♥Auntie Judy aka JAG So. California
♥ CoZ is more gorgeous in person! I’ve seen him on the track for workouts. Yesterday, was an amazing day! IMO he looks like both Zen and Bernie :-)
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear AJ:
Wow, that’s great. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
All I know is God has set my journey in motion,don’t judge me I am my own horse I am Cozmic One.Sad there is so much expectations on young shoulders.He is a handsome young but highly strung colt.His day will come.Sheena.
Remembering the mighty Cigar on his 25th birthday.Hugs SheenaX
Max
True words.
Cigar, I miss you.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
So well said.
Happy Birthday Cigar; beautiful boy, RIP. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank and all the Sweeties
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Sheena,
Thanks for this post and thanks for remembering the magnificent incomparable Cigar.
Happy Birthday, Cigar! We do miss you. RIP
Hugs and Love
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, V and Montey:
Goodnight. Happy Dreams. Love Ya. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Shared Belief, pulled up by Mike in Charlestown Classic. Please be Ok. Hope we hear update shortly.
Max
Your Vyjack got a fourth in the race. That prize money will buy some nice groceries and new shoes. Glad to see that he is still racing.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
I thought Vyjack did really good. Thought he might go on and win at one point.
Max
He won $71K for placing 4th. Pretty good prize money. Let’s hope for a win next time out.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Peggy:
Hope he’s OK. Love and Hugs, JB
Peggy (N) South Georgia
They said on TVG we would probably know more later tonight or in the morning.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Judy, They said on TVG we would probably know more later tonight or in the morning on Shared Belief. Thank the Good Lord for Mike.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Peggy:
Indeed; he’s a great jockey and a really great guy. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Bless Mike for pulling him up. That is experience and confidence in a jockey.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Peggy.Just heard this news!Do hope and pray he is alright.Power up Shared Belief.Sheena.
Nicki Boyd-Clouston
Man, we all seem to have lots to say about Cozmic One & his racing, training, gelding, etc. I’m sure we can rest assured that Ann & Jerry, John & Dottie will make the best decisions about his future. He is worth about a zillion dollars (with his balls) & not much gelded. The Mosses said they would never sell Zenydatta’s offspring. They will all look after him with all their hearts. I think we should all just relax & let his future play out as it should.
Max
Nothing wrong with talking endlessly about Cozmic One or offering opinions about gelding or anything else. It’s interesting to hear what other people think even if we don’t always agree with them. That is what this blog is for, talking about Z and her boys and inspring an interest in horse racing.
Ann NC
His next lesson: ” balls to the wall”.
Max
If someone could explain in graphic detail the mechanics of gelding to Coz, he might want to focus on his work to avoid it. Cannot however see gelding happening to him with his pedigree. Northern Dancer escaped it as a grandson to Nearco and Native Dancer. Taylor was all about breeding superior racehorses. Those genes like Z and Bernie’s had to be preserved and passed on.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Ann and Max:
Both of you are cracking me up.
Ann, I’ve read that’s a term sometimes used in horse racing by jockeys meaning to do everything possible in a race to prevail. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
JudyB. Compare this situation to The Beast who is trying to win some more grade 1 races to beef up his CV to attract high class mares in his second career move. The Beast was very hard to handle as a two year old because of his size and still needs that pony companion to settle his nerves, but he’s interested in his future with the ladies. That means winning races now. Dutrow says that The Beast has matured mentally. His mind is on winning. The Beast and Coz might meet this summer to discuss tactics at Belmont. Tony’s stable contains some wild and crazy guys.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Maybe The Beast will take COZZIE under his; just hope he doesn’t teach him how to escape his handlers. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
OOPS: Max, left out a word; meant to say, “The Beast might take COZZIE under his wing”. Sorry. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann NC
Yes, JB, originally the phrase started with pilots and meant, full throttle, max speed and has carried over into other areas of life. Now that Coz has been exposed to the ritz and glitz, he can concentrate on the throttle! Beautiful boy!
maureen phi-llips
Ann, you are too funny, had to laugh at that one; hope your weekend is going well. With all the talk about First Prince, I am encouraged that we all love him dearly, more than we thought, he is our first prince after all and all want the best for him and for him to do well. It is well and we will all make it through with CoZmic One, balls and all. That was a good one. Have a restful night.
Ann NC
Yes, we love Coz very much.
Hope you are having a nice weekend, too.
Bluegrass Girl
2015 Charles Town Classic
.Horse Racing Published on Apr 18, 2015
The 2015 running of the Charles Town Classic..
Moreno wins – sets track record. Shared Belief eased.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TcTPt6CdA0
sheena.davies(wales)
Hear Shared Belief has a stifle injury and walked into the ambulance.Thank God for Mike Smith a kind and gentle jockey.Sheena
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear BGG, Sheena and Z Fans:
Oh, so sorry to hear this news on Shared Belief. Power Up beautiful boy. Love and Hugs, JB
Ingrid Arnone
Yes, I agree Mike Smith is a great jockey.
I wish he can be the rider of Cozmic One.
So sorry about Share Belief, he is so good, I hope he can run again.
Thank you for the up date.
Hugs Ingrid.
carol in arkansas
PU SB….and Diversy Harbor too…
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Prayers for One Lucky Dane, Shared Belief, Diversy Harbor. It’s been a hard day, but sure hope all will be OK
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Happy Birthday Cigar. Love You Always
Karen R.
Victor’s tweet about Coz:
.@EspinozasVictor on Cozmic One’s debut: “It was a good experience for him. He galloped out well. He’s got talent.” pic.twitter.com/IqPpZM6iTc
maureen phi-llips
His talent was never in doubt or in play, just his focus and energy. I cannot even believe my first love is that, what should I say, aggressive?, someone’s lying. Look at that sweet face, It is well.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.I am sure Hovis would love the conversation about Coz’s “vital parts”!Poor Coz what would he think??Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules and all the Sweeties.Hope you’ve had a lovely day.Love and hugs SheenaX
Max
Shirlee mentioned that Seabiscuit’s dad, Hard Tack, was difficult. He was sometimes like Moosie. He would refuse to come out of the gate. Just dug in his heels and would not move. He was also a chestnut. These guys are all descended from Hastings.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Max:
I did not know that about Hard Tack. Thank you for all these interesting insights that you give us into the personalities of these glorious horses.
I found this article with a list of stallions that were “difficult”. There’s a great photo of your boy, Dynaformer. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
OOPS: Would help if I linked the article.
http://www.behindthebitblog.com/2009/12/meanest-thoroughbred-stallions-ever.html
Max
A great list of the bad boys. I like that photo of Big D looking sweet and the caption, don’t believe it. Also one of your favorites, Danzig, was no little pony either. Storm Cat would take shots at people who got too close to him. There are many bad girls too. Hastings’ momma, Cinderella, was very evil tempered. She was however a blue hen mare who is credited with starting two important sire lines. I love all of these horses.
Ann NC
Oh my, what a find. Thanks JB.
shirleeinindy
Judy,
Thanks for the post. I knew the Halos were crazy but did not know that Seeking The Gold was a bad boy. One thing that stands out in this list is what a great pedigree most of them have. Think we always have to remember that they make look like sweet teddy bears, but that teddy bear can bite you hand off.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Max, Ann, Shirlee and Z Fans:
I saw some names on the list that I didn’t know were “Bad Boys” either. Like you Shirlee, Seeking The Gold, was a surprise. Didn’t know my Danzig was a “Meanie”.
If you read some of the comments at the end of the article, a few people said Devil His Due was NOT a bad boy and that they had hand fed him treats when they visited. It is so true too, most of them have royal pedigrees.
You’re so right Max; the girls are grumpy too. With Hudson, Deb and Amanda have to be watchful when they’re grooming her or tacking up; she will try to bite and kick you if she’s in a bad mood. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
I’m sure Hovis would have a lot to say on the subject. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank and all the Sweeties
Faithful Zenyatta Supporter
OK. Here it goes. Everyone’s well wishes and auntie/ uncle we love you no matter what comments are respected and I feel the same. But, if you were the patient and trusting owners of this priceless offspring of Zenyatta who has willingly and financially supported the boarding and training of her first born for two years, don’t they deserve to expect and get a better result than this with no excuses? I love John but enough with the conservative approach already, he may feel he has all the time in the world, but the horses and owners do not. I do not want to see the same destiny for Coz as Ebby, my sweet favorite girl. She had lots of potential but was kept from racing much, and not allowed enough experience on the track. Others are also seeing the similarities. Let’s speed up up the process with this 3yr old who should be running races by now. Not just my thoughts by the way. Plz be respectful with your comments keeping in mind this racing business not cheap and loyalty can go just so far. Hope John takes a fresh new approach with Coz, maybe open to other opinions quickly. Read that The Mosses showed sad and disappointed expressions yesterday. Feel so sorry for them. Dottie being their racing manager makes this kind of tricky. What to do . Saying it will be ok is not enough.
zfansandy
Faithful Supporter, I’m glad you said what you did and I agree. I wish they would give Billy Turner (who has his life straightened out now) a chance to race train Coz. And no more Victor. How about Mike or Calvin!?! Have we learned nothing from Chrome’s races?
Now for all this gelding talk-stop it!!!!. A good horse trainer could get that feisty out of him in no time. For CHEAP, David Archer could ‘cure’ Coz in less than a week. Betcha. While David can’t train a horse to race he can teach manners. If a horse doesn’t know how to behave-it’s only because he wasn’t trained to do so.
Sunday Silence was mean as hell and straightened out.
NO..
COZ
WILL
NO
BE
GELDED
!!!!!
I will never come back here if that happens.
maureen ph[llips
zfansandy,
No, not my Sunday Silence, he was the sweetest of them all and to prove it he even gave me an autograph with his hoof. If he was that mean, would he have allowed the ink to be put on his hoof in the first place?, someone’s got this story mixed up.
I just love first Prince Cozmic One, his such a trouble maker stirring up everyone like this and is unapologetic about it. He’ll be fine and just wants to shake things up a little. Everyone take a chill pill I can just hear him saying. It is well. Goodnight,
zfansandy
Maureen, to set it straight—-I LOVE/LOVED SUNDAY SILENCE.
All one has to do is watch the documentary to SEEEEE how mean he was. NOT THE SWEETEST as u say, but still one of my FAVORITES.
I hope that hoofed autograph wasn’t stamped on your forehead. This is about Coz, not SS. Point being, Sunday got over it, as will Coz, with balls intact.
Max
Sunday Silence had a reputation and it was not for sweetly signing hoof graphs for his many fans. Zfansandy is right that SS was a bad boy, but his people worked around his less than cooperative attitude. He also turned out to be a fine sire.
LauraJ (Cincinnati, OH)
You seem to assume that gelding a horse is a bad thing. It isn’t. Gelding isn’t a punishment; among other things it’s a way to address otherwise intractable behavior issues. Often it’s the best thing FOR THE HORSE. Geldings in many ways have happier lives. For one thing, they’re allowed to have a social life as part of a herd. Stallions are lonelier. Do you think that (for example) Game on Dude’s connections wish they could stand him at stud? Certainly. He’d probably be popular. But you know what? GoD himself is happy as the proverbial clam, hanging out with his buddy and getting carrots and pets on a regular basis. He does not miss his testicles, even if his owners might.
I believe that a stallion should earn his place in the breeding shed through performance on the track. That goes double for studs with behavior issues. One can justify standing a mean-tempered horse if his race record is excellent and his progeny win, but not otherwise.
Max
Whoa! Everyone has his or her own right to an opinion. Gelding is always a case by case decision. The Mosses will know what is best for Coz.
LauraJ (Cincinnati, OH)
Max, did I say that others do not have a right to their opinions? If so, then I apologize. But I don’t think I did.
But I am allowed to disagree with others’ opinions, just as they are allowed to disagree with mine. I don’t think I’ve been disrespectful to anyone.
As for Coz, of course all decisions about his future rest with the Mosses. He’s their horse and they pay his bills.
Max
LauraJ. We need more posts from you. They are full of knowledge and good sense. Look forward always to what you have to say. Also recalled that you were the first one some time ago to post that article with the list of bad boy horses. Really enjoyed that. Best to you.
Donna Z
Happy Birthday, Judy Berube, and good wishes to last all year! It’s pretty neat that you share a birthday with one of the great race horses, Cigar!
Thank you for all the great links you find & post on the blog for us to enjoy and for keeping us up on all the goings on at Angela’s.
I am just happy that Coz came back safe & sound from his first race. He had a huge weight on his back with many people’s expectations that he needs to be as brilliant as his parents were. Just because Coz’s mom is the greatest & his sire was an exceptional race horse, does not mean that Coz will be as good as they were. I am sure that Jess’s Dream will have people upset if he isn’t brilliant in his first race as well.
How many foals sired by stallions & mares that were great race horses over their career are as good as their sires? If they all were, we would have a species of super race horses!
John said that Coz’s mental fitness is behind his physical condition for racing & that he just wanted him to have a good learning experience. I have faith in John’s training just as the Mosses do and trust that he will develop Coz to his best potential.
The only thing I might change is Coz’s jockey & that is because I do not personally care for Victor’s riding.
My prayers are going out for Shared Belief. I hope that whatever happened to you is not serious & that you heal quickly.
Beautiful Zenyatta, I am thinking of you and hope that you are in foal again. You are such a wonderful mother! We should be hearing before long…
Ziconic, I hope that you will be joining John at Saratoga this year & that I will be able to meet you there. You will love it there; trainers say that horses love it there compared to other tracks.
Coz, I pray that you learn to stop fighting your handlers & learn to relax with them. John has the patience to work with you & he will always do what’s best for you. I hope that you grow out of this “rebellious teenager mentality” & learn to enjoy whatever you are doing.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Donna Z:
Yes, I’m thrilled to share a birth date with the Champ. Thank you for your birthday wishes and your kind words. Love and Hugs, JB
Bluegrass Girl
SHARED BELIEF UP;DATE
Jim Rome on Sat. Apirl 19 2015
Shared Belief is up and walking around in the barn. He is off in his behind.
Vets have been w/ him. Does not appear to be life threatening.
Bluegrass Girl
This photo says it all
scottseriophotos on Sat. Apirl 19 2015 GREAT PHOTO
Mike Smith comes back alone after pulling up Shared Belief
during the Charles Town Classic on Charles Town Classic Day
https://instagram.com/p/1ot0T0JRAl/
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Love this guy. Thanks for sharing. Power Up SB. Love and Hugs, JB
Bluegrass Girl
Jeff Frank on Sat. Apirl 19 2015
According to Mubtaahij’s trainer, Mike de Kock, @CSoumillon will be riding
the UAE Derby winner in the #KyDerby.
anne bonner
Happy birthday, Judy B (even though I missed it by 15 minutes) — I hope you had a great day and that this next year is terrific for you!
Once again, Mike S. has proven what a great jockey and horseman that he is, pulling up SB before what appears to be a minor injury became serious. If I owned a horse, I would want only Mr. Smith to ride.
Let’s hope our Coz has learned some lessons and is ready to race soon. I hope he discovers that he can channel that energy and run with joy….and who knows what can happen then?
Annie B in MA
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Anne B:
Thank you so much. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
So sad to hear one of my favourite mares Elusive Kate has died while foaling.She had a colt by Dansili and he is with a nursemare.RIP. sweetheart.Life and death walk hand-in-hand.Hugs Sheena.
Max
Sad news. Always risks everywhere.
Think that she was the filly who put Animal Kingdom off his game plan at Ascot.
Kathy
Ver sad. RIP Elusive Kate.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
So sad. RIP beautiful girl. Love and Hugs, JB
Kathy
Sorry, that’s VERY sad…
Kathy
April 19 Cherokee Devotional
A long trail of experiences can tire us to the bone-but given the right attitude they can refine us as well. Our difficulties may not be cherished memories but they will create a deeper understanding to serve a purpose.
Nothing tests a person’s mettle like standing firm when it would be easy to collapse. Nothing drains power like hindsight-but this is the important time to put things past in the past. Like the baby chick which pecks its way out of the shell to get its strength to stand, we feel the strain to know what we can do. The things that try us make us strong.
They approach like foxes, fight like lions, and disappear like birds.
European Observer of the Iroquois Way
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
Hope you’re having a blessed Sabbath. All the FB furbabies seem to be doing well. There is a great video on Zoe’s page of Uggie’s brother who has been potty trained to the max. He even flushes! Love the throwback pic on Marty of him coming through with his strawberry. Enjoy the day. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko andSugar. Kathy.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy.Another beautiful day over here!As they say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!!Have’nt visited the Dyfi yet but the Manton Bay pair had a 2nd egg on friday at 5.30pm Very excited this week for Glesni and the Duchess of Cambridge!No news of Fubu’s visit to the doc yet.I always worry.Miss Kitty is meant to be having the results of some tests tomorrow,she was out and about the neighbourhood with mum is very thin though.Had to laugh at Uggie’s brother toilet-training and flushing too!Mango had her ladybird dress on and went to the PO with mum in her doodle-bug!Thinks she can try the Harley next!Oh no says mum .They have a lovely “In Memory” page on her website.Loki is particularly well these days gosh he has the most beautiful eyes.Loved the videos on my pom-pals.They are just too cute!The rattie brothers were cuddling last night and Boo got all his taxes done.Clever boy!Have a blessed Sabbath.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.Sheena.