Happy Saturday Everyone!
Springtime is in the air and everything is getting so busy. It is a very exciting time in Lexington now as Keeneland opened yesterday for their race meet. I never ran at this race track, but my dear Barn 55 Friend, HARMONIOUS, won the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Race here last fall. It is a very special time and everyone LOVES to go RACING in this town!
Today, Kentucky Derby Preps are taking place in New York, Illinois, and California. My friend, MR. COMMONS, is running in the Santa Anita Derby this afternoon. His stall was just 3 down from mine when I was at Barn 55…so I’m wishing him all the best! HOOVES CROSSED…for sure!
We also have the update for our contest! Isabelle and Cheva, 2 of my very special friends, drew the names out of the bucket for us! As you can see in the photo above, they are in the barn office at Hollywood Park. Oh, there are lots of photos of ME all around. Now this is TOO CUTE! The bucket we used for this drawing is on the desk. All 64 of the cards from Wednesday’s winners were placed in this bucket, mixed up again and again…and the drawing began!
Here are the names of the 32 people who will move to the next stage:
1) Ingrid Esguerra……………..Miami, FL
2) Sharon Peck………………..Seattle, WA
3) William Uecker……………..Boerne, TX
4) Linda Henderson……………Seminole, TX
5) Karen Mitchell……………….Berkeley, CA
6) Sherry Drish…………………Kearneysville, WV
7) Linda Edwards………………Lawrenceville, NJ
8) Thomas Ronholm…………..Rochester, NY
9) Valerie Franklin…………….Davison, MI
10) Margaret Lewis…………….Sausalito, CA
11) Guido Sanchez…………….Ewing, NJ
12) Cathy Lassilo……………….Tacoma, WA
13) Heidi Kruckenbert………….Vallejo, CA
14) Lynn Meier…………………..Thousand Oaks, CA
15) Michelle Cross………………Decatur, AL
16) Pam Giles……………………Newman, GA
17) Helen Soloman……………..Van Nuys, CA
18) Willie Tomaino………………Newport, RI
19) Linda Stokes…………………Groton, VT
20) Chris Balmes………………..Lake Oswego, OR
21) Dawn Conrad……………….Cedaredge, CO
22) Georgia Harper…………….Bellevue, WA
23) Vicki Vinson…………………Apple Valley, CA
24) Sarah Powell………………..Clemson, SC
25) Tammi Fry…………………..Houston, TX
26) Brenda Sprunger…………..Ontario, Canada
27) Ann Ransone………………..Walkerton, VA
28) Louann Cingel………………Union, MO
29) Lydia Ward………………….Batavia, OH
30) Mary Kay Adams…………..Bloomfield, NJ
31) Patsy VandenBerg………..Santa Rosa, CA
32) Brenda Freeman…………..Mobile, AL
CONGRATULATIONS to these 32 people! The next step of the contest will go to the SWEET SIXTEEN! When we do the next drawing, these 32 cards will be placed into the bucket…and 16 will be selected!
We are moving right along! Cheva and Isabelle had a GREAT TIME helping us!
Thank you to everyone! Cheers to a wonderful day of RACING and a HIGH HOOF to the 32 contestants named above moving to the next level!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Hilltophorsewoman No Cal
Congratulations to everyone in the 32. How exciting! Am on a business trip and watched the races yesterday via TVG video stream. I didn’t get to see the Wood and was shocked to see that Mo came in third. It sounds like he will be ok. I thought the Santa Anita Derby was a great race! I wanted Mr. Commons to win but was very impressed with the way Comma To The Top ran as well. Zenyatta, are you ok?? I worry about you when we don’t get any news or pictures of you. Glad someone heard Dottie say everything was ok yesterday at SA. Sundays are lonely days away from home and in a hotel. Everyones’ posts certainly help. Thank you all.
Delrene
Hi Zenyatta and family. Congratulations to Mr. Commons- I thought he looked great even though he was 3rd. He was right in there!. I had him w/p/s across the board and Comma to the top w/p/s. So it was still fun to have bet on two of the horses that placed. It was a really nice day at Santa Anita, and saw Mike on some other horses too. It is so weird in a way, not to see him in Turquoise/and Pink and you, you big beautiful girl. Allthe horses are handsome and beautiful, but there is not one like you. There was a female horse in one of the races that is also by your Dad and you know what? she was a big girl too!
Good luck to all in the race for the bronze Z
Margaret
Hay Z I’m home watching 1st Saturday in May. And guess who walked right through the picture???!!! Your dear John!!!! I even backed the dvd up to double check that. What a cool moment. Enjoy your evening. Sleep well tonight pretty girl.
Sharon Call
@Dawn Conrad. So glad you enjoyed “Into the Vortex” This woman certainly deserves a job somewhere. She paints such beautiful word images with such insight without going beyond the realm of everyday understanding. One of my favorites. BTW, congrats on making this cut. You deserve it!
Sharon Call
@Paula Higgins. Uncle Mo cut a piece of his hoof off coming out of the gate. It’s wonder he finished third. Shows how good he is.
Kathy Kimber
A new week is coming Z so sleep and rest and above all relax and just enjoy everything. Good times are coming. Love you
Linda in NJ
@Jim: I am so sorry to hear that Uncle Mo is out of the Kentucky Derby. Such high hopes for him. This is terrible news! His website and Facebook page are so cute. His connections really made an effort to promote him with the fans. This is really too, too bad!!
Margaret
Hi Z not sure if people will see this or not. I’m not sure when your return visit to Bernie will be. But it looks like you only lost the baby two weeks ago–about. Mares come into season (heat) about once every 28 days. Spring is the stronger (outwardly evident) of seasons. But some mares won’t ever show being in season. So it could be a couple of weeks before your bred back. I guess we’ll just wait and see.
Some have asked if it is too late for you to be bred back–for your foal to be born. While it is considered an advantage to have your foal born earlier in the winter/spring it can also be a huge disadvantage. Winters can be really cold in Kentucky and a newborn foal can be very vulnerable. Horses carry there pregnancies approximately 330-360 days. I’ve read one vet that swore one of his patients always foaled between 310-320 days. But this is hugely unusual. And then there is Patrick who some of you may remember from the Animal Planet showing of Thoroughbred in the early 2000-2001…Patrick was actually the survivor of twins. His mothered carried him 13-13 1/2 months.
La Ville Rouge Barbaro’s mom foals at about 342-345 days.
Part of foaling mares out is understanding when a mare is about to foal. Most times this proceeds in a very natural order. There are certain things that the foaling man/woman look for. With a maiden mare–this would be Z, first time mom–they’ll really start watching her at about 300 days.
Mares will usually do one of a couple of things. They’ll deliver right on time, no problem. Or they’ll go into delivery and the baby will need help getting out. Hopefully this can happen before the baby loses any oxygen. And the most usual thing is this. You will be on mare watch (not to be confused with the website marestare) for days. Not getting sleep, needing a shower. Your on pins and needles just waiting. You cancel all appointments because the mare just won’t foal. And don’t you just know–that 15 minute nap you just woke up from???—the mare had the baby while your eyelids stared very intently your eyeballs. There won’t be any problems and you arrive in time to see the foal get up the first time and nurse.
Don’t worry about Z. She’s being watched all the time. When the time comes next spring she will have experienced foaling people with her–assisting her if need be. All of this has be done for centuries, its mother nature at her absolute finest.
And its better not to get into what could go wrong physically–that just brings bad luck.
J Smith
Black Caviar at the Breeders Cup! I feel a road trip coming on. Does anyone know where the Breeders Cup is this year? Thanks DAWN for that info. Horses from the UK also run in the other direction, they seem to do alright when they come over here for races. My grandad’s theory was, they are not going to spend all that money shipping a horse to another country if they don’t think it can win. Oddly enough, he never won big when betting with this theory in mind!!! On a completely unrelated note, he did think he had ‘won big’ when I got The Shoe to autograph his book and mail it to my grandad in England.
Hope Mo is able to recover for The Derby. You could see he wasn’t himself at the end of the race, he didn’t kick it into the next gear. He did mention that Uncle Mike might not want to send him 10 copies of the same inspirational movie in future – namely, Secretariat!
I WON! on Mr. Commons. He was looking good. I should have placed a bet on Comma too, I knew he would be in the top 3. Comma also managed to get himself on the front page of the sports section of the Daily News, twice in four days. Good going Comma. We don’t see horse racing pix on the front page very often now that you are not in town Zenny. Interestingly, 3 relatives of Uncle Mo were in the Santa Anita Derby. Two 1/2 brothers and 1 nephew, all via Mo’s sire, Indian Charlie. Also, the winner of the last race at Santa Anita yesterday, Hey Maria, is the 1/2 sister of Uncle Mo’s girlfriend, Awesome Maria, they have the same dam. I took a lot of pix at Santa Anita yesterday, if I can figure out how to post them on facebook, I will. One is just too cute of your John, just chillin with Mr. Commons in the saddling area.
Zenny, don’t forget to watch the Stanley Cup playoffs next week, both our Kings & Ducks made it in. I was at the game last night, yesterday was a busy sport day for me. Think I’ll go lay in my ‘field’ and take a nap. Good luck to all 32.
J Smith
Bloodhorse says Uncle Mo’s Derby plans are unchanged. His hoof injury in minor and should heel quickly.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/62394/mos-derby-plans-unchanged-by-quarter-grab
Margaret
@Jim
I haven’t yet seen an article that says Mo is out of the Derby. Yes, he did pull part of his hoof off but according TO THE TRAINER it was the size of a nickel and he wasn’t too worried about it.
Sorry to be blunt but this is how bad rumors begin. Someone says something, someone else hears it wrong, puts it down on paper as what they think they heard–vs the truth.
But you could have some inside info–if so please share. I have checked his official site, his fansite on Facebook and Bloodhorse. Nothing as of 4:20 pm.
Linda in NJ
@ J. Smith: Okay!!!! This is great news. Thanks for sharing.
Jenna
Happy Sunday, Zenyatta!
I hope you had a fun weekend enjoying the beautiful weather.
And yes, I did hear Uncle Mo is still in the Derby (weird how rumors start).
Love you, miss you Z.
Take care.
Thank you, Dottie, for all that you are.
Nighty night.
Jenna
Oh! And didn’t Secretariat not win the Wood prior to the Derby? ;)
Stella
Dearest Zenyatta,
I hope your weekend has been wonderful for you with lots of sun, grass, treats and paddock pals.
The racing has been fantastic this weekend, but nothing as nearly as exciting as when you ran, dear Z, oh, how I miss you! But still so happy that you’re happy. :) Congrats to Mr. Commons for running a valiant third in the Santa Anita Derby—I’m sure you’re very proud of his efforts and for your Mikey’s nice graded win at Oaklawn today!
Best wishes to all still in the running for the bronze.
Love and many hugs,
Stel
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny: Hope you had a wonderful weekend! How is your good friend Sophie doing? Take care and have a nice evening. Love, Linda
Peggy
@Sue yes I do appreciate Indy so much. There just seems to be an Aura about him. Maybe that Secretariat, Seattle Slew Blood? Don’t Know. But I’m just crazy about him. He’s just a legend and I hope we can hold onto him for as long as we can. I’m so jealous of you going to Keeneland this month, I love to go to the races there. I believe even there I like better than Churchhill. Not sure, maybe its just a little smaller scale and more personable. I hope to get back up there this year but I’m not sure. I was just up there this past November for the breeders cup and may have to space my trips out a bit. I am going to Ocala for the horse sales this coming Monday and am so looking forward to it. @Dawn, yes you too I’m so jealous of you going to Ky this summer. I know though, when I do get back up there it will be a special trip. I do want to go to the derby one day ( havent’ been to it.) I think i’m just waiting for that special horse to be on the horizon. I know there going to be another Triple Crown Winner Just a matter of time (My Opinion. You guys should just see the Sales Book From the Ocala Breeder Sale, I just requested the ones for the 2 days they are huge…..So many 2 year olds and so many sires represented. These books look like paperback novels. @Sue, again aren’t they just wonderful at Lanes End the time they will let you spend with the horses. I have gotten to spend some wonderful time with Indy and they didn’t hurry you a bit. They have a wonderful staff there. Better go @Zenyatta love you very much. Peggy
Signofthetimes
@Linda in NJ
I remember the same with Mucho Macho Man and
The Louisiana derby as well. I think Mo was very precocious
At 2 and everyone is catching up. He has never had two
Horses run off the pace behind him before and could not
Settle. Supposedly TP trains lightly so maybe that is
Why he lost steam also all that pressure he was not used to probably
Used a lot of energy. He is still a great horse and if not
The Derby he will excel elsewhere.
@Linda J
Thanks for the link to bloodhorse article on Mo. Glad
The chipped hoof is not a bother to him. He is young should
Grow back quick.
Also Secretariat lost the Wood. It’s horseracing and it’s Luck!!!!
Comments have been said all horses lose at some point except
Zenyatta and she is one of a kind !!!!!! Hooray for the Queen.
Love Mr Commons for the derby. Mike Smith rode an awesome
Filly in the Fantasy that won against Arienza. She is headed for
The Oaks. Arienza may not go to the Oaks.
Zenny
Hope you had a great Sunday resting relaxing and having
Brunch with the girls. Happy ovulating !!! Love the Talley HO
Laura for the contest !!!!!! XXXOOzo
Shari Voltz
Good evening Zenyatta what a beautiful day it was. My husband and I ran errands and then took our furbabies out to the woods for their walk. I could have stayed outside all day. It was 81 here and I wish it could stay that from now on. I kept thinking and saying to my husband I hope sweet Zenyatta is out running and enjoying her day. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. It is like your one of my family too. Well sweet girl I must get ready for school. The count is on for my students. They will be taking the Ohio Achievement Test after Easter and we are practicing like crazy. My social studies classes are learning about the branches of the government and bills becoming laws. We are singing the School House Rocks songs daily. It makes it so much fun for them. I bet a few people on this site can remember singing the song “I Am Only A Bill”. Well sweet girl have a good night and sweet peppermint dreams. Hugs and Kisses from Shari in Ohio XXXOOO
@Dawn my special friend I am praying for you. I hope you have a good week. I need you to teach me about all this horse racing stuff. If I subscribe to Bloodhorse Mag would it help me? Let me know and thank you. God Bless :)
@Trina I was running four days a week and doing my elliptical plus walking. I ran two days 5 miles and on the weekend a 6 and 7 mile run. This has been hard but I am listening to my PT. He is really good and knowledgable. Thank you for asking. Are you also a runner?
Celeste
Thank you for sharing more pictures and congratulations to the winners as the contest continues to count down. This is so exciting for those people and I’m happy to be tagging along – lol! I am still trying to catch up on all my TB Racing news as I was out of town until late yesterday evening and didn’t have tv or computer access – yikes! While I was sad to see Uncle Mo did not win his race, I was happy for Toby’s Corner because I have as much respect for his trainer as I do for Mr. Shirreffs. Well, close to it, any way – lol! No one can really come close to John Shirreffs in my book, but I do think Graham Motion is an awesome hands on horseman in the same vein as Barn 55 as far as taking such excellent care of the horses. Sorry to ramble again, so I will quit. Thank you once again, Zenyatta and Dottie and all of the Team.
Patrice Torrillo
I guess I missed out on the foal naming contest.. DAMN.. Mine would have been
“My Momma Can Dance”…..
Is there a list of the final 32 selected? I have to get rid of this Dial Up silly thing I miss out on everything!
Gloria Jeanne
@ Patrice- it was not a name the foal contest. It was a post card contest. :-(
Signofthetimes
That Liberian Freighter is quite a character. He reminds me
Of my quirky TB. Always trying to pull some sort of a
Pranks. It is wearing to deal with, but when you are around a
Horse that acts normal it is quite a relief. Unfortunately, my
TB could not race the quirks hot the best of him. Go Liberian
Freighter !!!!!!
Regina From NJ
@ CherylK: Thank you so much for responding to my comment with your lovely post. As a Jerseyite, I am an East Coast fan, but, like you, I favored the Queen – flying coast to coast each time she raced. It is true what you say about the racetrack rivalries, and actually, they do contribute to the flavor and excitement of the sport in a positive way. During the zenith of the Rachel vs. Zenyatta rivalry, there were quite a number of mean spirited people on both coasts, and it was always my misfortune to meet them. I think from your comments above, had we met, we would have shared some great conversations during those days. So, thank you again. And, by the way,Cheryl, New York State is my “homeland state,” and I always looked forward to the Fall and apple-picking time. (The best, crunchiest apples anywhere, Zenyatta!) G’nightxoxoxoxo
Trina Nagele
@Dawn— Thanks for asking! In my thirties I did a lot of jogging–ten miles a day (although you wouldn’t think it to see me now)–and ran 36 marathons (the 26.2 mile kind), one 36-miler and one 50-mile ultramarathon–(I was the only woman entered in that one!). Then I devoted myself to dog rescue, and running went by the wayside. All that is thirtysome years ago now. Nowadays I just do a two-mile walk around the neighborhood with my three rescued dogs every day around sunset.
Trina Nagele
Congratulations to the Mosses on Bellingham’s third-place finish in Race 5 at Santa Anita (trained by J W Sadler).
Sunny Boyd
Good evening Zetty, :)
gee, it’s only 9 pm tonight, first time I get to sit down almost at the regular time.
Earlier today I checked out a couple of your old videos, and found myself cheering for you, yeeeehaaaa here comes Zetty, :) :) :) man your’re sthg. Just beautiful. I’m glad your Dottie isn’t too upset about your falling out of foal, so I won’t either, I guess you’ll be seeing Bernie eventually, they should let you see Giacomo, too, he’s a beau :) :) :) wheehee :) Take care, good girl, and have a good night with sweet dreams of mints & carrots.
Trina Nagele
@SHARI VOLTZ AND DAWN–OOPS- I made anothe mistake. The post above was meant for Shari, of course, who is running again after her injury. So sorry!
Shannon From Cool
Great birthday photos over on the BloodHorse website.
Signofthetimes
Thanks to all who mentioned the photographic
Tribute to AP Indy. It is lovely. He was such an awesome
Race horse and a very successful sire. Sooo glad Bernie
Was your chosen mate this year so a part of him will live
On through Zenyatta sired by Street Cry.
Sweet Dreams Zenny !!!!! Happy ovulating!!!!