Happy LET’S ENJOY GREAT RACING SATURDAY!
Today is such a fabulous racing day around the country. My MIKIE is riding at Calder in their SUMMIT OF SPEED races this afternoon. This is a program filled with all sprint stakes. The ‘quick action’ going on there today will be such fun to watch. I truly want to wish Mike and all of the horses competing in these events the very best!
My dear pal, GIO PONTI, is entered in NY in the MAN O’ WAR-G1. He is trying to win this stake for the 3rd time in a row. I know a bit about this as well. I’ve done it a few times with a couple different grade 1 races. It is an accomplishment of note!
I know they have had quite a bit of rain lately in NY…so, from what I’ve heard, they will look at how ‘soft’ the turf is at race time. If too soft, GP may not run. So, please keep up on the updates concerning Belmont’s turf condition. If all looks good with the turf, his connections are stating he will run. I truly want to wish GIO PONTI the very best today. I have such an ‘endearing spot’ in my heart for this wonderful and accomplished horse! GO GET ‘EM, GP!
At my racing home base, Hollywood Park, in addition to the Swaps Stakes for 3 year olds, they are running the G1 Gold Cup this afternoon. This is one of the hallmark races of the entire meet. I want to wish all of the horses competing on the card today great racing luck…but I do have a special connection with TWIRLING CANDY. He is racing for people I know very well. The Craigs bred TC and also raced Candy Ride, his sire, who stands here at Lane’s End Farm where I now reside. Then the 2 other partners in TC, Farish and Wygod, are also involved with Candy Ride. They all know ME very well and have spent quite a bit of time with ME! Additionally, The Wygod’s bred and own my dear, dear friends LIFE IS SWEET, AFTER MARKET, and HARMONIOUS….who as you know…I spent so much time with at BARN 55.
I know David is in California to see this race. (This is TOO CUTE! He was at Barn 55 yesterday with MY JOHN enjoying all of my friends there.) He mentioned that TWIRLING CANDY will join the stallion roster here at Lane’s End when he is ready for that stage of his career. So, I do have a number of home ties to TC….and want to wish him the very best in this prestigious race. Needless to say, I’m sending him a HIGH HOOF for good luck!
I know that ‘oval’ at HP very well. I trained there all during my athletic career, raced on it for several important races, and schooled in the paddock often. My final racing retirement celebration was also held there…and the road by BARN 55 is named ZENYATTA WAY for ME! It is a wonderful racing venue that holds so many outstanding memories not just for ME…but for so many other amazing horses who have graced our sport for so many years!
How much FUN is all of this! I know the Gold Cup is on ESPN today as is the segment they are doing updating the fans about ME. Additionally, the PINCAY AWARD is being given to my beloved owners, Ann and Jerry! All of the other races will be broadcast on the various racing channels throughout the entire afternoon. It is truly one busy and exciting racing day!
I better get back to HANDICAPPING! It truly amazes ME how there is so much to learn and review when you are ‘studying the FORM’. It is so intriguing!
Here’s to great racing luck and handicapping to ALL!
Have one terrific day…and a lovely weekend!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
From my serious side, I’ve heard Barry is doing OK. My John spoke with one of his assistants yesterday. He came home from the hospital and will need some treatments…but he is home, on the phone, thinking about his horses, and on the mend. Blessings to HIM!
Rosie…the DRF said she is out indefinitely and the TTimes said that ALL WENT WELL with her surgery. Wishing her a healthy and speedy recovery, for sure!
IN MEMORY OF…today, July 9th, would have been Bobby Frankel’s birthday. It is so sweet to follow the 3 year old colt, FRANKEL, who was named for him! I think Bobby would have very proud of the horse’s achievements to date and very honored by the thoughtfulness of Juddmonte Farms naming this colt for him!
Kathy Kimber
A high hoof to Gio Ponti I’m wishing the best for him.
Glad to hear Barry and Rosie are both doing better.
To the Dumplings have a really wonderful day at the park and please somone take a group picture. Hugs
Cynthia H.
Saturday hugs to you, precious Queen. It will be an extra-exciting day of racing, as your dear Dottie has said in this Diary entry, and I am sure that you will have your ears pricked for all of the news regarding the major stakes across the country. Safe journeys to all of the equine athletes, and a special good luck wish to your sweet Mike at Calder.
Thank you for the great updates on Barry and Rosie! I hope that their journeys to wellness will be swift and without complications.
Congratulations once again to Mr. and Mrs. Moss for their slelection as the 2011 Pincay Award recipients. I cannot put into words what I feel for these two people, but “over-love” is the best I can manage. Blessiings on them always.
And, lastly, Happy Birthday, Bobby Frankel. I eagerly await the day that they name a prestigious Grade I race in his honor (the Pacific Classic would be a good place to start). Juddmonte chose the right horse to bear his name.
Cannot wiat to see the ESPN segment, and have alerted everyone I know who is not in the loop!
Enjoy this fabulous day, everyone! And even though this will no doubt be a very besy one for you, thank you for taking the time to post, Dottie. You’re the best.
Kathy Kimber
Also for anyone intereste at http://www.palemale.com. One of his chicks fledged yesterday and was setting in a very tall tree in Central Park. High Hoofs to the hawk family.
Cara ezzell
Hi queen z, thank you so much for all this info! Gio ponti is one of my favs and i hope he does great!! Safe racing for all horses and riders! Congratulations to ann and jerry on their award!! Prayers to the jockey who was injured for a speedy, complete recovery!! My friend should be @ hollywood park today and will be taking many photos which she so generously shares with me. She was so lucky to have met you in person and sent me some wonderful photos of you!! I also have a photo of your dear john walking in post parade with a new horse he is training. Correct me if i’m wrong, but i believe the horse’s name is star billing sired by dynaformer. I know you and dottie will have the answer to this. So many horses to keep up with! Cool photo! Did you see blind luck win the vanity? I swear she’s been taking private lessons from you b/c she ran the race a lot like you! She fell to the back of the pack, waited until the final turn, went about 4 wide and came charging down the stretch on the outside grandstand side with switch in pursuit to win! I like both those fillies but nobody will ever be quite like you! Gotta run, off to develope more photos of you and other horses. Have a wonderful weekend and thank you z and dottie for all your awesome and informative diary posts!!! Major hugs and love you forever z, cara from texas xxxooo
Sarah Powell
Lots of good info today – so glad Barry and Rosie are on the mend – still sending prayers and positive thoughts their way! Fingers and hooves crossed for safe rides for all today. So envious of the dumplings who live close enough to get together and walk the same ground that you did so often! Hoping for some cooler weather in the hot, humid southland! Happy weekend to all. (thanks Dottie)
Bonnie MacRaith
Kathy, Thanks so much for that…beautiful photo of fledged baby, good luck to them…next we’ll see them shopping at Macy’s on 5th Ave.
Barbara Wood
Dear Z and Dottie–thank you SO MUCH for taking time from such a busy day to keep us up-to-date, especially the good reports on Barry and Rosie. Praying that they will both be up and going sooner than expected. They have faithful followers here.
@Abigail from Montreal–your Vault articles are amazing. I find myself printing so many of them, that I’m going to have to buy stock in Office Depot for printer paper–lol!
Can’t wait to see you, Dear Z, on ESPN. Hoping all the horses come home safely.
@the Dumpling gang–you all are so lucky! Have some fun for all of us.
Kathy Kimber
@Bonnie MacRaith: I’m just hoping they are able to survive in spite of man. The first time in seven years they have had babies. Lola disappeared and did Diana now he is with Lima so always I say a special prayer for them all.
DJ
To JB: Thanks for posting the ‘starting time’ for the ESPN special :) Hugs Darla
…………………………………
To Cynthia H: Lovely sentiments! Mine, as well.
DJ
p.s. GO GIO PONTE! The Third time is a Charm!! Y.O.U. can do it.
Henrietta Wolfe
I will be watching today and a big thanks to ESPN!!!!
Dawn Conrad
Dearest, Zenyatta. What an exciting day is in store for everyone! We will get to see our beautiful Zenny, on ESPN. Fantastic!! Hope Mickie has the very best of luck and that Gio Ponti gets to race and win of course! Hooves crossed for Twirling Candy! You have so many great friends, girl. How special that David was able to make it out for the Gold Cup. That has to be fun for Dottie and John to spend time with him. I agree, Zenyatta, HP is an amazing place filled with such celebrated moments down through the years. I wish that such a historic place faced a brighter future than is being currently considered. Congratulations to Ann and Jerry on receiving the Pincay Award. They are both so deserving of every accolade. I am so, happy to hear that Barry and Rosie are doing well, my prayers are with them both. I got a lump in my throat, Zenny, when you wrote about Bobby. I know he holds such a special place in our Dottie’s heart. It is wonderful to see him being honored by Frankel. I am wishing everyone a fantastic day and safe trips for all of those racing. All my love to you Zenny. Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
@To Beautiful Karen in Pink and all the rest of the Dumplings (including Terry) – Hope you all have a very special day together at HP, TOO FUN!!! Wish I was there. Also love the stories about Kurt Russell, he has always been a favorite of mine.
@Sharon Call – The humpback whale video made my heart soar, so life affirming.
@Shari – As always my friend, my thoughts and prayers were with you and I am so glad everything went well.
@DJ – Thank you for your beautiful prayers and delightful punes. They bring joy to my heart and a smile to my face. :) :)
@Kari Bussell – Thank you for the Ruffian link. She was a gift from heaven and I know now resides there.
@Abigail from Montreal – Thank you so much for the updates on Kate and William, what an amazing young couple representing the monarchy so well. And of course, thank you again for all of the wonderful history you share with us in your Vault enteries.
@Ingrid in MA – You have my prayers for a speedy recovery. You will be dancing like Zenny before you know it. :)
@Stephanie – Sending Z love and positive thoughts your way.
@Linda in NJ – So glad your trip to California has been such fun. Your time at Barn 55 sounds amazing. Is’nt everyone there wonderful and you got to meet David too! Ebby just steals your heart right away doesn’t she?
@Trina Nagele – Thank you for the story about Little Sorrel and for joy you bring to this site each day.
@Susan in TN – Your updates on all of the rescue horses are wonderful. I admire you so much for the care and love you are sharing with them. I too would like to be part of the newsletter list, will send you an email. I am still thinking about stopping by River Edge while I am in Nashville.
@Charlotte Farmer – You are the embodiment of beauty, strength and hope. The plans you have for Noor brought a tear to my eye. What a celebration there will be when he crosses the finish line at Old Friends and we wish him eternal peace. I have to tell you that I love all of the posts you make concerning old TV shows and movies. I am a real movie buff, especially the ones of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.
@Barbara Wood – How are you doing lady? I hope wonderfully!!!!
@Brenda – I am counting the days!
@Too All My Fantastic Z Friends – DJ wrote that there are hidden saints everywhere and I would have to say that there are a large number of them right here on Zenyatta’s diary site, beginning with Dottie and Zenny herself. I am honored to be a part of it all. Hugs and kisses to you all!! XXXOOO
Alene
Zenny and Dottie, thank you for all the info. The most touching thing is about the GREAT BOBBY FRANKEL… And Frankel is following in his awesome footsteps… Can`t wait to watch your segment on ESPN today! Lots of Hugs and Kisses, Alene :-)
Bonnie MacRaith
DJ, So, are you saying ESPN special is going to be shown around the time of the HGC? Thanks!
MD Reynolds
Hi Z! So happy you’re doing well. It’s always a joy to read your blog/diary. NOW I know that I can watch the Gold Cup on ESPN! I’m very excited as I thought I would have to watch it on the internet. I live in N.C. & my cable provider (time warner) does not provide racing TV! Thanks!
Bonnie MacRaith
OKAY!!! So, now I get it, duh?!! The ESPN special includes the Hollywood Gold Cup AND a segment on Zenyatta. Who knows when the segment with Z will show during that special BUT tune in @ 4:00 pacific so you don’t miss it!
GO TWIRLY-BOY and GIO PONTI!!! RUN SAFE DEAR BOYS! AND ALL THE HORSES AS WELL!!!!
judy berube
Dear Bonnie:
You’re welcome. You’re right, Z’s segment will be included in that time frame. Wish they would do a Special (hour or more) on her. Hugs, J.B.
Dear D.J.:
You’re welcome. Thought you were going to HP today with the rest of “Z’s Dumplings”? Wish we could all meet some day. Hugs, J.B.
Joan
Looking forward to the racing, too. I broke my wrist, Zennie, so I can’t type much but I’m thrilled to know you will be on ESPN tonight. I won’t miss that!
judy berube
Dear Kathy Kimber and Bonnie M.:
Saw the original documentary on Pale Male on PBS some time ago. People in N. Y. came out in droves to see that he and his family were allowed to remain and nest wherever they chose. In spite of some who are indifferent, there are many, many New Yorkers who love these falcons. Hugs, J.B.
Kim Noble
Safe trip to everyone today and I cannot wait to see the segment on you, our Queen!
judy berube
Dear Joan:
Best wishes. Hugs, J.B.
Margaret
Thanks for reminding me about Barry. I too will keep good thoughts for him in that I know he spent some time with you with Z. He seems like he LOVES horses as much as some of us horse crazy people out here!
Rosie–I can’t help but hope she’ll be back soon. I know it’ll take time to heal but patience is a virtue that in this case will pay off.
Bobby Frankel who apparently didn’t live all that far from me when I lived in LA. I wish him a happy day wherever people go after this life.
I had a bit of surgery yesterday. Have no worries Z. I had what looked like a tag on my cheek and the doctor gave me this shot to make everything numb. Ah the beauty of these kinds of drugs… . Quick slice and a dice, tag is gone. Now they have to send it this other doctor to look at it to make sure it isn’t anything more serious. I’ll know in a week or so. But other than some very slight swelling, a tiny bit or soreness–I’m fine.
I can hardly wait to see you later today.
judy berube
Dear Margaret:
Best wishes. J.B.
suew
Zenny and Dottie, two great minds as one giving us such great information today!
Zenny, I sure miss seeing you race but this diary does such a good job keeping us close to you. It’s a good feeling, too.
When I reflect on the races today it just reinforces in my mind how GREAT you were on the track. You always delivered, regardless of the circumstances. You are a special girl…having made and kept many friends in the industry. I’ll bet your pal, Gio Ponte, is just happy he doesn’t have to face you again. ;-)
I’m anxiously awaiting the minutes until I see you on TV again.
tony
Hi Zenyatta! Thanks for all the great info. today. My family will be watching the HGC race today and will cheer large and loud when we see you on ESPN!
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Zenyatta, yes today is a great day for horseracing, good luck to all. I cannot wait to see you! Love you Ingrid.
Ingrid Arnone
Sad news, Carl Lizza died yesterday in his home, he was one of the leading owners of the New York horseracing association, and my prayers are for him and his family. Ingrid.
Sally L. Hopkins
Zenyatta, thanks for the posts. I glad to hear Barry and Rosie are doing good. Lots of hugs and kisses from Southern California
KIMBERLY
Hey Zennie, We are all watching the races today at Hollywood Park. We miss you so much you BEAUTIFUL GIRL!!!
Maria K.
Great post. Thanks for horse racing updates. I will be watching the segment about you on ESPN today. I love you Queen Z.