Good Morning,
I must say this was such an exciting weekend of racing! So many of the graded stakes races we all watched were truly ‘thrillers’…with several of them requiring the aid of a photo finish camera to determine the winner.
My Barn 55 friend, Mr. Commons, lost by a ‘tiny’ nose in Del Mar’s Mile G2 Stakes. He ran an incredible race against older, very accomplished horses. Everyone at the barn really applauded him for his outstanding effort and accomplishment. I think Mr. C also felt rather proud of his race and the way he performed. When he returned to the barn after running, he was happy, playful, ready to graze and enjoy himself. He wanted lots of hugs, kisses, treats and attention! A high-hoof to you, MR. C. I’m wishing you all the best as your racing career continues to develop!
Yesterday, the Pacific Classic G1 at Del Mar was decided in a thrilling stretch run between Acclamation and Twirling Candy. (His sire, Candy Ride, won this race several years ago and stands here at Lane’s End Farm.) Acclamation held on to win in a wire to wire victory. Kudos to his connections and the ride by his jockey, Patrick Valenzuela. Patrick has always been known to be an incredible talent who can ration out speed on the lead with perfect timing. In this particular race, he was definitely at his best doing this!
The stakes races at Saratoga on Saturday were all quite interesting. Bernie’s son, STAY THIRSTY, won The Travers Stakes G1 in fine fashion. During the first part of the race, he positioned himself right off the leader, Shackleford. Then at the mile pole , he took the lead and went on to finish strongly for his victory. I know MY BERNIE is really proud of this guy for all of his achievements to date! Yeah, Stay Thirsty! Congratulations to all of the winners on Saturday. It was a great day of racing!
Throughout the weekend, though, we were all extremely concerned about the path and strength of Hurricane Irene. The scope of her presence and the intensity level of her travels were a constant source of consideration for all of us. On a horse racing level, Monmouth Park in New Jersey and Saratoga on Sunday in New York both closed. Then along the entire east coast, families were evacuated from their homes. Businesses were closed. People were asked to be safe, be careful, and stay in a protected place. Thus, as we are spending time reviewing all of the weekend’s activities, we must be thankful that the effects of Hurricane Irene were not worse. So many people had their lives change during ‘her’ travels. Let’s extend our thoughts and kindness to wish them well and keep their safety and welfare in our thoughts.
It is like so many things in life, when the review is in and people say it was ‘not as bad as it could have been’…this is certainly important. However, when YOUR LIFE has been directly damaged or changed by the incident…in this case…the hurricane, it is very painful. Blessings to all who have had their lives directly touched and influenced by Hurricane Irene! We are thinking of YOU and wishing you many blessings!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Debbie
Love YOU Z! xoxoxo
Debbie
I was 1st;)
Maryyette
Sweet Zenyatta,
Thanks for your kind thoughts and caring for all. Love to you and all the horses –
Love you, Sweet Girl!
DJ
For “Z Friends” who would like to share a Morning Prayer: Thank you all for your prayers and concern! I feel loved and missed. Just traversing through a personal storm. For those who have been affected by the Hurricane I am praying for you in a special way and for all my irreplaceable “Z Friends!”
………………………………….
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast
And our eternal home;
Beneath the shadow of your throne
Your souls have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is your arm alone,
And our defense is sure.
Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting you are God,
To endless years the same.
A thousand ages in your sight
Are like an evening gone,
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.
Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away;
They fly forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.
O God our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be now our guide while life shall last,
And our eternal home.
…………………………Isaac Watts
Debbie
hi Z! Racing was very exciting over the weekend! I was so impressed with Uncle Mo’s comeback run, I hope he doesn’t retire!! Mr. Commons also ran an amazing race as well as Acclamation and Stay Thirsty! But through them all, I dreamed of YOU gorgeous mama love YOU xoxoxo
Mary
Yes…Z…there is so much pain with this hurricane all along the east coast…and the earthquake for the people in Mineral, Virgina. We did not have much here in central Virgina….feel blessed. I did get to watch Uncle Mo and Stay Thirsty race on Saturday….wow….both of those guys did great!!! I got excited watching them but nothing like the almost heart stopping moments you gave us in racing Z….but happy you are doing so well in retirement. Hugs to you Z…
Ann
Zenyatta Don”t forget about Uncle mo Returns and how he came back to finish second and The factor too.. I feel sorry for the people of what happen when Irene came
Linda Shull
Thanks for the updates. Watched those races and they were great.
Kiki Sim
Z,
You.
Are.
Epic.
Enogh said, and I hope wveryone from Irene is okay:)
Kiki Sim
I’m your #7 fan today Zen! Lol:) have a good day;)
Ann Maree
Hi, Z, girl,
–
It was a thrilling weekend, and so proud of Mr. Commons! You are still missed mightily on the track….no one gave us more thrills than you did for as long as you did! Big hugs, sweet girl! Ann Maree
Susan in TN
Zenny- you are so kind and thoughtful! You’re right- it’s like “minor surgery” is when someone else is having it! I hope things will start settling down and that everyone can try to get back to “normal.” I’m glad you were not in harms way!
Those were some exciting races over the weekend, weren’t they? Stay Thirsty looked really strong! Congrats to Mr. Commons! He ran a great race and I’m glad to hear that he felt so good afterwards :)
Twirling Candy was so close- how fun that there is a Lane’s End connection! You are always in the loop, aren’t you, sweet girl? And then for you to be so nice to keep US in the loop- well, we’re just lucky! I hope you have a wonderful Monday-
say Hi to Tasty T for us. Love you <3
@Dottie: Thank you for all you do!
Beckie
Thank you for your concern for others dealing with the hurricane. You’re such a caring gal. I hope you’re feeling well and having a little play time with your buddies.
Susan in TN
@DJ: You ARE loved and you WERE missed! Hope all is well and glad to see you back <3 Thank you for the beautiful prayer. Many need it today.
Kimberly Potter
My Beautiful Zenyatta~ Yes, racing this weekend was indeed exciting. I didn’t get to see Mr. Commons’ race, but will most definately look it up. Your description of the race sounds like it was a nail biter….Good Job Mr. Commons. I am sure all of his connections are so very proud of him. You will get em next time!
@All on the East Coast~ Can’t wait to hear from you so that we know that all is OK.
HUGZ to everyone~
Zenyatta’s #1 fan in Montana!
Gary Moulton
@BABY BUBBLE DOUBLE *OO*OO*OO*OO*OO*OO*OO* 08-29-11 (12:30 pm (est.)
.
SARATOGA –
Race 5 & 6 – race 5) #5 “Flavor Girl” & #8 “Double Mint”, race 6) #1 “Stock Fund” & #10 “Primed for Success”
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$2.00 Daily Double 5, 8 // 1, 10 = $8.00
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$8.00 Bet Today +$212.20 Starting out the day. GOOD LUCK ALL
.
@Barbara Grimaldi – That’s a tough question. I figure we are talking Derby Trail? There have been a few good ones. The Moss’s might have the filly division covered. With the colts & geldings I don’t think I’ve seen the best ones yet. I think people that know what they have, haven’t broken them out yet. It seems like it’s later and later every year. I doubt we have heard the Derby winners name yet or if he or she has even run yet. Watch the Derby winner only have three starts before the Derby this year, LOL. Whoever wins the “Hopeful” will be on top of the list for minute. Of course “Overdriven” and “Union Rags” both looked good on dirt/slop. Up north on polly “Banner Bill” has won two stakes at Woodbine and “Majestic City has looked good out west on the fake stuff. I’m pretty sure it won’t be any of the horses that ran at Calder on Saturday. I was hopping a good horse or two would show up but to me the class was way down this year for most all of the 2yr olds that ran at Calder. Things can change so fast as far as them growing up and learning. I can’t pick just two at this time. Who is the best on Derby Day is what I’m gearing up for.
Kim Noble
It was a great racing weekend – especially the grand race Uncle Mo ran and The Factor looked great!!! But nobody makes my heart pound the way you did.
Cheryl Smith
So proud for Stay Thirsty, he is so gutsy! Uncle Mo too, what an exciting race day! Mr Commons is awesome as well.
How are you feeling? Hope you are doing well. we all love you and care for you bunches!
Kathy Kimber
@Kerri Bussell:
Meeting you would be the greatest thing that could happen. If you can make it that is wonderful but if not we more than understand. You leave both Charlotte and I humbled. You are on the e-mail list so keept checking. Love you dear girl.
Germaine
Great races this weekend, but you put a pretty high standard out there, Zenyatta and I have yet to see anyone match or even come close to you. Stay healthy and happy.
DJ
To Susan from TN: Thank you! Same to Wonderful YOU!
sherry drish
HI EVERYONE, ZENNIE YOU ARE SO ON TARGET AND PHOTO FINISHES. THE RACES WERE VERY EXCITING. I WONDER WHY I CALL MY FAVORITE HORSES NAME WHEN THEY ARE RACING..I YELLED YOURS TOO. DID YA HEAR ME FROM HERE ON THE EAST COAST??? @ DENISE I AM PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOU HUSBAND. THE PHOTO WAS A SWEET ONE OF OUR QUEEN. LOVE TO ALL,SHERRY D. WV.
Gloria
Beautiful picture of you, Big Mama Z! Congrats to Mr. Commons. I was rooting for him!! Hope you are taking care. Miss you at the track.
Laurie
I agree, it’s a beautiful picture of you :) and I appreciate the chance to see the Travers on TV…congratulations number 9 Stay Thirsty on your big win.
Susan in TN
@Kimberly Potter: Hope your daughter and little one are doing well!
@Gary Moulton: Enjoyed your musings!
Terry Crow
@DJ-Good to see you post. @Susan in TN-Left a message for you at the end of the last post. @Judy Berube-I have just about used up all of the hugs you previously sent. Hurry back. We are all concerned for you and Russ.
shemas
Dear precious Zenny, What a wonderful photo of you. Like your soul is looking at me through your eye. Every glimpse of you is a memorable moment for me! Dottie informs you so well about the natural disaster on the east coast over the weekend. We so appreciate your concern, empathy and beautiful way to articulate it all. And yes, the races were thrilling this weekend! Plus loved hearing about how pleased Mr C was with his race. I can imagine the athlete in Mr C really came out in this race! Love you bunches.
Barbara Wood
@Dearest Kari–Since I found the song “Blessings” by Laura Story, I posted it at the end of yesterday’s blog. So, in case you missed it, I am re-posting it here. It really spole to me, and I hope it does to you. You are always in my prayers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CSVqHcdhXQ
Barbara Wood
@DJ–welcome back, and thanks. You were missed.
Sue
What about more diary posts about Zenyatta herself and her coming foal? Everything else seems really ordinary!