Happy Monday to All!
It’s Labor Day! It is so hard to believe that it’s technically the last day of summer.
Today at Del Mar, the race track is hosting a group who serve in our Armed Forces. MY JOHN was a Marine during his time in the service. He is going to visit with the guests today at Del Mar and participate in some of the activities with them. I gather the executive offices told MY JOHN that even if some soldiers were not really familiar with racing…they did know about ZENYATTA! (That’s ME!)
Hearing this is very special to ME! (Wink, Wink!)
MY JOHN is going to speak with the group later in the morning. We’ve heard they were going to ask him for some ‘handicapping tips’. Dottie was teasing him last night that he better start studying the FORM for the entire Monday card quickly! I’m sure he will do very well!
One of the things I remember fondly about BARN 55 is all of the YOGA type exercises we would do. My dear trainer would have ME do lots of stretches all of the time to help ME in any way possible.
Well, I gather he has his exercise riders doing the same thing. John was buying yoga mats to use at the barn the other day…so individuals could stretch any time needed. Michelle took this photo of MAX, one of the exercise riders, after he completed the daily training exercise with 3 fillies: Harmonious, Star Billing and Gelila.
From all reports, MAX agrees with ME. These stretching techniques really work!
I’d also like to send a special HIGH HOOF to Havre de Grace. Last Saturday, she ran a great race at Saratoga winning her Grade 1 with style against the boys!
Enjoy your LABOR DAY! My Team and I so appreciate all who defend our country…and those who work so hard each day to make everything in our lives better.
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
judy berube
Dear Vicki B.:
You’re welcome. Will post the last two on the list tomorrow. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Vicki B.:
What a sad story. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Z’ters:
My heart goes out to any of you and others who are in the out of control wild fire areas. Thinking of you and will keep you in my prayers. Hugs, J.B.
Vicki B.
@Terry Crow – I am surprised you feel that way about Zenyatta’s last race, that you wish she had won the Ladies’ Classic instead, to be 20-20 (which I admit, would sound marvelous!) Although I rooted for her to win, and felt very bad at first, my feeling soon changed, because it felt like some people were giving way too much importance to her race “loss”, and giving too much power to maintaining the “perfection” of a win-streak. You can’t argue with “perfection”, but it also doesn’t prove that there isn’t some loss waiting, just around the corner. Isn’t protecting a streak, in part, living in fear?
—— I came to feel that Zenny’s renown is the greater, for that last race, and the way she nearly ran down Blame at the end, from 16 or more lengths behind. Long-time race “experts” saw her in a whole other light, and talked about it that way, afterwards. One long-time analyst immediately after, said, “You wouldn’t want to bet against her, in a rematch.” Not us, but some people really SAW her then, who she really is, for the first time.
judy berube
To all the Men and Women in our Military:
Thank you and may you stay safe. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
To Ingrid Arnone:
Dear Ingrid:
Good for you. Great Handicapping. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Vicki B.:
Thanks for the news on Rapid Redux. Good for him. He’s in some excellent company. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Pat Beck:
You’re so welcome. He and Steve Cauthen were brilliant. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear “Charlie” from Delran, N.J.:
You’re welcome. Hugs, J.B.
Vicki B.
@Susan in TN – I loved your story of Chester and Sass, and told a horse-loving friend in England about it. Thanks!
judy berube
Dear Signofthetimes:
Cute story about your Greyhound and your TB. We had a Greyhound too (former racer). She was a sweetheart. Hugs, J.B.
Brooke (From Mrs.Voltz 5th grade class)
Happy Labor Day Zenyatta! I hope your having a great day! Its so stormy in East Liverpool:'(.Your foal is going to be CUTE!!I cant wait to see what it looks like.You are probley going to name it somthing cute. Zenyatta a cute name.Were going to get Dusty papers in a few days!! I will tell you if you guys are somhow relted!! Her baby looks like you. And is the same age as you!She has a star on her head. I got a book about how to take care of horses an it tells what marks horses have. You have a star and strip. Dusty has a star.
judy berube
Dear Signofthetimes:
Thanks for sharing that story about Eight Bells. I’m glad she was so loved. Hugs, J.B.
Brooke (From Mrs.Voltz 5th grade class)
P.S. Last year was the best year I ever had because you and Mrs. Voltz. Thank you soooo much Mrs.Voltz and Z.
judy berube
Dear Brook from Mrs. Voltz Class:
Good to hear from you. Sounds like your learning a lot about horses. That’s great. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Vicki B.:
I’ve read where Z was actually as much as 28 lengths behind in the 2010 BC Classic. I’ve never before seen a horse make up that kind of ground. But, she did. Hugs, J.B.
AJ from CA
@Judy Berube -thanks for the links to MOW and Affirmed…they were my two fave male horses. I remember watching Affirmed win all three of the triple crown and went to see him in person in his farewell. He was one of the most beautiful chestnuts you can imagine and really looked every bit the champion that he was. Actually that was the last time I was at a track until 2009 when I just had to see my all time fave Zenyatta for her farewell which of course she continued her career another year thanks to Jerry and Ann Moss. What great memories!
Erin
Sat.I invited some “Z” fans over to watch the HDG race and we were all on our feet cheering her on like we did with Zenyatta. It was great! Boodhorse and DRF has some really touching articles on Larry Jones and his wife and how they adore and pamper HDG. Sound familiar? Under his training she has really flourished. He loves his fillies just like John does. I’m so pleased to see HDG mentioned on this site. This seems to be her year to maybe do it all. Hooves crossed! I have been following her progress last several months now and it’s nice to have a horse to root for to fill the void of no more Z races. I still go on YouTube a lot though. All the fillies are doing so well this year. I read John said when asked if Eblouissante will race this Fall his reply was “one can only hope.” It must be a real challenge to keep the expections in check. I read she is far ahead of her stage of training than Zenyatta was. Wow. Can’t wait.
judy berube
Dear Gary M.:
Interesting info on statues. Good luck tomorrow on the last day of racing at the Spa and Del Mar (don’t know when they close). Hugs, J.B.
Sharon Simons-Passmore
Drove through Lexington and yelled, “Zennie, if you can hear me, whinney back…” No reply. sniff. Will be back during Keeneland and wishing I could visit. Beginning to think getting an audience with the Pope is easier. Always wishing you well!
judy berube
Dear Gary M.:
Actually, today was the last day of racing at the Spa. Got mixed up. Hope you did well. Hugs, J.B.
Joanna
@ Charlie Delran NJ
3 wonderful fillys that raced against the colts in the UK
Snow Fairy ran a fantastic race in Ireland yesterday, she very nearly beat the amazing So You Think
Ouija Board who raced at the Breeders Cup
and my alltime favourite ‘The flying filly’ Lochsong
she was a real character and often boiled over before she got to post
judy berube
Dear Terry Crow:
Too Cute. Hugs, J.B.
Signofthetimes
@Trish and Mike
Great observation of horse behavior. Zenny was
Kind of like a weight lifter puffing up and muscling
Up for her races and she never hesitated to stare
Her foes down. HDG has a more feminine Style,
But can definately get the job done. That is why they
Are called individuals. Really love all their differences.
Signofthetimes
@Trish and Mike
Maybe HDG was playing a teaser among all
Those Stallions. That is mare behavior, they can
Be very seductive depending where they are in
Their cycle.
Michelle
Love you Z! Havre de Grace was awesome. Here is another future star I hope.
Here’s video of Blind Luck’s younger half-sister, who was recently named SUCCESSFUL LUCK, shortly after she was born Feb. 25, 2010 at Fairlawn Farm.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2AgqzHpUBA
Signofthetimes
HDG Beyer 111 during the Woodward.
Lots of comparison with her and RA. Two
Different individuals. RA was never the same
After, hope HDG goes on as a winner and possible
Champion.
Signofthetimes
@Terry Crow
Interesting opinion about HDG. The Woodward
Did put Hollendorfer in an unusual situation. It seems
Battling mares is not always a great idea and just beating
The boys does the trick. Glad Zenny and RA never
Met. Would have really changed the picture. Everyone
Wants the HOY and sometimes a battle is not the best way to
Do it. HDG is a nice filly.
Erin
@signofthetimes
That is what Larrry Jones said, sort of. In an article I read and I’m paraphrasing..”the males think she’s cute and may be intimated by her…maybe the’ll just stay back and watch her run”. I taped the race watched several times.HDG shows no fear, she knows what’s expected of her and she’s all business. Kinda cool.
Wendy in St. Louis
I’m confused ! How do you get a 1/2 ton horse to do yoga, stretching exercises ?
Bet it’s a funny sight seeing Zenny in the lotus position. HA!