Good Morning,
It is a bit rainy here this morning and the weather is about 57ish. The temperature has cooled off a bit, but it is still quite pleasant. One thing I have learned while living in Kentucky, the weather can change very quickly. One must always be prepared.
I was wondering how my pals, Nereid and Star Billing, like it here. Dottie commented that it is rather HOT today in California…in the high 80’s. I know MY JOHN would have definitely prepared for the change in temperature in respect to these 2 fillies. Knowing him, he brought some nice, comfy blankets for them to wear….especially in the evening.
Entries were drawn Wednesday for their race, The Queen Elizabeth Challenge Cup–G1. The race runs at 5:45 Eastern Time. Star Billing drew the one hole (she will be wearing RED) and Nereid is in post 5 (wearing a GREEN saddle towel). The morning line for both of them is 6 to 1. There is a field of 8 entered and Winter Memories is the favorite at 6-5. Summer Soiree is 2 to 1. Here’s wishing all of them a GREAT TRIP!
I know MY JOHN is in town. After morning training today, he went to Louisville for a bit. I heard he was out doing a ‘special project in relation to ME’ this morning. This is TOO CUTE!
I wonder what it is? I’m sure he’ll whisper it in my ear when he comes to visit!
Have a wonderful day!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
JAG / California :-)
Hi Zen!! You are too cute talking about YOUR JOHN so lovingly… after he whispers in your gorgeous ear could you share what he said? ;-)
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I looked at the cam located at the KHP and it shows the rain and cooler temps for you. Yes, in CA we are baking!! 100s today!
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Kises ‘n Hugs Mamma Z and Baby z XOXOXOXOXO
Judy
Cheryl Smith
Good luck to Nereid and Star Billing. I wish them both safe trips! You stay warm and dry. I am sure John has something special for you!
We love you, you will and forever be the Queen of our hearts!
Cathy Marshall
Best of luck to Nereid and Star Billing. Love ya, Zenny!
Allen
You stay in today and get your beauty treatment from your groom. Hope you have a good visit with your John. I wonder what the big surprize could be. Have a great afternoon Z.
LauraJ
Lovely picture.
Dawn Conrad
Dear Zenyatta. Hello my wonderful Zenny. Sorry I have not written for a few days. It has been really busy at work and I have been a bit under the weather also, so I am afraid I have not spent much time at my computer. Not fun! Pictures of the plane carrying Nereid and Star Billing to Lexington brought to mind that remarkable video of your own arrival for the Breeder’s Cup. I loved hearing Ann and Dottie talking to you, calling you “sweet girl” for you are certainly that. Today’s picture of Nereid is gorgeous! I was lucky to meet her when I visited Barn 55, she is so kind and talented. I wish everyone a great deal of success and safe journeys during this weekend’s races. How special that your John will get to visit with you again. I know how you both must love the long talks you often have and now he has a secret project to tell you about. It has to be so good for both of your souls, spending special time together. Hope Dottie gets to visit also. The racing this last weekend was great. Black Caviar, Gio Ponti, Zazu, Uncle Mo, Union Rags, Flat Out, Harve de Grace what a treat. I have been concerned for Blind Luck, Zenny. She has such a huge heart and has always given her all. She deserves the very best and I hope that whoever is lucky enough to purchase her at Keenland with take great care of her. The picture of you and baby Reagan was just TOO CUTE. Wouldn’t we all feel a childlike joy to be able to give you a kiss on your velvet nose. What a dream! I am very happy to hear your party plans are moving ahead so well. I know everyone who attends will have an amazing time, thanks to Dottie. Just think of all those people coming from all points east, west, north and south to join in honoring you, Zenny. We all love you so! I just received my official Breeder’s Cup merchandise catalog yesterday and of course the picture of you and Blame was on the cover. What you overcame to almost win that race was remarkable and the finest example of your larger than life spirit. You are inspirational and beautiful beyond words! Love too you and little Z/B. Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
@All Zsters – Trina sent me the instructions for sharing a link. I came across the full interview that Ann and Jerry Moss did at UK while attending the Keenland sale. It lasts about one and a half hours. I do not believe it has been posted in its entirety so here you go, hope this works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP2ednnXqLU
@Judy Berube – Thank you so much for sharing the tribute pictures of Zenyatta taken by Barbara Livingston. To say they are beautiful does not do them justice. So many moments, so many memories. I really appreciate all of the other links you share, they are amazing. I loved seeing Tonk and Erin.
@Susan in TN – You have been in my thoughts dear friend. For all the joy of having a rescued horse adopted, I know there must also be sadness to see your special little sweetie Rootbeer leave with someone else. He held a special place in your heart as you did in his. I am glad that Chester and Chopper are doing so well in their new surroundings and getting all the attention they deserve. You and Sharon Call were truly sent from God to care for these two old troopers. Too funny about Rusty and Sass.
@Barbara Wood – I hope you enjoyed your time in Colorado, even though the weather really was not cooperating.
@Brenda S – Yes, it did snow in Cedaredge last Thursday. I looked out the window and couldn’t believe I was already seeing those white flakes falling. They did not stick of course and the temperature has picked back up over the last few days, thank heaven. I was not ready for winter yet! Hope you had a very happy Thanksgiving!
@JAG – I am glad that you had such a fantastic time with your fellow Dumplings on your birthday!! I would have loved to have been there! And then to top it off with a kiss from Mike, you rock!! The photo of him giving Zenyatta a hug is wonderful. I did light a candle for our Zenny.
@Kari Bussell, DJ, Sharon in Seattle, Lou Ann Cingle – Sending a heart full of love your way!!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
@Sue Noel – I was so sorry for the loss of your friends. It is wonderful that you have found some healing in the joy of spending time with Cassey and Traveler. The presence of a horse can be such an amazing balm to our pain.
@Peggy (N) – Many hugs to you, sis! Your words on behalf of Blind Luck touch the heart.
@Betsy McGrath – Welcome!!!
@Abigail in Montreal – Loved, loved, loved your newest Vault post. The pictures you got from Bronwen Healy were absolutely amazing. Thank you for sharing your remarkable talent with us!!!!
@Shari Voltz – You are too kind in complimenting my racing knowledge, but I do enjoy our talks a great deal. It is such a joy to know you, I am glad I am able to make you feel better, when you need a little pick me up! It was great of Abigail to share the video from Our Mims. I know how much you do for Jeanne and her retired mares and that you visited there when you were in Kentucky. It is a special place. Go Mistletoe Go!
@Kimberly Potter – The video of the little goat was so sweet. Hope your daughter and baby are doing fantastic!
@Pamela Schreckengost – How fantastic that you got to meet John, Dottie and Sophie too!!!
@Terry Crow – Thank you for sharing your amazing knowledge and fantastic humor. What a great combination, funny, smart and a redneck!!
@MarySue Wedl – So glad you got to meet John. I agree whole heartedly, he is wonderful! When I visited Barn 55 he was so kind and generous with his time, it is a fantastic memory.
@J Smith – Great comment concerning Blind Luck.
@Alex Bowdain – Thank you for sharing Charismatic and Chris. I have a book of Fred Stone’s artwork and the picture he painted is in it. I also have the large piece, “Hail To the Queen” of Zenyatta hanging in the den, signed by he and Mike. It is a treasure. His artwork is just beautiful. Will be looking for the ESPN special.
Dawn Conrad
@Bookmark #4 – I just completed reading “War Horse” by Michael Morpurgo. What a beautiful, yet haunting book. I know it has been discussed before in a past post, but wanted to share it again. It is reminiscent of the great “Black Beauty” as it is written from the view point of Joey, the war horse. The book is relatively short and hard to put down once the story is begun. Although set in England during World War I, some of the situations ring true to experiences many horses are facing in today’s world. There are still relationships between the equine and the human with good, kind loving owners who recognize what an amazing creature the horse is. Then there are those all business professional owners who view a horse based primarily on what it can do for them. And finally those who are cruel and heartless, leaving a horse’s life or death hanging in the balance. It is often heartbreaking to read of the bond that is forged between Joey and those he loves and loses during his remarkable journey, yet hope remains. It is a moving tale which has recently become a major motion picture directed by Steven Spielberg and due to be released around Christmas. Here is a link to the official site.
http://www.youtube.com/user/WarHorseMovie?v=B7lf9HgFAwQ&feature=pyv&ad=8347704037&kw=warhorse%20play
Lorri Hix
Hi Momma Z! That race is too close to call! Alot of good horses in it! I just can’t pick a trifecta.
I love how you talk to sweetly of those closest to you!
I hope you and Baby B/Z are doing well! Stay warm! xoxo
Teh Baby
Hi Mom!
JAG / California :-)
Australia: December Draw tops field in Caulfield Cup
http://www.drf.com/news/australia-december-draw-tops-field-caulfield-cup
JAG / California :-)
Santa Anita: Comma to the Top nearing return to races:
http://www.drf.com/news/santa-anita-comma-top-nearing-return-races
Jamie
Oh, I do hope they televise YOUR PARTY at the Breeder’s Cup. Wish I could go… boo hoo. Have a great day and take care. Hugs and Kisses
JAG / California :-)
Zenyatta’s Having a Party!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/liz-o/zenyattas-having-a-party-_b_999353.html
I so wish I could be there :-(
Judy
Cheryl
Love you Z. Looking forward to your party at the BC!!
Rosemary McCauley
Zenyatta what a lovely horse Nereid is. She looks very inquisitive as she inspects her surroundings. I hope you have a great visit with YOUR JOHN and that someone takes photos. YOUR PARTY is coming up and I’m sure there must be countless details being put in place for it. Sounds like fun to me! I hope you have a wonderful visit with your two-legged family and enjoy the racing this weekend. I can’t wait to watch Nereid and Star Billing. We’ll be crossing our fingers for them and for all the runners this weekend.
Trisha
Hi Z.
Can’t wait to find out what “Your John” is cooking up for you. If it is concerning you, then it must be very special indeed.
Love, hugs and kisses
Gloria Jeanne
Stay warm Zenny!!!
Stella Bagwell
Dearest Zenyatta,
Nereid looks so lovely and thoughtful in her picture. She must be dreaming of crossing the finish line first! As you did so many times during your career.
The weather here in South Texas is still very warm and humid in the 90’s. The cool damp weather where you are sounds wonderful to me. Let’s just hope it doesn’t make your California friends shiver!
Do you and Tasty have your handicapping done for the weekend of racing? Good luck to all your favorites.
Hope you relay some of those whispers from Your John to all of us!
Kisses,
Stel
Yvonne
I know you can’t wait to see Your John. I can’t wait to hear what he whispers in your ear, sweet Zenny! I love you always!
Lisa B.
Hello Precious Zenny, I am excited to watch Nereid and Star billing on TVG this Sat. They are both fabulous fillies. Safe trips to all. We are baking here in Southern California!! Today will reach 100 inland… Are the leaves starting to change color on all the beatiful trees around you? I do miss the seasons. I lived in TN for 2 years and the Fall was my favorite season. Have a wonderful time visiting with your John. Stay warm and dry. Miss You Much Love YOU OOOXXX
Laura Rutkowski
Zenny, thank you for checking in on such a regular basis. Hope you & your baby are doing well. Love & Treats to you from JP & me. XO
Susan
Hello Zenyatta,
I, too, hope that your Breeders’ Cup Party will be televised!!!
Could you let us know if it will be shown live??
Thanks!
Susan, M.A.
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny,
What a lovely picture of the bay (my fave oolor) filly Nerid. She had a very beautiful head, but small ears… compared to yours and “E” and “V”. Good luck to her and Star Billing. Winter Memories is going to be tough, but we all know racing has a luck part and YOUR JOHN
may have that his weekend.
Hope you are having a great day XXXOOO
signofthetimes
@Susan
It was last year on ESPN and I think HRTV, too.
Marilu V.
Hello Zeny: I was sad to hear about Blind Luck when I first read about it. I guess her owners know what is best for her otherwise they will not make this decision. I hope her new owner will love and take good care of her. Hugs, Marilu
http://www.horseracingnation.com/…/Hollendorfer_on_Blind_Luck_123 – Cached
JAG / California :-)
@ ALL SANTA ANITA CARD FOR THURSDAY~
Race 3 @ 2:03 ~ VALERIA / Mosses / Shirreffs / Victor Espinoza
Race 8 @ 4:37 ~ BIGMIKEISTHEMAN ~ I thought of Mike Smith :-)
Here’s the link for today’s program:
http://www.santaanita.com/sites/default/files/live_racing/programs/full/2011-10/fullprog-2011-10-13.pdf
Pam Zacek,
Oh So glad you get to see all your friends again for this race coming up,Hope all have a safe trip, and you will share what Your John is getting you for special, gift or what ever, hope its a good one, sure will be I am sure, Love to you, and baby , Hope you stay warm, I wish i lived in Cal, all these years , stay warm, and all. I live in a worse place then Kentucky for the cool stuff, keep that blanket on and stay warm.
Dawn Conrad
@Frankel – Looks like Frankel may still be a possibility to run in the Breeder’s Cup. How amazing would that be!
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/65531/frankel-still-possible-for-breeders-cup
JAG / California :-)
@ ALL ~ FRIDAY’S CARD AT SANTA ANITA:
http://www.santaanita.com/sites/default/files/live_racing/programs/full/2011-10/fullprog-2011-10-14.pdf
Barb France
Counting down the days to your PARTY, as I know so many are! I sure wish ALL your fans could be there but then you would have to have it a very large stadium to hold everyone!!! A Zenyatta Love Fest!!
Praying for a “mild” temperature during BC…was a little to cold last year! Brrrr!