Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #26

Coz with John Shirreffs, June 2014. Photo by Kyle Acebo.
Coz with John Shirreffs, June 2014. Photo by Kyle Acebo.

Q:

How do you decide which horses will work in company?

Meredith Ramirez

Sacramento, California

A:There are several factors to consider: age, fitness, and length of stride. You want the horses to be compatible as workmates and you do not want one horse more stressed than the other. Consider it like dancing and both horses are “in-step” when working.

Expert: John Shirreffs

Q:

What are the indicators or signs that let you know a horse is 100% ready to race for the first time?

Lisa Myers

Hopkins, Minnesota

A: When a horse has trained hard enough to run and off of that training he shows you he wants to do more, this is a good sign. The feed tub is also a great indicator as to how the horse is handling and internalizing his work load. When the feed tub is “licked clean” each morning, a horse is ready to run.

Expert: John Shirreffs

Q:

Has Coz had the pleasure of drinking Guinness? Does he like certain foods?

Judy Gadwood

Burbank, CA

A: Coz is not “old” enough yet for beer (ha-ha). He has fresh carrot juice three to four times a week. John makes this for Coz at the barn and he drinks it out of a large salad bowl (this was one of Giacomo’s favorites as well). Coz also enjoys the Horse Apple Cookies that Mrs. Moss sends to the barn for him and his pals.

Expert: Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs

Our Experts

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John Shirreffs

Trainer

John Shirreffs has been around horses all of his life and has always felt it was important to help a horse become significant, to make history. Zenyatta’s Breeders Cup wins helped his dreams come true. Read John’s complete bio.

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Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs

Racing Manager

As the Moss’ Racing Manager for the last 29 years, Dottie has actively been a part of each Moss horse’s life. It’s a family affair, as her husband John trains many of the horses that she manages. Read Dottie’s complete bio.

Reader Interactions

463 Comments

    • / Reply

      Max,
      Happy for Honor Code even though I love Wicked Strong. Didn’t HC have another trainer last year? Glad he is with Shug but seem to remember he was with someone else. Could be a senior moment.

      I know what a ridgeling is but was wondering if it affects their breeding potential. Any of you horse people out there know?

  3. / Reply

    Dortmund Cruises Wire-to-Wire in San Felipe RACE REPLAY VIDEO
    By Claire Novak The BLood-Horse
    Dortmund preserved his undefeated record March 7, cruising gate-to-wire in the $400,000 San Felipe Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita Park (VIDEO).
    The imposing son of 2008 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Big Brown has won five in a row and looms an impressive contender for Kaleem Shah and Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert on the road to this year’s Run for the Roses. His 50 points earned in the San Felipe punched him up to third on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard with 70 total, behind Gotham Stakes (gr. II) winner El Kabeir and Risen Star (gr. II) victor International Star.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/90524/dortmund-cruises-wire-to-wire-in-san-felipe#ixzz3TkRhnlac

    • / Reply

      Ray Paulick on Sat. March 7 2015
      Dortmund, under Martin Garcia, went 23.12, 46.98, 1:11.30, 1:35.51, 1:41.65.
      Bob Baffert trains $140,000 @FasigTiptonCo Midlantic grad

  4. / Reply

    Dear Max.You a senior moment!!!Never!A ridgling is any male animal with an undescended testicle.I hear we are due some heavy rain in Wales monday,hoping it spreads over to the Cotswolds!More wet and windy Wednesday night.It’s not all murk and mist over here!Sheena

    • / Reply

      You might want to revise that comment as it seems a bit harsh. Shirlee was not referring to me, and she obviously knows what a ridgeling is. Her question was a good one. The answer is like most things, it all depends on the horse.

  5. / Reply

    WinStar Farm ‏ on March 7, 2015
    CARPE DIEM wins his 3YO debut in the G2 Tampa Bay Derby!
    We are thrilled! Thank you to Todd & team! @StonestreetFarm @WinStarCEO #dreambig
    Ray Paulick ‏March 7 2015
    For those watching @TVG (which can’t figure how to put up all fractional/final times),
    Tampa Bay Derby run in 1:43.60 for 1 1/16 miles

  9. / Reply

    2015 Santa Anita Handicap (G1): Santa Anita – 3/7 – Race 11 RACE REPLAY VIDEO
    TVG Published on Mar 7, 2015
    For many, the Santa Anita Handicap field is champion Shared Belief…and everyone else. The 4-year-old gelding is, after-all, just one race mishap short of a perfect
    10-for-10. Wins include scintillating performances in the TVG Pacific Classic, Awesome Again, and Malibu Stakes. It’s little wonder that this diminutive gelding, owned in part by media personality Jim Rome, has left a BIG impression on fans. Whitney winner Moreno, and Sunshine Millions Classic victor Sr. Quisqueyano are among 12 entrants lined-up to “slay the dragon”, vying as much for the prestige of doing so, as for the winning share of the Big ‘Cap’s $1,000,000 purse. Will their mission prove fruitful, or futile?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2IWFOi0ol4&feature=youtu.be

  11. / Reply

    Congratulations to all winners today on Super Saturday.
    Sorry Night Prowler, Next time…..

  12. / Reply

    Stephen Panus ‏on Saturday March 7 2015
    Mike Smith became the first jockey ever to win the Big ’Cap three straight years

  13. / Reply

    Enjoyed everyone’s posts! Have a good night and a nice Sunday.
    Must go to bed now since we are losing an hour of sleep tonight. I wish they would just leave the time alone, in its natural state: Standard time, aka sun time.
    Sweet Dreams to all!
    Hugs and Love

  14. / Reply

    Dear Carol.So glad you are recovering well.I didn’t know much about Funny Cide He was gelded because of his problem.There was talk because of his stud value,maybe,corrective surgery would have been a better option.Hope the pain is bearable.Hugs Sheena.

  15. / Reply

    Max,
    Danny must have been talking with Carpe Diem about the “dratted” Johnny V and how to handle him. CD didn’t unseat him but sure made him get on the ground at the starting gate. Guess these guys just have to put him in his place and then they go on and win.

    • / Reply

      I watched a video of the race. Uncle Johnny used the whip on CD. Next time he might have to watch his seating. Did you see Shared Belief? Hand ride all of the way. What a wonderful horse! Also liked Dortmund’s wine. He might be a chestnut version of The Beast. A big guy.

      • / Reply

        Max,
        Watched the video of Shared Belief. No question about it, he was by far the best. A real shame he is a gelding. He must have been a really bad actor.

        Johnny V better let up on the whip with CD. Barbara might come after him with one! As I have said before, wish they would just outlaw the whip.

        • Shirlee. Agree about the whip.
          Apparently Shared Belief also has some foot issues. They have to take special care of his hooves. He’s small too. Small but mighty. Glad for Mike Smith.

  18. / Reply

    @Donna Z….I was worried about the puppies too….then i found out that they are allowed to visit…daily

  20. / Reply

    Happy third birthday to Cozmic One. So glad you’re here!! Hope you get a special cake from Mrs. Moss like your mom always gets.

  21. / Reply

    @ Carol in Arkansas It’s so good to see you posting. Hope your rehab goes very smoothly and you can be back at home feelin’ fine.

    • / Reply

      Because of Our Mims, a lot of the “old girls” were allowed to lead a good happy life at the haven that is named after her.

      Bless the people at Our Mims, Old Friends and the other places like that. So sad that Ferdinand had to give his life for Old Friends to exist.

  23. / Reply

    Met Mile next main target for Shared Belief
    Jay Privman DRF Live Sunday March 8 2015
    SHARED BELIEF is getting ready to take his act on the road. His trainer and co-owner, Jerry Hollendorfer, said the $1.5 million Metropolitan Mile on Belmont Stakes Day
    June 6 at Belmont Park was “right on the radar” as the next major objective for Shared Belief, who won his 10th race in 11 starts on Saturday in the Santa Anita Handicap.
    http://live.drf.com/

  24. / Reply

    Top three from San Felipe bound for SA Derby
    Jay Privman DRF Live Sunday March 8 2015
    DORTMUND, PROSPECT PARK, and BOLO — the first three finishers in the San Felipe on Saturday — all came out of the race well are are set for a rematch in four weeks in the Grade 1, $1 million Santa Anita Derby, their trainers said Sunday morning.
    http://live.drf.com/

  25. / Reply

    Happy Birthday to Coz!! Every baby is special, but you were our first. No one will forget that night (and the old blog crashing), or seeing Grandma Ann in the straw with you, or reading your Mom say “isn’t he precious?” or hearing your little squeal as you tore around your paddock. Now you’re all grown up and on the brink of being a racehorse. We will follow your every move and send our love and best wishes for a safe, successful, and happy life ahead. <3

  28. / Reply

    A Scottish terrier from Russia won best in show at Crufts.Known as Kopna at home he was handled in the ring by an American lady.My choice the black flat coated retriever called Dublin got reserve!Sheena

  29. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    I’m back home. See you tomorrow. Love and hugs from me, kisses fromHolly,Nikko and Sugar. Kathy

  30. / Reply

    Hi All,
    Just checking in to wish CoZ a happy birthday on his 3rd year. You are a beautiful combination of Zenny and Bernie whom we all love so dearly.

    Congrats to Dortmund, Shared Belief and Mikey on their big win, and Carpe Diem and special congrats to my beautiful “Indy” son Honor Code on his fabulous win at Gulfstream. He came from 12 lengths behind to pass the leaders, just like someone else who was so exciting to watch, right Zenny!

    Carol I’m sending you healing prayers so you’re back on your feet soon. PUC!!

    Kisses to Zenny, CoZ, Zi, angel Princess and my Indy,

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