Zenyatta worked yesterday morning for the first of 3 works in preparation for her big dance on the 6th of November. The Thoroughbred Times reported the work in splits of 24.80, 38.40, 51.20 and the last eighth in 11.40. ( 5/8's in 1.02.6). She galloped out 6 furlongs in 1.16 and 4. A few quotes from her handlers:
John Shirreffs: “Nice work for her first one back. It was just to get her focus back on a routine. It’s not how fast. It’s about getting back to work and letting her know that another work will be coming. It’s about getting the proper spacing.”
Mike Smith: "It was perfect for what you want first work back. Not too fast. Not too slow. Her energy level is great. I tipped off the turn there and kinda let her run. Two jumps and she caught him [stablemate El Vino]. Whooo! She’s like driving the most incredible sports car and today we didn’t even need to get out of second gear. I let her run. She got past [El Vino] and then she just went right back to cruise control. Just incredible!”
Anne Moss: "I'm excited every time I see her. She's from beyond the beyond. Every day is a celebration. It's hard to keep describing her. They should come up with a new word in the dictionary to describe her."
It appears that the Big Girl is feeling fine and happy. You love to see a nice maintenance work, relaxed yet, enthusiastic. That last eighth of a mile shows me she still loves what she's doing. Incredible for a six year old.
Two more works are planned, most likely October 22nd and October 30th. She will ship to Louisville November 2nd.
The Breeder's Cup has just created a "Zenyatta focused" website, and she also has her own official site.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Bid on Zenyatta's Halter
You can own a piece of horse racing history and at the same time make a contribution to a very worthy cause. TROTT ( Training Racehorses Off the Track) is a racehorse adoption program in California, which “provides at risk racehorses with opportunities for new careers beyond the track.” It was launched in January of this year and is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization. Adoption programs such as TROTT are a great resource to the racing industry because not only are they a safety net for horses that might otherwise slip through the cracks, but in addition to R&R, many times horses are rehabilitated and re-schooled which gets them ready for their next life in non-racetrack homes.
It is a win-win for everybody.The bad news is there is already a starting bid of $3000, so you need deep pockets or at least a nice score to participate, but for those who can it’s a good way to give back.
To bid on the halter, you can find the form on their website.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
The Grass is Green, But...
The only bad thing about Keeneland’s opening day was that I wasn’t there. Going to Churchill in 4 weeks, is keeping me from making the annual pilgrimage this year. None the less, I had a good first day, catching Wise Dan in the Phoenix. One has to wonder if he and Here Comes Ben have ever worked together in the a.m.? Anyway, it's always a good feeling to cash on the first day of the meet.
Read an interesting quote from the track super about the turf course.
Just one Friday race, the seventh, was scheduled for the turf course, which was looking particularly green and lush – especially in contrast to the Keeneland infield, where the grass has been burned to a premature brown by the exceedingly dry conditions that have marked the summer and early fall in this Bluegrass region.
“We’ve watered the heck out of this course,” said Mike Young, the longtime track superintendent at Keeneland. “As dry as it’s been, I don’t know how much of a root system we’ve got left under there right now. The grass has just been growing straight up. If we get some nasty weather, I hope it doesn’t get too torn up.”
The seventh, was an allowance race for f & m, who had not won $7500 twice, other than, or which had never won three, and it was run in a very quick 1.34.02. To put this in perspective, in the 22 runnings of the Grade l Shadwell Mile, there have been 5 horses that have run faster.
Keeneland and Mother Nature have given us a very firm turf course for the Fall meet. Turf players take note!
Don’t forget the dime supers at Keeneland, there were some good payouts yesterday. In addition to the dime supers, Keeneland is also offering 50 cent trifectas, and 50 cent Pick 3’s and Pick 4’s. With those types of bets, you can bet a little and win a lot!
Just one Friday race, the seventh, was scheduled for the turf course, which was looking particularly green and lush – especially in contrast to the Keeneland infield, where the grass has been burned to a premature brown by the exceedingly dry conditions that have marked the summer and early fall in this Bluegrass region.
“We’ve watered the heck out of this course,” said Mike Young, the longtime track superintendent at Keeneland. “As dry as it’s been, I don’t know how much of a root system we’ve got left under there right now. The grass has just been growing straight up. If we get some nasty weather, I hope it doesn’t get too torn up.”
The seventh, was an allowance race for f & m, who had not won $7500 twice, other than, or which had never won three, and it was run in a very quick 1.34.02. To put this in perspective, in the 22 runnings of the Grade l Shadwell Mile, there have been 5 horses that have run faster.
Keeneland and Mother Nature have given us a very firm turf course for the Fall meet. Turf players take note!
Don’t forget the dime supers at Keeneland, there were some good payouts yesterday. In addition to the dime supers, Keeneland is also offering 50 cent trifectas, and 50 cent Pick 3’s and Pick 4’s. With those types of bets, you can bet a little and win a lot!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Watch Her Roll
Winter Memories was a very impressive winner of the Miss Grillo on Sunday, on the yielding turf at Belmont. Relaxed down the backside, she wanted to go when Lezcano showed her daylight. After taking another hold, she responded kindly, till he wheeled her out at the top of the stretch. Then she was allowed to role, and just inhaled her competition. Were the Euros watching? Cuz this strapping filly can give them a go, on that first Friday in November.
The gray filly is by El Prado ( Sadler's Wells), out of the Grade I winning millionairess, Memories of Silver (Silver Hawk). She is trained by Jimmy Toner, and owned by Phillips Racing. She carries the very classic bloodlines of Darby Dan Farm on her dam's side.
The gray filly is by El Prado ( Sadler's Wells), out of the Grade I winning millionairess, Memories of Silver (Silver Hawk). She is trained by Jimmy Toner, and owned by Phillips Racing. She carries the very classic bloodlines of Darby Dan Farm on her dam's side.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
I Laughed, I Cried, I Cashed
But it was all good. The family tradition keeps winning. Little Act Won, whose mom and grandmother I bred and owned, did the family proud with the gamest of wins at Suffolk Downs yesterday. She was sitting on a good effort and she didn’t disappoint.
I laughed, I cried, I cashed.
On the other Coast and on the BIG Stage, Zenyatta did what she was born to do. Win, yet again, stay undefeated and show the world that she is and always has been, the Queen of Racing.
I laughed, I cried, well I didn't cash, cuz I didn't play....
Colizeo, Ave, Changing Weather, and Girolamo put some change in my pocket. Blame took a little out.
I laughed, I cried, I cashed.
I played the Equibase Handicapping Contest and was tied for third until the last two races. Grassy ran a big one, but not good enough. I dropped to a 12th place finish.
I laughed, I cried, and didn’t cash …but it was a great DAY OF RACING, and one to remember.
I laughed, I cried, I cashed.
On the other Coast and on the BIG Stage, Zenyatta did what she was born to do. Win, yet again, stay undefeated and show the world that she is and always has been, the Queen of Racing.
I laughed, I cried, well I didn't cash, cuz I didn't play....
Colizeo, Ave, Changing Weather, and Girolamo put some change in my pocket. Blame took a little out.
I laughed, I cried, I cashed.
I played the Equibase Handicapping Contest and was tied for third until the last two races. Grassy ran a big one, but not good enough. I dropped to a 12th place finish.
I laughed, I cried, and didn’t cash …but it was a great DAY OF RACING, and one to remember.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Word PERFECT
The big mare never ceases to amaze me. She is historically reaching new heights every time she performs. One wonders where it all comes from. She gives consistency a whole new meaning. She is the epitome of what we all look for in a race horse. She is the gold standard , the yardstick, the barometer of the
ultimate race horse with a will to win.
Extraordinary outstanding PERFECT spectacular unrivaled awesome PERFECT unequalled PERFECT unsurpassed amazing ultimate perfect incomparable unparalleled unmatched PERFECT inimitable consummate PERFECT matchless faultless PERFECT unspoiled stunning impressive PERFECT brilliant magnificent perfect peerless celebrated PERFECT illustrious famous exceptional PERFECT gifted incredible fascinating unbelievable PERFECTcharismatic magical PERFECT great accomplished PERFECT remarkable phenomenal PERFECT rare unbeaten perfect astonishing breathtaking
How do you describe Zenyatta ?
A Holiday for Horseplayers and Belmont's All Stakes Pick 4
Is today a holiday? Because it sure feels like one to me.This is the kind of day racing fans and horseplayers live for.There’s great racing everywhere you look today, and the results will have a huge impact four weeks from now at Churchill. While a win today for any future Breeder’ Cup contender is not a MUST, a very good effort will be needed to set up for November 5th and 6th.
Not all the races today are wagering opportunities, from a value standpoint. Lookin at Lucky stands out in the Indiana Derby, so best to hope for bombs to fill out the tri.
Zenyatta, will again be a joy to watch, and that’s all I’ll be doing for the Ladies Secret.
Though I hate to say it, the little turbo-charged Blind Luck looks a tad bit vulnerable in the Cotillion. Not because she’s NOT the best horse, because I believe she is, but she is giving a lot of weight to a couple of nice horses, AND she once again, has to ship. But I will be rooting for her just the same.
But I will be taking a shot in the All Stakes Pick 4 at Belmont, so here goes...
Flower Bowl #3 & #5
#3 Changing Skies – loves to run fresh, she’s consistent, and likes a cut in the ground
#5 Ave – throw out last, she is rounding into form
Beldame #4 & #6
#4 Unrivaled Belle – loves Belmont, and has had a freshening,
#6 Persistently - improving and has a good late kick
Joe Hirsch Invite # 1 & #9
#1 Grassy, yes, I think Grassy has a chance to upset in here… but he needs a good trip. He likes it soft, I think the distance will suit him, he has a nice bullet coming in and it could be a Claiborne win parlay to the JCGC, however...
#9 If Paddy likes soft turf, then it’s all over
JCGC #1 & #2
#1 Fly Down - definitely has a shot to upset, but I think it’s all about….
#2 Blame - the one to BEAT !
Good Luck with all your wagers and a safe trip to all!
Not all the races today are wagering opportunities, from a value standpoint. Lookin at Lucky stands out in the Indiana Derby, so best to hope for bombs to fill out the tri.
Zenyatta, will again be a joy to watch, and that’s all I’ll be doing for the Ladies Secret.
Though I hate to say it, the little turbo-charged Blind Luck looks a tad bit vulnerable in the Cotillion. Not because she’s NOT the best horse, because I believe she is, but she is giving a lot of weight to a couple of nice horses, AND she once again, has to ship. But I will be rooting for her just the same.
But I will be taking a shot in the All Stakes Pick 4 at Belmont, so here goes...
Flower Bowl #3 & #5
#3 Changing Skies – loves to run fresh, she’s consistent, and likes a cut in the ground
#5 Ave – throw out last, she is rounding into form
Beldame #4 & #6
#4 Unrivaled Belle – loves Belmont, and has had a freshening,
#6 Persistently - improving and has a good late kick
Joe Hirsch Invite # 1 & #9
#1 Grassy, yes, I think Grassy has a chance to upset in here… but he needs a good trip. He likes it soft, I think the distance will suit him, he has a nice bullet coming in and it could be a Claiborne win parlay to the JCGC, however...
#9 If Paddy likes soft turf, then it’s all over
JCGC #1 & #2
#1 Fly Down - definitely has a shot to upset, but I think it’s all about….
#2 Blame - the one to BEAT !
Good Luck with all your wagers and a safe trip to all!
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