yay!!! I LOVE reading your work, Amanda and can't WAIT for your Nicanor posts!!! how is he doing today, by the way?

Hi Amanda,

Welcome.  Yes, this blog is important to many of us.  I was wondering if  you can give us some thoughts on Nicanor's recent work outs.

can't wait for the horse to get to the track...best bet against since Pletcher's seventeen million dollar colt for sure!!! this blog makes that more of a sure thing, keep it up.

I wonder if you could find out Barbaro's first workout time as compared to the time Nicanor posted?

It is so nice to track this gorgeous colt.

Hi Amanda

Nicanor is VERY important to all of us. We wait and pray for updates on his recent workouts.

I would love it if you could post some new pictures of him! He is such a gorgeous horse and I hope he becomes as great as his brother was!

Welcome aboard, Amanda.  We look forward to your reports & updates. This is one of my first stops when I turn on my computer.  Thanks for keeping us informed on Nicanor.

I will be looking forward to your reports.  I love hearing about Nicanor's new life.

Welcome Amanda!  Where did Claire go??

Dear Amanda,

You don't know how much Nicanor means to us (the Fans of Barbaro. We pray and think of Nicanor everyday.  Barbaro, Nicanor and Lentenor are in our thoughts and prayers.

Ohh, I almost do not want to love this horse but I know I will. Good luck to all of us and I will be reading.

Welcome Amanda, I have faith you will do great job keeping us abreast of Nicanor. Enjoy the assignment.

Welcome Amanda, though I must say I will miss Claire and would love to know where she went, if you can tell us.

Can you all believe Nicanor is up to 4 breezes now, including one gate work?!  He is growing up fast!

Welcome,Amanda. I love this blog, not only for word on our dear Nicanor, but for learning more about the training of young Thoroughbreds. I am getting a sense of all the hard work, patience, and skill it takes to bring these young ones along.

Kathy

Hi Amanda and welcome! We are all anxious to hear all about Nicanor. Thanks for keeping us posted on his career and enjoy your new assignment1

I am looking forward to see him run however we must realize that his brother was a special horse and that is very hard to duplicate but maybe he will surprise us all we hope .

Hi all -

Barbaro's first works (all at Fair Hill) stopped the clock in:

5/22/05...3f in :39.00 (dirt)

5/30/05...4f in :50.00 (dirt)

6/9/05 ...4f in :49.60 (dirt)

6/28/05...4f in :53.00 (woodchips)

7/7/05 ...4f in :51.00 (dirt)

7/13/05...4f in :51.00 from the gate

Nicanor, on the other hand, has so far...

6/7/08 ...3f in :39.00 (dirt)

6/1/08 ...3f in :39.10 (synthetic)

6/21/08...4f in :51.40 (dirt)

6/28/08...3f in :38.40 (dirt)

As an unbelievable BarBaro fan, I was wondering when information was going to post on his brother Nicanor.  Where do I find information on his age, trainer, stables etc.  

Thanks from TX

Come on folks, why all the bother bout this brother of Barbaro. He probably won't turn out to be anything close to Barbaro. Who cares? Is everybody going to be waiting for a brother or sister of Eight Belles to come around? I've never seen so much pomp and circustance surrounding an unraced horse before. Except maybe the useless and overpriced Green Monkey. I know you fans of Nicanor hate this blog(try not to get to rough with me) but I don't see the importance of this excitement.

yeah! how exciting but big shoes to fill.

Thank you for taking over this blog.  Nicanor (and Lentenor) are already very loved!!

Thanks Amanda.  We are just glad someone has taken over.

i hope nicanor does great just like barbaro! oh does anyone know if you can just show up to the haskell at monmouth without purchasing tickets in advance and just pay for admission at the gate?

Great to have you aboard, hope you really enjoy this journey and most of all thanks for anything you can pass along about Nicanor and Lentenor. Also, can you tell us the sex of the expected foal of LaVille Rouge? I know Mrs Jackson has said in the past they were hoping for a filly. I say, lets all think pink!  

Watching Nicanor develop is exciting! He is a beautiful reincarnation of his big brother. Just hope they keep him safe and sound so he can win the triple crown!

To all that may be interested, you can set up a Virtual Stable on Equibase.com.  Put in the names of the horses you wish to track.  I've received notice of Nicanor's three works, I think it's three.  Modest times, but one might assume he isn't being pushed too hard.  Hope to see him gallop one morning when I visit Fairhill to see my partnership horse.  Sorry, I didn't save the works or I would post them.  

Welcome Amanda! I'm looking forward to more updates on Nicanor. I saw the Virtual Stable comments and I was wondering if it cost anything to set up a virtual stable?

hasn't there been a third brother to come along since lentenor--and to answer clay.... its not often that one has the opportunity to follow a horse's career from birth. and this horse in particuliar...

nan

MJR - Thanks for the posts on Barbaro's times.  I had not seen these before.

Clay - I just hope he is happy, safe and makes it to the track.   As far as how he does, that does not matter to me.

In response to "Clay"...what a shame it must be for you to go around being negative while trying to bring down the hopes of TRUE horse lovers. No, we will never see the offspring of the wonderful filly Eight Bells, nor will we see Barbaro's either. However, the fans of all horses, be it Barbaro, Eight Belles, Nicanor or the countless other beautiful creatures that God has seen fit to grace our presence with, positively hope and pray that Nicanor truns out to be a champion just like his brother and then is able to continue on into the breeding shed. And if he doesn't, SO WHAT!!!!!!! Just look at all the people that the Jackson's, Dr. Dean, Michael Matz, La Villa Rouge, Dynaformer, Barbaro, Nicanor and Lentenor have brought together on this blog alone. We don't have "blinders" on, but what on earth or in heaven is the problem with HOPING? Can you answer that question, "Clay"?!

Clay - I will try not to be too rough, but come on, you are kind of asking for it.  If you don't care about Nicanor, then why bother to even look at this blog, much less take the time to leave a comment?  You cannot deny the impact that Barbaro had on the racing and non-racing world alike.  Eight Belles, while special to many, cannot match Barbaro's fame for a few reasons (at least in my opinion):

1.  I really do feel Barbaro was the best horse I have seen in my 18 years of watching horseracing.  That's not based on just his Derby win.  That's based on his versatility over various surfaces (turf, slop, dirt), his willingness to dig in and fight (FL Derby), and winning the Derby with ease.

2.  While EB also broke down, she was euthanized immediately.  Barbaro had a chance, albeit a slim one.  It was during these 8 months that he engraved himself on the hearts of so many.  His struggle to survive brought people closer to him and closer to each other.  People identify with struggle, even if it's an animal.  

3.  I became emotionally invested in not only Barbaro, but everyone involved with him.  Of course, I already respected Matz from his show jumping days, but the Jacksons, Prado, Dr. Richardson...it became more than just rooting for a horse.  I was rooting for the people behind the horse.

I will not follow any of EB's family, but, no disrespect to her, I was never a fan of hers to begin with.  I will follow Barbaro's family until they stop breeding full siblings.  Like I said, I've been watching racing for 18 years.  I know the odds of any of those siblings making it to the track, much less being anywhere close to Barbaro, are probably near 1 million to 1.  I don't care.  If it happens, I will have been there from the beginning.  If it doesn't, I won't be disappointed.  I will be thrilled just to watch them run.  Barbaro lives through his bloodlines, even if they never compare to him.  The first racehorse I fell in love with was Unbridled.  I have always loved to watch any horses related to him run, regardless of how they do.  I just didn't have the opportunity to follow any of them from birth because nobody was putting it out there when a new one was born.  Barbaro's high profile injury provided a rare opportunity to track his siblings through birth, training, and, hopefully, racing.

That was long, but hopefully you don't feel attacked!  I understand why you might think it's silly.  Normally, I am a logical person and would be right with you, but there was just something about Barbaro.  Gotta catch my breath now!

Welcome Amanda and keep the information on our favorite horse in training coming.

What is exciting is that Barbaro's first workout and Nicanor's are identical - 3 furlongs in 39 flat.

Also, reading about Secretariat:  His first works were unremarkable and so were his early racing attempts and then, suddenly, MAGIC happened and he took off and kept on running like the wind ever after!

I've a hunch Lentenor is going to be the superstar.  He has all the signs and was the most beautiful foal ever -- all legs and so happy about it!

NICNOR IS

Nicanor is breathtakingly beautiful and from all I've read, very playful...off the track. A precious combination of beauty and personality.  I hope he also turns out to be a racehorse, but, if not, I'll still love him just as much. He's captured all our hearts and Lentenor will, too.  Watch!

Nican

I agree, it is wonderful to get to follow a "baby" through his training and hopefully to the track. Clay needs to find something he enjoys, something he can be positive about. Life's to short!! As for Nic never being as good as his brother....Clay. Look at the works; I do believe the little boy's GOT IT!! And Clay, with all the things going on right now, steroid controversy, breakdown issues, "early" retirements, Larry Jones barn in a state of sabotage since a sponge was found placed on a horses nostrils in 2007. The recent clenbuteral positive, and now his beloved pony and another TB "mysteriously" let out of their stalls in the middle of the night, left wandering, Pal with blistering on the tongue and in the mouth from a foreign substance not to mention the slaughter issue. The sport is in a state that needs good news. And the more the better! The positive fans, those that follow the Horses with heart and feeling, showing up at the track, caring about the sport; we are the bread & butter for the Owners & trainers. Negative fans we can do without. If you don't like this blog, go find a negative blog, you can have a ball there!

Oh, and Welcome Amanda!!

Norma Jean (New Jersey), who is eagerly awaiting the Haskell!!

I AM a true horse lover, I've been involved for 32 years with the industry, my family has owned horses since the 40's. But if I read the Bloodhorse page I can't help but notice the Nicanor colums, over and over again. I just feel you people will be let down once he starts racing, but there is nothing wrong with hoping. And as far as Barbaro struggling for his life after the accident, this was purely the decision of the owner, and against all recomendations to put him down. He suffered greatly and I hope I don't see this again. Again, we still don't know how good Barbaro would have been, still I think Bernardini would have beaten him. Maybe I shouldn't have interfered in this blog just interjecting my thoughts. But I guess if we were to follow any young horse now it would be Nicanor, its a better story. Hold on to the dream everybody, in these troubling days of racing

we need a feel good story. Long Live Nicanor! Adios amigos.

Welcome, Amanda!

To Kelly and Norma Jean - thank you - well said!

:)

Good job, Amanda!  You are both prompt and responsive. Much appreciated.

Obviously Clay you are a negative, insecure and undoubtedly a lonely person with no friends due to your personality...or lack of.  I don’t know you, but you remind me of the kid that would go out of his way and torture small animals, but enough of the insignificant small talk.  I’ve owned horses all of my life but only got interested in horse racing when someone told me to watch out for that horse they call Barbaro.  I heard that this horse was going to be the real deal; therefore he started my interest in horse racing.  I have followed Barbaro from his first race and believed totally in this horse.  During his hospital stay, I read all of the emails that people posted.  This horse gave hope to so many people, you could tell by their tone in their emails.  I will follow Nicanor just as I did his wonder brother.  I’m sure we will never witness another BarBaro, but isn’t fun and exciting to wish and have positive dreams for his brother to be like him!  My two heroes’ today are Big Brown and Nicanor.  In fact it’s Barbaro’s fault that I’m flying from Fort Worth to New Jersey just to see Big Brown run in the Haskell.  I’ve always loved horses but never thought I’d go this far to see a horse race.  I will be doing the same for Nicanor.  Thanks you Barbaro for opening my eyes and heart!

Dallas from TX      

I can't stand it! Clay just wants to ruffle a few feathers...he has nothing better to do.  Bravo to one & all - I think you gave him a run for his money. As in any sport, we all have our favorites.  (i.e. What would the Yankees be without Derek Jeter?)  That's what keeps the attraction alive.  You don't follow a sport without having a hero here & there.  What fun would there be in that? Barbaro was something special to so many.  We only want the best for his siblings.  It's as simple as that.

From what I've read about the Jacksons is that is the reason why La Ville Rouge is being bred to Dynaformer is that they liked what they saw in Barbaro. If my math is correct, la Ville Rouge has been bred four times to Dynamformer. Now it appears to me that each time La Ville has produced a foal, the Jacksons have liked what they've seen otherwise they wouldn't keep mating La Ville Rouge with Dynaformer. This non-expert saw something special the first time I saw Barbaro run. I never saw him prior to the Kentucky Derby. I just knew I saw history in the making when Barbaro won the Kentucky Derby, which unfortunately and sadly was cut short in the Preakness. It just seems that some thoroughbred horses have more exuberance when they race then others. Barbaro had it, just as Curlin does today. And some of the racing community may not be aware of this right now, but Nicanor is their superstar. And whether it is Nicanor, Lentenor or the new one that will be delivered next year, I really believe one of them will be the next Triple Crown winner. After all...hope is a really, really good thing...

Thanks for posting Barbaros First Work times! Boy, baby brother is right on the money :o)

Also, Clay, can you please point out WHO recommended putting Barbaro down? I don't believe it was his Vet. in PA? There was every reason to hope he could stand at stud and recover. I raise Thoroughbreds and I would have done the very same.

Its so good to see how many people Barbaro touched.  We look forward to Nicanor's first race and then on to Lentenor because we can.  It's the next best thing to watching Barbaro.  It may be unlikely, but wouldn't it be something if one or both of his brothers showed something special on the track.  Special or not Barbaro's brothers have given us a unique, inside look into those first years before the Kentucky Derby.  While we hope and pray for that spark Barbaro showed, it really doesn't matter if one or both horses don't have it.  Just the chance to watch them grow and then start their racing careers warms the hearts of all the new racing fans who fell in love with Barbaro on that first Saturday of May 2006, in Kentucky!

we all loved Barbaro so much!  That love was cut short when he died.  We now have Nicanor and Lentenor to transfer that love to.  What can possibly be wrong with that??  If either colt has any talent and it is beginning to look more and more as if Nicanor does, we'll all be mesmerized when he begins racing.

Go beautiful boy!

Dallas'

No one responded to your post.  Nicanor is a 2 year old,currently at the Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland, being trained by Michael Matz and his assistant Peter Brette, both of whom trained Barbaro, his big brother.  His younger brother, Lentenor, is a yearling and is still at Mill Ridge Farm in Kentucky where he is growing and in the Fall will be off to Stephens Thoroughbreds in Ocala, FL for breaking to a saddle and rider and introduction to the starting gate.  Then he, too, will go to Fair Hill to be trained by Michael and Peter.  So much to look forward to!

Having followed horse racing since I could pay attention to anything (first Derby I remember was 63, Chateaugay), I think this is one of the neatest blogs I have come across. I still mourn for the wonderful ones who's young ones we'll never see, but getting to watch Nicanor grow and develop is pretty darned cool! Who ever started the blog, thank you very much!

What intrgues me about Nicanor is how transparent the Mr. Prospector line is evident in his appearence.  Alot of the Dynaformers tend to be cut in a smilar mold:  a large, plain, muscular stature; where as Nicanor has the classy detailed head, and flowing physique, which to me anyway, is more the Mr. Prospector-Carson City shining through.  Barbaro was more of that big, strapping, typical Dynaformer colt.  I love the pedigree combination of this horse.  I know he has intangible emotional value, but on his pedigree alone, I would be shocked if he isn't talented.

Marigold,

Thanks so much for the information on Nicanor.  As I mentioned, I’ve been around horses and rodeos all of my life but only until the great Barbaro did I become a horse racing fan.  I enjoy horse racing only if I can connect to a horse.  It was Barbaro in 06 and not really a big fan in 07 and then I fell in love with Big Brown and of course Eight Belles.  Now I’m excited about following Nicanor’s training and racing.  Thanks again.

Dallas from TX  

Hello everyone. I am proud to say that I share in your excitement and enthusiasm about Barbaro's brothers. I think that people see them as an extension of Barbaro and as a possible fulfillment of what Barbaro left behind. I wish nothing but the best for Nicanor and Lentenor, for they carry within them the very same blood as our Barbaro. Whether they race and win or never see the light of a racetrack, happiness is what I wish most for them. From reading your posts, I can see that you all want the same for them as well. I really enjoyed reading your posts, and look forward to reading about the progress of Barbaro's brothers. Take Care...

this truly amazing how everyone get emotional with certain horse and of course Barbaro is one of them..a fine horse indeed. always like Barbaro and the connection and now Nicanor on the way is exciting indeed..but to all player every one has their favorite horse, but if your puting a bet$$$..better think twice, get off the emotion train, and play using your skill after all the game does not always side with favorite.. if your a fans just have fun!.. if you bet think, after all your putting $$$...

Virtual Stable reports Nicanor did 4f in 50.00 just as Barbaro did (see above).  Go Nicky!  

LOOKS LIKE CLAY IS GONNA KEEP EVERYONE ON THEIR TOES.  SORRY HE NEVER HAD ANY CLOSE PETS TO CARE FOR WHEN HE WAS YOUNGER.  BUT LIFE ISN'T OVER YET.  LOTS OF LUCK CLAY.  I AM NEW TO ALL OF THIS BLOG STUFF AND I FIND IT ENJOYABLE.  PERHAPS ONE DAY CLAY WILL TOO. GOOD LUCK AMANDA.