INTERNATIONALLY, WITH RACING'S VARYING, OVERLAPPING, & CONFUSING JURISDICTIONS, I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST AN "INTERNATIONAL NAMING CZAR" AND I WOULD LIKE TO THROW DR. MARK GIRARD'S NAME INTO THE RING FOR CONSIDERATION.

Yes the Irish Nicanor is very good. He is trained by an excellent trainer called Noel Meade. Hopefully the American Nicanor will be just as good as the one here.

I'm starting to think Nic isn't going to race this year...

I'm getting worried /:

Is something wrong?

Nicanor (FR) race record:

horses.sportinglife.com/.../0,12491,88375,00.html

Denman (IRE) race record:

horses.sportinglife.com/.../0,12491,226846,00.html

March 15 2006 race chart:

horses.sportinglife.com/.../0,13215,190341,00.html

I seem to remember a couple of other horses named Barbaro, from long ago, though now there will not be another (Derby winners names can't be registered again, right?)  Megan, at this point Barbaro was only going for his second race on November 19, 2005 in his two year-old season so Nicky is not too far behind.  But it feels like Matz is going to be very careful and maybe we won't see him until next year.    

Probably nothing is wrong with the US Nicanor, Megan. I'd bet he's just taking his own sweet time at maturing, and he IS a Dynaformer, so a bit of a wait will only help the colt. We are the ones who are antsy; I promise he does not care!!

All good things come to those who wait; meanwhile, our fingernails are down to nubs and the colt is happy and growing.........and not worried at all about making his first start!

Cheers!

Let Nic take his time.  We all want him to be healthy and ready when he finally runs.

As a neophyte, I'd like to ask a question.  Just read an article in Bloodhorse about Sheikh Mohammad who has bought u some of our best 2 year olds and taken them to Dubai.  How does tha happen?  Is there a chance he could take our Nicanor or Lentenor?

Where can I go on the internet to watch Nicanor's first race, when it takes place?  

MVH("neophyte")----THE SHEIKH DOESN'T take, HE PAYS!  ONE ONLY NEEDS TO LOOK DYNAFORMER'S PEDIGREE TO UNDERSTAND THAT WITHOUT PURCHASING AND IMPORTING IMPORTANT INFLUENCES SUCH AS NASRULLAH, TURN-TO, ALIBHAI, BULL DOG, & OTHERS,  THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO BARBARO, NO SEATTLE SLEW, NO SUNDAY SILENCE(THE SAME FAMILY THAT BROUGHT US NASRULLAH FROM ENGLAND SOLD SUNDAY SILENCE TO JAPAN).

funny, I've been perplexed about the whole name deal since I saw a horse called Sirmione race in Australia about two years ago. I think he won one their biggest races down there, and then weeks later, seemed to show up in some mid-level allowance race at one of our bigger tracks stateside. Always wondered whether that was the same horse, but never did the research. I have seen that horse run again, but not sure if it was the Aussie Sirmione, or his US counterpart(I'm frequently watching races from all over the world, all this info gets a bit jumbled up in my head). Anyone have some insight?

As beloved as Barbaro was I would think that if the Shiek wanted to buy either Nicanor or Lentanor that the Jacksons would say NO.  Or hopefully so as they know how well Barbaro was loved by many and that we and hopefully they want to see there two colts make it to the track.  Another horse, yes but I don't think Barbaro's family.

Amanda, I don"t believe there is enough money to buy Barbaro's brothers while they are of racing age. Mrs Jackson said she likes to win and they are not through breeding to Dynaformer. She knows the chance is slim they will have another Barbaro but they want to keep trying. The Jacksons don't need money and the people that sold to the Sheikh, all said the money was too good to turn down.

Megan: Theres nothing wrong with nick. don't be nervous, he's a young horse, and is STILL growing belive it or not! =) Letting him grow and mature is going to be better for him. Letting both of those take place, takes away the possibility of him getting hurt. Also, when a young horse is not mature enough to race, he can be VERY dangerous, and thats not good either. Matz is doing a great job with Nic. Don't worry. Barbaro didn't start till december, and even THATS unusual for a Dynaformer.

I am sorry if what I said in the other comment was confusing, but that website that I read was reffering to Nicanor fron the US also which is Barbaro's Brother.  The title of the little short section is titled Nicanor May Run by Year's End.  The website is www.horsedelval.com/news.htm it clearly says Michael Matz saying this, "If he does start, it will be at the end of the year," said Matz."So far, he's not done growing," is just a little part of it.  You just have to scroll down to find the little article.  Also that article is from November this month.  So I am sorry Amanda if my other information seemed incorrect, but I am sure that it is from Nicanor here in the US.  Anyways, thanks for the information on the other Nicanor that is not in the US.

We owned a colt named Criticism in the 1980's, I see another one born 2000... not the same horse. We bred a colt named Browning in 1984 and there is a 2005 filly  with his name.

Let me restate my question.  How will I obtain the information, as soon as it becomes available in regards to the location of Nicanor's first race?  Thank you for your help.  I really enjoy keeping up to date on the progress of these 2 precious boys, Nicanor and Lentenor.

I visited Lentenor at Millridge in September.  What a thrill it was to stand beside and pet Barbaro's brother!!!  I am looking forward to reading about the third brother coming in February.

Fortunately, the Jackson's primary motivation is NOT money (as evidenced by their efforts to save Barbaro) but is the love of the horses.  I'm sure they must love Nicanor and Lentenor at LEAST as much as we all do.  So, I'll rest a little easier tonight.

When will Michael be taking the horses to Florida?  Will there be a news blackout on Nicanor when he does that?  This absence of information on our beloved Nicanor has been so difficult.  Our imaginations tend to run wild.  Amanda, can you find out if Jill Stephens was able to get aboard Lentenor?  And how he is doing being ridden?

Anyone know how big Nicanor is?  16, 17 hands?  The article above says he is a "big colt"

Neverkickyourdog, are you referring to Lebon and Cinzano?

Hey Amanda,

Just to let you know, when I suggest pictures to you, I am actually throwing the hint out to everyone, especially those darlings at Fair Hill to send you a new picture or 12. Wow, did I say darlings, I really mean sweethearts. It must be difficult to keep your Fair Hill contacts happy as well as us. I personally don't believe anything is wrong with Nicanor, never have. I just love seeing someone (Nicanor) who is a little bit more chipper and happy go lucky than I am. It makes my day. Thanks Amanda for doing what you do and doing it so well.

Holly, if you want to follow certain racehorses, Equibase.com has a nice program you can use that sends updates to your email - when the horse works out, entry notifications two or three days before the race (which includes what day, what race number, what track, jockey, etc.), and race day/result info. It's very simple to work, google it or visit the equibase site. :)

Amanda,  I have a simple but perplexing question to ask of you.  WHen a trainer or a jockey says a horse is "nice", what it is that they are actually saying about the horse?  It seems to be a word that is understated and restrained.  What do they really mean when they say this?

Amanda, I do understand the connections' right to privacy.  They must feel so much pressure with all the expectations for Nicanor floating around out here.  Maybe we really have no right to have the information we've had about him so far.  But you know, you give someone an inch and they want a mile...

RACETRACKER--A/K/A "SEATTLE SLEUTH"

I ONLY WISH THAT I COULD REMEMBER THE NAMES OF THE BEVY OF MULTI-RACIAL BEAUTIES THAT DR. GIRARD SURROUNDED HIMSELF WITH.  HUGH HEFNER (THE HUMAN) NEVER CAME CLOSE TO THE DOC!

Amanda how come you haven't told us if the other horses like Nicanor?

Amanda, What I'm saying is there's no way the Jacksons would sell Nicanor or Lentenor if they are good enough to race. Afterwards, when its time to for them to go to the breeding shed is another matter. As far as I know, they are not in the stallion business. I think that was the question of the day for Showing Up. He was such a nice horse, with very good breeding potential but the Jacksons said that was not something they handled. The Sheikh is determined to win the Derby and money is not an issue for him, wasn't it said to be about 10,000,000 for one of the two olds? No, if and/or when one of Barbaros brothers wins the Derby, he would/will be wearing Lael colors. We can all rest easy on this issue, it's not an issue. Sheikh or no Sheikh. It will be interesting to learn what they have in mind for the furture if one or both are successful at the track but, thats for another day.  I think we all know what an unusual position we're in and appreciate every moment of it.   Please extend that thought to all involved with the health and welfare of Nicanor and Lentenor.

The above delaware valley article states that Nicanor is still growing.  Elsewhere it has been reported that he is over 17 hands.  How big is he going to get???  Is it possible that a horse can get to be too big??

Dynaformer will be 24 in 2009. How long do stallion stud careers last? Is it safe to say that Dynaformer will be around a few more years? Dynaformer's sire Roberto died at age 19. In other words, it is conceivable that if Dynaformer lives to be 30 plus and if stallions can work up to their last breath, Nicanor and Lentenor could have, say, 5 more siblings after LVR's foal that is yet to be born. La Ville Rouge is 12 going on 13, so if she stays healthy, her ability to have babies should not be a problem.

So even if the Barbaro siblings remain with the Jacksons or the Jackson's children, the Barbaro brother and sister descendents will permeate the world. And hopefully all of them will be watched over by people who are as dedicated as those who are watching over Barbaro's brothers today.

Every time I hear someone speak of Alysheba today, I am reminded of what happened to Ferdinand. Hopefully all owners in the future can take the high road in regards to these majestic beauties known as thoroughbreds and come with alternative solutions for them when they are no longer economically viable. I do enjoy seeing thoroughbreds race. I also enjoy hearing of their retirements at places such as Kentucky Horse Park. I certainly do not enjoy hearing of them being slaughtered. So let us hope that all horses that are born have people who watch out for them and treat them with kindness and respect.

As far as Nicanor goes " pretty is as pretty does". We all hope he does well but just having a full sibling that did well at the track does nothing except make Nicanor the full sibling of a champion.

Neither Curlin nor Forego ran as two-year-olds, as they were busy growing--seems like pretty distinguished company to me!!

It has been some time since we have had eyewitness comments regarding Nicanor. Do they keep him out of public view while he is training? We used to follow Barbaro's progress daily but getting info on Nicanor is little and far between.

Thanks Amanda for the info. Just musing in the previous entry.

Dynaformer does pretty much what he wants, has a low-keyed existence and low stress level. Couple that with the fact that he is one mean hombre and you have a stallion that plans on sticking around well into his 30's.

I do have a question. The only picture we have of Dynaformer is that less than picturesque conformation photo. Are there any other photos of him floating about? I have read where people say he looks much better in person. The two videos on you tube show him in a much better light as well...just curious.

Thanks for the tip Amanda. The little bit of a sway in his back may explain why the conformation shot is what everyone goes with. Dynaformer must have been a gorgeous colt in his younger days. And unlike Nicanor, Dynaformer doesn't appear to care for photo ops, especially the close up ones judging by the fixed eyes in the head shot.

Neverkickyourdog, you are so right. Mark Gerard (aka Mike Geronimus) did manage to surround himself with young, impressionable girls. I know, I was one of them. Lebon and Cinzano were horses, two of his switcheroos. Of course, there were many others! Any other graduates of the mark Gerard school of veterinary medicine out there?