Wow!  We are getting closer.

I can't wait! But I wwon't be able to watch his race because the only racing channel over here that shows US racing does not show Gulfstream. :(

Thank you for the update!Can't wait for his debut!

TVG doesn't show Gulfstream either, but CBS may broadcast it.  They are looking for FOBs going to Gulfstream over on ABR.  Hopefully, hopefully!

Does anyone know??

Hey Majella, as anticipated as Nicanor's race first is, you might want to try You Tube later in the day or the day after as I am sure some enterprising You Tuber will post this race. That's where I plan on searching in the event I miss the race. ESPN on the web is also a good place if the horse race is in demand.

I suspect that the Jacksons will be on hand to watch Nicanor's debut. They must be on pins and needles as I believe we all are waiting for his debut. I read the Gulfstream update on Nicanor and I swear Michael Matz sounds almost exuberant; certainly extremely pleased with Nicanor's progress. Well, you all know what I think. Good Luck Nicanor!!

I can't wait to see him race!!! Please let us know when his race day will be so I can watch and cheer him on!

O and HRTV shows Gulfstream, I have TVG too but they don't seem to show as much racing. That's just my opinion.

If CBS doesn't broadcast then you can still watch the race on your puter.  Just go to http://www.youbet.net and d/l the program, you can watch the race on it as they do Gulfstream.  You don't have to bet at all but they do have a fun bet you can place if you wish.

That's exciting news.Just whisper in his ear "you can do it".I hope the jockey is Edgar Prado.Go Nicanor!

This is so exciting. For two long years I have been following this colt, waiting for this day. I can't wait to see him race. I love the fact that MIchael Matz seems more enthusiastic about Nic's maturity and ability. Does anyone know who will be riding Nicanor ? I would be interested to know if they have talked to Edgar Prado...Im sure he would be thrilled and I cant think of better hands for Nicanor to be in when he steps foot on the track.

I'm still waiting for the condition book #2 for Gulfstream Park, to see what MSW races, both dirt & Turf, for 3 year old are there for the weekend of January 30,31 & Feb. 1. Also waiting for #3 Condition Book for Tampa Bay Down's.

Where-ever & When-ever, GO NIC GO.

We love you.

Clearwater Charlie & Tommy

sounds like he's coming along just fine.mr. matz knows what he's doing. if i had a horse, he'd be my first choice for trainer. he doesn't push his horses unlike some trainers do.

Amanda, thanks for the news on Nicanor.  It is really exciting just thinking that his first race is just two weeks away.  From what I have read,  Nicanor is now 17 hands and seems to be a fast colt.  You never know if he might be good as Barbaro or even better.  One thing is for sure that he is going to make his Maiden race a must watch race during that weekend.  I do hope that CBS does a story on the debut of Nicanor.  I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of racing fans tune to see Nicanor's first race because it has been said that it has been one of the most awaited races so far because everyone in the racing industry wants to see if it is possible for a full sibling to have the same talent or a little bit.  Other than that I am very excited to finally see how good Nicanor really is based on the praise that Michael Matz has been giving him lately.  I do wish him the best of luck and hope that he stays safe.  

I will be praying for him.  Brings tears to my eyes, puts a smile on my face, and makes me get goose bumps on my arms.  GO BABY GO!

Michael seems to be taking a page from Friesan Fire's trainer's brag book and exercising restraint.  Friesan Fire's trainer did not and it took Friesan Fire a while to get the idea of what was expected of him, but apparently he finally has.  Friesan Fire's pedigree could not be a much better one, with Seattle Slew on his Sire's side and Secretariat on his Dam's side, but he didn't fire for his first few races.  Finally, though, he did.

We ALL must be patient with Nicanor.  It might take him a while, even though Michael says he seems to have gotten the idea lately and has become aggressive and competitive and seems to love to run.  It is all SO exciting!

All I care is that he is safe and happy.  In his races, it won't matter to me what place he finishes in.

It will be great if Nicanor proves to be another champion and agree that Michael Matz is a great Trainer who puts the needs of his horses first!  

Also agree that the main thing is that Nicanor stays safe, sound and that he enjoys his racing!  But he can hopefully do all of the above!!!!  Go Nicanor Go.  Godspeed!!!!

God Bless

Best wishes

Abbie

I have the feeling that we're all watching history unfold. I have a sense that Nicanor is deliberately not firing bullets in his workouts because of the conservative training he has had. Clearly, Michael believes Nicanor is the real deal.

All of those who hold out hope for the Triple Crown need to worry whether he would make the earnings cut and also whether he would be physically ready. Personally, I think we all know that Nicanor can take on the other 3 top 3 year olds. He's enormous at 17 hands, is intelligent and will likely mimic Secretariat. My thinking is that we may see him destroy his division, and then there's Lentenor! What are the odds of two brothers winning back to back triple crowns? Any guesses?

I can't wait, we live 45 minutes from Gulfstream. I just hope I pick the right day to be at the track. I hope there are other FOB that are able to come out and represent. I'm not good with video but I will take pix and post.

edgar prado deserves the mount for nicanor... and lentenor also... i hope for the best... prado knows how to make a horse win... and nicanor through my eyes is going to be a champion. so let go of the past of barbaro that tore us apart.. embrace this chance for a brand new start with nicanor... live life.. love and give... =pp

Thanks Amanda for the update with encouraging words from Mr Matz. I'm so glad Nicanor is progressing into a real race horse, and hope with all my heart he stays safe, and sound. Of all the people in the racing industry, everyone connected with this wonderful horse deserves another winner. A lot of fun, and happier times for all, that's my wish. I don't know who will be riding him, but I do know he'll be carring a world of love and well wishes along with that jockey.

Is it wrong to think 3 races, in the money, could be enough for the Derby Trail? I don't know all the details on what is necessary to qualify, or even to supplement him. Anyone know this info??

Thanks!!

On pins and needles for Nicanor's first race !, I really hope Edgar is his jockey for this first race and the Triple Crown Races to follow !, It is amazing to be able to follow him since he was born to this upcoming day and the days and years to follow, Godspeed to the One and Only, Nicanor...

normajean81258: To qualify for the Derby field they take the top 20 in GRADED earnings. As the race gets closer to running, Bloodhorse.com will post a list of 3 yr olds with the highest graded earnings so watch for it.

 Normajean, the Derby contenders qualify by the highest graded stakes earnings. The first 20 with the highest earnings are eligible. Only graded stakes race qualify. Such as the Holy Bull, Florida Derby Loisiana Derby, etc. The Cal. Derby this past weekend was not a graded stakes there fore the money Chocalate Candy won does not qualify for his earning.

 I wish the best of luck to our Nicanor and hope he wins first time out. His safety is most important though. I also hope Edgar will be aboard him.

Tara, do you mean O as in Osygen network?

Jon, who did you mean by the 3 other top 3 year olds?

Remember folks, that is Super Bowl weekend in Tampa.  So, there will be some competition for that race, if it should fall on Sunday.

Nice pic at nbcsports.msnbc.com/.../28640950

Hmmmm ...Michael?

THIRTY-THIRD DAY -- Saturday, January 31, 2009

(Entries Close on Thursday, January 29, 2009)

1A FIRST RACE MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT

PURSE $20,000. (INCLUDES $3,000 FROM FOA) FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. Weight 120 lbs.

(Preference will be given to horses which have not started for less than $25,000. The same preference will be given to horses which have started for less than $25,000 and since then have finished 2nd or 3rd for $25,000 or more.) ABOUT ONE MILE AND ONE SIXTEENTH(Turf)

Sorry ... didn't see the fillies mentioned ....was just scanning the Tampa Condition Book, and that looked like a perfect spot....apologies all around ...

how much would it take for me to have Nic's first race on a Sunday?

Is that possible.  I so would be there. I am excited. .

If not the Derby, IT would be awesome for Nicanor to win the Preakness and Belmont.  He should finish those two races for his Big Brother.  I would love seeing that.

Oh, And I just went to DRF home page and listed a Race Watch with email notification for maiden races at any distance, any surface for 3 year olds at Gulfstream.  Hopefully, it will pick it up and I will have a few days notice as well.  DRF also lists all entries about 2 or 3 days before all races.

"Personally, I think we all know that Nicanor can take on the other 3 top 3 year olds. He's enormous at 17 hands, is intelligent and will likely mimic Secretariat."

Jon, interesting to hear how we 'all know' - I certainly don't.  We should all be grateful if he gets to a racecourse, anyone hoping for Triple Crown glory, or even for him to race in any of the TC races, needs to get back in touch with Planet Earth.  17 hands and probably still some growing to do as he's a late maturer, he's going to take time to get his act together even now IMHO.

Just don't think Michael wants to van him for his first race.  But in case I'm wrong, looks like we wouldn't know with much notice.  We'll have to be prepared to move fast!

If Nicanor does make his first start in 2 weeks, it will be on Super Bowl weekend.  Horse racing needs a feel good story like this to highlight all that's great about the sport.  Unfortunately, except for racing fans, most everyone else, including the media, will be focused on football.  This will be especially true if he wins and the story gets buried on page 8 of the sport sections the next day.  I know this should have no bearing on when Michael Matz should run the horse but it would be good for racing if Nicanor had the stage to himself.  

Edgar usually rides at Gulfstream for the winter so there is a chance he could be Nicanor's mount. He normally comes back to NY right before the Wood Memorial - which may be what Mr. Matz will aim for!  :-)

Jon - I wouldn't go saying he's a TC winner yet...there are a LOT of 3 year olds just starting this year like Nic who are also 17+ hands. You NEVER know how a colt will be his first race. It may take a race or 2 for him to get to know what he's doing...then it will click. I'm guessing he has his gate card if Mr. Matz is saying he may enter him the end of the month. Believe me, a month can make ALL the difference! Also, most trainers are that conservative with their workouts. You don't want a horse to fire away in a workout. Sometimes when they go too fast, a trainer will get mad. You save it for the race. A W/O is mostly for conditioning...building muscle and getting him ready for the race. Remember, one race is the equivilent of 3 workouts. Nic is doing fine for a non-starter.

Jay, unless the Super Bowl is a good cover for Nic, in case he doesn't do so well that day.  Hard to know what Michael will do.  He DID say "...or early February".

This is the most reality-detached comment section... CBS televising a maiden race nationally? Not only a Triple Crown for Nicanor, but one for Letanor as well? Mimicing Secretariat? The only way he is going to fulfill the outrageous expectations for him is to sprout wings at the 1/4 pole, shed tears that cure cancer, win the best new artist grammy, find my car keys, beat up Chuck Norris, win the Derby on his hind legs only, free Tibet and colonize Mars... I have an interest in the horse because of his bloodlines, and I really want him to do well. So let's just start with that all important MSW (probably not nationally televised by networks) and let him go from there... This horse will not win the Derby, and, by looking at his works, will need to be much, much faster in the afternoons to even touch stakes competition... I do encourage everyone to make wagers on him in his first race

J in NY, where have you been!  With all the debates about whether or not Nicanor's works were fast or slow or even race-worthy, we needed a voice of reason to explain it to us.  Thank you!  Michael is adamant about not using up his horses.  His experience as an olympian taught him that.

Prado was riding at Gulfstream last weekend so I hope he gets the mount, and I'm glad I paid my Dish Network bill so I can watch on HRTV.  Since the 29th is the second anniversary of Barbaro's passing, it would be especially wonderful to see Nicanor race that weekend.  I hope he loves to run as much as Barbaro did, and stays strong.  

He will win first time out if he is entered into a 48k or 50k Maiden.Dont care who is in the line up.HE'S READY

It appears that M.M. is looking for just the right race because there is a race on January 22nd at Gulfstream that is a Maiden Special Weight, Turf and no, Nicanor is not listed.

This sounds like the Green Monkey all over again ,training , training and finally a race,a total failure.  They have been talking about this horse for over 4 months that I recall and he's still not ready ,maybe this month. If the trainer really believed this horse was anywhere near  Barbaro's talent he would have had a couple races already. My prediction he'll be a stiff like the 16 million dollar monkey.

I don't doubt the story (that makes sense), but there are rumblings on this board that the race itself would be televised nationally (that is delusional)... And I really do need Nicanor to find my car keys, haven't seen'em all day

While, I personally do not consider this horse a derby prospect, and realize some people have (overly)agressive goals for him, there is nothing about the work pattern of this horse that would suggest that he is not talented.  He has clocked near bullet times from the gate twice, and was the bullet work from the gate in his second to last out.  Given his bloodline, there is a much better than normal chance he will get to the stakes level. His bloodline will also suggest based on percentages that one of the 3 full siblings to Barbaro will compete at the graded level.  If you want to rationalize the long odds of him appearing in the derby, by using his late start, then I would agree.  However, projecting mediocre results based on his published workouts, is senseless.  Matz in the little he let on, clearly is not blowing out this horse for 4 or 5 furlongs.

As I have said before, his record will speak for itself.  He probably does not have the ability that Barbaro had, but you know what??  So what, just as long as he he has fun and is competitive, and as long as he is safe and has continuous love from the humans around him.I love you Nicanor.....God speed.....

I need some input. I am a 2 dollar bettor and enjoy following 3 yr olds, but I dont always have access to internet and would like opinions on who you think would be good horses to watch leading up to the Derby. they guys at work and I like to future wager even tho I know it is shot in dark,,is there a horse out there that is flying under the radar that I should watch for...please help me find a sleeper.  my first blog and I love this site.. thanks,

ace hare: You are TOO funny! That's the best laugh I've had this week. Hope you find your car keys lol.

I'm looking forward to shipping my mares to him in 2010, and getting a chance to breed them to a full brother of Barbaro for $2,500. And that's a bargain compared to Green Monkey.

Oh, how I wish we could stop comparing Nicanor with Barbaro.  No other 3 year old is being compared the same way.  Can't he be himself and be evaluated on his own merits?  Please!  All the other talented 3 year olds are being evaluated on their own individual merits and abilities.  Why can't we do that for Nicanor, as well??  We really don't yet know what he can do.

• Genes

I am no expert, but this gene pool produced Barbaro.

• Talent

Now it takes talent to break from a gate and it appears that Nicanor not only enjoys the gate, but thrives on it. How many times do you see a horse balk at the gate?

• Heart

Heart is what Affirmed had when he battled it out with Alydar. Heart is what Secretariat had in the Belmont when Secretariat left his competition in the dust and still he kept moving ahead.

• Size

Nicanor is a big guy.

• Manageability

Nicanor was going through the motions for Michael Matz before he understood what racing was all about just to please Michael, Peter and whoever. I still believe Dynaformer would have been a big name in stakes races had he tolerated the bit a tad better than he did.

Every picture of Nicanor in his training has been a study of enjoyment and pleasure. It’s too bad that we didn’t get to see more pictures. I suspect the team was and is protecting Nicanor.

And if Nicanor wins the right races, I am certain Nicanor will be there Derby Day. I don't have high expectations for Nicanor because if he wins he wins and if he doesn't, I still love him. But let's wait and see what he does on the track.

It has and continues to be fun watching a youngster achieve and exceed one's expectations. I think Nicanor will do fine, not because of Barbaro, but because it really appears that Nicanor is enjoying himself.

And anybody that believes that they can have Nicanor babies for under 25,000 in 2010 are wishful thinkers.

just like TomF says..+ i would like to add "what have you done for me lately".........STOP.........things media escilate...........did we track a secratariat's brother...handicapping is class+form...........right now nicanor's form and class...IS ZERO...only thing that is keeping him alive is his rother.......and its late January..........ITS like we are talking about  a baby taking a kindergarden test

sorry it was Marigold...not TomF

Jim, could you please translate?  What were you trying to say?

I'm saying that I wish those of you who keep slamming Nicanor are not being fair.    He's a newly minted 3 year old and has been in training for a long time.  The fact that he's Barbaro's brother should NOT be held against him.  Give his beautiful colt a chance, just like all other new 3 year olds will get.  Let him develop at his own pace and go to the track when he is ready, and not one moment before.  Give him a break!  Please!

Oh, please!

Kathy, it is sacrilege to compare an untried 3-year old to Affirmed and Secretariat.  Sacrilege!

Heart?!!!!  You suggest Nicanor, an unstarted 3-year old who hasn't put together five furlongs as fast as Secretariat's FINAL five furlongs in his Belmont has the heart of the great Affirmed or Secretariat, two battle-tested champions?

Nicanor is an 3-year old who hasn't even started.  We know nothing about his talent or his manageability.  Thrives on the gate?  Where did that come from?

It is wonderful that everyone is following this untested 3-year old.  It is great for racing and fun for everyone.

But let's stick with reality.  Let's not forget, reality can be fun, too.

I have to say it.  This colt has some issues.  If he didn't, he would have started some time ago.

I suspect his biggest issue is that he is too darn big and growthy.  We haven't heard that he has injured himself, and his workouts of late have been regular.

To be honest, I thought he looked crooked from the pictures I saw of him.  Granted, there was only one showing his front, but I bet he is offset in the knees.

Big, growthy and crooked are not a good combination for a sound racehorse.  A trainer has to be careful with that type of horse.

Will he be the champion that everyone dreams of?  Maybe, but Matz and the riders are the only people who have any inkling of his talent and they are not talking.

The only positive thing I have heard Matz say is that he was glad he had the colt in his barn.  That is not saying a lot.  That could be PC-speak for I'm glad he isn't in someone else's barn because he would have been broken down by now.  It could be PC-speak for, I'm glad he is in my barn because I think he is better than Barbaro.  We don't know--we will have to wait and see if and when he starts.

This is really exciting! I am sure Nicanor is getting excellent training  and others in my family, as well as friends, are following his progress with much interest. However, this is one horse who will continue to be loved regardless of whether he actually becomes a racehorse or not.

Marigold, Nicanor is compared to Barbaro, fairly or unfairly, because he is a full sibling.  Interest in Nicanor as an unraced three year-old is because so many of us loved his big brother.  Or if you want to look at it another way, if you hope to see him in the Derby, it is fair to take a look at other recent Derby winners in comparison, and that also includes Barbaro.  Other than a few visiting jokers who like to stir up trouble with comments about over-hyped horses like the Green Monkey, I don't think anybody is slamming Nicanor.  I don't think he is a Derby prospect either but that's just reality, not an insult to the horse.  Reaching the Kentucky Derby is like playing in the Super Bowl.  A lot of talented athletes never make it.  Nicanor might qualify, for all the reasons many others have mentioned, including his pedigree, good connections who know how to train Dynaformer offspring, and a big dose of luck in making up for a late start.  Again, not slamming the horse.  I checked in this morning to see if this blog had any news on the race schedule, because I hope to see Nicanor run soon.  I don't care if he runs a Triple Crown race but I sure hope he stays sound and loves to run.  

Hey JAJ, Thank you for reading my passage, but all I said was Secretariat and Affirmed were the epitome of heart. Never once did I say Nicanor had heart. I don't know if he has heart, he might, but I don't that yet, that is why I left that paragraph open. And M.M. said he was good from the gates. I can only surmise that M.M. knows what he is talking about. Canonero II was a little crooked also and he did pretty good. I believe you are the first person to call Nicanor crooked. I personally believe Nicanor is simply big boned. Again, thank you for responding to my note. I sometimes write to get a little interaction even if it disagreeable, oops, I mean disagrees with what I think. I can handle it.

Kathy,

True, you did not say that Nicanor had any courage, but you rattled off a long list of reasons why Nicanor would be a success.  Heart was right in the middle of that list.  By including that paragraph, you implied he had courage.

Lots of horses are crooked.  Look at all the Storm Cats, but, boy, can they run.

Lots of horses are good from the gate.  They have to be approved from the gate by the starting crew before they are allowed to start.  What is good from the gate?  It is standing quietly in the gate, then getting away when the gate springs open, going straight and making the cut off time to get a gate card.  That's about all you or I know Nicanor did.

Thank you Grey, for your reasonable and intelligent comments.  I  love Nicanor and feel very defensive on his behalf.  He is a beautiful, sweet horse with a of expectations riding on his back.  I worry that those expectations and hopes and the pressure they create will be transmitted to him by those closest to him.  Animals can sense things and react accordingly.

I'd like those who don't expect much from Nicanor  to go over to the latest update on Lentenor and look at his pictures and get their

reactions to him...

Have to agree with JAJ. The worse racehorse in the world can break cleanly schooling. Would it be fair to say that the horse is learning his lessons well, probably has his gate card and the trainer is looking for a race for him? If a horse "balks" at the gate he may be on the gate list at a racetrack or may not get his gate card till he loads better. That happens all the time.

I am probably one of the most negative people in this world and you know what, it is probably is one of the most easy things in life to be negative. And anytime someone zero in on someone who is trying to be hopeful and positive, you are being me most of the time.

How many times have you seen the guys in the back of the starting gate plead, push and cajole horses that say uh uh, no way am I getting into that gate. And some of these horses have been pushed and cajoled many times into those gates. To me, it doesn't make for a happy and balanced horse. If you have a horse that loads properly each and everytime, it is one less thing the trainer and owner has to worry about. People may poopoo this, but I think it is important.

And I was simply listing in the initial note that started this things I believe make for a great race horse and filling in Nicanor's name where I felt it was appropriate. If I am right about Nicanor, than we have a winner. And if you are right???

You might want to explain yourself in regards to the crooked remarks as I am sure people are now going to be worried about Nicanor.

I personally believe Nicanor will do fine, but if he doesn't, the Jackson's will see to it that he lives a pleasant and fulfilling life. And I will be a happier and more fulfilled person for being positive about Nicanor chances. And I can hear Affirmed and Secretariat in horse heaven saying go Nicanor go. We love you.

And thanks again for responding JAJ.

Wasn't John Henry a physical mess?

Give the horse a chance.

I am in florida and whe he runs i will be there i have been part of horse racing since i was a child and i think is exciting that people are following this so close even he does not become a decent horse i think is great maybe maybe O YES HE CAN IN 09.

Interesting comments about the beloved brothers of Barbaro, I dont care what races those boys run in. I want them to run, love life and live a very long time and most of all add their genes into the gene pool.  

I would have liked to clone Barbaro and I know that this is an unacceptable practice, but its what I would like..

Ragsy, you won't have to. Lentenor's coming!

Yes, JAJ, please explain the crooked remark.  What about Nicanor is crooked?

Somewhere I read that for this work, Nicanor ran on the outside and ran wide.  He was with a Storm Cat grandson, Hennigan, who is going to run Saturday in the 5th MSW at Gulfstream.  They posted the same time for this workout.

I'm as nervous and excited about this as I am when my kids are about to reach a milestone!  I know I'll need many tissues handy.

What I've noticed , through my Virtual Stable notifications, is that all of Michae's horses post the same or similar times during their works.  So Michael must be controlling the workis and not letting them run as fast as they can.  Nicanor is right up there with the rest of Michael's horses who have already or are about to start.  We have no idea WHAT he can really do, if permitted.  We'll know soon enough!  

Article in Delaware Online about Nicanor being Barbaro's Heir, confirms that Edgar will be riding Nicanor next weekend, or whenever Nicanor starts.  Michael describes Nicanor as "feisty".  Surprising comment.

Thanks Wanda, Donna and Amanda for your answers. I forgot to come back and check!! I do know about the earnings, I guess my question is mathematic! LOL Is it possible he can get the graded stakes races and be in "enough" money to compete in the Derby? I, somewhere in the back of my mind, recall some horses doing this. Did Curlin??

I've said all along that Nicanor always seems to be enjoying himself whenever his picture is taken, be it after running 8 furlongs, taking a bath, or having a discussion with Stephens at his training facility. Nicanor always seemed to be rather athletic looking even as a two year old. But please, oh please, if you don't agree, don't make a big 2 do about it. I simply don't have the energy today. Anyway, as I always have said, Nicanor you are the best. And I will be watching next weekend.

Marigold,

The ideal conformation of a front leg is such that when you drop a line from the center of the forearm, it would bisect through the center of the knees and follow the cannon bone through the center of the fetlock joint, bisect the pasturn and the center of the hoof.  It is one straight line.  You want the column of support to be straight.

An off-set knee has the cannon bone (the bone between the fetlock joint--or ankle--and the knee) coming out of the knee to one side or the other of that center line.  It is a weaker knee joint because the stresses don't fall evenly through the knee joint.

You want everything to be centered so the weight is distributed evenly.

Did that answer you question?

Wow!  JAJ, you got some anger issues going on there. I don't believe it's right to give a horse who isn't in YOUR stable an imaginary deformity.  Marigold asked you a question just because she wanted to know the answer.

Change the tude, dude! You'll start turning people off to a sport I ADORE! If your life isn't working out the way you want, then change it! Don't go destroying other people's dreams. That's not cool!

I can tell all of you right now, there is a horse out there that not only FULFILLED my dreams, but went WAY BEYOND anything I could imagine! She's the light of my life!

Dream away, People! You NEVER know what Nicanor can do if you give him a chance to show his ability! :-) Maybe he is a reincarnated Barbaro, or maybe he is a Green Monkey...either way, we have some interesting times to look forward to!!!!!