He's a good traveler!  He is always a sweet tempered horse.  He is precious!

What a sweetie! Now I'll be able to run down to see him, yeah!

YAY!!! Congrats on your first big move to the next race track! A whole new future lies ahead!

Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhh such a beautiful horse.  Rest now Nicky.  Love you.  

Boy, Nicanor sure gets around.  I wonder if this is a "Training" move for another track?  Good luck Nicanor wherever you settle in.  We love you and your brothers too.

Glad to hear he traveled well!  Thank you for the update.  

As I wrote lastweek,Keeneland,MSW-All Weather or Turf,One Mile or 1 1/16 with Prado Up, & of course, his First Win.

GO NICANOR GO.

I'll add that not only was Nicanor sweet-tempered, he was also surprisingly tolerant of the 3 of us playing with him in his stall this morning. Michael Matz commented that he's a great horse to be around, but he's still got a lot of maturing to do - particularly given his last race, as he wanted to hang out with horse running next to him rather than pass him.

I'm expecting 1 1/8, on Sunday, April 19, either on the turf or all weather.  The win will come, just a matter of time.

Smart move by Mr. Matz and The Jackson's !, Nicanor should thrive there, Glad it was a safe trip...

Godspeed Nicanor....

Nicanor might do better at Keeneland if he takes to that synth surface. Gulftream's track was too hard this winter. Made for fast racing, but it's not suitable for all horses.

Will MM be up at Keeneland full-time now?  How many horses does he keep up there?  I thought he was based most of the year at Fair Hill and just assumed that's where Nicanor was going next.  I would so love to make a trip and see him at Keeneland!!  Keeneland in the Spring is so gorgeous--I think all horses thrive there!

TO: GREG J

How are you? Nicanor's doing great,isn't he?

Nicanor, hope to see you someday soon!! Best wishes!

It's good that everyone is excited about Nic at Keeneland, but the reality is the synthetic track doesn't suit Nic's running style as well as Gulfstream did.  Synthetic surfaces suit closers more than front runners and stalkers.  And in addition to that, Nicanor's stamina will come into question.  I wouldn't be surprised if Matz cuts back to 7 furlongs on the synthetic, or maybe puts him on the turf.  Ok Marti and Amanda, you know what you need to do, get out there with your cameras and get lots of pictures of one sweet beautiful colt in that picturesque paddock.

Alex B,

Thanks for the further information.  Maybe as he ages and becomes more stallion-like, he'll get more competitive- but he might lose some of the kindly disposition he now seems to have.

If you get a chance, I'd love to know why Matz hasn't run him on the turf yet.

Laughing at Alex B's conversation with MM on Nic wanting to play rather than pass. How do you teach a horse with the ability to win that he wants to be first? MM has said Nic is very competitive, so how does he teach him to win?

sounds good. good luck to nicanor and his connections.

Alex, thank you for your update as well as The Bloodhorse.  It must be great to see the Fair Hill group again and I will be watching your site for even more updates on our Nicky-Knocks.

We hope Nicanor does well at Keeneland and enjoys his stay there. All the best...  

Alex B

I knew that that answer would come sooner or later.  He was messing around on that homestretch wasn't he.  I have had that hunch ever since I heard that MM and Jose both said it.    

So happy to hear this news.  Even if this is just a training place for him it is good to give him this experience.

Way to go sweet Nicanor, glad you are at Keeneland guess I will come over and watch you race sweetie....even if you hang out with the guy next to you.....

I knew Nicanor was going with Mr matz to keenland. This is a nice colt and he is going to just get better and better. Glad he travels well, as there is a Breeders cup race waiting for him here in California this fall. Naturally, I will be there.

Glad to hear Nicanor travelled safely and is beginning a new chapter in his training!

Maybe Nick will like the polytrack better and finally break his maiden? Dynaformers can run well on turf, and they horses that run well on turf seem to do ok on synthetic tracks.

I wonder if Mike Matz is going to try him with blinkers too? New track, new equipment might make a  big difference.

Good luck Nick!

Amanda, as always thank you for all the updates you bring us on the entire family.  It is good to hear that Nicanor traveled so well, and a change of scenery might be just what he needs right now. We all know he's going to figure it all out it's just watching him do it at his own pace.  However, I still believe, move than ever, he's going to be a great racehorse when he does figure out how it all works.  It will be nice to see him race again and see if he's learning.  The very best to all concerned.

 It would be great if Nicanor can break his maiden at historic Keeneland

So glad he made the trip well and had some friends to help him settle in at his new address. MM is soooo good with him. He's a grwoing boy and will get the hang of it one day. We'll all wait as long as it takes. Love you Nicanor!! Take your time, we're always with you. Thank you Jacksons for sharing all these wonderful and beautiful boys with us. You are very special people.

Nic may become the most beloved horse ever, just because of his beauty and personality.  Just when we all think we can't love him any more than we already do, he'll win his first race.  We'll all be over the moon when that happens (just like Peter said they all were with him).  Nicky, Nicky, Nicky, Via Con Dios.

He should do a turf race sometime, cause that could be hip problem, he might just be a turf horse, could be a synthetic racer, mabey even a mudder. He should probably try racing on different surfaces until they find one he does real well on.

I don't think that Prado will ride Nicanor again.  Nicanor's best results have been been with Jose Lezcano riding him.  I hope he travels to Texas for the Lone Star Derby in May, I'd love to go see him race!

I was looking at Nicanor's recent race, and I bet he could beat ANY 3 year old colt at any distance, if he decides to run. The hilarious issue with Nicanor is that he isn't running all out, he just does the minimum to keep up. Meanwhile, Custom for Carlos was all out to defeat him and probably wondering why Nicanor didn't pass him. That's easy-he wanted company.

So, why not enter Nicanor in the Preakness and see him make the top 3 year old colts look like circus ponies. I realize that a couple of them ran 113 Beyers, but, Nicanor isn't trying. If he did, he'd get 120-130 beyers and leave these colts in the dust.

I just see a colt who is a little green, not running at full speed, who happens to be social. Well, imagine he decides to run while running against Quality Road. He'd embarass the colt.

My opinion is this: Nicanor has the raw talent and speed to beat ANY colt. I don't think the level of race matters at this point. Nicanor can run, period. He just has to pass the colt in front of him, claimer, allowance, or grade one. How can this little quirk be solved?

Mike Relva

how are your horses doing? how is the injured one coming along?

Alex B

thanks for the update!

Maybe Nicanor needs blinders so

he can pay more attention to whats

ahead. Secretariat wore blinders,

why not Nicanor? Love you Nicky.

AWWW What sweet boy. He handles being transported well. Good Luck Nic!

Even if Nic had a wretched personality we would still love him. But his kind nature endears him to us all the more so!  Thank you to all who contribute for allowing us these precious glimpses into Nic's life. "hanging out" with his competitors-- too funny!

Nicanor is great!!!!!!!!!!!!

So glad to read he had a good trip.  Looking forward to future updates on this special fella.

Enjoy the change of scenery, Nicanor!

Glad to hear Nicanor has moved to Keeneland. His next race should be the winner we've all been waiting for. Hope Mr. Matz can get him accustomed to passing horses not just playing along side them. Once he gets that mastered Nic. should go on to win races.

Hey there Mike,

    Doing Great, How about you?,  Excited about Nicanor being at Keeneland, I think he will love the track, Just needs to grow up a little bit, But everyone needs to remember, "The Pamplemousse" needed three races to break his maiden !, I am not comparing the two, I am just saying.....

Predictions:

Wood--1.Imperial Council, Atomic Rain

S.A. Derby--"The Pamplemousse", "Chocolate Candy"

Ill. Derby--"Giant Oak", "Perfect Song"

Ashland Stakes--"Stardom Bound", "Gozzip Girl"(Daughter/Dynaformer)

(((Watch out for Dream Empress, She has that Thorn in Nicanor's Side riding her, Kent Desormeaux)))

Godspeed Nicanor...

This horse obviously is no Barbaro.  They should retire him now and make him a dessage horse, at least he'll have a better chance at a longer life than his brother had.

Kentucky boy comes home.... GO Nic... the other great thing is that Keenland is broadcast on TVG... YIPPEE...

It appears that Nicanor will make an excellent race horse once he realizes that is what Michael Matz and others want of him. Soon, Nicanor will be saying as he is passing other horses by, excuse me….oops, pardon me, the finishing line is up there…whoosh…sorreeeeeee…..

Like I said, call me delusional, don't you dare, but Nicanor is a 4 year old superstar in the making. Might even be a three year and a couple of month old star in the making.

And when the other 2006 class of TBs are doing the stud thing, Nicanor will be still having fun on the track.

I love you Nicanor. You will do just fine. And thank you M.M. for indirectly passing your thoughts through to us via Alex B. We know you can't show your entire hand M.M., but it is nice to know that you think Nicanor will probably do just fine as well.

competition will be softer so a win is possible there till then he's still 0-3 a loser.

Oh, Keeneland is a track I want to visit.  So glad that Nicanor made a safe trip.

A friend of mine claimed a horse off of Michael Matz for $10,000....after MM had run the horse 5 TIMES IN 4 WEEKS!...

Awe! He's always good at traveling, just like his big brother.

Can't wait to see him race again. Hope the baby is getting better too.

~Nicole

When will Nicanor race again and please update us on info about la ville rouges colt lentenor and nicanor

win something 4 us, Nicky!

win something 4 us, Nicky!

Now that I am thinking about it am wondering if Nicky is going to wait to run in some race at Churchill Downs instead.  Don't forget that Barbaro's statue is going up there sometime in April and he may get to break his maiden there during big brother celebration.

Keeneland April meet less stiff competition....umm..ok.  Where do you come up with this?  Every elite trainer is there, more so than GP winter.  That's like saying the Saratoga meet is soft.  Not even close.

Down the stretch

IMO you are way out of line to make that statement.  

As always I enjoy reading all of your comments (well almost all of them).  Not sure I believe the last posting by "Down The Stretch" about MM but, oh well.....

I tend to agree that an equipment change (blinkers) might keep Nic's mind on his business. Also I just don't think his connections have found his perfect distance yet.  MM is known for his patience so Nic couldn't be in better hands.

As far as running in the Preakness I don't think he'd like the surface at Pimlico if he didn't like Gulfstream.  Probably wouldn't like those tight turns either.

He'll get to the winner's circle soon -- and we'll all be there waiting!

April 26, Barbaro statue and celebration.

Nicanor will find his way -- he seems to be less edgier than Barbaro, which is just fine.  They each are who they are.  I think Nicanor IS a horse to be reckoned with, as I believe he has the potential for the speed needed.  But he has to decide what he wants to be.  He sure is an gorgeous and interesting colt -- a different story than Barbaro's but just another branch from this beautiful family tree.

In the previous Nicanor post, someone made some lovely spiritual references regarding the story of baby Lentenor and his incredible interlude with Gretchen Jackson.  I think many of us are thinking the same thing, and it's a beautiful thing to keep our eye on.  Remember Peter Brette's friend said that Barbaro was an old soul who has been this way before.  Horses are the embodiments of great soulfulness and spiritualness through mythology, history and their natures.  

Any human who is in tune with animals -- in nature and within their worlds -- knows what that's all about.

Our bond with Barbaro, and interest in his family, as well as the rest of the horses we follow, is no surprise.

Beautiful Nicanor, show us what else you've got.  We're all watching!

I'll put this here too.  

"But if by chance a horse should come along whose deep amber eye strikes terror into the hearts of those who dare do battle with him, look deep into his pedigree, my friends.   Look for the name of a one-of-a-kind horse who lends to his kin a fierce tenacity, a will of iron, a look of eagles."

www.reines-de-course.com/seattle_slew.htm

CarolinaJude

Yeah he will get to the winners circle and all of us will be there to congragulate him.   Love that horse.  Glad your safe and sound Nicky Nocks.  

Actually, I misspoke about Mr. Hot Stuff.  His story is intriguing, very parallel to Nicanor.  He won his MSW on 2/1 at Santa Anita, came in 34 in the Sham on 2/28 and again 3rd at Santa Anita yesertday.  He jumped up in class quite dramatically after his maiden win.  Talented horse and VERY beautiful! A dark bay, nearly black, 3 year old.

He is a money burner

They`re putting up a statue? That`s cool, I hope I`ll get t go to the unveiling!

As I watched our 5 horses today out in their 15 acre pasture, I thought how lucky they are to just contentedly graze all day....never cooped up in a stall for even a minute let alone 23 hours like most racehorses....today 4 of them were lying down enjoying the warm sunshine. I spent a good 14 years on the racetrack and thought everything was okay. It's now that I realize that how bad those horses at the track have it....and don't give me they LOVE to run....ask some exercise riders how much a sore horse likes to run.....best thing for Nicanor is a minor injury where he is retired and sent to stud.....No way this one gets posted....sorry, but it's the truth..

Bonjour Nicanor!

Rest up and give us that first win. We are waiting.

Good luck and love you, Nicanor!

It would be a very great thing for Nicanor to race at Churchill Downs when the statue of Barbaro is unvieled. Hipefully Nicanor will break his maiden this time. I think he will be better at the longer races. He seems to be getting going and the darned race is over.

It would be wonderful for me if Nic ran at Pimlico as I could get to see him!!!

I am so happy to know that Nicky has come to Keeneland. The #1 race course in America. I Live very close to the track, so I am able to go every day of the meet. I think if MM puts blinkers on, Nicky might very well break his maiden here. So far, speed has been holding up very well on the polytrack. Anyone who disses Keeneland needs to have their head examined. It brings all of the best horses, trainers, and jockeys together from all over the country to the center of the thoroughbred breeding industry to get pumped up for the best race in the world, The Kentucky Derby. It is also the most beautiful race course in America, especially in spring. So, welcome home Nicanor, may you find your destiny right here in the center of the horse racing world. I am very exited at the prospect of seeing you win in person. The one screaming louder than all of the rest for you will be me.

Fantastic new pics of Nic.

forums.delphiforums.com/.../messages

Amanda & Everyone,

    Here are some incredible pictures of Nicanor at Keeneland, What a Handsome Boy, Enjoy:

viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm

Also,

    I have to post this, If everyone wants to see an "UNBELIEVABLE" Filly, Look at her yesterday, I am Speechless!...

Rachel Alexandra is an AMAZING Filly, and I hope she gets her chance in the Derby to take on the boys!, Even though, the Kentucky Oaks is where she will probably end up(Watch Jockey Calvin Borel, He never moved an inch to egg her on, ALL HORSE!):

ENJOY:

www.youtube.com/watch

Geg, thank you. My link got messed up.  These are the photos I was talking about.  A young college student in Kentucky took these wonderful photos.  She included one of Barbaro with a much more mature look than Nicanor's whose eyes and face look so young and sweet.  He is just trying to grow up and please his handlers and it might take some time, but "Dynaformers are worth it", remember?

My first post about Mr Hot Stuff mercifully (thank you Amanda!) didn't make it in because I misspoke some facts.  What the point was is that this horse, also a 3 yr old, is the younger brother of a major horse, Col. John, and has taken a while to mature.  Also likes to socialize.  But,after ( think) 6 attempts, he broke his maiden on February 1 and has run in two stakes races since then and come in 3rd.  Like Nick comparisons have been made, but, like Nic, he is a talented horse in his own right -- just slow to grow up.

Greg, there is another amazing filly to watch, 2 year old Jealous Again.  What a race she ran on Saturday!  Incredible speed! Broke her maiden with panache!

Grg J;

He probably just had to whisper "Go" in her ear! :)

she could run all day, beautiful filly

MVH,

    Amazing Pictures, I saw them on ABR, ALSO, You are so right about "Mr Hot Stuff", He does remind me of Nicanor as far as slow learner or late to mature, But once he "Got It" watch out, sky's the limit!, He came in third in SA Derby behind POTN and Chocolate Candy(Had the trifecta!), I still wish "The Pamplemousse" had not gotten injured, Though...

Ummm..."Jealous Again" You say?, I will take a look at her, But RA is an amazing filly, I hope she takes on the boys in the derby...

1.Friesan Fire

2.I Want Revenge

3.Win Willy

4.Rachel Alexandra

glad to see that nicanor made it to keenland unlike some people im not impreseed about his everymove i just want o now when his next race i dont think prado is the right jockey for him if he was he would have won that first one i think he is kind of hesident on him for some reason and for some unknown reason the want him pareded aroung to all these different tracks because of his brother and what his brother had done i dont think you should change jockeys stick with the on he has since this jockey has been on him he hasnt finished out of the money ithik he works alot better too because it fits his style the more time you change jockeys the more it throws the horse off the more problems begin to arise the question really is where do they go after keenland

My opinion is that Edgar Prado will ride Nicanor at Keeneland in a MSW, 1 Mile or 1 1/16 Mile, on the Main Track. IMHO, he will win & then Michael Matz may try him on the Turf.

GO NICANOR GO

Greg, thank you for the link to RA's race,  I'm impressed! (first time I've seen it).  She's a lovely girl, another friend of mine has been talking about her a lot.  I see what the chatter is about -- she's spectacular.  What a lovely name.  Anyone know who she's named after?

Will Nic race next week, is my next question.  He hasn't worked since his last race.  At least not an official, posted work. Though from the pictures, he's been out galloping.