I hope Nicanor does enter the VA Derby, if he does I`m there!lol!

I WOULD be at the VA Derby to see Nicky, but I have a huge show that same day that I have to take a filly to. Dang it, I really wanted to see him! Best of luck Nicanor, I'll be cheering for you!

I will be at Colonial Downs for   VA Derby day. I'm looking forward in seeing Barbaro's family. Go Nicanor, Lentenor and good luck to Villa Rouge on little baby filly. I can't wait....  

Great news! Nice to see they are actually slowing Letenor down, not rushing and risking injury. Will look forward to watching Nicanor run again.

What does Michael Matz mean by getting ahead of himself. Lentenor sounds like he is much more competitive then Nicanor was.

yippie, darling nicky, my big chance to see you in virginia! i am so excited, and to hear about the good workout. lennie, take it easy, we are all eager to see you run to. baynor, sure would be nice to see a recent picture of you (since you looked half grown in one of the last pictures)! and fillynor, may you grow in health with best wishes and tons of love to you and mom! thank you again bloodhorse, for making this possible, thats why i subscribe to bloodhorse magazine, SO informative!

I am hoping that I can make the virginia derby. . It will be great to see Nicanor in his first stakes victory.

Thanks for the news/updates! Hoping that Nicanor continues to progress in his racing career--the Virginia Derby would be a good choice in moving forward.

Lentenor is probably not mature enough to do what he is wanting to do, so they are slowing him down to make sure he doesn't injure himself.

So exciting to hear Nicanor is pointed toward the Virginia Derby. I will be watching this for sure. Way to go Nic. It is so apparent that Michael is watching Lent's progress closely and great to hear there is no rush. Hope all continues to go well with La Vil and the little filly. Thanks for the updates. It is great to read the latest.

Jackie Fan of Nicanor:  In my opinion Nicanor is very competitive, otherwise he wouldn't be on a two race win streak;  he seems to be getting more competitive and aggressive with each race.  And for those who don't know, Custom For Carlos became a graded stakes winner this weekend, winning the 7 furlong Grade 3 Jersey Shore Stakes at Monmouth by over 6 lengths.  Nicanor was a game second to Custom For Carlos, losing by one length in his second race (in March).  

Nicanor's 5 furlong work this morning in 1:01 is terrific, his best work ever.  Oh boy, butterflies in the stomach time for the Virginia Derby!

All my best vibes are being sent to you Nicanor and good luck in whatever race M.M. decides to place you in.

1:01 is pretty doggone fast and I am so proud of you.

And if you can't manage to rate, at least keep some of your energy for the final stretch.

As all of you from last year will remember, this was about the time last year that Nicanor went on hiatus. And no, I am not an insider and I don't have a glass to Matz's barn door, but in M.M. cryptic way, I personally believe Lentenor will be hitting the trails because of either a growth spurt or the terrible twos. And since the Matz camp has this no news is good news way of doing thing, which is aok with me; if someone could occasionally send a photo or two of Lentenor to Ron to post, I for one would be ecstatic or at least my mirth level would rise a level or two.

Good luck Babynor/Margano/Marcano

Good luck to LVR and her baby daughter. I know the Jacksons will pick a super name for you.

Good luck Dynaformer. I bet you are proud of all your children in your own way. And congrats on your latest daughter winner, Gozzip Girl.

    Great to see Nicanor had a great work!  I cannot wait for The Virginia Derby, It will be a HUGE step up for Nicanor, But I really think he is ready!  A little nervous about it being a new track, completely different then Delaware Park, but Nicanor is in the same boat as all the other horses.  

    Also, I think it is "Positive" News about Lentenor taking a break, Mr. Matz did the same EXACT thing with Nicanor at the same EXACT time last year.  A lot of trainers(Not All) would continue to push Lentenor, So, I, For one, am thankfull These two brothers are in good hands.  It would be "Negative" if they were pushed too hard and got injured...

Thanks for the update.  This is ALL POSITIVE news as far as I'm concerned.  Michael Matz is doing what is best for Lentenor and not pushing him too fast.  Looking forward to seeing Nicanor make his stakes debut in the VA Derby.

I will be wishing the best for Lentenor in his next race.  July 18th is just around the corner.  For those attending please update all of us that cannot attend.  Thank you!!!

GOOD NEWS... Good luck Nicanor. I just can't wait for the official announcement that he's entered for VA DERBY so i can book my flight... ;)

great to heat about nicanor=] i hope he wins the va derby.

also glad to hear lentenor is not being pushed too hard. pushing two year old scares me and angers me. im glad hes in good hands and no one is pressuring him to do anythig just yet!

=]

Go get them Nicanor,I know you can.Whatever is best for Lentenor is alright with me,he will show us all just how special he is when he is ready!The filly we are all anxiously awaiting my word to descirbe her will be "firecracker" as a Dynaformer daughter she may be the toughest but the best yet.

We have faith in you Nicanor. Go tear up that track and leave the other's eatting your dust. Get your eye on the prize. Lentenor couldn't be in better hands, no rush needed, take as much time as you need. Racehorses are broke to soon and ridden to much if there not racing(thats my opinion though). Hoping LVR has a great, wonderful, and no problems though out her carring year. That filly is going to be like Rags To Richs filly, the spitting image of her mom and very fiesty!

Hey Greg J...are you going to this race?  If so,, pictues please. Loved your last ones.

Anyone that is fortunate enough to see him, please let us know all about it. We hang on your every word and pic.

Did anyone one else read a name for our new filly? FILLYNOR!!! Isn't that just special!! I like the sound of that. Maybe Babynor won't be Babynor much longer.

When anyone gets more info on the race, like what number and time, please forward it on to this site.  Would that be you Ron? Thanks for the update on both brothers. A web site for the race track would be nice also.

Great news..made my day!!

I'll be at Colonial for the VA Derby and I look forward to watching Nicanor.  I think he might be in deep, especially if Straight Story plans to return.  Straight Story appears to be one tough front running turf horse.

Great news about the 'family'. thankfully, lennie is with M M, to me one of the very best there is. i agree, there is no need to push a baby until he shows he can handle things. When we were in Ky. last year, we visited Dynaformer and what a magnificent stallion he is. It is easy to see why his offspring are such good runners and so consistent.

I will be watching the Va derby with interest.

Good health and good luck to all.

Wow the VA Derby. That's great. I bet he'll be going against a bunch of really good horses so this will be a real test. I'm sure Nicanor is up to the task. He's a big powerful looking boy. As to Lentenor, I'm glad to hear he's being slowed down. The last thing you want is to let a growing boy with "the terrible 2's" take control. He needs to develope appropriately in order to run as safely as possible.

Jackie (Fan of Nicanor) asked:

What does Michael Matz mean by getting ahead of himself?

Here is my GUESS at what he means:

Lentenor is getting just a bit too "racy" for his age.  He wants to do too much, and he is stressing over training.  Mentally, he is not coping with the speed being asked of him.  He might be getting stressed as they tack him up or stressed when he is on the training track.  He might be stressing in his stall, perhaps weaving, spinning or losing weight.  Reading between the lines, he is exhibiting stress as a result of training.

That is my guess, and I just went through it with a 2-year old filly myself.  Those exact words were used to describe what was going on with my filly.

My filly would start to sweat when they put the tack on her.  She was very competetive, even when just galloping with a group of other 2-year olds.  We turned her out for something like four or five weeks in the company of a miniature donkey and a pony just for her to chill.  She went back into training at the training farm in a better frame of mind.  She ships in to the track this week.

On the other hand, MM might simply not be telling the whole truth (and why should he?).  Since Lentenor is under a microscope, he might not tell the whole truth.  I know if he were my horse, living in the glass house we his fans have created, I wouldn't be honest if he were injured.

It is NORMAL to have to back off 2-year olds for both mental and physical reasons.  I don't think a trainer should be considered a particularly brilliant, kind or god-like person simply because they back off a baby who needs backing off of.  The trouble with many trainers is they don't recognize when they are crossing the line until they've crossed it.  Even the brilliant horseman sometimes make that mistake.

What does that mean "getting ahead of himself"?  JAJ please explain.  Did Barbaro do the same thing?  What was Lentenor doing to cause Matz to back off of his training?  

Glad to hear that Nicanor might be coming to the Virginia Derby. I live not too far from Colonial Downs and was already planning on being there for that day.  

It is a really nice place.

nicanor vs. hold me back

awesome

Very nice workout for Nicanor.

I am not in any hurry with Lentenor.  I agree this is almost exactly the same time they backed off Nicanor.  I also remember reading they had to wait through a Barbaro growth spurt.  I am sure some things do run in the family.  It certainly helps that Michael has had all of LaVille's off-spring.

Gotta think Lentenor didn't come out that last 1/2 mile work like Matz would have wanted.  Since his times have been more than reasonable (2 bullets I think), you have to speculate that it could be behavioral, but that would seem to be contrary to comments from the Stephen's camp on his disposition when he left.  Hopefully not another 6 month hiatus.  As for Nicanor, if you believe in speed figures, he will certainly be considered a top contender for the va derby-given the modest turf beyers from this year's three year olds.  Intersting as to who may get the mount--Prado has won the race three times in its ten year history.

I've never heard of backing off a colt that was moving in the right direction ..... I don't get it ....

This colt sounds like he's kicking the barn down . LET HIM RUN !!!!!!

Glad to hear that Nic is on track for his next race!

Matz knows what he is doing with Lentenor, and it is all for the best, and a very positive direction!

Keep up the good work Nicanor, and stay safe!

Have to rush to work to read what is going on as home computer is down and they can't come until middle of next week.  All I can say is go get um Nic and am going to try to make it down there for the VA Derby to see our boy.  Lentanor taking a break is not new for the way that Michael trains his young ones and he knows what is best for them at this age.  Any new pics of Babynor coming our way.  Do your best Nicky that is all that is asked win or lose your family has my heart.

They should take it easy on Lentenor, no sense pushing him so early.

While the majority of the field looks pretty weak, there are a few nominated, that if they show up could easily clean Nicanor's clock.

Summer Bird, Affirmatif, Battle of Hastings, Chocolate Candy, Duke of Mischief, Florentino, Giant Oak,  Hold Me Back, Oil Man, Orthodox.

Most have won at 1+ miles on turf or synthetic.  Most have never run 1¼ miles.

Summer Bird has never run on turf or synthetic.

Of course these are only nominations, and until we know whose actually running, speculating means little.

If a handful of the above listed horses show up, Nicanor will have to work hard to beat them.  Will he do it?

Waccamaw,

No one backs off a baby who is going in the right direction.

Training babies is a bit of an art--the trainer, the rider and the groom all together keep watch with what is going on with the baby, both physically and mentally.

Lentenor might very well be kicking the barn down, which isn't going to do him any good in the long run.

If he is getting stressed at the training farm where he, I believe, has daily turn out, he is not going to handle the track well.  It is not unusual for a baby to be stressing in training.  The trick is to recognize it early and back off before it becomes a habit.

Babies can get too fit for their mental development.  Believe me, they LOVE to go fast.  Sometimes they get "speed crazy" which you don't want.

I have to believe that M.M. can size up the field and decide if Nicanor is capable of handling the talent. I noticed last week that Princess Haya was originally in a stakes race and was scratched and placed in an allowance race. I took this info to mean that Princess Haya may have had more competition in the stakes race than she could handle. As it was, she won the allowance race.

I would think that the trainer would want to give a horse some competition, but wouldn't want to load the competition on to where the horse says hey wait a minute, I thought you told me I was good. IMO, M.M. will enter Nicanor in the Virginia Derby, if he notices a horse that may give Nicanor a major problem, Nicanor may just get scratched.

Question to whomever.

When does bred for distance come into play? Is Summer Bird an actual distance horse, or did the jockey rate him well to where he simply had more energy at the end of the race and blew away his tired competition?

I agree with previous post about Straight Story, this  horse will be tuff for Nicanor.  This horse would have won the Colonial Turf Cup if he hadn't been forced wide by the 1 horse.  Whether Nicanor wins or not, it would be nice to see him in person.  I hope who ever runs in the Va Derby, comes back safe and healthy.

waccamaw,

    Lentenor is only a baby, most likely he just actually turned 2 years old. He may be more mature in his head than he is in his body, and if thats the case he may want to do more than a fragile body can take. Being so young MM has to be careful. Many on here have said, and i too, have seen the growth spurts these young horses can go through. One day they have the best looking conformation you can want, then the next day their rump is 3 inches talller than the withers. If you run them like that you are putting a lot of stess on their bodys which will heighten the chance of an injury. Another thing could be where like other horses, he thinks he can run through a brick wall, or nothing can stop him. This is also not good because he could run himself into an injury. Ruffian was like that where she thought nothing could stop her and she'd just keep running no matter what. Look what happend to her. You have to be careful with horses like them because they'll run themselves into exaustion if not managed carefully.

Yawn, thats a great question

"will he do it?"  Your right on with speculating meaning little.  Guess, what we will do is wait and watch....what a joy to have Nicky running in the Va.Derby .....week after next so close.....I love the name fillynor, such a little bundle right now, lots of love going her way.....and for Lenty also.....

Please do not under estimate Nicanor's abilities,he can compete and beat his competition!His last race he only ran as fast as he needed to to win he did not look like he was at full song to me.

Lou in TX.,

    Hello there!, Yes, I will be driving once again from Connecticut!, Call me crazy, But, I vowed to go to every race of his, Regardless of the location, I think I am going to concentrate more on taking videos since my picture taking skills leave much to be desired, lol, I will be meeting the same great people from the last two trips to Delaware Park, As well as alot more from Alex Brown Racing!, It should be awesome, But, To let everyone know, I am 99 Percent sure CBS Sports will be televising it Nationwide from 5-6 p.m. on July 18th...

bretsky99,  I thought the same thing why stop him when he was moving so nicely.  But i also agree that they shouldn't push him to hard he might get injured.  We don't want another barbaro injury.  Lentenor sounded so much more like Barbaro start then Nicanors  Barbaro was so head strong about it and I feel Lentenor is doing the same.  but i love them all.

Ron, can you elaborate at all on MM saying that he's "backing off on Lentenor"    What do YOU think he meant by that? Does MM have an opinion on Lentenors progress relative to his brothers? We need a little less general information and a little more "inside information"   I mean most of us could figure out that they've backed off him due to a hiatus in his works.  What bloggers on here want to know is WHY he's stopped training, and what exactly Matz means by "backing off"

Summer Bird is pointed to the Haskell on August 2 and is training at Monmouth.  Don't know about the California horses, whether they are up at Saratoga or went home for the Del Mar Meet.  But I doubt any of them will be around on Virginia Derby day.  If Nicanor is entered, I might make the drive down from Fairfax to see him.    

Please keep in mind regarding the Dynaformer's that they have a record of being late bloomers. Matz has to know that.  I'm guessing Barbaro was more an exception to that.

There is also the Mr. Prospector blood in the mix, which can produce precocious brilliance without the underpinning strong enough to support it.  Given the late maturing Dynaformer and the Mr. P, I imagine Matz watches them very carefully. Matz is under a microscope with these horses, a bit unfairly so.  

As I've stated before, there is some evidence that you do want to work racehorses young to help them build stronger bones in their legs.  Keep in mind these horses are not carrying a 200lb. rider.  Some people put 30-90 days on their young stock (riding horse) then turn them back out for another year.  But, they would be carrying heavier weights than a race horse and they do just fine.

PERSONALLY, I'm not a fan of two year old racing.  But when managed properly and not pushed, working them at two may help strengthen their bones.

JAJ, I'm trying to remember- do they not start training until their knees have closed, or is it racing they don't do?

...i think there is still little hope he will stop by in Arlington in Arlington Million weekend :-)

Yawn,

Giant Oak is running this weekend at Arlington so he won't be there and Summer Bird is also looking at other races.

I am sure Michael believes Ncianor will do well at the VA Derby.  However, I think they also know this is a big step up and he seems to be a horse who learn by experience.  If he comes out safely and learns from the race, that is all I ask for.  It is exciting to even have him entered in a stakes race.

Kathy asked about distance breeding.

Most horses are best at sprinting or distance, with the mile being in the middle--a really long sprint.

A distance horse might not have the brilliant speed of a sprinter, but they have a high cruising speed and can carry it a long way.

Distance races are more tactical than are sprint races.  In Europe, they run route races completely differently than in North America.  In a European distance race, they usually gallop around very slowly until the final sprint to the wire.  Often the only running the distance horses do is the last 3 furlongs to the wire.

Greg J...I envy you so much being able to see Nicanor in person, so to speak. Seeing him at Church Hill was awesome but in real life, WOW!! Whatever pic or video's you take will be greatfully appreciated. Thanks for the TV info. I'll definitely be watching.

Lentenor will be just fine. MM would never, I repeat never, do anything to harm him in any way. He knows what a fabulous horse he has there and the Jacksons have enough belief in him to let him train this horse and Nicanor. Lets just all step back and take a deep breath and let MM do what he does best...train horses. Lecture over.

If, Nicanore does run in this race, I'm sure he will run great. He's got a really good trainer and a big brother watching over him. Just want him to come home safe and healthy.

JAJ and brettzky99 --

I wonder, are either of you in touch with anyone at the training center? Do you have some inside insight?

I worry that over speculation and statements of authority about Nicanor and Lentenor may seem to abound, and I encourage caution as so many statements and suppositions get taken as "word" and then get extrapolated into some other form of fiction.

This blog is fantastic for sharing insight into horse knowledge and horse racing that everyone may have, as well as love and interest in Barbaro's family.  But there is very little stated that doesn't do more than speculate or approximate the reality of Nicanor and Lentenor's training and well-being.  Discourse is exciting and great, but be cautious about how much you ascribe to Lentenor and Nicanor unless you get it from "the horses' mouth" and those who feed them!!!

Everything is well.  Pacing is everything, thus the backing off on the training.  Privacy for the Lael Stables horses is everying.  There is nothing to worry about in terms of Lentenor and Nicanor, nothing going in ANY wrong direction.  The care taken, the sensitivity to pacing is unparalleled with Michael Matz and his crew. All is well, and they are pacing everything with ALL their horses wonderfully.  

I do remember information about Barbaro that he needed to have his body grow into his burgeoning talent and his mind match all that growth -- and there was nothing wrong there !

Much as we would like to know everything, the owners and the trainers, their grooms are the only ones who know.  And frankly, sometimes the more you know, the more you realize the less you have to say.  

And by the way, the answer to your possible next question, JAJ and brettzky99 is possibly "yes."

I have to agree with the majority. Too many times a youngster is rushed and they break down..sometimes to a tragic end.  Lenty should be pulled back until MM feels that his is balanced again.  No sense pushing him too soon. Good luck Nicanor.

HorseFirst,

It used to be that they would x-ray the knees to see if the growth plates in the knee had closed before they were breezed, but I think they no longer do that as often as trainers once did.

Training is (or should be) very gradual so the increase from "picking it up a bit in the lane" to their first 2 furlong breeze isn't a sudden stress to a baby.

I know with my 2 year old from last year, we did x-ray him before we breezed him and the x-rays put off the speed work for a few weeks.  Most of the time, the knees are closed or mostly closed by the baby's second birthday.  I can't imagine that very many at the 2-year old in training sales have closed knees since some are quite a bit younger than two.  Some of those go on to long, successful careers.  Look at Seabiscuit--he had two starts in January of his 2-year old year and something tells me he was not an early foal.

Karen, PA:

No, I don't have any contacts in the barn and if I did I certainly wouldn't repeat anything I knew here.  Staff get fired when they talk about a trainer's horses.  It is a somewhat secretive business--not so much at the very top end, but still, you don't talk about the horses in your barn.

My speculation is based on what was said.  Backing off on a baby because they are getting ahead of themselves is a pretty clear statement to those who understand racehorse/training jargon.  I tried to explain the jargon.  Whether that is the whole story is another matter.  As I said, you are unlikely to get the whole truth and that is NOT in any way shape or form saying anything derogatory about the trainer.  It is his job to keep the  confidentiality of his clients.

Greg J. and Brettzky, thank you for talking about Nicanor and the VA Derby.  Do you guys feel as I do that this is the right time to try him in a graded stakes?  The Colonial Downs Turf Cup was run in a slow final time, and I actually thought Nicanor might have done well in that race.  You have to start somewhere, and even if he places or shows it will be a learning experience for him.  About Prado getting the mount on Nic, you really can't dump Rosie... I don't see it happening.  That Secretariat Course at Colonial Downs is so beautiful, and Nicanor should love it.  And, every year CBS seems to do a very good job televising it.  Greg J., if all goes well and you get out to Colonial Downs, have fun even though I know you'll be a little nervous (as will I watching it).  What a dedicated Papa to Nicanor you are.

I saw the Colonial Turf Cup and have to like both Battle of Hastings and Straight Story.  That said, I honestly think that Nicanor should look like he belongs in this company.  At any rate, since Colonial Downs is only 45 minutes from my house I plan to be there.  Hopefully I will get a chance to meet some of you who are there.  Greg J, I will be there with my camera, I will just have to learn how to put the photos on line.

Wow, the VA Derby is coming up pretty salty. It's going to be a tall order for Nicanor.

good luck Nicky, and LVR!

let lenny rest. nicky can take back the spotlight. hope all stay healthy and happy. go nicanor in the va derby.

Bonjour Mon Amie, Nicanor!

You can do it, Nicanor! Win that Virginia Derby.

I am eager to watch the video regarding that race.

Nicanor, it looks like you will be having a sister after all.

Congratulations to La Ville Rouge and Mr and Mrs. Jackson pertaining to the filly to come!

Je vous t'aime, Nicanor!

P.S. I was born in Quebec City, Canada, and my first language was French so occasionally I use the French language with you.

Win that race, Nicanor. Good luck!

Looks like Battle of Hastings is on for the Virginia Derby, among other strong stakes contenders.  If Matz tries Nicanor against this field, he's a brave man who thinks he has a very nice horse.  Good luck, boys!

Thank you Bloodhorse for your continuing input on both Lentenor and Nicanor.

I know they are the best hands with Michael Matz.

Best of luck to Nicanor in the Virginia Derby.  Your #1 Fan in Calif will be watching. :)

They may be backing off L so he doesn't buck shins, if he's an aggressive trainee.

Thanks to all who posted here. I love the Barbaro family, but am new to horse racing and horse training, so I'm learning a lot. da3hoss, what does buck shins" mean? I'm can only imagine as a trainier trying to balance body, mind and spirit of a horse born to run.

Wonderful article about Nicky running in the Va.Derby on Bloodhorse....with pictures, so great.....post positions on tvg 4:30easterntime.........

Brett,

That doesn't surprise me about lentenor.  He has always seemed as if he is the serious kind.  I am sure they have no plans to even race him until fall, so no need to  rush him.  His last work was slower than the others so that tells me something is going on.  I trust Michael.

Dahoss,

You avoid bucked shins by short bursts of speed work on a regular basis.  If it was his shins, I would think the MM would say "he developed a shin" instead of saying he is getting ahead of himself.  There is no dishonor in developing shins in babies--don't forget, that was the reason Curlin didn't make it to the races at 2.  Developing shins in babies is considered pretty benign as far as soundness issues go (of course, you have to take care of them).    You don't stop on a horse because he "might" develop bucked shins, certainly not a horse that is regularly breezing 4f.  You stop because they already have the bucked shins.

I have to agree with Brettsky99 that this isn't a growth spurt.  It it were a growth spurt, he wouldn't have done the breeze.  The connections didn't like how he came out of the breeze.  The jargon they are using is saying it is a mental maturity issue, but it might be physical.  Trainers are not obligated or expected to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Helsbelles,

    Hello there!  As far as Nicanor being in the Virginia Derby field, It is a HUGE step up for him, But he deserves to be there, He is peaking as far as his mental and physical state, Mr. Matz seems to be very careful on where he places his horses, So, If he believes Nicanor should be there, Then that is good enough for me!  I really can't wait to be at Colonial Downs, I have never been there and everyone tells me it is a beautiful track.  I agree with you also, The turf cup would have played perfectly into Nicanor's style, I hope the Derby is run EXACTLY the same way, I am not worried about Nicanor's post position since he pretty much has started from all spectrums of the starting gate(Positions 4,9,3,10,2).  I don't foresee much of a change as far as his style, Good break, goes to the lead, He does need to relax and save himself since this is longer then he as ever gone before(1 1/4 Miles), It is tough to lead wire to wire in a long turf race, especially with this many turf specialists, But, This is what makes this sport great, The unpredictability of it all!  Besides the field, I also am concerned about it being a new track for Nicanor, The turf at Colonial Downs is night and day different then Delaware Park, Also, The jockey situation concerns me a little, But whoever Mr. Matz chooses for Nicanor is what is best for Nicanor.  With all that said, I put alot of stock in the mental state of these athletes, and Nicanor could not have more confidence then what he has at this moment, Combining that with his ability and a little luck from the racing gods, Nicanor will show that he belongs in this great field...

      The Probables for the Virginia Derby:  Nicanor, Battle of Hastings, Straight Story, Lime Rickey, Hold Me Back, Florentino, El Crespo, Affirmatif and Colonel Rutledge....WOW, Talk about a loaded field!  You have eight of the top ten rated horses on Turf!(The only two missing from the top ten are Giant Oak and Orthodox, Nicanor is rated number nine in the current top ten list!, He just cracked it after his last victory!)

     Coincidentally, The order I listed them is my final prediction for the order of finish in the 2009 $750,000 Virginia Derby  :)

Kim asked about bucked shins:

Bucked shins are an injury to the front of the cannon bone, usually seen in two-year olds but sometimes in older horses.  It is usually the result of too much speed without enough time to recover.

The normal shape of a cannon bone (that's the bone between the knees and the fetlock) is sort of oval.  As you add speed to a developing horse, the bone modifies itself to withstand the stresses of racing and new bone is laid down on the front of the cannon bone.  There is a lot more outer bone on the front of the cannon bone.  This is the dense, really strong bone.

Young horses need the speed work to cause the stress to the bone (basically small injury) in order for the body to lay down more bone.  Without this strengthening process, the leg bones of a racehorse would be much more fragile than they are.  (This is one of the reasons you want to train/race two-year olds.)

If the horse goes too fast or for too far a distance, or too soon in the training program, the tiny injuries can become a lot bigger, and the horse can develop little micro fractures down the front of the cannon bone.  I think the consensus is that bucked shins are micro fractures.  Swelling and pain result and that is what is called bucked shins.

If bucked shins are really bad, there can be a hairline fracture to the cannon bone.

Don't think Nicanor belongs in the Va. Derby. Alot of good turf horses in the race.

In his last race at De. Park, 2 or 3 of the horses never ran on the turf and 2 or 3 were coming off long lay offs. And one of those almost caught him at the end.

A small stake or grade 3 would be better for him. If he goes it will be because the Jacksons want him to run, not Matz.

I look for bigger and better things for Nicanor next year.

JAJ-  

Thanks for your answer about the knees closing.  

And lest people get upset at terms like "stressing the bones", etc., remember that even in human athletes, conditioning is all about rebuilding and building bone and muscle.

As for the jockey in Nicanor's next race, a jockey may have a prior commitment and not be available to ride the horse, it happens.  If Rosie does not ride it may not mean that Matz wanted another rider.  But it could also mean he needs someone very familiar with that course, etc., etc.  Lots of reasons to change jocks, IF he does.

Nickynor may well be in the company of giants with this up and comming race but, I feel with no problems, blinkers on and Rosie on his back... Nicky will prevail....or come mighty close....my prayers are for Nicky to win....but will love and adore him no matter what or who wins....

Greg J, Mr. Phantom ( where are you)  is a wager placed on this one

JAJ,

I never quite understood what bucked shins were. Now I get it, thanks to you.

Nicanor is in for a test in the Virginia Derby. Hope he runs well, win or lose. Learning how to rate would be a definite advantage in this race and others to come. Some horses never do. They just love to be in front and do not run as well, if at all, when not on the lead.

Wishing Nicanor good racing luck and a safe trip!

I've got butterflies!  It's a big

step,but even if Nicanor doesn't

win he need not be ashamed.  I

realize that this is a pretty deep

field.  Of course I really want

this win!!  Each time he wins I

end up with tears of relief and

joy.

JAJ, I know what bucked shins are. That's why they backed off Summer Bird and developed him later and slower, they were concerned his workout style would cause him to buck his shins. It's also almost soley a Thoroughbred racing problem, since other disciplines take more time to develop their atheletes e.g Olympic Event horses.

Kim, A Bucked Shin is the periosteum tearing away from the front of the cannon bone. In younger horses the anterior of the cannon bone is softer and not as dense as older horses and more prone to damage under the pressure of high speed workouts. Exercise is critical to increase bone density, but only through consistent EVEN pressure on the bones, like an extended workout at a strong trot, which is probably why Standardbreds have such long racing lives.

Nicanor...GO, GO, GO and win big, but be safe. Sorry I can't be there to see you in person.

Well, since there is a lot of speculation out there, specuate this.

The Dynaformers are from good stock. Barring Barbaro twisting and breaking his ankle on the track, you don't hear about a lot of them getting hurt.

Going back to what I read a few months ago about Dynaformer not wanting to pull up after a workout, it is entirely quite possible that Lentenor is following suit, albeit in a much nicer way. Instead of Lentenor taking the rider for a joyride, he is pulling up, but probably getting frustrated with everyone in the process.

Horse Experts

I think perhaps, maybe, it is faintly possible that well, Lentenor might be getting p.od with everyone because they are ending the race before Lentenor wants them to. (Is p.od  the same thing as stress or stressing?)

To soon to tell about Babynor, but Lentenor might have a just a wee bit more Dynaformer in him than Nicanor does.

JAJ and da3hoss,

thanks for your answers. I am slearning so much here. Are horses in training given any supliments or minerals like calcium, that would assist with physical development?  

Da3Hoss,

I don't agree with you.

Bucked shins happen with the introduction of speed work.  Long slow work WILL NOT prevent bucked shins.  The protocol to prevent bucked shins is speed work--short bouts of speed work with appropriate time between for recovery.  It is a balance between stressing the bone with time to recover while not over stressing it and causing injury.

Bucked shins can be inflammation of the periosteum or microfractures to the bone.  The evidence is swelling, heat and pain on the front of the cannon bone.

Everyone has to understand that other breeds NEVER EVER experience the speed and stress a racehorse puts on its legs, which is why they don't buck shins.  During speed work the leg actually bends a bit, compressing the front of the cannon bone.  That stresses the bone, causing it to respond by laying down more bone on the front of the cannon bone.

Stress in this context is desirable.  You cannot get fitter without stressing muscles, ligaments, bones and tendons whether you are just starting walking after years of being a couch potato or are an elite athlete.

Greg J.  

Been out of the loop for awhile.  Is the 19th on a Saturday?  I am so proud of Nicky.  You can do this darling.  You seem to just be a late bloomer and that is A OK with me.  

Ragsy.... Hi there.  How ya been?  

♥

www.colonialdowns.com/.../1231.html

Competition looks rough, but if Nicanor wants to win he can win.

I love the fact that their giving Nicanor the chance to show what he can do. The Virginia Derby is perfect for him, there's not too many big turf races until later on this fall and Nicanor needs to really establish his position in the ranks. Could an international trip be possible after the Breeders Cup? I hope/think the Jackson's want to know the possibilities for him, after all they were thinking of Europe for Barabro, with his turf abitily, maybe Nicanor is in the same thought process. Can't wait to see just what unveils. Hooray!! Go Nicanor. Love you and hope Rosie gets the mount, she's earned it.

As far as Lentenor goes, sounds like he wants to do more and physically that's not in his best interest. Mr Matz knowas best and he owes us nothing in way of explaination but I trust him and know if Lentenor was injured as some suggest, he would say so.

Hope the new colt is doing great and La Ville Rouge is radiant! If, and I say if, we all are blessed with a filly in the family it will be icing on the cake for the Barabaro family! I can't wait untill the sex of the baby is confirmed.

I will be praying for Nicanor but the Virginia might be to big since he hasn't raced much but hey who am I to call the shots. If he races I will cheer for him and pray he has a safe trip. Go Nicanor!!!!! I'm cheering for you.

I am thrilled that the Jacksons will finally have that filly! This is great news!

Jo

Stardusty Rose:

That beauty Nicky-nor is simply super and I cant wait until the 18 next saturday...to see him run...where are you..been looking..and your nowhere to be found.....similcast betting for Nicanor.....you betcha....

M. Matz' judgement is the best. If he felt that backing off Lentenor was in the best interest of the horse, that had to be the right move.

I would never question a decision that involves a step back.

2006 Derby contender Lawyer Ron was euthanized. His first crop of foals hit the ground this season. RIP Lawyer Ron - you were a beautiful specimen and I hope your babies do you proud.

JAJ,

    I think you are correct in your definition of bucked shins, meaning small stress fractures along the cannon bone. I know that they can be caused by bones not being used to the amount of pressure and stress applied to them. Some horses can stand up to the speed sooner than others. I personaly remember what bucked shins are and there cause, because in track you see something very simalar. We have what are called shin splints. This however does not involve the bone. People have a muscle on the front of their leg aswell as the calf in the back. This muscle basicly becomes inflamed because of the stress and pressure if you are new to track, or have not been running consistantly to begin with. Shin splints are fairly painful, but you can still practice and run on them. I should know i did, and it hurt. You have to keep ice on your leg after practice, like you would ice a horses leg if it was inflamed. As i said this is just how i remeber what bucked shins are and the cause.

I can't wait to hear if Nicanor is entered in the VA Derby. I contacted my connection at Colonial Downs and was told that we won't know who is officially entered until Monday (tomorrow) but I can tell you that it is pure chaos on VA Derby day with the press there and over capacity crowds in the stands and all over the place.  I'm a rail bird so I'll be at the rail as always even though it's usually scorching heat

outside.  Can't wait to see Nicanor and I'll have my camera ready.  Funny though....I remember when Pat Day brought Senor Swinger to the VA Derby and that horse got a little spooked about the crowds.....who are so close to the action (physically close to the horses as they're leaving the paddock for the post parade). How Nicanor holds up with the huge crowd  We'll see. I'll be there as always on Derby day. TVG is usually there with Laffitt Pincay (Jr or III) whichever is the young one who is the sports announcer. Todd Schrupp was there the year Pat Day and Senor Swinger was there. I personally have seen horses freak out and flip over backwards in the paddock adjacent to the track due to idiots not turning off their cell phones and the ringtones spooking the horses, but the turf course is excellent there so if track surface is the determining factor then Nicanor should enjoy his ride.  Can't wait to see him!

Oh..Also....Colonial Downs is only about a 3 hour ride from Fair Hill if Nicanor is training there. So Nicanor shouldn't be fatigued from the ride.

It is great news to hear that La Ville Rouge is finally carrying a filly. I know the Jacksons are happy because they wanted a filly. Best wishes to Nicanor as he goes into his next win and to Lentenor who is the next rising star.

A Little girl!!!  thats great!!!

Hooray! A filly for LVR and a baby sister for the boys!! I am sure the Jacksons are beyond delighted.

I think we all worry about Nicanor running in his first big race,I don't think he would be if he wasn't ready,he is a cool horse.I just want him to around to be a dad.

JAJ, other disciplines don't demand babies work at 2 like TB's...that's why Olympic 3-day evet horse compete into their late teens (at speed and under demanding stress) including 2 TB's who are top-rated USA horses...

Standardbreds train just as early but it's been proven that extended hard trotting does not have the deletorious effect of galloping, because the pressure is evenly distributed.

Endurance horses do little galloping, mostly trotting, with gallops for wind development.

TB's buck shins because of the way they are trained...not attacking, simply stating the obvious. That's why Summer Bird was backed off in his early training...so he would not buck shins.

DaHoss,

Trust me, nothing a horse does in other disciplines can compare to the stress that a racehorse puts on a leg when galloping at full speed with a rider on their back.  Three-day eventers don't go fast enough, although they do go fast enough to have a problem with bleeding (exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage).

Long slow work will not prevent bucked shins in a racehorse.  I wish I could quote you the name of the study that proved it (or perhaps developed the protocol for preventing bucked shins?)  Was it called something like the Florida Protocol?

I quote EQUINE LAMENESS written by Christine King, BVSc, MACVSc; the research staff of Equine Research, Inc.; and Richard Mansmann, VMD, PhD:

"This "slow" work ensures that the rest of the musculoskeletal system and the cardiovascular system adapt to exercise appropriately.  But short bouts of fast work are necessary to stimulate bone to protect itself against the intense stresses it experiences when the horse is galloping."

You can't compare Standardbreds to Thoroughbreds.  Standardbreds don't carry more than 12% of their body mass when travelling at full speed that Thoroughbreds do.  That weight adds a huge load to the stress on the legs.

Hey All....Here are just some of the pics I got at Church Hill Downs. Will post more later. Hope you enjoy. They actually are backwards so you might want to start at the bottom and go up.:)

www.flickr.com/.../40434793@N08

Catch ya later....

Kim asked about supplements for horses in training.

Each trainer has their own protocol for supplementing horses.

Trainers will often give supplements for the joint, depending on the financial resources of their owners.  Some supplements are given orally like glucosomine chondroitin while some are injected.  Polyglycan, Adequan, and Sodium Hyuralonate are all made from naturally occuring components of the synovia (joint) that prevent and repair damage.

My own horses get Polyglycan when in training.

Donna:

When will they confirm the sex of the filly? Will they ultrasound her again?  I sure dont want a suprise....as I am sure everyone wants a girl....

post positions of the Virginia Derby will be announced on tvg at/or 3:30/4:30 eastern time today....we will see if Nicky is running with the big boys....

Ragsy.  

OK it is the 18th. I went to LA and drove out to Neverland.  Was in the LA area for a week.  It was really bitter sweet.  It is good to be home again.  How is Rags doing?  Is she behaving herself?  :)

If or if not Nicky goes, I'm there.

If he does, my moneys on him!!

WE also need to remember this, Barbaro liked the Turf.

Concerned Fan, I second that. Another heartbreaker .

Stardusty,

    Did you get to watch the Jackson memorial too? That was one of the saddest things i've ever seen. I literally could not stop crying. Especially when Brook Shields got up. I pray for the Jacksons, most of all michaels kids. How sad to loose a father at such a young age.

Stardusty Rose:  Nicanor's post position will be given in just a few minutess....cant wait to hear...wish, that big boy the win...hugs and kisses Nicky....

Post Position: # 4  Nicanor

FYI,

   I am sure Ron will start a new thread, But Nicanor has the 4th position in the Virginia Derby this Saturday with Jose Lezcano on board!  Jose rode Nicanor to a second place finish behind Stakes Winner, Custom for Carlos, In Nicanor's second start.  Looks like a great field, But not impossible at all!

     The Rest of the Field:

1.Affirmatif

2.Florentino

3.Take the Points with Edgar Prado

4.NICANOR with Jose Lezcano!!!!

5.Safety Valve

6.Straight Story

7.Hold Me Back

8.El Crespo

9.Battle of Hastings

10.Lime Rickey

    WOW, It really is a solid field, But, Now is the time for Nicanor to show what he is made of!!!, Should be exciting, I cannot wait...

Greg J...can you find out anything more on Lezcano? Please let us know. Where's Rosie? Maybe she couldn't make it because of other obligations or because of the track.

Looks like a hard race for him. Please just stay safe and healthy. Also it didn't say anything about the use of blinkers. (?) Listed one other horse using them.

Greg J:

I heard the man state, they had to work really hard getting Nicanor a place?? what was that about??....

Sandieh, I plan to follow Lawyer Ron's foals as they prepare to race. I think that LR was a solidly built, sturdy Thoroughbred and his progeny should be exciting to watch. They won't hit the track for two years, but I am patient :)

LDP..

Yeah I sure did.  I went downtown the day before the memorial and there were thousands of peoples. Most everyone was really mellow.  I then watched the memorial on a big TV at someones house.  I so grew up with Michael.  LA was a very strange place for awhile.  There were so many and still are so many tears all over the world.  Life is very presious.  I cryed a lot this last two weeks.  Still a long way from over it too. Life has to go on though right?  :)

♥♥Go Nicky♥♥

concerned fan, thanks. whatever you hear about lawyer ron, or his sons or daughters, put it out hear. i hope that bloodhorse can put up with us for a long time. being in touch with nicky and lennie, babynor, fillynor and parents, really gives me something to enjoy, along with all the comments from fellow bloggers. thanks to everyone, and to concerned fan, ragsy, "stardust" and greg. God bless you nicky, i am terribly excited about saturday! Horsey hugs!!!

Hello Stardusty Rose,

That Rags is one awesome horse and not so picky afterall.....

hope and prayers to Nicky for a win saturday....

Lou In Texas:

I read your note about Churchill Downs and was so disappointed that they do not have on going night races...your pictures are great....go Nicky, go ........win that race guess, I will bet on Nicky sat.....

Sandieh.... good to see you back....may Nicanor soar with the Eagle's Saturday.....where is Stardust dont seem to catch her...she must be out with the horses.....

Hi Mr. Matz,

What do you mean that you are backing off on training Lentenor?

I hope that you don't forget him; he can do it.

I look forward to seeing Lentenor enter and win the Kentucky Derby of 2010.

Please don't forget him.

Thank you!

Thanks for the update.  I'm really excited to see what Nicanor will do.  He's very talented.  I'll be watching on TV in New Jersey, but my heart will be in Virginia.  Go Baby Go!!!!!

For everyone who is still checking this site, Nicanor had a bone bruse, according to Mrs Jackson. He is already back at Fair Hill and resting. Alex Brown is the one who spoke to Mrs Jackson and reported on his site. This is the latest update so far.