It is so good to hear Nicanor is doing well and recovering. Babynor must be growing by leaps and bounds now, would love to see a new picture. Lentenor seems to be right on track. Thank you so much for the update.

Glad that they are continuing to take things nice and easy with Nicanor. Thanks for the continued updates on the whole family!

thx 4 the update!

love the way michael matz takes his time there is no rush.anyone know the new babies name?

GREAT NEWS HOPE NIC WIL BE OK.

Ron:

Thank you for the update, it's great to see Lentenor back to work and doing so well.  I for one can't wait to see him race.  Question for all of the experienced horsepeople:  Do you think he'll race in the fall or the end of the year?  

It's also great to have the update on Nicanor: while it would have been great if had been racing all along his health and well being is much more important.  There is certainly plenty of time for him to broaden his career and plenty of time.  He's a late bloomer and there's nothing wrong with that.  I just look forward to both of them running (winning) races.  

Thanks to all concerned for the updates.  

Thanks for the update.  Poor Nicanor has had his share of setbacks.  I wonder if we will see Lentenor race this year?  Is the La Ville 09 colt (sorry, I think "Babynor" is silly) by himself because of his medical problems?

I'm sure Nicanor will enjoy his "vacation" in the pasture while he recovers. He'll be raring to go, though, when he's back in training!

Rest well, Nicky!

(I wonder when we might get treated to pictures of Nicanor, Lentanor, and baby brother? I've never seen pictures of Lentanor in training like I had (and have) with Nicanor)

Barb C asked for experienced horsepeople to offer an opinion on wheter Lentenor would race in the fall or the end of the year.  The fall IS the end of the year.  Or did you want an opinion of whether he would start as a 2 year old?

He has plenty of time to get fit enough to race this year, barring any problems.

All kinds of things come into play as to whether a baby gets to the races or not.  Here are some of the things babies face:

Illness--babies have not been exposed to a lot of pathhogens and the stress of training will weaken their immune system.  Babies get sick a lot more than older horses do.  A horse could be ready to start, and then the morning of the race he has a fever and is scratched.

Injury--always a problem.

Growth--if a baby doesn't grow evenly, they can't train hard.  They need breezes to get to the races, and you just don't breeze unbalanced (by uneven growth) babies or you are just asking for injury.

Mental fortitude--if the baby is having trouble coping with training, we hope the trainer backs off on them.  Already Lentenor had some sort of mental issue with his training which, I believe, was why Matz backed off him this last time.  Backing off a baby who is getting too wound up in training now will pay off in the long run.  It doesn't mean the horse has a character defect, only that at this time, for whatever reason, training was too stressful for the baby.

Those are things off the top of my head that would keep Lentenor from starting this year.

I have no idea how close to a race he is.  How long was he off?  It will take longer than he was off to get as fit as he was before he stopped training.  Horses that have had a few races hold their fitness much better than horses who have never started.

I hope that helps.

Woo Hoo! Love the updates!

Grey K:  Maybe Babynor is silly but without a name it is our way of recognition.  His name we all think is going to be Marcano and it has been reserved but until Mr. & Mrs. Jackson finally give it to him he will remain Babynor to the majority of the FOB. I was hoping that Nicky would get a few races in him before the Breeders Cup with the hopes he would do well enough to be entered but that looks doubtful now, but hey, there is always next year and believe me it is approaching faster than I care to think.  Michael had stated that Lentanor would be raced later in the year, now whether that means this fall we will just have to wait and see.  But it is good to get an update on our guys.

Whenever Lentenor starts racing, will be fine with me.  I am very excited about him as I was about Nicanor and, despite the setbacks and injuries, Nicanor has not disappointed.  I feel Lentenor won't either.  He seems to be maturing more smoothly than his two brothers did, at least so far.

Thirty down, thirty to go for Nicanor.  Wishing him the best.

Lentenor - keep up the good work.

Thanks for including an update on the youngest of the brothers.  

Looking forward to the next update.

So glad Nicanor is healing on his own time table and Lentenor is training at his own pace. MM is doing what's best for both of them, which we would expect no less.

Thanks Ron for following thru with the phone calls.

Did you all know Ice Road is racing today at Saratoga? The 7th race at 4:22 ET. He is Nicanor's buddy. Hope he does well, not only for his owners but for MM who trains him.

I'm sure Babynor will be happy to have some friends to play with. Bet he's the biggest colt in the bunch!! So glad he's doing well and maybe threw with his therapy now.

Will keep an eye on Lentenor while he is training. MM will not rush him and treat him just like he did Nicanor.

Hope everybody feels as good as I do knowing things are moving along smoothly for the whole family.

Have a great day everybody.

Thanks for the progress report. Great that Lentenor is back to work!

Great news on Nic, Lentenor and the little brother. It is so refreshing to see no one pushing them into races but just letting them heal and develop as nature calls. I can't wait to see them race again but only until they are ready to go and no one knows that better than Michael. Way to go!!! Here's to a bright future for all the brothers and the little sister. Would love to see more pictures of them enjoying themselves at Fair Hill!!!!

I am glad to hear that Nicanor is on the mend and Lentenor is doing fine. I feel in my bones that both of these brothers of Barbaro will do just fine. Good luck gentle horses.

Hey Ron:

I know your busy but how about some new pics of our guys????  You could send me to Fair Hills from CA and I'd be happy to interview MM...if I could sneak in a few carrots and peppermints to Lentenor and Nicky.  Oh and we mustn't forget Baby J and La Ville Rouge.  I think she's done a marvelous job preparing her sons for grownup stuff.

Thank you so much for the update on the "brothers".  I was so hoping to see Nicanor race (and win) again at Delaware Park this year.  I guess that will have to wait. The most important thing is that they are all healthy and safe. The races will come at the right time.

Nice to know how Nicanor is doing,it is important he is fully healed before he starts racing again,it is nice he so cared for so well.As for Lentenor so special and he doesn't even know it yet.

THANK YOU FOR THE UPDATE. I WAS STARTING TO GET CONCERNED ABOUT NICANOR'S INJURY SINCE WE HAD'NT HEARD ANYTHING FOR SOME TIME. I HOPE THE JACKSON'S REALIZE HOW WORRIED WE ALL GET WHEN WE DON'T HEAR ANY NEWS ABOUT BARBARO'S FAMILY. I HAVE FINALLY GOTTEN AROUND TO READING SEAN CLANCY'S BOOK ABOUT BARBARO, I JUST COULD'NT DO IT UNTIL NOW. I STILL GET MISTY EYED WHEN I THINK ABOUT HIM.

I am with you Grey K! The "Babynor" thing is pretty juvenile, IMO...and no pun intended, I meant by the fact people are referring to him as such.

My understanding is the foal is turned out with a nurse mare (or was, he may be weaned now)...because LVR is simply not sound enough to run around with a baby. I don't KNOW that for fact, but in seeing videos of her, she doesn't seem to move so well, and from  people I know who have seen her in person, say she's not in the best of shape, physically.

Looks like 3 bullets in 4 works for lentenor.  If he's working in tandem he seems intent on not being passed.  Much different than nicanor who was normally slower than rockland and ice road.  Almost makes me wonder if he gets rank, and his weak half mile work was a result of reining him at all costs.  We had a filly by Arch (roberto) who was on her own agenda.  She was actually claimed from us and her new barn's trainer is getting great results.

Thanks for the update. It is appreciated.

Penny in TX   You can see the latest pics of Babynor on Mill RidgeFarm.com...go to Barbaro's Family. Babynor is soooooooo cute and a very big boy.

Glad to see you back online.

Hey FOB's....does anyone know if Rosie is riding at any race tracks? I have been watching for her name but haven't seen it. What happened to her after CHD & Delaware ended their racing schedules for now? Maybe she's taking a break. I'd love to see her ride Lentenor in his first race, whenever that might be. CHD will only have races the month of Nov. Let me know if anyone knows if she's riding. Thanks ahead of time.

They will probably go with one of the names from the picture in which they got Barbaro, Nicanor & Lentenor. I will take a shot and say the colt born earlier this year will be named Calypso. (Sereno & Margano are the remaining names) Should La Ville produce that filly next year, which i believe she will do just fine....either Sereno or Margano will fit just perfect.

Thank you so much for the update. I'm glad they're taking their time with Nicanor. Give him all the time he needs. I hope Lentenor doesn't race this year. I prefer they start as 3-year olds.

I expect we'll see Lentenor run this season.  At this time last season, I believe Nicanor was scratched from training to go through a major growth spurt.  The fact that Lentenor is still in training tells me he is further ahead in his maturity & development than his big brother and should most likely race. I expect we'll see him at the Breeders Cup if he stays on track.  He's already nominated.  Not sure that Nicanor will be there, he has to face stakes company first to show he belongs there.

Thanks for the update! I'm glad to see Lentenor having regular works. Looking forward to Nic coming back  next month.

Lentenor's work was fastest of 7 at that distance, a.k.a. a 'bullet' work.  I believe it's already his 4th bullet since beginning training.  He is definitely very talented just like his older brothers, and look for him to make his first start within the next 3 months.

Love the update..thanks!!!

Thanks for the update.  A male dominated family - and next a filly - I couldn't be happier.

Lentanor is doing great.  Nicanor is hanging out - will be in training next month - great news.

Great to hear Nicky is doing well and great to hear Lenny is off to a great start. Do you think he'll be starting in the fall, like Barbaro did, or in the spring like Nicanor?

Thanks for the update!  I'm glad they are taking such good care of Nicanor and Lentenor and Bloodhorse is taking care of the fans by giving us this blog.

Hope Nicanor continues his recovery in good shape. Would like to see him run at Delaware Park again, before the season closes on Nov, 4th.

It would be nice to see Lentenor get in his 1st race there.

i am glad to hear all the brothers are doing well and the little girl will do just as well...they all come from good stock...thank you for keeping us informed as to how the babies are...

Sorry, Delaware Park's last day of racing is Nov. 7th, [Saturday], Breeders Cup Day.

Glad to hear some news about Nicanor. Sounds like he's going to be okay, thank goodness. When I saw the time for Lentenor's work, I said WOW....this boy is fast. No wonder Mr Matz said he was getting ahead of himself, it appears Lentenor wants to run. Yes, I think he will have a start sometime in late October, more or less like Barbaro did. Maybe once or twice this year and then, look out! Can't wait untill next year, Nicanor back in action, Lentenor doing his thing and a filly on her way! Life is good.

can anyone tell ,e the title of the painting with the dogs that was used to name the horses?

Nice to have a new update. Thanks to all involved. It is also great to hear that Lentenor is coming along to Michael's satisfaction, but just hate to hear that Nicanor again has an 'ouchie'. Here's hoping the rest will do the trick. I agree, there is not need to hurry things at this point. Better to have a healthy horse than a worse problem later. Our gelding has been off beacuse of an immature bone in one foot and if he can not be a race horse, he will be re-trained as a junior hunter/jumper. His half-sister is now in training and if something happens to her, she too will be someone's riding horse. We will not lose track of either horse. Their well-being will always come first.

Ron... Thanks for the update.  It is so special to be able to be a part of this great big Barbaro Nation.  ♥

JAJ and others:

Thank you for your opinion on the possibility of Lentenor racing this year.  JAJ:  If I remember correctly Lentenor has been off for about 30 days.  All of your comments were very informative and I'm trying to learn everything I can about racing.  I have always been interested in horses, and so appreciate their athletic ability -they are all magnificant!  I agree we don't want to see any horse rushed into competition when they're not ready for it - mentally or physically. And we all know that MM has their best interest at heart.  Thanks again everyone for all the information.  I'm still looking forward to Nicanor returning to the track and Lentenor entering the competition.

lobieb....

Nice post.

Nicanor..... Praying for you everyday. Get well soon big guy and enjoy your vacation.  :)

thanks for the updates on both Nicanor and Lentenor.

I had a email that Lentenor had an official work and have been looking for an update on here.

Thanks bunches for all the updates and time you put into this blog.

lobieb: I'm an FOB since 2006.  I didn't mean to hurt your feelings and I'm well aware of the origin of Babynor.  The foal is expected to be named Margano, I believe.  The custom on the farm where all three brothers were born is to call the baby after his mother and the year of his birth until he gets his registered name.  I'm sure you know who Bobby Jackson is so we all know they have nicknames.

I would like to comment on the sad news that Windfield Farms in Ontario, Canada is coming to an end.A great friend of mine was Peter Poole,once the farm manager.

In 1961 & 62 I use to visit the Pooles and had the privilege many times of seeing all the wonderful horses. I remember Northen Dancer well, when he was a baby, when he was put up for sale by Mr Taylor but didn't sell and of course the rest is history.Once I had the honour of going for a Sunday hack with Mr Taylor.

So sad to hear the farm will be no more.

Lou:

Rosie is riding in Laurel to my knowlege, she usually races there in the fall and winter.

My heart sank when I read InAccord's entry. Ron or ANYONE...can we get some more info on how LVR is doing?

Within a month or so, if Matz gets him to 5/8ths, and has a work or two from the gate--barring any setbacks, I would be shocked if he didn't start at two.  Ideally two starts, before he ships to Gulfstream.  We'll see, anything can happen.  Fabulous looking colt though.

I have to keep reminding myself that Dynaformer does

tend to throw late maturing

maturing colts(fillies seem to a bit sooner). This cross with LVR should be good for longer

careers as racers rather than the quick maturing 'flash in the pan'(mostly) Derby hope-

fuls.  Barbaro was a phenom in more ways than even his fans give him credit for.

M.Matz has had quite a time

balancing immature bodies with needed training.  Not at

all easy.  Patience,patience,I

tell myself,but OOH!! I want

to see them run!!

 Thanks Ron,I do appreciate

your keeping us informed.  

           ...........Zia

Here is a link to an excellent video about Rosie Napravnik, from youtube:

www.youtube.com/watch

Glad to hear that Nicanor will be back training in September.  It was such a thrill to see him race at Gulfstream Park.  

And Lentenor, Babynor and baby girl Jackson are all doing fine.  The future is bright for the Jackson brood!

Thank you for keeping us up-to-date on how the Barbaro family is doing. I was curious to see how Nicanor was doing. Glad he has been taken out for awhile. I hope he continues to heal up so we can see him racing again very soon. I bet he will be a very very good 4-year old on the turf. Can't wait until next year with him and Lentenor. See big things for these two. When do you think Mill Ridge will announce what Babynor's name will be? I know it's supposed to be like Marcano or something like that. Very happy to hear Lentenor's progress as well. I can absolutely not wait to see him hit the track. Hopefully, he can be racing in Calder in December. That would be wonderful news to hear if he does start as a 2-year old on grass. Babynor sounds like he's growing really fast. Look forward to seeing some new pictures of him when they become available and so happy that La Ville Rouge is going to have a filly. That is so exciting.

Hey Christina...the name of the portrait is Barbaro and The Noble Hounds. Just google it and the web page should come up. It looks like Babynor will be Marcano since Sereno is taken. Calypso is the only female hound so we have named baby on the way Calypso Bay. Calypso was also taken. Of course the Jacksons may have other names they plan use for both. This was just the FOB's blogging about what to call her. Enjoy reading about our boys names. Will be nice when we finally know what Babynor's real name will be.

Oh, this is just the greatest news in the world! I have been so worried about Nicky that I haven't slept well for the past month. But now, thanks to the care of the great MM, he's on his way to a recovery. And Lenny! Oh, My, what can I say except keep improving! Big Brother Barbaro (BBB!) is watching over you! And with that kind of help, can your victory in the Breeder's Cup Juvenile be far behind?

Hey Thanks so much for the update! :-)

hmb0725, Hannah in TX.  

hi all i don't  see len on the workout tab why?

glad to hear nicky is getting to rest. maybe it'll be lenny's turn to shine. wish them all the best.

Thank you so much for the update on Barbaro's family.  It's wonderful to hear that Nicanor continues to heal and will be back in training soon. Lentenor is coming along nicely and Babynor will soon leave his beautiful mother on his next step towards his future. LVR is carrying a precious filly. All is well in Barbaroland, many thanks to Bloodhorse for keeping us informed on Barbaro's family.

Thank you for the updates--it's great to hear that all of the Jackson equines are doing well!

How funny would it be if the Jackson's decided to name him Babynor, though? hahaha.

I personally would like to see this colt named Margano, and have the filly be Calypso. Wasn't Calypso the name of a sea goddess anyways?

Rest up, Nicanor, we'll be here wating for you when you're all better! =] Lentenor- keep up the amazing work! =]

Hello All,

     Thanks for the update, Ron.  It is great to hear Lentenor is back with a great work.  As far as him racing this year, Mr. Matz has a pattern of holding back a little on his two year olds.  Even though Lentenor is progressing well(it seems), I still think it is a 50/50 chance Lentenor races this year(IMO).  

     I am glad Nicanor is healing up nicely, No hurry, If all goes right, according to Mr. Matz, It seems Nicanor might be back in another 4-6 weeks, But, It should take a while to get him back into the perfect form he was in prior to his injury.  I can't wait for his return....

     Great news that "Marcano" is getting to be able to enjoy the company of other young colts!  They sure grow up fast, Don't they!!!

     Finally, To the person that says La Ville Rouge is in bad shape and can't get around too good, Please, Nobody pay any attention to such irresponsible comments, The great people at Mill Ridge take incredible care of all their horses, Including LVR, She is still fairly young(Only 13 years old), She is pregnant with her filly(I believe 4 months along), But, She is a wonderfull mare and is perfectly fine...

     Congrats to "Ice Road" for a great race at Saratoga!, Yes, I know he came in second, But, He ran great, He had the far outside post and it was his first time on a Muddy/Sloppy track.  He gave a gallant effort!! He lost by a neck to "Brother Nick", Ridden by that old nemesis, Kent D.(He beat Nicanor twice!)...

     A congrats to "Pitched Perfectly", The Jackson's(LAEL), Barclay Tagg, and Jose Lezcano!!! "Pitched Perfectly" just won at Saratoga wire to wire, It was a great stretch run, Incredible heart to hang on for the win.  It sure is nice seeing the "LAEL" colors crossing the line first...

Christina,

     The painting The Jackson's have hanging in their house is Named, "“Duke of Westminster’s hunting dogs”...

it is sooooooooo grand to hear about these wonderful colts. i do think though, that this filly will show some class when she starts racing.

I am glad Nicanor will be coming back and that Lentenor seems be gearing up for a 2 year old debut. I'll be interested to see how he compares to Nicanor. The word is that he's farther along, and willing to run faster.

I'm not sure that Nicanor was slower than the horses that he ran against so much as he thought every race was a workout with company. He ran as fast as he needed to, and the horses, think Custom for Carlos, etc. were fully extended to beat him. In other words, Nicanor wasn't slower, just ran as he wished. Silky Sullivan had that tendency, and once Nicanor had blinkers added, he could focus.

My guess is that Lentenor will win his maiden, and go on the Derby trail next year. Meanwhile, Nicanor will come back, step back into allowance races, move up nicely, and then win a major stakes race. Imagine if both Lentenor and Nicanor could win major races next year.

Let's see what Lentenor does and keep hope alive.

Greg J

I absolutely agree on KD!

As for the comments about LVR and her health,just look

at the the pics of her at the Mill Ridge page and you will get your answer.

I really appreciate the grac-

ious sharing of both the Mill Ridge Farm and Bloodhorse as

without them,very little info,

and this blog offers many real

good nuggets of basic horse

information.  It's truly great

for anyone who loves horses.

Thank you so much for the updates.  I'm glad that our Nicky is healing well and will soon be back on track with his training.  Lentenor appears much more serious about running and he's getting ahead of himself this is why Mr Matz is trying to slow him down a bit.  Lentenor thinks he's more mature than he really is and wants to take on the big guys.  These horses are so lucky to have Mr. Matz as their trainer who looks out for their well being both physical and mental.  

It's also good to hear that Babynor is growing and will soon be going to "kindergarden" along with all the other young horses.  I can't believe how fast he has grown and soon he'll be thinking of running.  I called Mill Ridge the other day and they said that he and La Ville are both fine.

It's great to be part of the Barbaro Nation.  

Thanx for the update! I`m glad Nicanor is doing good! Lentinor`s gonna be a good racehorse, Nicanor has already proved he`s decent as a racer, and Lentinor`s works look better then Nicanors, I can`t wait to see Lentinor run!

it`d be interesting to see a race with both Lentinor and Nicanor!

Rambo... thanks for the info on Rosie. Loved the video. I'll check Laurel Park to see what she's doing.

Everybody have a great day!!

Greg J....

Good to see ya.  Long time no hear.  How ya been?  I am really down today because of the news.  That is why I haven't been on much.  I'll be back in a few days maybe.  I need to get some picks for the Travers.  :)

Greg J.  Yeah La Ville Rouge is in wonderful shape.  These naysayers need some grade school lessons... :)

All along I've felt that Nicanor would be a 4-year-old champ on the turf, and Lentenor would be a champ 3-year-old on anything. Just a feeling. I bet "Fillynor" will be a tough little cookie and surprise everyone in the "family" racing until she's five. Can't wait!

I'd like to see Calvin Borel on Lentenor!!!

There were a few comments on the health of LVR and I offer you some of my thoughts.

Foals are not taken from there mothers unless there is a pretty compelling reason.  Soundness of the mare is not usually one of those reasons.  The only exception that I can think of is of a valuable broodmare with severe hoof issues from something like laminitis, where they want to reduce any stress to her body.

A foal doesn't need its dam to run around with it.  Babies get plenty of running around with the other young foals in the field.  Most mares and foals rejoin their herd a few weeks after foaling.  A mare who has severe soundness issues can still be a top (boss) mare in the herd, even if she can't get around easily.

Lou in TX,

I was watching Rosie ride to-

day at Delaware Park.  I have

loved watching her for sever

-al years now.  I loved her

comment after riding Nican-

or,that she felt "so honored that she had been offered

to ride him".  Mr.Matz is at

Delaware now and maybe we

will see her on one of the boys again.

Greg J,

"As is commonly known, Barbaro was named after the foxhound who flanks a group of dogs in the portrait he painting The Jackson's have hanging in their house is Named, "“Duke of Westminster’s hunting dogs”... (Count de Barral)."

(from a Bloodhorse blog, and verified with Grosvenor Prints)

NOT: "The painting The Jackson's have hanging in their house is Named, "“Duke of Westminster’s hunting dogs”..."

and it is a lithograph, not a painting....big difference.

Is your assessment of La Ville Rouge's condition just as accurate?

Bonjour Nicanor!

I am so relieved that you are doing well.

Get well so you can win more races, and I am so eager to watch you win them, too.

Why is it that your trainer, Mr. Matz, doesn't give us, the audience, more updates on you and your brother Lentenor?

I was so worried about you, and would love to hear more stories about your recovery, your training, etc.

It appears that Lentenor is doing very well with his training.

Love to both of you and lots of kisses, too.

How about some photos, too?

Thank you!

"Lenny" (or, to you traditionalists, "Lentenor") had another workout today at Fair Hil. Breezed a half-mile in :50 seconds, third best time of the day among five horses working the distance. Work speaks for itself so I will not call the trainer.

I LOVE how you do these updates, and how you are following the progress of dear Barbaro's siblings, even inutero.  Please keep it up!!  I'm so glad so many people care.

Lisa From Maine writes:  "Why is it that your trainer, Mr. Matz, doesn't give us, the audience, more updates on you and your brother Lentenor?"

There is nothing more to report.  The horse is injured.  It might take months for him to recover.  We just have to wait and let the horse recover.  I am not expecting a quick return to training--hoping, but not expecting.

SQ that would be awsome!!!!  Have Calvin Borel on Lentenor.  I wonder how Edgar Prado is doing?  He doesn't seem to be the same since Barbaro.  Somebody said they feel that barbaro really did him in mentally.  

Love the updates!! Is there a way to receive email alerts when new news is posted??

Thanks :)

Questions for you JAJ.

When a horse does get injured like Nicanor, are they given extra vitamin and mineral supplements via injection or pill to speed up the healing process?

And would a horse with a simular problem be given analgesic medicantion for pain or discomfort?

Jclson(Fan of Ncanor) wrote that the proverbial "somebody" said "they" feel that Barbaro really did him in mentally, suggesting that he has lost his winning touch.

Rubbish!

Let's look at the current standings of the two jockeys you mentioned in your post, Prado and Borel.

Calvin Borel is 9th overall in the standing of money earned at $7,233,627 with 18% win rate and 43% in the top three finishes.

Edgar Prado is 12th overall (money earned) with $6,310,554, 13% win rate and 42% in the money.  Remember, Prado hasn't had a big consistent money maker this year such as Rachel Alexander or Mine that Bird.

Please, everyone, stop with those kind of insinuations.  Should enough people spread that sort of libelous statement around, it might be taken as fact.  People in the industry might start to believe it and he could lose rides.  I doubt the trainers will believe it, but owners who are basically ignorant of a lot of what goes on at the track just might.  Unfortunately, there are a lot of owners who haven't a clue about the inner workings of the business.

I would prefer to see the gal who rode Nicanor to ride Lentenor,not sure of how Borel treats his horses.JAJ you need to find another blog to post on you are way to negative.

Can somebody tell if Lentenor is running faster then when Barbaro did when he was a 2 year old.  It seems he has passed his older brother in how fast her runs.  I know he passed Nicanor.  

Edgar Prado suffered a broken ankle last year and was out for quite a while.  It seemed to cause trouble even after he came back to riding.

I read where he has suffer -ed from depressions since the loss of Barbaro,but can't

verify that.

Edgar Prado needs to ride Lentenor since Lentenor is so much like Barbaro.  This would help Edgar heal from Barbaro.  Winning the Triple Crown on Lentenor is just what Edgar needs.

Jclson, Calvin Borel on Lentenor would be a dream come true for me.  He is from Louisiana, which is where I live.  He is a great jockey.  Can you imagine Calvin Borel on Lentenor.  Everyone in American would be watching that.  Great for horse racing.  Michael Matz needs to consider it.  Calvin may be the greatest horse whisperer of our time.  I am the one that first suggested that nicanor wear the blinkers.  

For all of you who do not know, Bloodhorse has a section under racing that contains the top jockeys and their money amounts.

As with anything, including doctors, mechanics, don't go with the first, or second quote, seek alternatives.

My opinions on occasion vex the horse people. So don't feel alone or disheartened. You get some of the best information out of horse people when they get grumpy with you.

Kathy--

You asked if injured horses get extra vitamins/supplements to help them heal faster, and if they get pain medication.

High performance horses like Nicanor and other racehorses get the best of care in most instances, because you want them to be happy, healthy and comfortable in order to perform at their highest level. That typically includes vitamins/minerals as needed to balance the ration the horse is getting, as well as other supplements  to support for their joints, muscles, hooves, bone, and digestive system, if desired.

They sell products for bone support such as the OCD Pellets that are so often advertised on Bloodhorse.com. Joint support like Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplements, and prescription joint medications like Adequan (PSGAGS) and Legend (Hyaluronic Acid) are popular for preventing/treating arthritis and joint disease. Probiotics/Prebiotics support digestion and there are various prescription and nonprescription products for treating gastric ulcers, which are common in performance horses.

Nicanor is under the care of a true horseman and has invested, caring owners. I'm sure that he is receiving top-notch nutrition and support for his body. I doubt there is anything more they can give him to help his bruised bone heal faster that he isn't already getting---just time and rest.

Pain and anti-inflammatory medication like Bute, Banamine, and the newer Equioxx is standard treatment for most injuries, but there is a limit to how long you can give most of them before there are adverse side effects. Bute is notorious for causing ulcers if given long term. Equioxx is a newer NSAID that shows less gastro-intestinal side effects, but it's more expensive. There are also now potent topical NSAID creams that you apply directly to the joint or area that is painful (Surpass), bypassing the GI system entirely.

My guess is that they are controlling his pain and inflammation as needed, probably more aggressively when he was first injured, and then tapering off. One must also be careful not to give so much that the horse then feels good enough to re-injure or aggravate the leg.

Since he is now on turn-out and not stall rest, I would assume that he is comfortable enough to be able to walk around on his leg, and just needs more time to heal up. If it was still acutely injured or hurting, they would be restricting his movement with stall rest.

Actually, there aren't many (or any, really) jockeys hotter right now than Jose Lezcano.  Edgar Prado is second mount for Pletcher's barn behind Velasquez, and a go to guy for Asmussen/Lake and co.  Regardless of any blog posts he will have a full card, and choice of his share of favorites indefinately.  Borel doesn't ride for the Matz barn, and if Lentenor is "like" Barbaro (not my statement)as some suggest, he isn't gonna need a rail skimming late run anyways.

Kathy, I would bet that all Matz' horses get supplements for joint health.  There are all kinds of state-of-the-art treatments that horses get, such as stem cell transplants, and if it is at all applicable, I am sure Nicanor is getting it.

Yes, horses are given pain meds as needed.  Sometimes you don't want the horse to be too pain free--you need him to just be quiet and heal.  If they feel no pain, they might get too full of themselves and end up hurting themselves.

Sorry you find me too negative, Tracy.  I'm just trying to answer some questions and correct a lot of misinformation floating around so that the people who are not closely connected to the backstretch--which is most of you on this blog--will have a bit better understanding of what really goes on in the day-to-day training of a racehorse.

Whoa- literally.

JAJ is NOT negative- he is dealing with reality.  If you haven't noticed, a lot of what you all have learned has come from people like JAJ on this blog, who really do have a connection to racing and how it really works.

When someone comes on and puts on the brakes to the over-the-top stuff that gets posted on this board, then likely, they get tagged as "negative."

If you want fantasy, maybe there is another board for people who don't want to deal in facts and would prefer to theorize on someones emotional state and romaticize about the Barbaro family.  That does not do the animals, the people, or the industry any favors.

Prado earned your respect BECAUSE of BARBARO, not because he was Edgar.  It could have been any other jockey on Barbaro and you would be praising him as the "only" jockey who should ride any of Barbaro's siblings. None of this, "Only Edgar would have tried to save Barbaro," that got shot down before and it won't stand scrutiny now, because jockey's will try to help the horse if they can. I don't remember Ruffian's jockey getting this kind of over-the-top emotional goo after he tried to hold up Ruffian and keep her off that injured leg.

JAJ is absolutely right- when you make posts as fact or insinuate that something is wrong with Prado, you are committing a form of libel.  It's not right and it could hurt the very rider you worship.

These animals and the men that ride them are fantastic enough in their own right that they don't need anyone trying to create "novella" fiction about them.

FYI, just because Calvin is having a good year, thanks in large part to Rachael Alexandra, doesn't mean he would be the best jockey for Barbaro's siblings. He might be, no one knows.  Matz will put whoever he thinks is best that he can get on the horse.  He might also consider the track and the jockeys that seem to do best at that track.  Lots comes into play.

Reality check- Lentenor has no more chance of a Triple Crown than any other horse of his age.  Good works may not equate to good races.  No one knows a darn thing at this point.  Each horse will be what he will be and racing luck plays a huge part in that.  To proclaim Lentenor this that and the other thing is unrealistic.  To wish it, is something else.  Everyone would like a Triple Crown winner.  But they don't take an untried, untested two year old and proclaim him the next three year old sensation.  A horse either does it or doesn't, and if they don't get the chance to go on, they are only the sum of what they did to that point and the rest is a big question mark. True even for Barbaro.  

Well, I think Lenny will steal the show when he starts..maybe give Backtalk something to talk about...

I would like to hear more about Egdar Prado, as in my mind I link him to Barbaro. Do you really think Barabaro's accident and death had that much affect on him?

I read his book "My Boy Barbaro" and he seemed very connected with Barbaro. Does anyone have anymore information? I felt he wouldn't push Nicanor when he rode him and that was why Michael had to get someone else? What do you think?

Hello All,

   Here is a great interview with Peter Brette discussing Barbaro, Nicanor, and Lentenor, A really great interview, Thanks Mr. Brette!(Thanks for posting it on ABR, Marginmaine!)...

When asked, "wWere is the 2nd full brother Lentenor, right now?"

Peter:

"He’s about 100 yards away from me (laughs). He’s two now and he’s a beautiful horse. The way he’s going he will definitely start later this year—he’s a lot stronger than Nicanor was, both mentally and physically."

Here is the Link:

www.internationalhorseracingdigest.com/.../issue1-9

Zia I heard that as well.  I read he never really recovered I also read in My guy in the front of the book Edgar tells how When Barbaro died he took a part of him and he will never be the same again.  Chris K i agree he should ride Lentenor or just go see him. Even to go see Nicanor.  When i see Those two i can't help it but see Barbaro and I feel he is there with those two.  I feel he is with us all the time.  I wish Edgar Luck.

Tracy  Thank you JAJ  comment is weird.  I think it would nice to see those two but Edgar mostly It would do him wonders.  I just don't think he has been the same.  I'm not cutting him down but mentally i think of all of barbaros connection he is taking it the hardest.  I worry Edgar is blaming himself.  

HorseFirst and JAJ your both right...all I can do is wish all siblings the best..and pray for no more injuries...to any of them....

Edgar Prado is a wonderful jockey. I do believe he was deeply affectated by Barbaro's injury and death. He made many, many trips to New Bolton to see Barbaro. He was definitely connected to him. It may just be way too emotional for him for be associated with his brothers. Nic and Lenny look sooo much like him. Not to mention Babynor (Marcarno).

I'd like to see Rosie take a ride on Lenny when he does start racing. She seems to have a good connection with Nicanor. I know they are different horses personality wise but maybe she would be a good fit for both.

Personally I would never want to see Calvin ride these horses. They have a completely different style of running from the horses he has been riding. His fit to RA is wonderful but she runs completely different than Nicanor. At least right now.

Was very happy to see Summer Bird win the Travers. At least it was a "Bird" that won. Keep it in the family.  Thought Quality Road would do better but I don't think he liked that sloppy track.

Hope everyone has a great week.

Jclson(Fan of Nicanor), you really cannot compare the "speed" of two different horses unless you actually set them down (ask them to run) against each other.  That's what races try to do.  We will never see Nicanor in a race with Lentenor.

The "fastest" horse is not always the horse who has the fastest top speed, but the horse that wins the race in the fastest time.

To try to put this into perspective, Secretariat set a Kentucky Derby record of 1:59.40 for a mile and a quarter that stands to this day.  His first quarter mile was run in 25 1/5 seconds.  Each quarter was faster than the preceding one, with his final quarter in 23 seconds flat.

Lots of cheap claimers can run a quarter mile in 23 seconds.  The Green Monkey ran an eighth of a mile in something like 9 seconds, but he never could win a race.  The trick is to put those quarters together.  It is not about top speed.

A route race (a race over a mile) seems to be the preferred distance of Nicanor and Barbaro.  We don't know what Lentenor's most effective distance is yet.  A route race favors a horse that can carry speed over a distance of ground.  Brilliant, raw speed is not necessarily an asset in a race over a mile.

We may never know who of the three brothers is the "fastest," but we will know which brother (or sister) won the most money and/or the most races.  

It would be fantastic to see Edgar on Lentenor.What happened to Barbaro was an unfortunate accident no one to blame.I feel that normally stories don't start out with a tragedy,but would we all love his family so much if it hadn't happened it's all part of a story in the works.Edgar should ride Lentenor to his triple crown, I have so much faith I aleady planning my Belmont party 2010-The year of Lentenor.

JAJ,

I appreciate your comments.I do pretty much like to focus only on the good stuff,I will try  to take it as what it is good information for us novice's.I am just so postive that this wonderful family is on the brink of some pretty spectacular things.We can agree to disagree.

Thanks for posting.  You are  wonderful people to be doing this for all of us.

myykky,  I think it hit him harder then anybody else He was right there when it happened.  If you read the book My Guy Edgar tells you how hard he cryed. I would love to see Edgar Prado win another big race.  But i don't know Look how hard it is for us to get over it.  We miss Barbaro so much Edgar was actualy in touch withthe horse.  

JAJ,

Thanks for bringing some common sense into this thread.

I'm not a "FOB", however felt that Barbaro was a good enough horse to have him as one of my picks in my Derby contest (I felt Bernardini would have beaten him in the Preakness even before the race)

That said, all of this canonizing of Edgar is foolish.  He's had many mounts break down including a Lael first time starter 4 year old Peter 'O.  He's a pro, he has to get over it.

I'd venture that most of the followers of Barbaro in his afterlife knew nothing about him in March of 2006,, not that there's anything wrong with that, but many have become "experts", picking jockeys that they know nothing about.

Odds are that Nicanor and Lentenor will be successful racehorses but not greats.

But in racing anything can happen.

Greg J. Ragsy and all FANS of Barbaro

You have to see this.  

www.youtube.com/watch

Just Beautiful  ♥

Chris K

I agree :)  nice post!

JAJ, thank you so much for the information that you give.  I did not take your comment as being negative, but factual. You, Greg J, Horsefirst, always have interesting comments.  I have for one have really learned a lot. To me, no matter how much you know about a subject, there is always room for growth and since not everyone looks at a situation the same, it always makes you stop and think.

First time poster, long time reader. I agree that JAJ and Greg J always have helpful comments. I especially liked the explanation by JAJ of how horses win races using Secretariat's Kentucky Derby win as an example. I notice that Lentenor worked out today. Looking forward to following his progress as well as Nicanor's. I did see Mr. Matz at Saratoga a week or so ago. He was handling a young horse who was a little aggressive. He said to the horse "stop that" in a calm way and the horse stopped that!

As an avid fan of Nascar and now horseracing,I was a driver for years and I probably would have done better at it with a set of blinkers.I know not to expect to much,but I also know the value of the words 'you can do it'.

Tracy writes, "Edgar should ride Lentenor to his Triple Crown."

Tracy, Lentenor first has to win a race.  He hasn't even started!  Horses who have yet to start do not have their names linked to races like the Kentucky Derby.

Yes, we love the family of BARBARO, whether it be Edgar Prado the jockey, or Nicky or Lenny and the baby or the one to come.

It really does not matter whether one agrees or not..

Stardust:  such a beautiful video, my,oh my, what beauty..stunning....

Hi All! Since there is so much discussion about Edgar Prado...I saw Edgar on Saturday. I was right on the rail at the winners circle at Saratoga. I made an observation...the other jockeys were happy and smiling as they entered the winners circle(even though they all had to dismount and walk thru that muddy muck...!!!) but Edgar..even though he had 2 wins, was very serious.

...just an observation that I thought I'd share...

Stardustyrose...thanks for sharing the info on the video. It was soo nice and heart warming.

Greg J, I loved that interview with Peter. He should know if anyone knows about Lenny and Nic.

Yawn, I think people who are voicing their opinions on jockeys etc., are doing just that. Voicing an opinion. I can't see that anyone is claiming to be an expert on jockeys etc. Why be so harsh on people who are just stating what they think? No one here is claiming to be an expert so why don't you give them some slack to just visit with others on this site. Like having a conversation with your friends. Even tho you are not an FOB your voice is always welcome on this site. But please don't judge others on this site. It's really a rude thing to do whether it be on this site or any other. We all try to get along with each other no matter what their opinions are on any subject.

Ron, could you check and make sure LVR is O.K.?  Too much gossip going around about her health.

Catch ya'll later.

JAJ,  I realise we wont see Nicanor and Lentenor race together but that would be kinda neat even if it was for fun.  Just them to on the track.  I think that would be kinda neat though.  Thank you for the information.  

I like all this information i get on here.  I have learned alot as well I feel if we keep it going we will keep Barbaro's legacy alive.  

This notice is to inform you that one or more of your horses has worked out.

Lentenor

Your Comment:

Date: September 2, 2009

Track: FAIR HILL

Distance: Four Furlongs

Time: 50:40 Breezing

Track Condition: Fast

Surface: Dirt

Rank: 10/13

Anyone,

I realize that ther are a lot of variables in regards to Lentenors workouts including different horses working out and conditions of the track, but is it also possible that M.M. is working differently, i.e., controlling Lentenor or trying to rate him?

JAJ,

I know Lentenor has yet to race,I am just optimistic about him,whoever gets to ride him when he races is one lucky jockey.

Montana, why dont you stop that wild horse roundup on Pryors Mountain....we need help....

Loved the video Stardust.....thanks for the link...just super dupper.....

JAJ love your comments, do you have to be right everytime???

Irene I noticed that as well,  I wasn't at the race i saw it on hrtv and I thought he looked sad or not happy to be there look. That is wht i am talking about.  Before Barbaro and when he was riding Barbaro he was a happy rider now he is not.  

Thank you for the information on Lentenor and his work out.  Is that good his racing?  

Tracy,  Just standing in the same barn with these two horses is Lucky, cleaning there stull after they have gone to the bathroom is lucky.  Can you imagine being a jockey for Barbro;s brother is lucky

Ragsy,

The BLM leases that land to the   Cattle-men.  All over the west wild horse herds are being deci- mated to give cattle moreforage.  Montana is ruled by the Big Three

Cattle,Logging,Mining. The Cattle- men are also why every winter thousands of the Yellowstone Bison are rounded up and then slaughtered,because the ranchers

are afraid that they might pass a

disease to their cows.  They are

not slaughtering the elk who ARE

giving the cattle Brucellosis.  The

Fish and game will begin selling tags to hunt the Bison this year. I

believe that the slaughter of the horses was legalized here for the

money the wild horses would bring

at the slaughter house.

It's just cows and money!

jclson,

You are absolutely right,what I would give just to see them in person.As Napoleon Dynamite said

"Luckeeeeeee"

Kathy,

All horses are taught to rate, or at least, that is the goal of the trainer.  Usually horses are more biddable in the morning than they are in the afternoon.  It is almost unheard of for a trainer to really set a horse down (ask him for his best) in the morning.

Developing a race horse takes time.  It is more than just getting a horse fit enough to run.  They need to learn a lot of lessons and it is usually best if they learn them as babies rather than older, stronger horses.

I have to say something about the comments about Edgar Prado's demeanor.  He has NEVER been very demonstrative--Calvin Borel he is not!  Don't judge his frame of mind by the expression on his face.

Zia, you dont paint a rosy picture for the Treasured Wild Horses on Pryor Mountains...such a waste of magnificient horses...with bloodlines dating to the 1500's and Lewis & Clark historical times...such sorrow...

There will be an auction on Sept. 26th at Billings, Montana just guess, I might visit and bring home a couple...at least it would be life for 2.....crying for them...

Oh,I forgot to mention that it was the ranchers who asked for and then pushed for the horse slaughter bill because,they complained"they have no way to be rid of their old work horses".  Nice ending for a life of hard work in a hard place to live for both man and animals.

jclson, i feel the same way. i have long said, they can come to my barn, anytime. oh boy, get out the mints! with love to all our boys, mom, and baby filly!

Sandieh, Having them at your barn is like having Elvis Presley, or Micheal Jordon.  But those horses are in a much better class them those two are.  LOL

HOW IS NICANOR DOING  

WHEN will he back training?

Okay so it's 64 days out of 60 days???  When do we get to hear more about Nicanor?  Blessings and Miracles to All

LENTENOR worked today soon he will be racing maybe ..... can one guess... 3 individual breezes then race.. wow, Lenny your time is soon..good luck sweet one...

ZIA,

my greatest fear was for the older horses that would not be adopted out...now I hear that all older horses will be bought with their herd intact...that is so great....

Lentenor will be racing really soon, just wish Nicanor would be back this year.....

How is Nicanor's Bone Bruise coming along?  What is he doing now?