News of Lentenor

Even as Nicanor moves closer to his racing debut--projected to be at the end of this month according to the latest reports from the Matz camp--word comes that Lentenor is progressing nicely at his racing education "studies" at Stephens Thoroughbreds, near Ocala, Florida.

Amanda Duckworth is following both of Barbaro's brothers on her blog and she reports that Lentenor is showing signs of being a fast learner. "Lentenor's confidence has improved tremendously and rapidly," according to Jill Stephens, who also "taught" Barbaro and Nicanor. "The colt has a lot of internal energy when you're on his back and Gab [Gabriel DeJesus, their lead exercise rider] has helped him channel that energy in a positive way. He actually handles himself like an older horse on the track already. . well sort of."

Lentenor, as many of you remember, is the foal who actually "nickered" at Gretchen Jackson when she went to visit him as a baby and he held still so that she could run her hands over his body. He also bears an uncanny resemblance to Barbaro and many have seen in him, numerous "signs" of his oldest brother. It is kind of eerie that Jill Stephens chose to describe him as an "older horse" but please remember that she also qualified that statement by adding "sort of."

Lest we read too much into anything, it is important to realize that Lentenor is still learning and will remain in Florida until the Fall when he begins his serious training with Michael Matz. What that will mean, however, is that, ideally and hopefully, come next year at this time, there might be two of Barbaro's brothers in Matz's barn!

Now that is something to look forward to...