Ode to Eskendereya Musket Man You probably expected me to compose a celebratory piece about a certain Wood Memorial winner today, didn’t you? In a day that was absolutely dominated by a sublime performance by a three-year-old rocket named Eskendereya, I instead offer my readers a different perspective on the beauty of a horse, and the race. Sure it was easy to marvel at the magnificence of Eskendereya as he effortlessly cantered free from quality opposition, barely slowing down on the fast lane to Louisville. I, however, found an even greater amount of joy in watching a horse in a losing effort only 36 minutes later on the same Aqueduct Racecourse. His name is Musket Man and Musket Man is the embodiment of everything I admire in a Thoroughbred horse.  So much so, that today I immortalize him on the pages of ZATT. Musket Man O’ Musket Man Whenever you run I believe you can A gorgeous dark bay with a powerful stride You always give your fans quite the ride Thundering hooves and flowing mane Your competition finds you impossible to tame I am never afraid to be your admiring tout For I know on race day you will run your heart out In the Carter Handicap you may have lost by a nose But with the race you ran your stock still rose If you run a bad race it will be your first More likely you will win each race with a burst Last year you made noise on the Triple Crown trail This Breeders’ Cup you may be the colt we all hail New York, Philly, Tampa, Chicago, Kentucky and Baltimore You have earned your fans and we are hardcore Six nice wins already to your credit There will be many more I believe in fact I will bet it Ten lifetime races and each time you impress You have become a great favorite of mine I must confess Now I vow to follow you both near and far For me you will never be anything but a star I will search for your name in hope to see you run For you Musket Man the best is yet to come Photo by Sue Kawczynski       Poem by Brian Zipse