TORONTO, February 3, 2025 – Once a week, from January to April, Woodbine will profile a horse who had a life-changing impact on one of their closest connections in 2024. This week, assistant trainer Nastia Zemtsova. Having worked for several highly regarded horse people over the years, a list that includes trainer Katerina Vassilieva and dual hall of fame conditioner Roger Attfield, Zemtsova, now an assistant trainer for Saffie Joseph Jr., has been along for the ride with several talented stars who have made their mark on the racetrack. “The days can be tiring and there can be challenging times, but the horses always keep you coming back. When I walk down the line just before I leave and the horses are happy, it’s a sense of accomplishment.” Mystic Lake Bio Foaled: April 9, 2021 Sire: Mo Town Dam: Salty Soul Starts: 14 Wins-Seconds-Thirds: 7-3-1 Earnings: $1,033,354 (U.S.) Notable races: Won the 2024 Grade 3 Miss Preakness. Won the 2024 Grade 2 Charles Town Oaks. Won the 2024 Grade 2 Inside Information Stakes. Trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr. Owner: C2 Racing Stable LLC and Stefania Farms LLC Breeder: Peggy Costanzo What do you remember from meeting Mystic Lake for the first time? “She came to us at Woodbine from Saratoga as a maiden. From the moment she stepped off the van, she was a force. She was ready for anything. She marched off the van and marched around the barn like she owned the place. And it always makes me proud to say she broke her maiden (Sept. 9, 2023) at Woodbine.” “The first race she ran (ninth at Gulfstream on Aug. 6, 2023) did not pan out like they hoped but she went on and was breezing at Saratoga – they did a great job with her – and sent her on to us very ready.” When did you know she was going to be that so-called special horse? “From the moment I watched her train, everything came so easily to her and then what she did in her first race at Woodbine – she wheeled off some pretty quick early fractions. She is so willing to do anything you ask of her. I think that makes her as special as she is. She is such a competitor and will always give you 110 per cent of herself.” Which graded stakes win stands out as the most memorable for you? “The one that stands out the most – we had her in Canada in the spring of last year after she shipped into Woodbine from Florida – is the Miss Preakness. That was the first time I had ever travelled with a horse who was under my care. To watch her go out and win as dominantly as she did… Flavien (Prat) and her broke from the gate and never looked back. That was so special because we got to really know her and were entrusted to oversee her training going into that race and were able to go to Pimlico for such a big weekend.” “For me, the Inside Information she just ran in at Gulfstream on Pegasus World Cup Day proves just how honest she is. I got emotional after she crossed the wire. I thought she was put away by the horse she was battling with and was going to finish second. To watch her dig right back in and win that race… I am in pure admiration of how she carries the mentality of never quit, never give up, never throw in the towel. Pure heart and fight.” “It was also an exciting moment when she won the Charles Town Oaks for Saffie. It may seem silly, but I have always wanted to see a horse I work with have that floral blanket draped over them after a race. To have her be the first one is special.” What three words best describe Mystic Lake? “Fast. Determined. Tough.” How has she changed your life? “Every time I see her, I realize how wonderful she is and how meaningful she is to me. I just love her – she is all racehorse. That win in the Miss Preakness, I am so grateful to Saffie for sending her to us at Woodbine and having confidence in us. It gives you confidence that you can handle that level of responsibility. It was also a ‘this is why we do it’ moment. To see it all come together is amazing.” Chris Lomon, Woodbine Share This:Share
