Zenyatta Pulls Away Late, Caps Breeders' Cup

Sports News - November 8th, 2009 - Written by John

In one, breathtaking performance in the Breeders' Cup Classic, Zenyatta erased one question, but created others.

A filly will win Horse of The Year, but now voters have to discern between the top-two contenders. Three-year old Rachel Alexandra, winner of last year's Preakness, was held out of the race by owner Jess Jackson and, many assumed, would win the title regardless of who won the Championship. But after the unbeaten Zenyatta torched the competition, going from the last to first in a hurry at Santa Anita's Oak Tree to win nearly $2.5 million, voters aren't so sure anymore.

"I wish they would have brought (Rachel Alexandra) here to prove to the racing world what Zenyatta is all about," Zenyatta's jockey Mike Smith said. "I'm not going to say I'd have beaten her, because that's one person's opinion. I'd have given anything to run against her.

Zenyatta ($7.60) fell behind in the pack early, but made a quick rush beginning at the far turnh. She blew by a congregation packed together, then caught up to Gio Ponti with a sixteenth of a mile left. She won by one length.

"I can't believe it. She is a great, great filly," trainer John Shirreff told ESPN. "She is all heart. The way the crowd took to her was just amazing. They cheered for her, they clapped for her. They love her. What a wonderful relationship."

Her victory was aided by the absence of Quality Road, who scratched his leg in the starting gate when he began to buck. He was pulled from the race due to safety concerns, the first time in the history of the Breeders' Cup Classic a horse was pulled.

Gio Ponti placed, finishing 1 1/4 lengths ahead of Twice Over. Summer Bird came in fourth.

Richard's Kid finished fifth. The final six were Awesome Gem, Regal Ransom, Mine That Bird, Rip Van Winkle, Einstein and Girolamo.

Mine That Bird, winner of last year's Kentucky Derby, never got it going, starting in dead-last behind Zenyatta at the start of the race and only made up four spots.

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