by Mike Curry
Unbeaten champion Zenyatta turned in her final serious workout in preparation for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, and the five-year-old Street Cry (Ire) mare appeared to be on her game with a visually impressive drill.
Last year’s Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (G1) winner breezed six furlongs in 1:12.40 on the synthetic Cushion Track surface at Hollywood Park under regular rider Mike Smith. The drill ranked second of 16 timed moves at the distance and was the only workout to receive the designation breezing instead of handily.
Well within herself throughout, Zenyatta looked to be in top form for trainer John Shirreffs and owners Jerry and Ann Moss. She was cross-entered in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), which would be her first time facing males, and the Ladies’ Classic. The $5-million Classic on Saturday is listed as her first preference.
"She went very well and everyone was pleased," Shirreffs said. "We'll discuss whether she will run in the Classic [or the Ladies' Classic at 1 1/8 miles on Friday] as soon as we sit down with [Jerry and Ann] Moss. We'll see how she comes out of the work and make a decision."
Zenyatta worked in company with Green Cat on Saturday. She covered the opening quarter in :24.60 under a firm hold, a half-mile :48.40, and five furlongs in 1:00.20. The strapping dark bay or brown mare towered over her stablemate while powering past in the stretch, and she galloped out seven furlongs in 1:25.20.
Zenyatta is undefeated in 13 career starts with seven Grade 1 victories and $2,774,580 in purse earnings. The Breeders’ Cup could be the final career start for Zenyatta, who is out of multiple Grade 1 producer Vertigineux, by Kris S.
Zenyatta completed a last-to-first rally last year to win the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic on October 24 at the Oak Tree at Santa Anita Park meeting. The victory cemented the Eclipse Award as champion older female. She has four wins in as many starts this season and enters the Breeders’ Cup off a 1 1/4-length score in the Lady’s Secret Stakes (G1) on October 10 at Santa Anita.
Mike Curry is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor