ARCADIA, Calif.
Zenyatta beat the boys in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic yesterday, running her record to 14-0 in the most impressive effort of her career.
Zenyatta, a 5-year-old mare, rallied from last in the early going and fought off Gio Ponti in the stretch to win by a length at Santa Anita, beating a loaded field of 11 males and becoming the first female to win the Classic in its 26-year history.
Quality Road was scratched at the starting gate after he acted up and scraped his hind leg, delaying the start by several minutes. That may have explained Zenyatta's poor start as she broke from the gate on the wrong foot and trailed early.
Zenyatta, ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, still ran 1ΒΌ miles in 2:00.62 and paid $7.60, $5.60 and $3.80 as the 5-2 wagering favorite of the 58,845 in attendance. Gio Ponti brought $9.20 and $6.60, and Britain-bred Twice Over paid $7 to show.
Summer Bird, the Belmont Stakes winner, was fourth, and Mine That Bird, the Kentucky Derby winner, was ninth. Irish import Rip Van Winkle was 10th.
Zenyatta was the star, prancing as she paraded past the grandstand en route to the gate. People held up pink signs reading "Girl power! Go Zenyatta" and roared when the she came through the tunnel and stepped onto the synthetic track.
Owners Jerry and Ann Moss entered Zenyatta in the Classic instead of trying to defend her title in the $2 million Ladies' Classic on Friday. Her presence boosted the signature race of the two-day world championships, which was missing the year's other star female, Rachel Alexandra.
Rachel Alexandra, a 3-year-old filly, went 8 for 8 this year, including three wins against the boys, one coming in the Preakness Stakes. But her owner, Jess Jackson, ended her season rather than run her on the synthetic surface, which he dislikes.
Debate had raged in the week before the race about whether Zenyatta could handle an international field and possibly snatch away Horse of the Year honors from Rachel Alexandra. The argument now intensifies.
Smith let Zenyatta lope along at the back of the field, her usual position early in races. Rounding the final turn, Zenyatta still was far back and her chances appeared bleak.
Zenyatta made a bold inside move midway through the far turn to gain momentum. After the field turned for home, Smith angled her to the far outside and the crowd erupted.
Zenyatta, showing the grit of an undefeated champion, closed relentlessly and denied Gio Ponti the upset. Smith pumped his left arm as Zenyatta galloped past the grandstand for possibly the last time in her career.
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