Zenyatta, Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic Favorite

Zenyatta, a gigantic 4-year-old who stands more than 17 hands tall, has become the top filly in America, winning all eight of her starts. Zenyatta started attracting national attention in April when she ran down Ginger Punch, last year's Eclipse Award-winning older mare, in the Grade I Apple Blossom at 1 1/16 miles at Oaklawn Park. Last month at Santa Anita, Zenyatta defeated another top mare, Hystericalady, in the Grade I Lady's Secret Stakes. Zenyatta has earned $1,064,580.

Zenyatta will have her biggest test yet in Friday's $2-million Breeders' Cup 2008 Ladies' Classic at 1 1/8 miles at Santa Anita. She's one of the favorites of the highlight race on the first of a two-day Breeders' Cup extravaganza that features 14 races and $25.5 million in purses. The unbeaten Zenyatta will face Cocoa Beach, Ginger Punch, Hystericalady, Music Note, and Carriage Trail in Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic. Because of the depth of quality in the Ladies' Classic, only eight horses were entered, the smallest of the Breeders' Cup fields.