Zenyatta Draws Post No. 8 for Repeat Try in Breeders' Cup Classic

The Breeders’ Cup World Championship returns to one of the most storied racetracks in the world with Churchill Downs hosting the event for a record seventh time and for the first time since 2006.

The highlight of the two-day event that will be held on Friday, Nov. 5 and Saturday, Nov. 6 is the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, featuring the undefeated six-year-old mare Zenyatta.

“She shipped better than we did. We’re happy to have her here. It’s fantastic,” said owner Jerry Moss. “The Breeders' Cup every year has always been our goal. It’s a great place with championship races. It’s the place to be and we’re thrilled to be here.

Zenyatta was installed as the 8-to-5 morning line favorite and will be looking to win the richest race in North America for the second year in a row and place her name at the top of the list of the greatest thoroughbreds ever.

Zenyatta is the only female horse to win the Classic, and a repeat appearance in this race marks just the second time she will face male rivals.

"She looks great. She’s all dappled out," said owner Ann Moss. "She went out and grazed. The grass is shorter and has leaves. We were fortunate to come in right behind her so it was a thrill to watch her come off the plane.”

Her owners delighted race fans by bringing Zenyatta back after her victory last year when it was believed she would be retired after winning all 14 of her starts. She has added five more wins to her slate in 2010 and hit the mainstream in recent weeks with coverage from Oprah Winfrey and 60 Minutes.

“Everybody seems to have a great feeling for her,” said Mr. Moss. "She drew 45,000 on a Friday at Oaklawn. Hundreds of people watch her get off the plane and graze. At Hollywood Park she drew the biggest crowd in ten years. She’s got something that people obviously feel really good about. We’re talking about little kids and older people. It seems to transcend horse racing.”

Last year’s Classic victory came at Santa Anita on a synthetic surface where she defeated not only the best from the United States, but also the best European horses who took to the surface that plays much like turf.

“Every day with her is a celebration. It’s hard to talk about her,” said Mrs. Moss while getting choked up. “We’ve gone from race to race. It’s always a good time. She enjoys what she does. She dances and poses. We feel blessed.”

This year, Zenyatta will try to make history over the dirt at Churchill Downs. She’s won both career starts on dirt. The field is void of any European challengers; however the stateside contingent runs deep, and a champion from Japan is also in the mix.

“It’s a tough race. These are great horses,” said Jerry Moss. “We’ve watched their races over the years. We’re fans as well as owners. If she beats them it will be a great accomplishment.”

Below is the complete field for Saturday's Breeders' Cup Classic, including post position, morning line and a brief comment. Make sure to check back throughout the week for more coverage. For additional coverage of the Breeders' Cup and complete fields for all 14 races worth a total of $25.5 million, visit www.breederscup360.com.

PP Horse (Morning Line Odds) Comment

1. Quality Road (5-1) Still believe a mile and a quarter is too far for him.

2. Paddy O’Prado (15-1) Almost seems silly that he’s not running in the Turf.

3. Haynesfield (12-1) New York bred takes his show on the road for the first time.

4. First Dude (15-1) Only a maiden win to his credit.

5. Blame (9-2) Never out of the money in 12 career starts, including eight wins.

6. Fly Down (15-1) Broke his maiden here a year ago. Could run on late for exotics.

7. Musket Man (20-1) Another minor award the ceiling from off the pace.

8. Zenyatta (8-5) Preferred distance and pace scenario sets up run for ultimate immortality.

9. Pleasant Prince (30-1) Romped by four lengths in last ... at Remington Park.

10. Etched (30-1) Lightly raced five-year-old moving way up in class.

11. Espoir City (20-1) No easy lead for Japanese champion with apparent distance limitations.

12. Lookin At Lucky (6-1) Three-year-old is the one to fear most in first try against elders.

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