Zenyatta blew past grade I winners Tough Tiz's Sis and Romance Is Diane mid-stretch to win the $150,000 El Encino (gr. II).
Photo: BENOIT PHOTO
Zenyatta extended her unbeaten streak to four races when she took the 2008 Apple Blossom Handicap (gr. I) at Oaklawn Park April 5.
Photo: COADY PHOTOGRAPHY
Running down 2007 Eclipse Award-winning older mare Ginger Punch at the head of the lane, the John Shirreffs trainee took home her first grade I victory.
Photo: COADY PHOTOGRAPHY
Owned by Jerry and Ann Moss and bred in Kentucky by Maverick Production out of the Kris S. mare Vertigineux, Zenyatta launched a legitimate bid for an Eclipse Award of her own.
Photo: COADY PHOTOGRAPHY
The daughter of Street Cry boosted her earnings to $444,000 with the win.
Photo: COADY PHOTOGRAPHY
After winning the Apple Blossom, Zenyatta went back to California for the Milady Handicap.
Photo: COADY PHOTOGRAPHY
Zenyatta remained unbeaten in Milady 'Cap.
Photo: BENOIT PHOTO
Zenyatta overcame a bump at the start to record her fifth consecutive victory, winning the $183,300 Milady Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. II) the way a 3-10 shot should May 31 at Hollywood Park.
Ridden by Mike Smith, Zenyatta rallied to take the lead from Santa Teresita in mid-stretch of the 1 1/16-mile test for fillies and mares and drew off from there to win by 2 1/2 lengths under a hand ride.
Zenyatta's effort was a cut below her best on a hot day at Hollywood Park, but that was good enough to win the $300,000 Vanity Handicap (gr. I) July 5. It was her sixth consecutive victory.
The nay-sayers who thought Zenyatta might have been vulnerable after her comparatively plodding win in the Vanity (gr. I) last time out were left with little left to criticize when the statuesque filly blew by her rivals to capture the $300,000 Clement L. Hirsch Handicap (gr. II) under wraps at Del Mar Aug. 2.
Trainer John Shirreffs had his dark bay impeccably turned out for the race and she ran to her appearance. Zenyatta, loping along at the back of the field heading into the final turn, came from off the pace with a bold move leaving the bend while angling out for the drive to win drawn down in the final stages by Jockey MIke Smith.
A two-time grade I winner, the 4-year-old daughter of Street Cry--Vertigineux, by Kris S., won her first seven races by a combined margin of 16 1/2 lengths while banking $914,580 for owners Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Moss.
'I think it's great for the sport that we have one like her.' Smith said.
Photo: BENOIT PHOTO
Undefeated Zenyatta unwound her patented stretch drive once again to sweep by Hystericalady in the final furlong to win the $245,000 Lady's Secret (gr. IT) by 3 1/2 lengths during the Oak Tree meeting at Santa Anita Park Sept. 27.
The strapping 4-year-old filly earned her eighth consecutive victory and became a clear favorite for the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (gr. I), which was to be contested over the same Pro-Ride racing surface at Santa Anita Oct. 24.
After finally straightening away in the stretch, Zenyatta pressed on to edge past the leaders at the eighth pole. Smith gave her a tap on the shoulder, and she responded to draw away from Hystericalady under a hand ride.
Zenyatta was scheduled to make her 2009 seasonal debut in the Louisville Distaff (gr. II) at Churchill Downs, but was scratched on account of rain.
Photo: Mathea Kelley
Zenyatta made her much anticipated 5-year old debut on May 23 in the Milady (gr. II) at Hollywood Park. She didn't disappoint, cruising over stablemate Life Is Sweet for her 10th straight win.
Thrilling another crowd with her spine-tingling late charge, the undefeated mare nabbed a determined St Trinians by a half-length for her 17th consecutive victory.
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