Two-time champion Zenyatta turned in what is expected to be her final work in preparation for the $250,000 Santa Margarita Handicap (gr. I), drilling six furlongs in 1:11.80 March 5 at Hollywood Park.
With Mike Smith aboard and trainer John Shirreffs looking on, Zenyatta worked in company with stablemate El Vino. The 6-year-old daughter of Street Cry began her work behind El Vino, caught her at the top of the lane, and finished well in front.
According to Daily Racing Form, she got the final quarter-mile in :23.60. The bullet move was the best of 13 at the distance on the day.
Owned by Jerry and Ann Moss, Zenyatta will make her first start since winning the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) in the March 13 Santa Margarita, a nine-furlong contest on the Santa Anita Park Pro-Ride surface. Unbeaten in 14 starts, she is expected to have a showdown with Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra in the April 9 Apple Blossom Invitational (gr. I) at Oaklawn Park.
Rachel Alexandra will also prep for the Apple Blossom March 13 as she makes her 4-year-old debut in the New Orleans Ladies Stakes at Fair Grounds.
