Two-time champion Zenyatta turned her third consecutive six-furlong breeze at Hollywood Park Feb. 26 as she continues to prepare for her 6-year-old debut in the Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap (gr. I) in two weeks.
Zenyatta fired her fastest work of the month over the Hollywood Cushion Track surface, getting the six panels in 1:13.20 under regular rider Mike Smith. The dark bay/brown mare worked in company with stablemate El Vino, and outfinished her workmate by more than a length. She is expected to have one more work before her season debut.
“It was excellent,” Smith said of Zenyatta’s move. “She was just cruising around there. She was very impressive.”
Undefeated in 14 starts and winner of last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I), Zenyatta will use the March 13 Santa Margarita as a prep for her expected showdown against Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra in the Apple Blossom Invitational (gr. I) April 9 at Oaklawn Park. The daughter of Street Cry will shoot for her sixth win at Santa Anita in the nine-furlong Santa Margarita.
Zenyatta, who has earned more than $5.4 million, is owned by Jerry and Ann Moss and trained by John Shirreffs.