Zenyatta makes it three straight Lady's Secret wins

By: SPORTS NETWORK

 

Inglewood, CA (Sports Network) - Leading thoroughbred Zenyatta extended her career unbeaten streak to 19 with Saturday's victory in the $250,000 Lady's Secret Stakes in the Oak Tree meeting at Hollywood Park. It is the third straight win for the six-year-old mare in the Lady's Secret.

The two-time champion older female covered the 1 1/16-miles in 1:42.97 after mounting her trademark rally from last place.

Part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge, the winner of the Lady's Secret is guaranteed a place in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic at Churchill Downs on Friday, November 5. However, Zenyatta will defend her title in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic the next day.

Zenyatta, owned by Jerry and Ann Moss, was racing last in the five horse field but only about six-lengths from the lead. Jockey Mike Smith got her moving to the front around the far turn and was third coming off the final turn.

Hollywood Oaks winner Switch, the 4-1 second choice, had the lead at the top of the stretch, but was unable to hold off the late running champion. Zenyatta, sent off at 1-10, caught Switch only yards before the wire and was able to notch a half-length win over the three-year-old filly.

Moon de French and Satans Quick Chick finished in a dead-heat for third and Emmy Darling was fifth. Rinterval was a late scratch.

"Zenyatta is like a guided missile," said Moon de French trainer Bob Baffert of the mare's stretch kick. "She's got radar and locks down on the leader."

Trained by John Shirreffs, Zenyatta picks up $150,000 with the win and becomes the all-time female earnings leader. The mare has more than $6.4 million in earnings, passing Ouija Board with $6,312,552.

Zenyatta was coming off a victory on August 7 in the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes at Del Mar. She also won the Santa Margarita, Apple Blossom and Vanity Handicaps this year.

Zenyatta returned $2.20 and $2.10. Switch paid $2.60 for place. There was no show wagering.