Zenyatta to face high quality Breeders' Cup Classic rivals

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Louisville, KY (Sports Network) - A record number of horses have been pre- entered for the 27th Breeders' Cup World Championships at Churchill Downs next Friday and Saturday. Among the 184 thoroughbreds are defending winners Zenyatta, Goldikova and Informed Decision.

Undefeated mare Zenyatta is likely to take on 13 challengers to her crown in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic. A total of 16 horses have been pre- entered for the 1 1/4-mile race, with starters limited to 14.

Joining Zenyatta in the Classic are Quality Road, Blame, Musket Man and Espoir City from Japan.

Goldikova will go after an unprecedented third straight win in the $2 million Mile. No horse has ever won the same Breeders' Cup race three times. Among the 11 horses pre-entered in the Mile is two-time Eclipse Award winner Gio Ponti, who is also listed for the Classic.

Defending Filly and Mare Sprint champ Informed Decision has not scared off any horses. The $1 million race has attracted 22 pre-entries for the seven-furlong test.

California Flag is back to defend his title in the $1 million Turf Sprint. The six-year-old gelding is among 18 horses who have been entered in the five- furlong grass race.

The first day of the Breeders' Cup will feature the five races restricted to females. The 1 3/4-mile Breeders' Cup Marathon will kick off the Friday races at 4:10 P.M. (et).

ABC and ESPN will provide televised coverage over the two days.

Post positions for the 14 championship races will be drawn on Tuesday, November 2.