Zenyatta Will Run For Greatness Vs. Males In $5M Breeders Cup Classic

November 4, 2009 7:56 p.m. EST

Arcadia, CA (AHN) - Undefeated mare Zenyatta will go for glory Saturday when she takes on males for the first time Saturday in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park.

Zenyatta, unbeaten in 13 starts, was drawn in post position No. 4 in the 1 1-4 mile race, the concluding event of the 26th annual Breeders' Cup World Championships.

The five-year-old mare, who will face 12 male thoroughbreds on Santa Anita's synthetic track, is installed as the 5-2 favorite.

In the hopes of snagging the 2009 Horse of the Year plum, Zenyatta entered the Breeders Cup Classic instead of the Ladies' Classic she dominated last year.

Zenyatta will be facing considerable competition from the likes of Rip Van Winkle, (7-2 second choice) and Summer Bird (9-2 third choice).

Unlike Zenyatta, who is comfortable on Santa Anita's surface, both Rip Van Winkle and Summer Bird will be racing on the surface for the first time.

The undefeated mare has registered 11 of her 13 triumphs on the surface, including three on Santa Anita's Pro-Ride.

Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and Richard's Kid, who re among six horses at 12-1, are also expected to challenge Zenyatta in her quest for greatness.

The post position order for the Breeders' Cup Classic is as follows: Mine That Bird, Colonel John, Summer Bird, Zenyatta, Twice Over, Richard's Kid, Gio Ponti, Einstein, Girolamo, Rip Van Winkle, Regal Ransom, Quality Road and Awesome Gem.