Zenyatta lists Classic as first preference

Zenyatta’s choice of Breeders’ Cup races depends on her Saturday work (Paula Smith/Horsephotos.com)

The Breeders’ Cup released 166 pre-entries on Wednesday for the 26th running
of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships on November 6-7 at Santa Anita Park,
and unbeaten champion ZENYATTA (Street Cry [Ire]) is pre-entered to the
centerpiece event, the $5 million Classic (G1). The five-year-old mare is
cross-entered to the $2 million Ladies’ Classic (G1), which she easily captured
in 2008, but the Classic is her first preference. Zenyatta has strung together 14
consecutive victories in her outstanding career, but she’s never faced males or
raced at 1 1/4 miles.

The Breeders’ Cup will once again feature a major international presence, with 33
horses invading for the 14-race program. Queen Elizabeth II S. (Eng-G1) and
Sussex S. (Eng-G1) hero RIP VAN WINKLE (Ire) (Galileo [Ire]) is one of seven
from the mighty Irish stable of Aidan O’Brien and figures to compete for
favoritism in the Classic. His stablemate, multiple Group 1-winning champion
MASTERCRAFTSMAN (Ire) (Danehill Dancer), is another possible Classic contender,
but the cross-entered colt has the $1 million Dirt Mile (G1) listed as his first
preference.

Godolphin tops all owners with 15 pre-entries, including notables such as
GAYEGO (Gilded Time), MUSIC NOTE (A.P. Indy), MIDSHIPMAN (Unbridled’s Song),
DELEGATOR (GB) (Dansili [GB]) and MASTERY (GB) (Sulamani [Ire]). Juddmonte,
which has won three previous Breeders’ Cup races with homebreds, is represented
by eight horses, including VENTURA (Chester House), who will defend her
title in the $1 million Filly & Mare Sprint (G1).

Preakness S. (G1) winner and likely Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia
d’Oro) will skip the Breeders’ Cup, but Kentucky Derby (G1) victor MINE THAT
BIRD (Birdstone) and Belmont S. (G1) king SUMMER BIRD (Birdstone) are both
pre-entered to the Classic. Summer Bird, who exits victories in the Jockey Club
Gold Cup (G1) and Travers S. (G1), is cross-entered to the $3 million Turf (G1), with the
Classic listed as his first preference.