Zenyatta Among Breeders' Cup Challenge Winners at Santa Anita Park
by Patricia Woo | Oct 12 2009
Five horses earned guaranteed spots to the
Breeders' Cup in November last weekend during a blitz of "Win and You're In" races at
Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. Not only did horse bettors have the opportunity to get in on some of the best
horse racing wagering of the year, but they were able to check out some of the top competitors for the Breeders' Cup next month as well. Bodog Racebook reviews the Yellow Ribbon Stakes, the Lady's Secret Stakes, the Oak Tree Mile and the Ancient Title Stakes.
On Saturday, Oct. 10, four horses won berths to the Breeders' Cup in their respective divisions. In the $300,000 Yellow Ribbon Stakes, a Gr. 1 turf test over 1 1/4 miles for fillies and mares 3 years old and up, Magical Fantasy captured her third straight grade 1 win over a talented field that included Visit and Black Mamba. The Paddy Gallagher-trained 4-year-old posted a winning time of 1:59.59 and will be a force to be reckoned with in her next race, likely the Filly & Mare Turf.
Zenyatta proved once again that she belongs among racehorses' elite in the $300,000 Gr. 1 Lady's Secret Stakes, a 1 1/6-mile race also for fillies and mares 3 years old and up. The John Shirreffs-trained Zenyatta unleashed her powerful finishing kick on the final turn and surpassed all her rivals, including highly regarded Lethal Heat, Life is Sweet and Cocoa Beach. Zenyatta now has a guaranteed spot in the
Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic – a race she won last year - but she may be pointed to the $5M Breeders' Cup Classic against males instead.
In the $150,000 Gr. 2 Oak Tree Mile, Cowboy Cal broke first from the gate and never relinquished his lead. He was followed home by Global Hunter and Whatsthescript. Trained by Todd Pletcher, the 3-year-old son of Giant's Causeway traveled the 1-mile distance in 1:33.12 and will be headed to the Breeders' Cup Mile for owners Robert and Janice McNair.
But the highlight of the day, the $350,000 Gr. 1 Goodwood Stakes at 1 1/8 miles, featured a shocking upset. All eyes were on Mine That Bird, this year's
Kentucky Derby champion, as well as favorite Colonel John. But it was European invader Gitano Hernandez who had enough speed to clinch the title and an automatic berth to the Breeders' Cup Classic. Trainer Marco Botti would not rule out the Breeders' Cup, but because his trainee was not originally nominated to the race, a $250,000 fee would apply before Gitano Hernandez would be permitted to run.
In the final Breeders' Cup Challenge race of the weekend, sprinters took center stage on Oct. 11 in the $300,000 Gr. 1 Ancient Title Stakes, a 6-furlong race for 3-year-olds. Cost of Freedom was expected to defend his title but it was the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Gayego who left his rivals behind deep in the stretch.
The Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita Park is right around the corner! Don't miss out.
Bet on horse racing at Santa Anita Racetrack at the Bodog Racebook.
