Undefeated Zenyatta works out in preparation for next start

Undefeated Zenyatta works out

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Undefeated Zenyatta has completed a workout in preparation for her next start in the $300,000 Lady’s Secret Stakes.

Regular rider Mike Smith was aboard Zenyatta on Saturday for a six-furlong workout at Hollywood Park. She covered the distance on the artificial Cushion Track surface in 1:13.

“Awesome,” Smith said in describing the workout.

Zenyatta is set to run in the Lady’s Secret on Oct. 10 at Santa Anita. She won the race last year en route to a victory in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic.

The 5-year-old mare is 12-0.

Trainer John Shirreffs hasn’t decided whether Zenyatta will defend her title in the Ladies’ Classic or take on males for the first time in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 7.

“It wouldn’t bother me one bit,” Smith said when asked how he felt about Zenyatta tackling the boys.

Zenyatta has won 11 career races on synthetic surfaces, including three on Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride. Her lone win on traditional dirt came at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas.

“She seems to run over anything you put her on, and it doesn’t seem to matter to her whether there’s pace or no pace,” Smith said. “She gets the job done every time, and I’m just blessed to be part of it.”