Zenyatta gallops to easy win in Apple Blossom, extends record to 16-0

Zenyatta improves to 16-0 with Apple Blossom win

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Zenyatta came to Oaklawn Park as visiting royalty. After romping to her 16th consecutive victory in the Apple Blossom Invitational, racing’s queen stood before her adoring public and bowed her head twice.

At times more human than horse, Zenyatta high-stepped her way to the starting gate Friday in her distinctive Radio City Rockette style. She lagged behind early as usual before making a sweeping move through the stretch turn on her way to a 4¼-length victory.

“It’s kind of hard to say if she’s getting better and better because she’s so good,” said Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, who never had to use his whip. “I was looking at the big screen in the stretch, to be honest, because at that point we’d already hit the front really easy.”

The 6-year-old mare tied the modern mark shared by 1948 Triple Crown winner Citation and 1995-96 Horse of the Year Cigar in unrestricted races. Peppers Pride, who retired last year with a 19-for-19 record, and Hallowed Dreams, who won 16 straight, achieved some of their success in statebred stakes.

“We’re just thrilled and delighted that she’s won 16 in a row,” said Jerry Moss, who owns Zenyatta with wife Ann. “So many people have thanked us personally for bringing the horse here. I think wherever we go, people will be happy to see Zenyatta.”

She beat four horses in the 1 1-8-mile race that didn’t include racing’s other female superstar, Rachel Alexandra. Her owner passed on a chance to participate in what would have been a dream matchup worth $5 million if both horses had shown up.

Without Rachel Alexandra, the Apple Blossom purse reverted to $500,000, with Zenyatta earning $300,000.

Still, track president Charles Cella came out ahead. Instead of costing him $5 million, he lost $172,753 because of minus win and place pools. The rare negative win pool alone was $27,275.

Sent off at 1-20 odds, Zenyatta went four-wide leaving the final turn on her way to the front. She drew clear down the stretch to extend the streak that began 2½ years ago. She’s won all her races by a total of 33¾ lengths.

“The whole race she was really on,” Smith said.

Zenyatta ran the distance in 1:50.71 and paid $2.10 and $2.10, rewarding holders of $2 win tickets with a 10-cent profit. There was no show wagering.

“The winner ran like who we thought she is,” said D. Wayne Lukas, who trains third-place Be Fair. “This was great for racing. The good guys won.”

Taptam returned $6.40, with jockey Cliff Berry saying, “She’s intimidating. When I saw her coming, I started riding for second.”

Be Fair was ridden by Rachel Alexandra’s jockey Calvin Borel. Just Jenda was fourth and War Echo, trained by Steve Asmussen who oversees Rachel Alexandra, was last.

“That was incredible,” Asmussen said. “We were no match.”

After crossing the finish line, Smith guided Zenyatta back to the grandstand, patting her neck in between waving to the crowd of 44,973. He stopped her in front of them and raised his helmet to the sky as Zenyatta bowed to the cheers.

“It’s priceless,” said Dottie Ingordo Shirreffs, racing manager for the Mosses and wife of trainer John Shirreffs.

Zenyatta’s triumph occurred a day after Personal Ensign was found dead at age 26 in Paris, Ky. Personal Ensign won all 13 of her career starts, including the 1988 Breeders’ Cup Distaff in which she came from behind to beat Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors by a nose.

“She was a great mare, and we were obviously complimented to be even thought of in her realm,” Moss said.

Zenyatta won the Apple Blossom two years ago in her dirt debut, beating defending champion Ginger Punch.

Her other 14 wins have come on synthetic surfaces on her home circuit in Southern California, highlighted by beating the boys in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic in November.

Asked if dirt is her best surface, John Shirreffs replied, “Without a doubt. We’ve always said that, not everybody always listened.”

Zenyatta overcame traffic in the stretch to win the Santa Margarita Handicap at Santa Anita in her first start this year.

She had no such trouble this time.

Zenyatta was last away from the starting gate, with Borel and Be Fair breaking from the No. 1 post and staying on the rail in his customary riding style. She began closing ground on the leaders around the far turn.

Down the stretch, Zenyatta loped along in a gallop with Smith merely holding on as the grandstand erupted in cheers.

“Going around the far turn, I kind of poked her out to get her ready for a run and she lengthened her stride, which she does every time,” he said. “Riding her is a lot of fun.”

(This version CORRECTS SUBS 18th graf to correct information on Personal Ensign’s death; UPDATES final odds on Zenyatta; ADDS details on track losing money.)