Breeder's Cup Races Run This Weekend; It's Zenyatta Against The Boys In The Classic!

(Denver Post; DRF images)

The pros say Zenyatta's no sure bet tomorrow but she's the favorite anyway.
NYDaily reports ~

Zenyatta was made the 5-2 morning line favorite in the Classic, which drew a field of 13, including both birds -Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and Belmont and Travers winner Summer Bird. Also running is the best from Europe in Rip Van Winkle, who was made the 7-2 second-choice. "I guess I've always believed in dreaming big," Zenyatta's owner Jerry Moss said. "Sometimes those dreams don't come true, but at least you have the chance to try them out. We're hoping this time our big dream will win."

Meanwhile, next year's Breeder's Cup may be on the dirt!! And if it is, Santa Anita Park might get Rachel Alexandra. (My friend just reminded me that Santa Anita's back-to-back Breeder's Cups was an anomaly and the race won't be in California next year - oops)

Cali has relented and removed the mandate for 'plastic' tracks ~

"They rushed these surfaces in," [John] Sadler said. "If there was one big mistake it was that they rushed to put this in." All California tracks were mandated to install synthetic tracks in 2006 because they were supposed to be safer and maintenance-free, but neither justification has proven to be true. Horses still get injured on Pro-Ride and the tracks require constant maintenance.

The California Horse Racing Board will now allow the tracks to install dirt surfaces if they so choose.

~*~