Zenyatta sends the right signals
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (AP):
Zenyatta sent trainer John Shirreffs all the right signals yesterday, one day before she tries to make history with a repeat victory in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic.
"I always look for her to settle in her stall because she's in a new environment, so you'd like to see her get back to being like she would be at home," Shirreffs said. "Comfortable, not really paying attention to what's going on around her. Today was very much like that."
It hasn't been easy to find a familiar routine with Zenyatta's every move closely scrutinised since her arrival from California on Tuesday.
"Today was a great day once again," Shirreffs said. "Back at the barn, we had a lot of people stopping by and taking pictures while she was out grazing. It's a time to appreciate what she's accomplished and what she's meant to so many people around the world. It's a time for me to sit back, relax and enjoy it."
Zenyatta had an easy morning with an uneventful 14-furlong gallop the day before she puts a perfect 19-0 record on the line in the 10-furlong race that concludes Breeders' Cup weekend at Churchill Downs.
"This morning we trained her a little more because yesterday she was a little into the bridle," Shirreffs said. "She was a little aggressive, so today she went twice around. This was her normal gallop in California. I was a little cautious the first couple of days here. She seemed to be into the bridle and full of energy so I let her do her regular gallop today."
Past winnersClassic
2009 - Zenyatta
2008 - Raven's Pass
2007 - Curlin
2006 - Invasor
2005 - Saint Liam
2004 - Ghostzapper
2003 - Pleasantly Perfect
2002 - Volponi
2001 - Tiznow
2000 -Tiznow
1999 - Cat Thief
1998 - Awesome Again
1997 - Skip Away
1996 - Alphabet Soup
1995 - Cigar
1994 - Concern
1993 - Arcangues
1992 - A.P. Indy
1991 - Black Tie Affair
1990 - Unbridled
1989 - Sunday Silence
1988 - Alysheba
1987 - Ferdinand
1986 - Skywalker
1985 - Proud Truth
1984 - Wild Again