by Myra Lewyn
Jerry and Ann Moss’s brilliant filly Zenyatta lived up to her star billing and 7-to-10 favoritism as she outshined runner-up Hystericalady on Saturday to remain undefeated with a clear win in the $245,000 Lady’s Secret Stakes (G1) at the Oak Tree meeting at Santa Anita Park.
Zenyatta unleashed her trademark late kick entering the stretch en route to her sixth win of the season and third Grade 1 victory. She cruised across the finish line 3 1/2 lengths clear of Hystericalady while completing 1 1/16 miles in 1:40.30 on the synthetic Pro-Ride surface.
Unbeaten in eight lifetime starts, Zenyatta also earned a starting spot in the $2-million Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (G1) on October 24 at the Arcadia, California, track. The Lady’s Secret is part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” series.
“If everything goes well, she’ll go back to Hollywood [Park] and train up to the Ladies’ Classic,” trainer John Shirreffs said. “That’s our plan.”
The Lady’s Secret was billed as a showdown between Zenyatta and Hystericalady, who entered off three consecutive Grade 2 victories by a combined 19 1/2 lengths. The five-year-old Distorted Humor mare offered only mild resistance after setting the pace to early stretch as she tried to earn her first win on a synthetic surface. Runner-up in last year’s Lady’s Secret, Hystericalady is winless in five outings on all-weather tracks.
Zenyatta settled comfortably at the back of the four-horse field through the early stages, and cemented the victory as she ranged up three deep into the lane under Mike Smith. She dispatched Hystericalady past the eighth pole and powered clear with after tap on the shoulder.
“I just can’t describe her, to be honest,” Smith said. “She leaves me speechless. She just seems to be sent from heaven, man.”
Zenyatta’s victory also got an endorsement from Smith for racing’s highest honor in the United States.
“Without a doubt, she would be a deserving Horse of the Year if things continue to go well. She’s flawless. I mean, what else can you do beyond flawless. Her race today was incredible.”
Hystericalady finished one length clear of third-place finisher Santa Teresita. Super Freaky completed the order of finish.
Zenyatta entered off a track-record setting victory in the Clement L. Hirsch Handicap (G2) on August 2 at Del Mar. She won the Vanity Handicap (G1) on July 5 at Hollywood Park and the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) on April 5 at Oaklawn Park.
Bred in California by Maverick Production, Zenyatta is out of the winning Kris S. mare Vertigineux, dam of multiple Grade 1 winner Balance. She has earned $1,064,580.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Myra Lewyn is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor