Zenyatta, Lookin At Lucky Win Final Breeders' Cup Preps

Breeders' Cup Classic contenders Zenyatta and Lookin At Lucky both returned to the track this past weekend and both won their final prep races for next month's Breeders' Cup at Churchill Downs. Zenyatta won the Grade I Lady's Secret Stakes during the opening weekend of the Oak Tree meet at Hollywood Park, while Lookin At Lucky won the Grade II Indiana Derby at Hooiser Park.

Zenyatta won her 19th straight race in the Grade I Lady's Secret Stakes, using the same style she has used in many, if not all, of her previous races before then. Sitting in last place and off the pace during most of the race, Zenyatta kicked into gear at the top of the turn and began to pick off her rivals. Trailing by two lengths to Switch at the sixteenth pole, Zenyatta flew home to win the race by a neck. Steve Andersen of Daily Racing Form calculated that Zenyatta ran the final sixteenth of a mile in 5.70 seconds. Jockey Mike Smith acknowledged that this race was not Zenyatta's preferred distance and you'd have to believe that watching Zenyatta gallop out at the finish line. Click here to watch the full replay on Bloodhorse.com and you'll notice the gallop out too. Zenyatta is a great racehorse, one of the best all-time even despite what Andrew Beyer says, and I'm hoping she can make it 20 for 20 at Churchill Downs in the Classic.

Lookin At Lucky won his ninth race in 12 starts this season, taking the Grade II Indiana Debry at Hoosier Park on Saturday. Despite a tough trip in the Kentucky Derby, Lookin At Lucky has looked awesome in three major races I've watched him in this year including the Preakness Stakes, the Haskell Invitational and this weekend in the Indiana Derby. Lookin At Lucky has the same style as Zenyatta; trail the field from the back and make a move on the turn. Lookin At Lucky's explosion in the turn in the Indiana Derby was noticeable to my eye, especially in the mud. That type of explosion may allow this three year old to win the Breeders' Cup Classic next month.

When you ask me who I think will win the Classic, I tend to come up with two answers. My heart says Zenyatta will make it 20 for 20 and end a spectacular career. On the other hand, my head says two things. First, Zenyatta will no doubt be in the running at the end, but that Lookin At Lucky is an extremely strong horse who has a great chance to win this race. We will see who comes out on top in just over 30 days.

Posted in: US Tracks