Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Zenyatta Wins 2010 Debut

March 13, 2010

Undefeated Zenyatta, showing she's ready for next month's much-anticipated Apple Blossom Handicap (gr. I), rallied in deep stretch to register her 15th consecutive victory March 13 in the $250,000 Santa Margarita (gr. I) by 1¼ lengths and extending her career victory streak to 15-0.

The 6-year-old mare trailed a field of seven rivals going 1 1-8 miles in her season debut before unleashing her trademark late run to win under Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith.

Zenyatta was timed in 1:48.20 on the synthetic surface and paid $2.60, $2.20 and $2.10 as the overwhelming 1-5 wagering favorite in her first race in four months.

In New Orleans, 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra was upset in her season debut, possibly jeopardizing the highly anticipated first meeting with Zenyatta in the Apple Blossom next month in Arkansas.

She was beaten three-quarters of a length by Zenyatta's stablemate, Zardana; John Shirreffs trains both Southern California-based mares.

The two leading ladies of American racing were using Saturday's races as tuneups for their scheduled April 9 showdown. Zenyatta's co-owner, Jerry Moss, said he intends to run her there as planned.