Jump to User Comments INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Keep it under your hat, but the clocker says Zenyatta looks like she's ready to run a big one in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic.

Obviously, nobody needs any added incentive to wager on the undefeated Zenyatta, who is the marquee name on Day 1 of this year's Breeders' Cup. But for the overwhelming number of horseplayers who plan to single Zenyatta in every multiple wager possible, they can do so with even more confidence after watching her breeze an effortless six furlongs in 1:11.66 seconds under regular exercise rider Steve Willard on Friday morning on Hollywood Park's Cushion Track surface.

As is her custom, Zenyatta waited until well after the renovation break before making her appearance along with regular workmate Bronzino shortly after 9 a.m. But even though the racetrack was nearly deserted at the time, Zenyatta and her mate had the misfortune of finding themselves running right up behind a pair of workers from trainer Mike Puype's barn immediately after breaking off to begin their move at the 5 1/2-furlong pole.

Zenyatta gave Bronzino, who had jockey Mike Smith aboard, a 1 1/2-length head start leaving the short pole, but within an eighth of a mile Zenyatta had dropped about four lengths behind her target, with Willard immediately easing her well off the inside rail. Zenyatta cruised through her opening three furlongs in fractions of 12.50, 24.35, and 36.53 seconds, giving the appearance of doing little more than open galloping while at the same time attempting to keep a safe distance behind the Puype set.

Bronzino maintained about a four-length advantage entering the stretch with Zenyatta continuing very wide off the turn, and for an instant it actually appeared she might not be able to catch her mate. Then she changed leads. Suddenly Zenyatta began to accelerate, gobbling up the ground with her huge, powerful strides, and readily overtaking not only Bronzino inside the sixteenth pole but both the Puype workers about 100 yards past the finish line.

Despite losing a good deal of ground coming out of the turn and under no perceptible urging, Zenyatta completed her final three furlongs in 35.13 seconds before galloping out seven-eighths in 1:25.06. It gave every indication she will again be bringing her very imposing "A" game to Santa Anita on Breeders' Cup day.