This is what it's all about: Zenyatta epitomizes greatness in BC Classic, Part II

Mike Smith acknowledges his mare as she coasts to victory. AP 
Photo/Reed Saxon 

(For Part I of this piece, click here.)

Midway around the far turn, the moment of truth arrived. Zenyatta was still by the rail. But in nearly all of her previous races, she had not found room between horses to save ground nearing the stretch. She had swung as far as nine paths wide while unleashing her jaw-dropping rallies. She always had such momentum, Smith wasted no time looking for a possible opening. If he didn’t see a definite path between runners, he simply took her around. He knew it didn’t matter how much ground she lost; her acceleration was that devastating. And, thirteen times hence, that same kick had produced relatively identical victories. But this was not the day she could afford to be floated to the grandstand around that turn. Fans held their breaths as Smith let Zenyatta loose. Elated, the brawny mare uncoiled. Her early loping stride transformed into one with the acceleration and smoothness of a Ferrari. So she was indeed running huge, but was still nearly ten lengths back. She may have given herself too much to do.

Zenyatta catches Gio Ponti with her massive strides. AP Photo/
Mark J. Terrill

Miraculously, this time Zenyatta found clear sailing just two paths from the rail as the field approached the stretch. Regal Ransom was tiring on the lead, and Gio Ponti had zeroed in on the position. But Zenyatta was hitting on all cylinders with just under three-sixteenths of a mile to go—victory was looking slightly more possible. Exiting the turn and absorbing the race unfolding ahead of him, Smith now floated Zenyatta a few paths wide.

Meanwhile, Gio Ponti had seized the lead with his own powerful move and was striding clear beautifully. The turf champion was making his own bid for Horse of the Year. Mike Smith aimed for a hole between the onrushing Twice Over and a game Summer Bird, but the jockey could see that gap about to close. The mare’s stride hitched ever so slightly as Smith angled her outside Twice Over—she was now widest of all, but there was only a straight course ahead of her. Track announcer Trevor Denman was nearly screaming as he called Zenyatta’s stunning move. With nothing else to impede her, the undefeated champion cruised into a faster gear yet, drawing even with Gio Ponti in the final fifty yards and then kicking clear for a deceptively dominant length victory. As she crossed the wire and into history, her long ears were simply pricked as always. Gio Ponti and the rest, on the other hand, ran with their ears pinned as they gave every ounce of themselves. But Zenyatta, who had never faced the likes of these horses and had never run farther than 1 1/8 miles, was left looking for more. (SEE VIDEO OF CLASSIC)
 

Mike Smith looks to the heavens in thanks and joy 
after Zenyatta's historic win. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong 

As she had approached Gio Ponti with her massive strides, the stands erupted. The roar was deafening as all the anticipation and excitement climaxed in one of the greatest performances most had ever seen. The tension and nerves melted into utter ecstasy. Everyone was on their feet—clapping, screaming, and whistling adulation and appreciation. No one could have asked for a more dazzling or satisfying result. Mike Smith pumped his arm repeatedly after the finish, pointing down to his champion. After pulling her up, he wrapped himself around her sleek neck and hugged her adoringly. Trainer John Shirreffs, having watched the race from the rail, couldn’t contain his elation. He waved his arms to the shouting fans as he walked along the grandstand, eyes welling with tears. Ann Moss, Zenyatta’s co-owner with her husband Jerry, looked in a state of overwhelming joy and relief, while Mr. Moss simply couldn’t stop smiling.

Zenyatta pulled up looking ready to run again. The race was supposed to be the one that finally tested her limits, the one that showed just how much she really had to give. But in the end, it became just another stroll—all but a duplicate of her other awesome victories. Even facing such hurdles, she won effortlessly. Zenyatta jogged proudly back towards the grandstand still with a spring in her step, head high, and ears alert. She accepted her standing ovation with grace, but seemingly also with expectation. She knew she was great, and now millions around the world knew it without a doubt too. And in a span of two minutes, she had announced herself—this time unquestionably—as at least one of the greatest females of all time. She had also just become the first female to win the Classic, the first horse to win two different Breeders’ Cup races (she won the 2008 Ladies’ Classic), and the richest North American-based female in history.

In this moment, all was right with the racing world. All the grumbling over the Breeders’ Cup being held at the same venue in consecutive years, and about its traditional dirt races being run on a synthetic strip two years in a row, faded into oblivion. No one seemed to mind that Rachel Alexandra, the superfilly and (previously) apparent Horse of the Year, didn’t show up for the big event. At this moment, all that mattered was drinking in the profundity of what had just come to pass. The performance and the electricity were unlike anything most watching the race had ever seen, and are unlikely to again. That Breeders’ Cup effort, as well as Zenyatta’s entire brilliant career, will be reflected upon with wonder for generations.

Zenyatta is the complete racehorse—intelligent, noble, supremely talented and willing. She is relentless, brings her best every time, and knows exactly what she’s doing. She connects with the fans like no other. And, above all, she brings as much joy to herself in her job as she does to her admirers. If the Classic was indeed Zenyatta’s swan song, she leaves the fans indebted to her for the immeasurable ways she has touched their hearts. She will forever be cherished in racing as a true gift from Heaven.

(To read Part I of this piece, click here.)

For more info:

Zenyatta simply perfect in Classic (Thoroughbred Times)

Equibase Classic chart

Z One and Only: Steve Haskin Classic wrapup

Zenyatta caps perfect career with perfect race (Dick Jerardi)