Thursday Early Breeders' Cup News

Some early Breeders' Cup news, including a Zenyatta report (courtesy Breeders' Cup).....

The reigning Breeders’ Cup Classic champion Zenyatta left Barn 41 at 9:15 a.m. and was followed by hundreds of adoring fans including owners Jerry and Ann Moss and trainer John Shirreffs. 

With regular exercise rider Steve Willard aboard, the 6yo mare was led with a pony to the back of Churchill Downs’ 1m chute where she stood for approximately 10 minutes before making her way to the main track for a 1 ½ m gallop.

“She galloped beautifully,” Shirreffs said. “She’s very happy. On the second day of taking her to the track, you might think she’d be a little flat but she was full of energy. Steve said he could have gone around another time, and as the trainer, that’s what you look for - the enthusiasm and good energy.”

Asked about what the experience of training Zenyatta has meant to him, Shirreffs said, “This is a great celebration. She’s the love of our lives. She’s the fantasy. She’s everything we ever could have wanted and to share her with everybody is just incredible. 

“I don’t know how to describe the feeling when you bring her over for a race, you can feel the anticipation and energy,” he added.  “So many people adore her so you feel a lot of love, too.  Your chest swells with pride and you’re so proud to be with them at that moment.”

Hollendorfer Plans to Declare Indian Gracey

Owner-trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said he plans to scratch his 2yo filly Indian Gracey from the Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies due to a sore right front foot.

Hollendorfer had not liked how she was jogging off the track Wednesday, and when he checked the filly early Thursday morning, he was certain that he would not run her on Friday.

“She has a hot right front foot, so we’re not running,” Hollendorfer said. “I’d rather know now than in the race. She’s talented, so she’ll get other chances. But we’re going to do the right thing by her and not run this time.”

·         Thursday Workouts:

Beethoven – 3f turf in 37; Master of Hounds – 3f turf in 38; Deciphering Dreams – 3f in 38 2/5; Midday – 3f in 42