HORSE RACING

• Zenyatta tops Breeders' Cup pre-entries

  
  

  Arcadia, CA (Sports Network) - Leading mare Zenyatta leads a list of 166 horses who have been pre-entered for next week's 26th annual Breeders' Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park.

  The two-day event is scheduled for Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7.

  "Based on the strength of the pre-entries, in a little more than a week at Santa Anita," said Breeders' Cup President and CEO Greg Avioli, "racing fans around the world will be treated to full fields of the best horses from both the U.S. and abroad and to two very enticing days of watching, wagering and rooting for their favorites." The undefeated Zenyatta has been pre-entered to defend her crown in the $2 million Ladies' Classic as well as the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic versus the boys.

  Owned by Jerry and Ann Moss, Zenyatta is perfect in all 13 career starts, including four this year. The five-year-old has career earnings of $2.75 million and is trained by John Shirreffs with Mike Smith her regular jockey.

  Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and Belmont Stakes and Travers champ Summer Bird have also been pre-entered for the 1 1/4 mile Classic, which will conclude the Breeders' Cup races on Saturday. Summer Bird has been cross- entered in the $3 million Breeders' Cup Turf.

  The pre-entries include 10 defending or former Breeders' Cup champions. Along with Zenyatta returning winners include Forever Together in the $2 million Filly and Mare Turf and Ventura defending her title in the $1 million Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.

  The first day of the Breeders' Cup will feature the five races restricted to females. The Breeders' Cup Marathon will kickoff the Friday races at 3:35 P.M. (et).

  ABC and ESPN will provide televised coverage over the two days.

  Final entries for the 14 races will be drawn on Tuesday, November 3.

  10/28 11:50:41 ET