Zenyatta defeated a stellar group of fillies and mares in the Ladies Classic, laying claim to the Horse of the Year title. She was last most of the way, but first when it counted, blowing by the ladies as if they were standing still.

She is the quintessential thoroughbred, and even before entering the starting gate, it is obvious, she is something special, and knows it. She paws the ground and struts like a prize fighter entering the ring. She waits patiently, but once unleashed her ears prick, and she is ready to roll.

Cocoa Beach was second, and proved her win over Ginger Punch was no fluke, and the three year old filly, Music Note was third. That should be interesting to see how three year old filly honors play out, after her game finish in the Classic. Ginger Punch didn’t seem to ever grab hold of the bit, and maybe is one of those horses that does not like Pro-Ride.

It was a formful day of racing overall, and favorites did well whether or not they actually ever ran over pro-ride before or not. Ventura blew by Indian Blessing in the Sprint, and while Proud Spell looks to be the three year old filly of the year, Indian Blessing should not be ignored. Ventura easily handed Indian Blessing a loss, but the game three year old never has been off the board.

Forever Together took the Turf, and Maram won the Juvenile Turf by a whisker. The Juvenile was won by Stardom Bound, whom her connections refer to as ZJ, short for Zenyatta Junior. She sure ran like her stable’s star, and came from way out of the pack to post a comfortable win over Dream Empress. Sky Diva was third.

Horses did very well from the back of the pack, and the track was playing fair. Tomorrow bet the best, for they should have very little excuses if the ladies are any indication. Favorites ruled the day with Zenyatta capping a 9 for 9 season.

Now two questions remain: Did Music Note do enough to earn three year old honors by finishing third to quite possibly the best thoroughbred in the world? Where does Indian Blessing fit in? Will Zenyatta be awarded racing’s highest honor? Zenyatta is ultra impressive, but should Curlin win the Classic yet again, he will be hard to ignore. Great things lay in wait for Zenyatta, but unlike Azeri, Zenyatta doesn’t face Left Bank, she faces the reigning Horse of the Year. It is hard to knock a horse that has won the Woodward, Jockey Club, Stephen Foster, Dubai World Cup and maybe another Classic, plus a decent run in the Man O’War.