HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - In an effort that thoroughly delighted the crowd of 44,973 that stuffed itself into Oaklawn Park on Friday, the great Zenyatta ran her perfect record to 16-0 with another flawless performance, swooping from last to first in the five-horse field to capture the Grade 1, $500,000 Apple Blossom Stakes.
Zenyatta ($2.10) came around all four of her rivals on the final turn, got the lead in upper stretch, and drew away without ever feeling the whip of jockey Mike Smith. Her ears went straight forward when she hit the front, and she galloped home to win by 4 1/4 lengths, a roar following her as the came to the wire.
She was timed in 1:50.71 for 1 1/8 miles on the fast main track.
Taptam finished second and Be Fair, the early leader, was third.
Cheers followed Zenyatta when she came to the paddock, then rose when she went to the infield, where Smith climbed aboard.
While in the infield, track announcer Terry Wallace made introductory remarks about the five horses in the Apple Blossom. As if on cue, Zenyatta dipped her head, as though bowing, when he finished his remarks about Zenyatta. The crowd went nuts.
Zenyatta did her trademark strut en route to the infield and again when heading onto the track for the post parade, where she was greeted by more cheers from the appreciative crowd.
And after the race, Smith graciously took Zenyatta midway up the stretch for the crowd to admire her once more before she headed, yet again, to the only place she know - the winner's circle.
Zenyatta ($2.10) came around all four of her rivals on the final turn, got the lead in upper stretch, and drew away without ever feeling the whip of jockey Mike Smith. Her ears went straight forward when she hit the front, and she galloped home to win by 4 1/4 lengths, a roar following her as the came to the wire.
She was timed in 1:50.71 for 1 1/8 miles on the fast main track.
Taptam finished second and Be Fair, the early leader, was third.
Cheers followed Zenyatta when she came to the paddock, then rose when she went to the infield, where Smith climbed aboard.
While in the infield, track announcer Terry Wallace made introductory remarks about the five horses in the Apple Blossom. As if on cue, Zenyatta dipped her head, as though bowing, when he finished his remarks about Zenyatta. The crowd went nuts.
Zenyatta did her trademark strut en route to the infield and again when heading onto the track for the post parade, where she was greeted by more cheers from the appreciative crowd.
And after the race, Smith graciously took Zenyatta midway up the stretch for the crowd to admire her once more before she headed, yet again, to the only place she know - the winner's circle.
