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Classic trip is fine for Zenyatta

John Shirreffs is confident the extra distance of the Breeders' Cup Classic will play to the strengths of his wonder mare Zenyatta.

She bids to stretch her unbeaten run to 14 at Santa Anita on Saturday.

She proved herself the best of her sex with success in the Ladies' Classic here 12 months ago, and now tackles colts and geldings for the first time in a heavyweight showdown with Rip Van Winkle.

The British layers have the latter as their market leader, but the locals are siding with Zenyatta.

She is just the fourth filly or mare to run in the Classic, joining Azeri (fifth in 2004), Jolypha (third in 1992) and Triptych (sixth in 1986).

Sherriffs said: "She has raced four times this year so is in great shape.

"We thought if she trained well up to this race then it would be the place to go.

"She is on the brink of making history, and as she is always hitting her best stride late then we hope the added distance will be to her advantage."

Zenyatta has yet to tackle the 10-furlong trip, but her connections are brimming with confidence.

Her owner, Jerry Moss, is predicting fireworks on Saturday afternoon.

Moss, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame who named Zenyatta after the Police's third album, Zenyatta Mondatta, said: "I think she deserves the favouritism as she is a super athlete.

"We all watched everything she did over time, watching work and studying her races.

"We then all got together on Sunday night and said if there is the slightest doubt we would not run in the Classic. Everyone said that she is ready.

"I think everyone is in for a treat on Saturday. I love racing and I wish more people felt the same way.

"I hope this will maybe get more people interested in the game."