Zenyatta set for 2010 debut

While fellow filly star Rachel Alexandra runs Saturday in the New Orleans Ladies, Zenyatta, who was edged out for 2009 Horse of the Year by Rachel Alexandra, also makes her 2010 debut on Saturday in the $250,00 Santa Margarita Handicap at 1 1/8 miles on her home track at Santa Anita. Price Per Head’s call center software ensures your customers have a direct line to your operators.

Of course the two fillies are on a collision course for the $5 million Apple Blossom at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs on April 9, with this being the final race for both. A loss by either would dampen the Apple Blossom a bit.

Zenyatta hasn’t race seen becoming the first female horse to win the Breeders’ Cup in November. She will face eight other horses in the Santa Margarita and she’ll put her career unbeaten streak of 14 races on the line. She will be carrying 127 pounds in the race, which is about 12 to 17 pounds more than any of her opponents. Zenyatta is 1-9 on the morning line.

Owners Jerry and Ann Moss said they were retiring their horse after the Classic but had a change of heart in early January. Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith will be aboard Zenyatta for the 12th consecutive time.

Grade 1, $250,000 Santa Margarita

Race 7 at Santa Anita at 6:36 p.m. ET. 1 1/8 miles for fillies and mares 4-years-old and up.

Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer

1. Dance to My Tune, M. Garcia, 111, J. Hollendorfer

2. Pretty Katherine, J. Rosario, 111, J. Hollendorfer

3. Made for Magic, O. Berrio, 111, A. Avila

4. Pretty Unusual, C Sutherland, 113, B. Abrams

5. Striking Dancer, A. Solis, 115, K. McPeek

6. Powerofvoodoo, T. Kaplan, 108, B. Abrams

7. Gripsholm Castle, V. Espinosa, 112, B. Cecil

8. Zenyatta, M. Smith, 127, J. Shirreffs

9. Floating Heart, J. Talamo, 111, T. Pletcher