Girl Power! Zenyatta, Goldikova Beat the Boys at Breeders' Cup

Goldikova, Santa Anita paddock, Breeders' Cup 2009

Although the majority of the filly and mare races were contested on Friday, Day One of the 2009 Breeders' Cup World Championship, Saturday was clearly ladies' day at Santa Anita.

In a historic repeat victory, 4-year-old filly Goldikova won the $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile over 10 male rivals. Ridden by Olivier Peslier for French trainer Freddie Head and owners Wertheimer and Frere, Goldikova rallied strongly to a half-length win over Courageous Cat.

Zenyatta, winner of the 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic

In the marquee race, the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic, history was made when Zenyatta prevailed in a much anticipated contest against some of the best male runners in the world. Pink and white "Zenyatta" signs flashed throughout the saddling paddock and stands, and were later waved from car windows by exuberant fans leaving the track at the end of the day.

You Go Girls!

Goldikova and Trainer Freddie Head at Santa Anita

Goldikova (IRE) made an appearance on the track at Santa Anita Thursday morning for French trainer Freddie Head. She is the defending champ and my top pick for Saturday's $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile.

Zap! of the Week: Breeders Cup 2008, Zenyatta & Company

Some wonderful footage of Zenyatta, Goldikova, Tiago, Stardom Bound, Maram, Kip Deville, Curlin, and more on a very busy training morning at Santa Anita Park. Some beautiful scenes that start out in the dark, then lighten as the sun comes up over the track.

Zap says, "Last full day of training for the Breeders Cup 2008...super filly Goldikova enjoyed a nice gallop as well...enjoy!"

Zap is known as "the eye" for being able to measure quality in thoroughbred racehorses, and is practically a fixture at Southern California tracks. He has a deep appreciation for quality horses, music, movies, live performance, and comedy. Zap co-hosts Race and Sports Radio every Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 AM (pst) on San Diego's XX Sports Radio (1090 AM) and online at XXSportsRadio.com .

French Trainer Freddie Head at Santa Anita

Trainer Freddie Head (left) watches his standout filly, Goldikova, work on Santa Anita's Pro-Ride track Tuesday morning. Goldikova arrived at Santa Anita Sunday afternoon after a flight from France, and will face males in the $2 million Breeders Cup Mile on Saturday.

Regular jockey Olivier Peslier will ride the three-year-old daughter of Anabaa, who enters the race with a 3-race winning streak, including the Prix de Moulin at Longchamp on Sept. 7.

Freddie Head, son of legendary French trainer Alec Head, was a champion jockey in France - where he rode almost 3,000 winners, including back-to-back Breeders Cup Miles with Miesque in 1987 and 1988 - before retiring at the age of 50 to pursue a career in training at Chantilly.

Goldikova will try to become the first female Breeders Cup Mile winner since Six Perfections in 2003. Goldikova drew post 4 in the Mile, which doesn't seem to bother Head, who said, "She's fast. She can get her place."