Fans May Get Another Chance to View the Great Zenyatta

I spoke with trainer John Shirreffs today about how Zenyatta is "decompressing" back home at Hollywood Park following her extraordinary campaign capped off by her historic victory in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic.

Zenyatta with groom Mario Espinoza and hot-walker Carmen Zamora, 11-13-09

Shirreffs indicated that plans are under foot to bring the superstar filly out for her adoring fans -- both at Hollywood Park and Santa Anita -- before she leaves the track for the breeding farm. Stay tuned for details!

Zenyatta Relaxes at Del Mar

Zenyatta relaxing in her stall, John Shirreff's barn, Del Mar Racetrack, 8/29/09.

Zenyatta posted a 4-furlong work in :47.8 at Del Mar yesterday, and today looked very peaceful in her stall at trainer John Shirreffs' barn.

Her next start will most likely be as the defending champion in the Lady's Secret Stakes on Oct. 10 at Oak Tree, which would serve as her final prep for the Breeders' Cup in November.

Here's a video from the Milady Handicap at Hollywood Park that shows Zenyatta strutting her stuff. Enjoy!

Sekmet Schooling at Hollywood Park

Sekmet schooling at Hollywood Park, 6/13/09.

Sekmet, a lovely 4-year-old filly by Empire Maker, enjoyed a snack during schooling in the grassy paddock at Hollywood Park. Trained by John Shirreffs for Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Moss, Sekmet is entered in today's 3rd race at Hollywood Park -- a maiden event at 7 furlongs for fillies and mares three years old and up.

Aticho Seeks First Stakes Win in The Californian

Aitcho schooling at Hollywood Park

Aitcho looked very classy schooling in the Hollywood Park paddock yesterday in preparation for Saturday's feature. Trained by John Shirreffs for Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Moss, Aitcho will be looking for his first stakes win in The Californian at 1-1/8 miles.

The 4-year-old colt by Stormy Atlantic comes off an allowance win here on Apr. 26 at 1-1/16 miles. He is out of Few Choice Words, the dam of stakes winners Silent Valor and Miss Jeanne Cat.

A Sneak Peak at Life is Sweet - Favored in Sunday's La Canada Stakes

Trainer John Shirreffs videotapes "As the Shedrow Turns."

This is too cool -- a trainer who creates and posts videos of his horses on Youtube! John Shirreffs has his own Youtube channel, and posts regular updates on his horses in training.

In this video clip, you get a nice look at Life Is Sweet, as well as Zenyatta and others, filmed Tuesday morning at Hollywood Park.

Life Is Sweet was a dominant winner of the El Encino Stakes at 1-1/16 miles on Jan. 18. A victory on Sunday would give her wins in two of the three legs of Santa Anita's La Canada Series -- the female counterpart to the traditional Strub Series. The first leg, the La Brea Handicap at 7 furlongs on Dec. 27, was captured by Indian Blessing.

Owned by Martin and Pam Wygod, Life Is Sweet will carry high weight of 123 pounds in the La Canada.