Zenyatta, Einstein, Mine That Bird and more Prepare for Breeders' Cup 2009

Santa Anita's track closed for training at 7:30 this morning, but there were plenty of Breeders' Cup horses out, some for a last morning jaunt before the big races this afternoon. Among those I spotted were Zenyatta and Einstein, who will face each other in the Classic tomorrow, and Aspire, who also runs tomorrow in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile.

Aspire on the track at Santa Anita, 11-2-09

Mine That Bird Works at Santa Anita for Trainer Chip Woolley

Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird worked 5 furlongs in 1:01.4 at Santa Anita for trainer Chip Woolley this morning in preparation for Saturday's Breeders' Cup Classic.

Mine That Bird and Joe Talamo prepare for Breeders' Cup

News and camera crews from around the world have descended on Santa Anita, and the excitement at Clockers' Corner in the morning is palpable. Following Mine That Bird's work, Woolley very graciously spoke at length to a group of press writers.

Trainer Chip Woolley speaks to the press, Santa Anita 11-2-09

"This horse shows up every time, so we expect him to be right there," said Woolley, who also indicated that the Classic would be Mine That Bird's last race of the year. "He's had a long, gruelling year and done a lot of travelling," Woolley said.

Zap! of the Week: Mine That Bird Prepares for Breeders' Cup

Larry Zap catches some great footage of Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird as he preps for his upcoming Breeders' Cup race at Santa Anita. Also included is some nice post parade footage. Nicely narrated by Zap. Enjoy... and watch for more upcoming Zap videos of this year's Breeders' Cup contenders!

For more information about Larry Zap, see Contributors on the About tab.

Jockey Joe Talamo Works Mine That Bird

Jockey Joe Talamo was aboard as Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird worked five furlongs this morning on the all-weather track at Santa Anita. He was clocked in 101.8. Trainer Chip Woolley and owner Mark Allen were both out for the work this morning. Mine That Bird is prepping for the Grade 1 Goodwood Stakes at Oak Tree on October 10.

Talamo was a guest on the Tonight Show last night with Conan O'Brien, and he presented Conan with a jockey helmet!