Zenyatta Tries For # 12 in Clement Hirsch

Del Mar

Zenyatta, who is trained by John Shirreffs and ridden by Mike Smith, is undefeated in her 11 lifetime starts and tries for her 12th straight win in the Grade I Clement L. Hirsch Stakes today at Del Mar.

A field of ten is expected to contest the Hirsch at 1 1/16 miles over the Del Mar Polytrack. The primary competition for Zenyatta should come from her stable mate Life is Sweet who ran second to her in the Milady Stakes and then ran 3rd in the Hollywood Gold Cup against the boys in her last race. Another of note in this race is the Richard Mandella trained Patricia's Gem who is 3 for 4 in 2009 and is capable of carrying her speed wire to wire in here.

A win by Zenyatta today will put her one win shy of the 13-0 mark for a thoroughbred running a campaign on a major circuit which was accomplished in 1987 and 1988 by the great Personal Ensign.

The only problem with Zenyatta's one big run closing style is you have to wonder if she will get there in every race she runs. Will she get there today? We'll see.