In an effort that thoroughly delighted the crowd of 44,973 that stuffed itself into Oaklawn Park on Friday, the great Zenyatta ran her perfect record to 16-0 with another flawless performance, swooping from last to first in the five-horse field to capture the Grade 1, $500,000 Apple Blossom Stakes.
Zenyatta ($2.10) came around all four of her rivals on the final turn, got the lead in upper stretch, and drew away without ever feeling the whip of jockey Mike Smith. Her ears went straight forward when she hit the front, and she galloped home to win by 4 1/4 lengths, a roar following her as the came to the wire.
She was timed in 1:50.71 for 1 1/8 miles on the fast main track.
Taptam finished second and Be Fair, the early leader, was third.
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