It’s a go for Zenyatta in the Breeders’ Cup Classic

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Zenyatta, the 5-year-old mare who has won all 13 of her starts, drew the No. 4 position and was installed as the 5-2 favorite for Saturday’s $5-million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita.

It will be her first race against male horses and the longest race of her career at 1 1/4 miles. Owners Jerry and Ann Moss and trainer John Shirreffs decided to pass on Friday’s Ladies Classic for the ambitious plan of trying to win in a field of 13 that includes Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird and European superstar Rip Van Winkle.

‘We think she deserves this,’ Jerry Moss said.

Rip Van Winkle was listed in the morning line at 7-2, with Summer Bird at 9-2.

-- Eric Sondheimer