Zipessa on Breeders’ Cup duty!
As promised yesterday, we’re giving fans of Stidham Racing an exclusive insight into Zipessa’s chances in tomorrow’s $2 million Breeders’ Cup GI Fillies and Mares Turf, at Santa Anita.
“She’s heading into the race in great shape,” said Stidham. “She’s had a great season already, and while we could say that she’s nothing left to prove this year, we’re expecting her to run at the top of her game tomorrow.”
It’s not going to be easy. Zipessa, drawn 6 with jockey Joe Bravo on board, faces another 12 runners in the race, over a mile and a quarter on the turf.
There’s comeback queen, Lady Eli, along with a strong contingent from Europe, including Queen’s Trust from the Michael Stoute stable, and Seventh Heaven from the all-conquering barn of Aidan O’Brien.
“I’m expecting a lot of pace in the race,” said Stidham. “And that should suit us just fine. Joe will be able to take a nice position near the lead, and then we’ll hope that we get a clear run down the stretch.”
Stidham, who enjoyed a third place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf of 2010 with Willcox Inn, said that a victory in tomorrow’s big race would place a fitting cap on an already stellar season for the stable.
“Of course I’d like to win a Breeders’ Cup – who wouldn’t. But, even more important would be to win it for the owners, Empyrean Stables – a great supporter of the barn.”
