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LOUISVILLE, KY - In what will surely go down as one of the most thrilling Breeders' Cup Classic's in history, Blame nosed out unbeaten Zenyatta under the wire at Churchill Downs to win the richest race in North America.
Blame raced in mid-pack during the much of the early parts of the race, made a move in a long the rail as the field entered the far turn, made a strong move to the lead early in the stretch, and held off the Zenyatta in the final yards to win.
Blame was sent off at 5/1, third choice in the wagering, and paid $12.40 to win.
The end of Zenyatta's unbeaten record was not due to the dirt surface, the pace of the horses on the lead or the perceived lack of competition over her career. Ultimately, she lost because of her running style as she found herself too far back at the beginning of the race and without adequate racing room as she came off the turn. A clean trip and Zenyatta might be 20-and-0, but the possibility of encountering traffic is always present with a horse that likes to rally from far back. In the end, Zenyatta is still a great champion. She was 2nd best to Blame today but "that's horse racing".
More on this race and the rest of today's Breeders' Cup races later on.