12/12/2012 5:35PM

Hollywood Park: Zenyatta's sister Eblouissante faces winners Saturday

By Steve Andersen
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Shigeki Kikkawa
Eblouissante, a half-sister to the great Zenyatta, is entered in a first-level optional $40,000 claimer in Saturday's fourth race at Betfair Hollywood Park.

Eblouissante, a 3-year-old half-sister to 2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta, is entered for her first start against winners in Saturday’s fourth race at Betfair Hollywood Park, a first-level optional $40,000 claimer over 1 1/16 miles.

Trained by John Shirreffs for breeder Eric Kronfeld, Eblouissante will be heavily favored in a field of five that includes Glowing Spirit, Includethecat, The Only Key and Toomanytomatoes.

Eblouissante, who is by Bernardini, won her debut in a maiden race over 1 1/16 miles by 4 1/4 lengths on Nov. 16. Ridden by Corey Nakatani, Eblouissante closed from seventh in a field of eight, pulling away in the final sixteenth.

Nakatani has the mount again on Eblouissante on Saturday.

[HOLLYWOOD PARK: Get PPs and watch Saturday's full card live]

Secretariat 11 months ago
Her name in French means " ABSOLUTELY STUNNING ", so do the math .
Kristian O'Reilly More than 1 year ago
5 years to the day Zenyatta made her 2nd career start. Things that U ho Hmmmm.
Josh More than 1 year ago
This filly ran a nice race to beat a bunch of other Maiden fillies but let's watch her travel through her conditions ( as least a couple ) before we start making comparisons to her big HALF sister. In appearance they look quite similar and the way this filly closed in her victory certainly reminded one of the Great Race Mare but we must see more against some tougher company before we paint the sisters with the same brush. I am wondering if she is as talented as her big sis why they haven't shopped around for some kind of added money event rather than a Saturday afternoon allowance race. I would never question John Sherriff's training methods as he has certainly proven he can teach a young animal to run fast. Best of luck on Saturday
Ange More than 1 year ago
Because Sherriff is doing what he should be doing. Just because you have a horse that breaks her maiden in an allowance event doesn't mean her next start should be in a stakes race. She's only run ONCE, and a good trainer will pick an easy spot for their 2nd race. Horses tend to run a lot worse in their 2nd race than in their first because they now know what's up. And by worse, I mean green. They'll get more flustered and wound up and as an owner, I'd rather not shell out the big nomination fees just to have my horse run green, blow the turns, whatever. Chances are, she'll run just fine, but this is the right spot to run her back.
Kelly Walker More than 1 year ago
I'll have to co-sign with Josh here. He said it best! 1. Why wait until the VERY end of the season, for E's first start? I've heard what the connections have said, and if you follow racing, you know what I mean. I've seen the books... and they DID have races at this distance earlier in the season. 2. Who does she really have left to beat upon at this point? I'll have to watch her nose out Toomanytomatoes (5) at the wire, and then, and only then will she draw my attention. Race is as follows: Two horses entering the "next logical step" up (3 & 5). Facing two horses that have had MULTIPLE chances at, or near this level (1 & 4). Then you have an overseas horse that can't get the distance in time, plus hasnt raced since July. I'll play E based on up ability, but her numbers don't jump off the page. I almost want to single the 5 on my pick 5, but I'll invest and go two deep. Coming off the last 5f work, and If she can get the the distance, and I believe she can... Toomanytomatoes will be ready to Pounce, and Trounce with Bejarano on board. Tri: 5/3/4,1
Kelly Walker More than 1 year ago
And don't get me wrong... I'll be excited to see Eblouissante win. But, my numbers (and angles) suggests she might be a play against. Include the Cat is a second place horse, but because E is in the race, she's now running for third. Glowing Spirit and the Only Key fight for fourth (coin flip: Speed vs Closer).
Daniel Garcia More than 1 year ago
Here we go!!!
Dominic Curran More than 1 year ago
A few more wins and there will be no need to reference the great Zenyatta in the headline. I hope that happens!
Melissa Atyeo More than 1 year ago
Good luck Saturday Ebby!
Gj Ubar More than 1 year ago
According to the entry, Eblouissante is "not entered for a tag". Best of luck to her!!!
Joel More than 1 year ago
You gotta be kidding. Really
jttf More than 1 year ago
same old azeri/zenyatta schedule. 3 of 4 horses she is competing against, can all be claimed.
Shovetherightwingnutsoffacliff More than 1 year ago
Zenyatta never ran in a race where any horse could be claimed what are you talking about
Forego137 More than 1 year ago
What do you want a 12 or 14 horse field, what does it matter about the size of the field? are you planning a huge bet ? Are you even going to the track to see her run ? Most likely the answer to all those questions is a big NO. Why can't you just enjoy her racing instead of being a NEGATIVE NANCY ! ! ! FEEL SORRY FOR YOUR SUCKY ATTITUDE FOR THOSE THAT HAVE TO AROUND YOU.
Big Jeff More than 1 year ago
Outstanding! Could not have said it better. That goes for many, many more who use this space to whine. THANK YOU.
jttf More than 1 year ago
what was negative ? just stated some facts.
laura ban More than 1 year ago
A very beautiful filly with a bright future! Best of luck!
Mark D More than 1 year ago
You either bet against her...or pass on the race. To say she is an UNDERLAY would be an understatent.