Zenyatta stays perfect in Clement Hirsch

DEL MAR, Calif. - There's a reason why Zenyatta's perfect through seven starts.

In Saturday's $300,000 Clement Hirsch Handicap at Del Mar, she rallied from last in a field of eight fillies and mares and weaved her way through traffic to win her fifth consecutive stakes. For a moment on the turn, it appeared Zenyatta would be stuck in traffic, but space developed and she responded promptly for jockey Mike Smith.

"She has that ability to length her stride and just stretch," trainer John Shirreffs said.

Zenyatta caught stretch leader Model in the final furlong and to win by a length, a deceptive margin. Zenyatta was not urged in the final furlong. Tough Tiz's Sis finished third. Zenyatta ($3.20) ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:41.48.

Owned by Jerry and Ann Moss, Zenyatta, 4, has earned $914,580. Her autumn goal is the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic at Santa Anita on Oct. 24, with an expected prep in the $250,000 Lady's Secret Breeders' Cup Stakes on Sept. 27.

* Bold Chieftain caught pacesetter Comoros in the final furlong to win the $131,000 California Dreamin' Handicap for statebreds on turf. Ridden by Russell Baze, Bold Chieftain ($4.80) ran 1 1/16 miles on turf in 1:40.23, winning by 1 1/4 lengths. Epic Power finished third in the field of four, well clear of Mr. Wolverine who was eased late.