The winner’s share of the US$5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) will be boosted by $1 million to $3.7 million if unbeaten mare Zenyatta and champion filly Rachel Alexandra both start in the race.

The 26th Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be held at Santa Anita in California on November 6-7.  The additional prizemoney would make the winner’s share of the BC Classic the richest of any race in the world this year.

“Racing fans have made it clear that they would like to see Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta face each other,” Breeders’ Cup President Greg Avioli said.  “While we respect that the race has not been under consideration by Rachel Alexandra’s connections, we want to make the BC Classic as attractive as possible.”

Zenyatta (Street Cry) is based in the west coast and the Classic has been her target all year.  Conversely, Rachel Alexander’s managing part-owner Jess Jackson has repeatedly said his filly will not run on Santa Anita’s synthetic track.  Her only start on a synthetic surface – Keeneland’s Polytrack – resulted in a win as a two year-old.

“Synthetic tracks create potential for injury, a risk I am not willing to take with Rachel,” Jackson said after his filly won the G1 Woodward Stakes last Saturday.  “She has already has completed a brilliant, long campaign this year.”