Blame Nips Zenyatta in Thrilling Classic

Blame, under a crafty ride by Garrett Gomez, got the jump on Zenyatta and held on by a desperate head in Saturday's Breeders' Cup Classic at Churchill Downs.

Zenyatta's quest for perfection was doomed following a sluggish start that found her more than 17 lengths behind in the early going. She steadily crept closer under Mike Smith around the far turn and altered course outside Quality Road in the lane to fall a head shy. 

The top two finishers proved their class and despite the loss Zenyatta's outstanding effort should silence her critics once and for all.

Fly Down rallied to edge Lookin At Lucky for the show. Paddy O'Prado rounded out the superfecta and was followed by Etched, Musket Man, First Dude, Pleasant Prince, Espoir City, Haynesfield, and Quality Road.

Blame completed his ten furlong journey in 2:02.28 and paid $12.40. He is trained by Al Stall Jr.