An authoritative score by Zenyatta in her 2010 debut on Saturday has her connections focused intently on the next month’s much-talked about Apple Blossom

Handicap at Oaklawn Park, but the same certainty has yet to come from Rachel Alexandra’s camp after the reigning Horse of the Year lost her 2010 debut.

Jockey Mike Smith maneuvered Zenyatta through heavy traffic in the late stages of Saturday’s Grade 1 $250,000 Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap, and the big mare did the rest. She bounded home to keep her undefeated streak intact, and in doing so she brought the massive Santa Anita crowd to its feet.

Rachel Alexandra, however, had to settle for the runner-up award in her 2010 debut in Saturday’s $200,000 New Orleans Ladies at Fair Grounds Race Course. Ironically, it was the John Shirreffs-trained Zardana who rained on Rachel Alexandra’s parade.

"Zenyatta came back so we could have some fun with her and other fans could see her," Shirreffs said. "That was the whole thing."

When asked if Zenyatta is a better horse this year, Shirrefs added, “It's hard to say. How can you can be better than perfect?"

(With files from Los Angeles Times)