CHURCHILL DOWNS, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2009:

Dearest Zenyatta,

We have caused quite a stir this year, you and I, holding this Sport of "Kings" rapt under the spell of our respective feminine mystiques! And when you step into that gate on Saturday in the Breeder's Cup Classic, toe to toe with those boys, I'll be your biggest fan. After all, we sisters have to stick together, don't we?

From coast to coast, we've had them covered this year, each with our own special brand of girl power. And when you put our stories together, we've commanded everyone's attention, making this the year that two lovely ladies - one in the east, and one in the west - ran off with every heart and every headline.

I want you to know that, even though I'll be watching you from repose in my vacation cabana at Churchill Downs, my heart will be with you, cheering every single long and graceful stride.