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Unbeaten Zenyatta has been installed 5-2 morning line favourite to do what no filly or mare has done since the Breeders' Cup inception in 1984 and win the $5 million Classic.

Zenyatta, trained in California by John Shirreffs, is a magnificent 13 from 13 with prize money of over $2.7 million. Connections have pitched their champion against males for the first time rather than contest the all-female Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic that she won in 2008.

Zenyatta's task on Saturday has been eased by the absence of another leading lady - Preakness Stakes winner Rachel Alexandra whose owner has skipped Santa Anita because of its synthetic surface.

Europe's wonder horse Sea The Stars has also ducked the Classic ahead of a lucrative stud career.

But Zenyatta still faces a stiff challenge, led by talented Irish raider Rip Van Winkle and Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird.

Trained by Aidan O'Brien, Rip Van Winkle was no match for Sea The Stars in three big races this year but has won his last two contests, both in England at Group One level.

O'Brien is a big fan of the colt, who has had to shake off foot problems during his career, including a recent scare.

The trainer said: "The way he was when he came over, he was a bit quiet and maybe a little bit lethargic after the long journey... but the moment he stepped out here it all came rushing back. That's what makes him different."

Summer Bird has won his last two races after a six-length reverse by Rachel Alexandra in August and appears on the form book to hold his half-brother Mine That Bird, the shock Kentucky Derby winner.

Twice Over, trained by Henry Cecil to win last month's Champion Stakes at Newmarket, carries the hopes of the English who lifted the Classic for the first time last year when the Frankie Dettori-ridden Raven's Pass stormed home.

Dettori's victory concluded a record haul for European challengers who went home with five of the nine races on the Saturday card.

The five winners included French filly Goldikova who is back this year to defend her Mile crown for trainer Freddie Head.

Godolphin's hopes of a major international coup have changed continents after Crime Scene ran a gallant second to Shocking in the Melbourne Cup.

Sheikh Mohammed's stable is targetting most of the big prizes at Santa Anita with Delegator in the Mile and Mastery in the Marathon among those holding sound chances.

Mastery ended a five-year English classic drought for Godolphin when winning the St Leger and is fancied to score again.

The 2008 Leger winner Conduit, one of the European scorers last year, returns for another crack at the Turf for trainer Michael Stoute and is a warm favourite.

The main danger could be Dar Re Mi, ridden by Dettori for owners Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, the composer and producer, and his wife.

Total prize money for the 14-race two-day programme starting on Friday amounts to an eye-catching $25.5 million.

Reuters