Zenyatta’s bid for racing immortality fell inches short in the gloaming at Churchill Downs on Saturday, where Blame held tenaciously through the final furlong to register a heart-stopping short head victory over the previously undefeated superstar in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic. Blame, a 4-year-old son of Arch, is trained by Al Stall Jr. for Adele Dilschneider and Claiborne Farm. He was ridden to victory by Garrett Gomez. The winner completed the 1 1/4 miles in 2:02.28 and paid $12.40. Blame saved ground while racing about a half-dozen lengths off the early lead, moved between horses to gain command inside the eighth pole, shook off Lookin At Lucky near mid-stretch to open a clear lead, and then was fully extended to narrowly withstand Zenyatta’s final surge. Zenyatta, who had won all 19 of her previous starts, lagged nearly 20 lengths off the early leaders, saved some ground while beginning to advance around the second turn, swung outside to continue her bid into the stretch, and was gaining steadily on the winner through the final furlong, only to fall just short of victory. Fly Down rallied from well back to out finish Lookin At Lucky to be third. “I thought she was going to get there,” said Jerry Moss, who owns Zenyatta in partnership with his wife Ann. “She lost to a really great horse.” A teared-up Mike Smith said he did not get the best of trips that began with Zenyatta getting squeezed at the break. “She responded really, really well but my hat’s off to Blame,” Smith said. “I needed him to fold, but he didn’t. It’s a tough one to swallow. It’s my fault. She should have won.” Courtesy: www.breederscup.com