by Steve Bailey
Unbeaten two-time champion older mare Zenyatta tuned up on Monday for her attempt at a third victory in the $250,000 Vanity Handicap (G2) on Sunday as she breezed six furlongs in 1:15.20 on the synthetic Cushion Track surface at Hollywood Park.
Hollywood Park clocker and handicapper Russ Hudak said the six-year-old Street Cry (Ire) mare covered the final three furlongs of the move in :36.40. The breeze ranked sixth of nine timed workouts at the distance.
Unbeaten in 16 starts, Zenyatta will try to reach the winner’s circle for the third time this season following victories in the Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap (G1) on March 13 at Santa Anita Park and the Apple Blossom Invitational Stakes (G1) on April 9 at Oaklawn Park.
“It’s been a lot of fun so far,” said trainer John Shirreffs, referring to the fact that Zenyatta was supposed to have been retired following her historic Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) triumph last fall. “So many people came out to see her when we ran at Oaklawn and everyone was so excited.
“We’re all so proud of her, so it’s really great to see the love the fans have for her. We’re hoping it’s going to be the same no matter where we go [this year].”
Owned by Jerry and Ann Moss, Zenyatta won all five of her starts last season, including a 2½-length victory in the 1 1/8-mile Vanity under jockey Mike Smith. She also teamed with Smith to win the ’08 Vanity, beating Tough Tiz’s Sis by a half-length.
“This is her home, she’s based here, you know, and the Vanity is a prestigious race,” Shirreffs said of the decision to remain on the West Coast and go for the three-peat. “The fans here love her and we’re glad to be able to give them another opportunity to see her run.”
Zenyatta will carry the same 129 pounds she did in last year’s Vanity.
Grade 2 winner St Trinians (GB), who opened her five-year-old season with victories in the Paseana Handicap and Santa Maria Handicap (G2), both at Santa Anita, will carry 120 pounds as she enters off a sixth-place finish in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) on March 6 for trainer Mike Mitchell. She will be ridden for the first time by red-hot jockey Martin Garcia.
Other probable starters for the Vanity include Miss Silver Brook and Will O Way. Miss Pleasant, Third Dawn, and Wynning Ride are considered possible for Sunday’s race. Entries will be taken on Thursday.
Hollywood Park will give away Zenyatta bobblehead dolls while supplies last on Sunday.
Steve Bailey is deputy news editor of Thoroughbred Times
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