Zenyatta Assigned 129 Pounds for Vanity

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Undefeated champion Zenyatta, bidding for a record 17th consecutive victory, was assigned 129 pounds for the Vanity Handicap (gr. I) at Hollywood Park June 13, the same weight she carried in winning the race a year ago.

Trainer John Shirreffs said Zenyatta will start in the 1 1/8-mile Vanity, in which she will spot her main rival, grade II winner St Trinians, nine pounds. The racing office released the weight assignments for the 11 fillies or mares nominated to the Vanity June 6.

“The weight was pretty much what we were expecting,’’ said Shirreffs, who is seeking his record fifth win in the Vanity. “We’re just trying to focus on the Vanity and not on all of her accomplishments."

Shirreffs said Zenyatta would have a final breeze before the race June 7.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/57388/zenyatta-assigned-129-pounds-for-vanity

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1. Zenyatta Breezes Six Furlongs in Vanity Prep

Undefeated champion Zenyatta turned in her final workout in preparation for the June 13, $250,000 Vanity Handicap (gr. I) at Hollywood Park when she breezed six furlongs in 1:15 1/5 at the California track June 7.

The time was sixth best among nine horses working the distance over the Cushion Track artificial surface. Hollywood Park clocker and morning-line maker Russ Hudak said Zenyatta completed the final three-eighths of the mile in the work in :36 2/5 seconds.

Zenyatta, trained by John Shirreffs for Jerry and Ann Moss, will be seeking a record 17th win in as many career starts. The 6-year-old daughter of Street Cry has been assigned top weight of 129 pounds among the 11 fillies and mares nominated to the Vanity.

Zenyatta also carried 129 in 2009 when winning the Vanity for the second straight year. The mare, who was champion older female in 2008 and 2009, has rolled through 16 consecutive wins, with earnings of $5,924,580. This year’s Vanity coincides with a Hollywood Park promotion of Zenyatta bobbleheads.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/57395/zenyatta-breezes-six-furlongs-in-vanity-prep