Lazy Slusan Turned It Around

One year ago, Lazy Slusan finished fifth as a 9-1 shot in the Valkyr Handicap, a turf sprint restricted to California-bred fillies and mares.

The daughter of Slewvescent has come far in 12 months.

Owned and trained by John Dolan, Lazy Slusan will start this afternoon as the favorite in the $250,000 Vanity Handicap, Hollywood Park’s biggest event for fillies and mares on the main track.

The 6-5 choice on Russ Hudak’s morning line against only four opponents, the 6-year-old will be seeking her third Grade I victory this year. She is the clear front-runner to win the Eclipse award as the nation’s top older filly or mare.

A race after the Valkyr, Lazy Slusan was claimed for $62,500 by Dolan for himself and former co-owner Sam Longo, who recently sold his interest in the bay mare to Dolan.

Besides Grade I victories in the Santa Margarita Handicap at Santa Anita in February and the Milady Breeders’ Cup at Hollywood Park four weeks ago, Lazy Slusan has won five other races and has exceeded $1 million in career earnings.

Looking for her fourth victory in five starts, she will carry 122 pounds, three more than she did in her decisive victory in the Milady. Victor Espinoza, who has been aboard for her last two victories, will ride again. The Vanity is 1 1/8 miles and Lazy Slusan is two for two at the distance.

Gourmet Girl, who hasn’t run since her 10-1 upset in the Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park on April 8, is the 2-1 second choice. Trained by Pico Perdomo for owner Gary Tanaka, the 6-year-old Cee’s Tizzy mare, who began her career in a maiden claimer, has won four of nine at Hollywood Park.

Rounding out the field are Feverish, the 3-1 second choice who was third in the Milady; Setareh, who has won two in a row against lesser opponents for trainer Grant Hofmans, and Letter Of Intent.

With Flute having to miss the race because of a minor problem with her right front foot, Fleet Renee is the likely favorite in today’s $250,000 Mother Goose Stakes at Belmont Park.

Fleet Renee, a 3-year-old daughter of Seattle Slew, won the Ashland this year at Keeneland, handing the now-retired Golden Ballet her only loss of 2001. Fleet Renee was fourth as the 17-10 favorite in the Kentucky Oaks. John Velasquez will ride Fleet Renee, who will be making her initial start in New York for owner Verne Winchell and trainer Michael Dickinson.

The Mother Goose, a Grade I race at 1 1/8 miles, also features Indy Glory, Two Item Limit, Exogenous, Tap Dance, Mystic Lady, Forest Secrets--who won the Acorn at 50-1 on June 8--Real Cozzy, Zonk and Lady Katie.