Hollywood: Zazu returning in Everett

Zazu was taken out of training at a dreadful time last fall, weeks before the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic at Churchill Downs.


The filly, then 3, had won 2 of her 3 preceding starts, including the Grade 1 Lady’s Secret Stakes at Santa Anita, and appeared to be a top contender for the Ladies’ Classic when a shoulder problem surfaced.

“It was a major disappointment,” trainer John Sadler said.

More than six months later, Zazu returns to racing in Saturday’s $150,000 Marjorie Everett Handicap over 1 1/16 miles at Betfair Hollywood Park. The Grade 2 Everett, formerly known as the Milady, is the start of a campaign that Sadler and owners Jerry and Ann Moss hope will lead to the BC Ladies’ Classic at Santa Anita this year.
“I’m excited to get her back,” Sadler said. “She’s one of the big parts of this barn.”
Zazu will face a significant test in the Everett.
The field includes Ellafitz and Include Me Out, who each won two stakes at the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting earlier this year.

Include Me Out is the expected favorite in the Everett, having won the Grade 1 Santa Margarita Stakes on March 17. Ellafitz, the winner of the Grade 2 Santa Maria Stakes in February, was last of four in that race, fading in the final furlong.
Zazu, Sadler said, is training well enough to be competitive. “There are things to look forward to,” he said “She’s a fresh horse.”


Read the full article at  http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1912116023552398428#editor/target=post;postID=5534288742489706247