Jerry and Ann Moss’ three-time graded stakes winner Zazu will not start in the Nov. 4 Cup Ladies’ Classic (gr. I) at Churchill Downs. The daughter of Tapit would have likely been one of the favorites in the $2 million race.
According to Daily Racing Form, trainer John Sadler reported there had been an inflammation in the filly’s shoulder.
“We’re going to bypass the Ladies’ Classic,” Sadler told DRF Oct. 19. “She came out of her work a little off. We put her in the nuclear scan and it revealed a little inflammation. The timing is lousy, but the prognosis for next year is 100%.”
Sadler was referring to Zazu’s Oct. 16 work at Santa Anita Park, where she covered four furlongs in :46 2/5.
Zazu’s stellar 2011 campaign was highlighted by victories in the Lady’s Secret (gr. I), Las Virgenes (gr. I), and Hollywood Oaks (gr. II). The filly also placed in four graded stakes this year, including a third in the May 6 Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) in her only start at Churchill Downs.
Sadler told DRF that Zazu will be given a 90-day break before resuming training.
Bred in Kentucky by Summerhill Equine, Zazu was a $285,000 2009 Keeneland September yearling sale purchase. She holds a career record of 4-5-1 from 11 starts, for earnings of $682,985.