Ex-Claimer Lazy Slusan Seeks Second Grade I Win

Press release from Hollywood Park
Lazy Slusan, the California-bred, former claiming mare who has become one of racing's top older females, renews her rivalry with Feverish at Hollywood Park on Sunday when seeking the second grade I triumph of her career in the $250,000 Milady Breeders' Cup Handicap for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles.

A $62,500 claim by trainer and co-owner John Dolan last summer at Del Mar, Lazy Slusan could become a millionaire if able to handle Feverish and four other opponents in the 50th running of the race won last year by older female champion Riboletta.

The Milady field from the rail out with jockeys and weights: Lady Melesi, Gary Stevens, 113; Feverish, Eddie Delahoussaye, 118; Frankly My Dear, Alex Solis; Lazy Slusan, Victor Espinoza, 119; Mimi's Café, Jose Valdivia Jr., 112, and La Ronge, Chris McCarron, 113.

Between September of last year and culminated by Lazy Slusan's dazzling victory on March 10 in Santa Anita's Grade I Santa Margarita Handicap, the pair of 6-year-old mares met five times. Feverish had gained the advantage twice when Lazy Slusan broke a deadlock as Feverish faded to fourth, although beaten by only 1 1/4 lengths in the Santa Margarita.

Lazy Slusan, to be ridden by Victor Espinoza, will carry 119 pounds, one more pound than Feverish and jockey Eddie Delahoussaye. Lazy Slusan and Espinoza prepped for the Milady with a three-length victory in Hollywood Park's B. Thoughtful Stakes at seven furlongs on April 28. Feverish, meanwhile, was upset by Printemps as the 1-2 favorite in the Grade II Hawthorne Handicap at 1 1/16 miles on May 6.

Also a California-bred, Feverish is trained by Dan Hendricks for Martin and Pam Wygod. The daughter of Pirate's Bounty seldom runs a dull race. Evidence is her 12-11-5 record in 36 starts for earnings of $846,437.

Since being claimed, Lazy Slusan has won six stakes in ten starts and earned more than $600,000 for Dolan and his partner, 94-year-old Sam Longo. Her overall mark is 11-6-9 in 43 races with total earnings of $876,430.

The Milady field from the rail out with jockeys and weights: Lady Melesi, Gary Stevens, 113; Feverish, Delahoussaye, 118; Frankly My Dear, Alex Solis; Lazy Slusan, Espinoza, 119; Mimi's Café, Jose Valdivia Jr., 112, and La Ronge, Chris McCarron, 113.