Weight Stops Freight?

In a move that harkens back to an earlier time in racing, Zenyatta, the reigning champion of the distaff division, has been assigned 129 pounds for the G1 Vanity Handicap on Saturday at Hollywood Park. She’ll be conceding between 13 and 18 pounds to the other seven fillies entered for the $300,000 feature.

In years past this type of spread would not cause anyone to bat an eye, but it is really uncommon for that type of spread in the modern game. Now days trainers hold sway over the tracks an typically refuse to run their horse if they don’t get an acceptable spread. Man O War, who carried 130+ pounds multiple times as a 2yo is rolling in his grave.

This seems like a perfectly legitimate assignment though. Zenyatta has not lost a race in her career and has not looked remotely threatened in any recent race. The field, while comprising several nice, honest fillies, is not that distinguished and should not provide an upset unless Zenyatta is clearly off her game.