HOLLYWOOD PARK : Bayakoa Still Uncertain for Vanity Start

A field of six headed by Bayakoa has been entered in Sunday’s $200,00 Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park, but the mare’s traner, Ron McAnally, said today he probably not make a final decision to run until the day of the race.

Bayakoa, who won the race last year, has been assigned 128 pounds for this year’s race and was assigned the post position today. Jockey Lafit Pincay Jr. is to be aboard.

Gorgeous, to be ridden by Eddie Delahoussaye, will carry 124 pounds and start at the outside in the 1 1/8-mile race for fillies and mares, 3 years old and up.

McAnally, earlier this week objected to the weight assignment for his mare and said he might not enter her in the Vanity.

Victorious in the Milady Handicap June 16, Bayakoa was assigned an additional pound off the race.

McAnally confirmed today that Bayakoa would enter Sunday’s Vanity Handicap.

“I will enter the mare,” said McAnally. “I have yet to speak with the owner, so right now there has been no decision to run.”

Highweighted for the Vanity at 128 pounds, Bayakoa’s connections have expressed a concern regarding the weight split with Apple Blossom Handicap winner Gorgeous.

“I understand that the owner, Mr. Whitham, is quite upset with the weight difference to the other filly,” McAnally said

“‘Gorgeous beat us in the Apple Blossom, and we gave her four pounds that day. Now we’re scheduled to meet again, and we still find ourselves with a four pound difference. “I need to speak with Mr. Whitham to see what kind of decision can be made. As things stand, the decision to run will probably come the day of the race.”

Gorgeous is primed for Sunday’s assignment, according to trainer Neil Drysdale.

“She breezed six furlongs Tuesday in 1:16.1,” said Drysdale. ‘It was a very nice three quarters.”

A 4-year-old Slew O’Gold offspring, Gorgeous had compiled an impressive record prior to an off-the-board effort against the colts in the Pimlico Special Handicap. The R.N. Clay colorbearer found the winner’s circle in four Graded events while posting runner up efforts in three others.

Victorious in seven of 12 outings with three seconds and one third, the Kentucky-bred miss has compiled earnings of $1,007,645.

“She’s doing well,’ noted Drysdale. ‘She’s training good, and we hope for a nice performance.

The field, in post position order: Bayakoa, Pincay, 128; Kelly, Nakatani,108; T.V. Of Crystal, P, Valenzuela, 111; a--Beautiful Melody, J Santos, 116; a--Fantastic Look, Desormeaux, 112; Gorgeous E Delahoussaye,

A-entry.