RH book becomes Frears 'Favorite'

Director takes on Raymer memoir

By MICHAEL FLEMING

Frears

Stephen Frears will direct "Lay the Favorite, Take the Dog," an adaptation of an upcoming Beth Raymer memoir that is aiming for a June production stars. Pic's being made in partnership between Random House Films and Focus Features.

Random House Films prexy Peter Gethers will oversee along with Focus Features prexy John Lyons.

The book, which will be published in June by Random House, is being adapted by D.V. DeVincentis, who previously worked co-wrote the Frears-directed "High Fidelity," an adaptation of the Nick Hornby book.

Book is a memoir about young woman's journey into the world of sports gambling. She starts out as a cocktail waitress but gets caught up in gambling until falling in love. The movie is viewed as a mix between Frears-directed films "High Fidelity" and "The Grifters."

Frears is repped by ICM.