HORSE RACING
Ghostzapper Extends Belmont Winning Streak
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Ghostzapper made a triumphant return to the races yesterday, cruising to the lead entering the turn and easily winning the $750,000 Metropolitan Handicap at Belmont Park.
Ridden by Javier Castellano , the 5-year-old Ghostzapper was third behind Love of Money and Forest Danger . When the field hit the turn, Ghostzapper -- the reigning horse of the year -- moved between horses, took command at the top of the stretch and won by 6 1/4 lengths over 35-1 long shot Silver Wagon .
Ghostzapper, the 3-5 favorite, extended his winning streak to six over three years with his ninth victory in 11 career starts. Now 5 for 5 at Belmont, Ghostzapper earned $450,000 and boosted his bankroll to $3,446,120 for owner Frank Stronach .
The son of Awesome Again is just the fifth reigning horse of the year in 20 years to return to the races for a 5-year-old season. The others were Cigar , Ferdinand and two fillies, Azeri and Lady's Secret .
The win had trainer Bobby Frankel believing he finally has a horse to remember. "I know you dream of winning the Kentucky Derby, but the best dream is to know you have the best horse," Frankel said.
The winning time for the race, also known as the Met Mile, was 1 minute 33.29 seconds, just off the stakes record of 1:32.80 set by Honour and Glory in 1996. Ghostzapper paid $3.30, $2.50 and $2.10. Silver Wagon returned $9.90 and $2.60, and Sir Shackleton paid $2.50 to show.
"I'm emotional right now," Frankel said. "He's a great horse. I didn't think he'd show that much speed."
-- From News Services
