Apple of Kent runs away to Shuvee victory

ELMONT, N.Y. - Richard Migliore capped off a big week by winning Saturday's $200,000 Shuvee at Belmont Park aboard Apple of Kent. On Friday, the rider captured the $200,000 Black-Eyed Susan at Pimlico on Two Item Limit.

It was Migliore's fourth Shuvee win.

At the start of the one-mile Shuvee, Migliore, who leads the standings at the young Belmont meet, sent Apple of Kent to the lead. They were joined by March Magic, the longshot in the five-horse field of fillies and mares. The pacesetters set a leisurely first quarter in 24.11 seconds and stepped it a bit for a half-mile in 47.34.

Apple of Kent accelerated in upper stretch and drew off to a 3 3/4-length win over March Magic, who came on again late to nose out favorite Country Hideaway for second place. Critical Eye and Atelier completed the order of finish in the Grade 2 Shuvee.

The final time, after six furlongs run in 1:11.43, was 1:35.16 over a fast track.

Migliore said he gives trainer John Kimmel and his crew at the Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland plenty of credit for the win.

"She used to get anxious and that would mess up her breathing; her airway would get shut down," Migliore said. "You can't appreciate how much they have done with this horse. This is the first time I felt she has reached her potential."

The Shuvee was Apple of Kent's first graded win in this country after starting her career in Europe. The 5-year-old mare was bred and is owned by Juddmonte Farms Inc.

Kimmel, who has now won three Shuvees, said Apple of Kent ($10.80) would run next in the $250,000 Hempstead Handicap on June 23.