Beware of Flying Zee's three
ELMONT, N.Y. - Carl Lizza's Flying Zee Stables is running away with the Belmont Park owner's title, with 17 wins from 87 starters. But while Flying Zee's wins are more than double any other owner's, Flying Zee trails Frank Stronach by about $25,000 in purse money won.
Flying Zee, which has earned $736,219 so far this meet, has three opportunities to cut into, if not surpass, Stronach in money won on Wednesday's nine-race card. It looks strongest in Wednesday's featured third-level allowance race when it sends out the multiple New York-bred stakes winner Kevin's Decision in open company. The $50,000 race for fillies and mares is scheduled for 1 1/8 miles on the inner turf course.
has already won two 1 1/8-mile races on the inner turf, including the Mt. Vernon Handicap for New York-breds on June 19. Kevin's Decision has won 4 of her last 5 races, all on turf.
While the turf has made a difference, trainer Carlos Martin notes that the filly's recent run has come since he underwent a myectomy to correct a breathing problem last summer.
While Kevin's Decision faces open company for the first time, her versatile running style gives her a slight edge. She won her maiden on the lead, and the Perfect Arc Stakes from off the pace. Kevin's Decision, who will be ridden by Edgar Prado, figures to stalk Please Take Me Out in this spot.
Martin was planning to train Kevin's Decision up to the Yaddo Handicap at Saratoga on Aug. 17, but said the filly "was kicking the barn down, so I felt it was better to run."
, a 4 1/4-length winner in a second-level allowance on June 18, is the one to beat. She must prove she can get 1 1/8 miles, carrying 123 pounds.
, who won last year's Yaddo, and The Lamp Is Lit, third behind Kevin's Decision in the Mt. Vernon, are other contenders.
A race earlier, Martin wheels Merrill Gold back on four days' rest in an entry-level allowance race. Merrill Gold finished second behind loose-on-the-lead If It's Meant to B in the Six Perfections Stakes on Saturday. The Stronach-owned Flaming Heart may be the one to beat.
In the nightcap, Flying Zee will be represented by Classic Expression, a 3-year-old filly trained by Phil Serpe who tries the turf for the first time after two failed attempts on dirt.