Blindwillie McTell sees his way to perfect trip in Mike Lee

ELMONT, N.Y. – Blindwillie McTell became a stakes winner for the third time in just five career starts when parlaying a perfect pace-stalking trip into a two-length decision over Funny Guy in the $125,000 Mike Lee for 3-year-old New York breds at Belmont Park.

Blindwillie McTell rated just off the pace of Le General after breaking very alertly under jockey Jose Ortiz. The homebred son of Posse stuck his head in front while still in reserve near the quarter pole, disposed of Le General despite lugging in a bit near the furlong marker, drew off then maintained a safe advantage under steady handling.

Funny Guy rallied mildly inside the wide-running Bankit to finish second. Stone Breaker was a late scratch, just minutes before post time.

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Blindwillie McTell is trained by Linda Rice for owner-breeder Jerold Zaro. He completed seven furlongs in 1:21.53 over a fast track and paid $7.

“We had planned on stalking second off of Stone Breaker, but he scratched, so it opened things up a bit,” said Rice, who won three races on Monday’s card. “I wasn’t sure if we’d be on the lead, but Jose rode it beautiful sitting right off of [Le General] and he said in the stretch he had a lot left. I think this was his best performance yet and I’m pretty confident he’s good from six furlongs up to a mile. Beyond that, it probably depends on the competition. Time will tell.”

Rice said Blindwillie McTell’s next major goal would likely be the New York Derby going 1 1/16 miles at Finger Lakes on July 20.