Calder: Band Is Passing scores in return

Band Is Passing made his return to the races a winning one, drawing off to a two-length victory in the $150,000 Miami Mile Breeders' Cup Handicap at Calder Race Course in Miami. The 6-year-old son of Pass the Line, who was making his first start in five and a half months in the Grade 3 mile on the grass, won as the 2-1 second choice under leading rider Cornelio Velasquez for owner-trainer-breeder Stanley Ersoff. Pisces, the 8-5 favorite, came from last to grab the runner-up spot by a length over longshot Doowaley.

Ersoff said Band Is Passing ($6.80), who hadn't raced since the Equalize in March at Gulfstream Park, would be pointed toward the Tropical Turf Handicap, a race he won in 2001.