King Kreesa changes gears to win Forbidden Apple

ELMONT, N.Y. – King Kreesa proved he was more than a one-dimensional, front-running horse when rating off a fast pace then withstanding a strong challenge from the even-money favorite Reload before pulling away to a decisive 2 1/4-length triumph in Saturday’s $150,000 Forbidden Apple Stakes at Belmont Park.

Wicked Strong turned in a promising performance in his turf debut, overcoming a slow start before slipping up the rail under jockey Joel Rosario to finish second, a half-length in front of Vyjack. Reload faded late to finish fourth followed by Grand Arch and the tiring Howe Great.

King Kreesa was first to show in front, but jockey Jose Ortiz wisely conceded the lead to Howe Great, who rushed to command and set eye-catching fractions of 23.42 seconds and 45.79 for the opening quarter and half-mile of the one-mile Forbidden Apple. Ortiz gave King Kreesa his cue after five furlongs, overtaking the tiring leader approaching the quarter pole. King Kreesa angled out near the middle of the track while engaged by Reload turning for home, disposed of the favorite near midstretch, and won going away.

Wicked Strong broke most slowly, was allowed to save ground while racing toward the rear of the compact lineup, then finished willingly near the fence to be second in a race trainer Jimmy Jerkens said he was using as a prep for the Grade 1 Whitney at Saratoga. Vyjack raced within striking distance turning for home but lacked the necessary closing response, edging past the tiring Reload by a half-length to finish third.

King Kreesa, a New York-bred son of King Cugat owned by Gerald and Susan Kresa, completed the distance in a strong 1:32.34 over the firm course and paid a generous $15.20 despite having won the Grade 3 Poker here four weeks earlier.

“It looked like the pace would set up, but then the 7 horse [Howe Great] went by him, and he rated nicely,” said trainer David Donk. “I was very impressed with the way he kicked on through the stretch. You look back on his form when Jeremiah [Englehart] had him, and he rated second when he won the Mohawk, so I knew he’s done it before. Good horses are not supposed to be one dimensional, but even as a fan, I was impressed today. His best race might have been when he was second to Wise Dan [in the 2013 Fourstardave], but this was his best race for me.”

Donk said King Kreesa would likely be pointed for the Grade 2 Fourstardave at Saratoga on Aug. 15.

Joel Rosario, who replaced the injured Rajiv Maragh aboard Wicked Strong, said he was very pleased with the way his horse handled the turf.

“He seemed like he was coming at the end,” said Rosario. “The horse in front just didn’t stop running. He might have lost his focus a little bit at the start, but I wanted to get him to save ground and make one run with him. I thought it was a very good effort for the first time on the grass.”