Miesque's Approval takes Pilgrim

JAMAICA, N.Y. - After a pair of runner-up finishes in 1999 and 2000 with King Cugat and Baptize, trainer Bill Mott got his first win in the $83,475 Pilgrim Stakes with Miesque's Approval on Tuesday at Aqueduct.

Miesque's Approval, the 3-5 favorite in the nine-horse field of 2-year-old colts, was a neck winner over Finality, who set a comfortable pace. Regal Sanction was third, 2 1/2 lengths behind the runner-up.

Miesque's Approval, under jockey Jerry Bailey, saved ground while within striking distance of the early leaders in the 1 1/8-mile grass race. Bailey eased Miesque's Approval outside for the stretch drive and wore down Finality in the final yards.

Miesque's Approval ($3.20) covered the distance in 1.50.80 over a firm course.

Mott said Miesque's Approval, who is owned and was bred by Live Oak Plantation, is nominated to the $200,000 Generous Stakes on Nov. 24 at Hollywood Park.

"But I would have to think about sending him out there," Mott said. "There are a couple of options at Calder, also. If I run him again this year, I run the risk of having him tail off. But there's not very much for 3-year-olds on the turf until April."

Miesque's Approval now has earnings of $142,546 from a record of 3-1-1 in five starts.