Princess Zip looks ready

ELMONT, N.Y. - Three allowance races and the first 2-year-old race of the season, all for New York-breds, highlight Thursday's program at Belmont Park.

A field of eight, including three fillies, entered the first juvenile dash on the circuit, carded as race 2. The Wesley Ward-trained entry of Princess Zip and Wana Elaborate are listed at 8-5, but Wana Elaborate will be a no-show.

"I'm only going to run the filly," said Ward, referring to Princess Zip. "I couldn't get transportation for Wana Elaborate."

Princess Zip, a City Zip filly

purchased as a yearling at Saratoga, has recorded workouts at Calder, Keeneland, and Monmouth Park recently, capped by a quick blowout from the gate last Friday.

"She's very well schooled, does

everything right," said Ward, who was unconcerned about the filly's rail draw, noting, "It's the shortest way around there."

Darrin's Dilemma, who has worked twice at Thursday's five-furlong distance for Rick Dutrow, is the 5-2 second choice.

Handicappers, it goes without saying, are well advised to watch the tote board.

The allowance races begin with race 6, a $39,000 first-level condition at one mile, headed by the Pat Kelly-trained entry of Shrewd One and Spa City Fever. "Shrewd One will only run if the track is fast," said Kelly. "I was trying to get something over six furlongs and less than a mile, with an eye toward the Mike Lee," at seven furlongs on June 20.

Shrewd One rallied to win an off-the-turf sprint in his debut here last Oct. 1, and returned seven months later with a solid runner-up finish behind the promising Stormin Bolt opening weekend.

If it rains, Spa City Fever would be the one to beat judging from a lengthy maiden win over Big Sloppy last fall.

"He loves the mud," said Kelly.

In a racing rarity, full sisters run on the same card Thursday. Spa City Princess, a younger full sister to Spa City Fever, is among the contenders in the eighth race, a second-level allowance scheduled for the inner turf.

"It brings back the Live Oak days," said Kelly, who sent out half-brothers Solar Splendor and Sultry Song to win the Man o' War and Woodward on Sept. 12, 1992.

Pennington, fresh off a win against open company at Gulfstream Park, heads race 7, scheduled for the

Widener turf at seven furlongs.

Other contenders include Gold Vendetta, Mor Chances, and Strong Impact.