'Rose' caps big stakes day for Mott

Rose of Zollern contributed to another big day for trainer Bill Mott by rolling past favored Trip to win the $82,250 HBPA Handicap on Saturday at Ellis Park in Henderson, Ky.

Under veteran Larry Melancon and 118 pounds, Rose of Zollern raced sixth early in the one-mile HBPA Cap before launching her winning bid between two tiring rivals at the quarter pole. Trip, the

119-pound highweight in the field of 10 fillies and mares, put away Maltese Superb at the top of the stretch but was no match for Rose of Zollern, who prevailed by two lengths in 1:36.89 over a fast track.

Rose of Zollern, based at Churchill Downs with Mott assistant Ralph Nicks, returned $6 to win as the second choice. The 1-3 exacta paid $12.40.

For Mott, the HBPA Cap added to a terrific afternoon that also included easy wins by Illusioned and Dream Supreme in the rich Summit of Speed at Calder.

Rose of Zollern, a 5-year-old mare owned by Gary Tanaka, now has won nine of 21 starts and earned more than $400,000.

Maltese Superb lasted for third, another 5 3/4 lengths behind Trip, ending a trifecta worth $40.