Za Approval 'on his way back' to strong 2013 form

ELMONT, N.Y. – Za Approval has been unable to duplicate his stellar 2013 form in three starts this year, but it might pay to keep the faith a little longer.

On Wednesday at Belmont Park, Za Approval worked five furlongs over the main track in 1:00.80, according to Daily Racing Form, a move that pleased trainer Christophe Clement.

“He worked very good today. He is on his way back,” Clement said. “We are looking at a Belmont race next week for him.”

Next Friday’s $150,000 Forbidden Apple Stakes, at a mile on turf, would represent a significant class drop for Za Approval, who has raced strictly in graded company since January 2013.

Za Approval, now 6, won 4 of 8 starts last year and concluded his campaign by winning the Grade 3 Knickerbocker Stakes at Belmont and finishing second to Wise Dan in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Santa Anita after opening a clear lead in midstretch.

This year, he has been fourth in the Grade 1 Kilroe Mile at Santa Anita, fourth in the Grade 1 Maker’s 46 Mile at Keeneland, and third in the Grade 3 Poker at Belmont.

DRF clocker Mike Vesce timed Za Approval on Wednesday in splits of 25.80 seconds and 48.40 and caught him galloping out six furlongs in 1:14.

“It was a very nice move,” Vesce said. “He was never asked, turned in a 22-and-3 middle fraction, and finished up well.”

◗ Speaking of Which finished strongly to win the Grade 2 Monmouth Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf June 8, but Clement is not sure he will send the 5-year-old Irish-bred back to New Jersey for the July 6 United Nations at 1 3/8 miles.

“I am not sure what I am going to do with him,” Clement said. “He ran a strong race, but I may look at the Arlington Handicap.”

The Grade 3, $200,000 Arlington Handicap will be run July 12 at 1 1/4 miles. It is the local prep for the Arlington Million.

◗ Discreet Marq has not worked since coming up a bit short when fourth in a quickly run Just a Game Stakes on the Belmont Stakes undercard, but Clement said not to worry.

“She is doing very well,” he said Wednesday. “I plan to work her next weekend. We will look at the Diana for her.”

The Grade 1, $500,000 Diana will be run at 1 1/8 miles on turf July 19 at Saratoga.

Discreet Marq raced close to the pace throughout the Just a Game but was beaten 1 1/2 lengths when unable to keep pace through a 22.20 closing quarter. She earned a 95 Beyer Speed Figure for the effort.