Za Approval registers first stakes win in Appleton

Za Approval earned his first stakes win in the Appleton (Adam Coglianese Photography)

Za Approval became the third graded stakes winner produced by his dam, the
With Approval mare Win Approval, with a popular score in Saturday’s Grade 3,
$100,000
Appleton at Gulfstream Park.

A homebred campaigned by Live Oak Plantation, Za Approval is a half-brother
to 2006 champion turf male Miesque’s Approval and the Grade 2-winning Revved Up.

Saving ground along the inside near the back of the field, Za Approval moved
out for racing room around the far turn, reached contention passing the quarter
pole and zoomed past long-time leader King Kreesa en route to a one-length
victory in the one-mile, firm-turf test. The 2-1 favorite, Za Approval paid
$6.20, $3.60 and $3 after passing the finish line in 1:32.

Za Approval is trained by Christophe Clement and was ridden by Jose Lezcano.

Beau Choix also rallied from near the back, besting King Kreesa for the place
by 1 1/2 lengths. The latter, who set swift fractions of :22 4/5, :45 3/5 and
1:08 3/5, finished 1 1/4 lengths clear of Cool Blue Red Hot.

Completing the order of finish were Silver Max, El Commodore, Omayad, Joes
Blazing Aaron, Decisive Moment and Off the Jak. Howe Great and Upgrade were
scratched.