Za Approval makes title defense in Knickerbocker

Za Approval is using the Knickerbocker as a prep for the Breeders’ Cup Mile (Adam Coglianese Photo) Za Approval parlayed an easy win in last year’s Knickerbocker into an excellent second in the Breeders’ Cup Mile, beaten less than a length by Horse of the Year Wise Dan, and his connections hope the Grade 3, $200,000 race will serve as a similar springboard this year. The gray gelding heads a field of nine, including a main-track only contestant, entered for the 1 1/8-mile test over Belmont Park’s inner turf. Conditioned by Christophe Clement, Za Approval did not carry his good form last fall forward into 2014, opening his six-year-old campaign with unplaced efforts versus Grade 1 rivals in the Frank Kilroe Mile and Maker’s 46 Mile. The son of Ghostzapper dropped in class for his next couple of outings, the Grade 3 Poker and Grade 2 Nijinsky, but wasn’t a serious factor as the heavy favorite both times, finishing third and fifth, respectively. Freshened nearly two months after the Nijinsky, Za Approval returned with a convincing victory in the September 7 Real Courage at Belmont. Luis Saez is set to take over the reins for Joel Rosario, who will be at Keeneland to ride in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup. “I just think he’s a better horse in the fall than in the summer; he’s doing well,” Clement said when asked about Za Approval’s struggles earlier this season. “We used (the Knickerbocker) as a way to the Breeders’ Cup last year, and we’ll try to do the same (this year).”

Za Approval was installed as the 7-2 second choice among the horses entered
for turf.

Early favoritism goes to Up With the Birds, winner of the Grade 1 Jamaica at
Belmont last fall and most recently fourth in the Arlington Million. Malcolm
Pierce trains the four-year-old, who handily defeated Za Approval in the
Nijinsky two starts back. The Stormy Atlantic colt is listed at 3-1 with
Cornelio Velasquez, who was last up for the aforementioned Jamaica.

“I was a little bit disappointed (with his performance in the Arlington
Million), but it was a tough race,” Pierce said. “We picked (the Knickerbocker)
because of the timing and distance; I think it suits him perfectly, and he ran
so well in the Jamaica last year.”

Clement will be represented by another top contender in Speaking of Which,
who makes his first start since a commendable 1 1/2-length victory in the
Monmouth Stakes on June 8. That Grade 2 event has proved to be a strong key
race, producing seven subsequent stakes winners, included four graded scorers.

“He was great in the Monmouth; Joe Bravo gave him a great ride,” Clement
said. “He came back and he was a bit sore after that race, so he had the summer
off. He looks good and is training well. Let’s go for it.”

Manuel Franco will pick up the mount on the five-year-old son of Invincible
Spirit, but Speaking of Which will be seeking his first win on Belmont’s turf,
recording unplaced finishes in three previous attempts. He does possess
outstanding BRIS Speed and Late Pace numbers and the Irish-bred horse has run
well off extended layoffs in the past.

Todd Pletcher will send out Winning Cause, who finished third in the
Monmouth. Winner of the Grade 3 Cliff Hanger two starts back, the four-year-old
Giant’s Causeway colt exits a disappointing third as the odds-on choice in the
September 13 President’s Cup. Junior Alvarado rides the early 6-1 co-fourth
choice. Plainview, runner-up in the 2013 Knickerbocker, is also 6-1. Jose
Lezcano has the assignment for Gregory DePrima.

Rounding out the field are Legendary, who exits a win in the September 6
Japan Racing at Laurel Park; Tricky Hat, hero of the John’s Call two starts back
at Saratoga; Dubai Group 2 victor Mshawish, a recent turf allowance scorer at
Belmont for Pletcher; and the main-track only Easter Gift.

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