Met Mile

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

Monday’s Metropolitan Mile H. (G1) marks the five-year-old bow of 2004 Horse
of the Year GHOSTZAPPER (Awesome Again), who will make his first appearance
since capturing the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) in impressive fashion at Lone
Star Park. He faces hardened sprinters and has been labeled vulnerable off the
layoff, but we’re not going against the immensely talented horse.

Ghostzapper proved extremely proficient at longer distances in his final
three starts last season, but he’s versatile enough to win at any distance
beyond six furlongs, taking the seven-furlong Tom Fool H. (G2) by 4 1/2 lengths
at Belmont last July off a lengthy rest as well as the 6 1/2 Vosburgh S. (G1) by
6 1/2 in 2003. His BRIS Speed and Late Pace ratings are phenomenal, and the
Bobby Frankel charge displayed better tactical speed in the opening stages of
his races last year after being a confirmed closer earlier in his career. He’ll
come charging under jockey Javier Castellano and probably won’t be denied over
his favorite track (four-for-four at Belmont).

LOVE OF MONEY (Not for Love) will lead the way and could get bold if allowed
to set moderate fractions up front. A commanding winner of the Pennsylvania
Derby (G3) last September, the Richard Dutrow trainee dropped his next two
starts before running away with a one-mile optional-claiming event here five
days ago over a sloppy track. His Speed ratings (111 and 110 twice) command
respect and we like the immediate wheel back by Dutrow, but Love of Money could
catch some early pressure and faces a definite class check.

FOREST DANGER (Foresty) is another upset contender. The four-year-old has
really come to hand for Todd Pletcher this season, earning a 114 Speed figure
for both outings this year, the latter a 1 3/4-length tally in the Carter H.
(G1). Forest Danger has trained forwardly since that prestigious score and could
offer a stiff challenge off a forwardly placed trip in his Belmont debut.

SIR SHACKLETON (Miswaki) will be running late. The Nick Zito-trained chestnut
is two-for-two at the distance and has earned better Speed ratings this year,
but he’ll still have to step up in class significantly here. We wouldn’t be
surprised, though, to see him close for part off a stiff early pace.

POMEROY (Boundary) earned a nice Grade 1 victory in the King’s Bishop S. (G1)
last August, but he didn’t race again until April and hasn’t shown enough in his
last two attempts for us to recommend his chances. SILVER WAGON (Wagon Limit)
probably needs an easier spot to be effective.