Forbidden Apple Headlines Belmont Card

The race is headlined by the Cristophe Clement trained Za Approval who continues to look for his first win of 2014 after concluding 2013 with an impressive second place finish to eventual horse of the year, Wise Dan, in the Breeder’s Cup Mile.  Za Approval finished third in the Grade III Poker Stakes at Belmont May 26 after two fourth place efforts in the Grade I Maker’s Mark Mile and Frank E. Kilroe Mile. A return to his 2013 form would make him the one to beat. 

Planview Dangerous Second Off 

Planview finished just behind Za Approval in the Poker Stakes and is a runner who has shown consistency and class for trainer Gregory DiPrima.  He figures to improve in what will be just his second start of 2014.  Kharafa is a hard-knocking veteran who has hit the board in 12 of his last 14 starts dating back to August 2012.  The Timothy Hills trainee will be ridden by turf whiz Javier Castellano and has captured multiple minor stakes wins including the Kingston Stakes May 31 at Belmont in his last start. 

New Shooter For McLaughlin

Another minor stakes winner is the Kiaran McLaughlin trained Sayaad, who captured the Dance of Life Stakes last August at Saratoga.  Sayaad will be making his first start since an allowance victory at Belmont in August.  McLaughlin boasts excellent numbers with horses returning from layoffs greater than 180 days.