Za Approval Auditions for BC Mile in Knickerbocker

Defending champion Za Approval (Ghostzapper) regained his winning ways in his most recent appearance and looks for a repeat performance in today’s GIII Knickerbocker S. at Belmont, in his case, something of a “run well and you’re in” trial for the GI Breeders’ Cup Mile. 

The popular gray defeated the re-opposing Plainview (Street Cry {Ire}) here last year before cutting back in distance and rallying in the lane to be runner-up to Wise Dan (Wiseman’s Ferry) in the main event at Santa Anita. He was bankrupt in his first four appearances this term as well, including a lackluster fifth behind Up With the Birds (Stormy Atlantic) when favored at 3-2 in the GII Nijinsky S. at Woodbine July 19, but he recorded his first victory of the season in the Sept. 7 Real Courage S., somewhat surprisingly dictating a soft pace before kicking home as the clear class of that seven-furlong affair.

“I just think he’s a better horse in the fall than in the summer; he’s doing well,” said trainer Christophe Clement. “We used [the Knickerbocker] as a way to the Breeders’ Cup last year, and we’ll try to do the same [this year].” 

Up With the Birds snuck across the border around this time last year to best his peers in the GI Jamaica S. and was very impressive in the Nijinsky, kicking hard to score by four lengths. With an option to stay home for the GII Sky Classic S., the Sam-Son runner instead tried the GI Arlington Million and came from last behind a moderate pace to split that septet in fourth.

“I was a little bit disappointed [with his performance in the Arlington Million], but it was a tough race,” said trainer Malcolm Pierce. “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.” 

After experimenting with slightly longer trips, Winning Cause (Giant’s Causeway) returned to nine furlongs to upset Big Blue Kitten (Kitten’s Joy) in the GIII Cliff Hanger S. at Monmouth Aug. 24. His last-out third at 2-5 in the PTHA President’s Cup at Parx Sept. 13 may be excusable, but he’d be an iffy proposition here if the ground is too easy, as it was in Philadelphia last month.