Parimutuels

Zito finally hits the board

By wire services
Published June 12, 2005

NEW YORK - Trainer Nick Zito had the numbers in this year's Triple Crown with 11 starters, including a record-tying five in the Kentucky Derby.

But the newest member of thoroughbred racing's Hall of Fame was winless in the series. He finally hit the board with Andromeda's Hero Saturday. Zito targeted the Belmont for the horse after he passed eight horses in the Derby to finish eighth. It marked the second time the colt hit the board in a major 3-year-old stakes. He was third in the Arkansas Derby.

MAIDEN GETS THIRD: The decision by trainer Dale Romans and owners Sarah and Kenneth Ramsey to run Nolan's Cat in the Belmont raised some eyebrows. The colt was a maiden, a racetrack term for a horse that has never won a race. But Romans said before that his horse, beaten in all five starts, would love the 11/2 miles of the Belmont. He placed third.

FINISH LINES: Tim Ritchey, Afleet Alex's trainer, said two $1-million races will be the next targets: the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park on Aug. 7, and the Travers at Saratoga on Aug. 27.

[Last modified June 12, 2005, 00:39:15]