Ghostzapper runs away with Met Mile

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Elmont, NY (Sports Network) - Defending Horse of the Year Ghostzapper made a

 successful return to the racetrack on Memorial Day by winning the Metropolitan Mile

at Belmont Park. Ghostzapper was making his first start since winning the

Breeders' Cup Classic last October.

Ridden by Javier Castellano, Ghostzapper notched his sixth straight stakes victory

 and the fifth straight as the favorite. The five-year-old is owned by Frank Stronach

 and trained by Bobby Frankel.

As the field of six was being loaded into the starting gate, Ghostzapper proved

reluctant to be loaded. This was an unusual occurrence for the 3-5 favorite.

Once the field broke Love of Money quickly took the lead followed by Forest Danger

 and Ghostzapper. Entering the far turn Ghostzapper made his move to the lead and

 in a flash pulled away. Down the stretch he ran away from the challengers to win

by 6 1/4 lengths.

Finishing second was 35-1 longshot Silver Wagon followed by Sir Shackleton,

Pomeroy, Forest Danger and Love of Money. The time of the Met Mile was 1:33.29.

Ghostzapper adds $450,000 to his bankroll which now totals $3.4 million. Frankel

 has set a schedule of races for his horse that will get him to the World Thoroughbred Championships in October at Belmont Park. Ghostzapper is expected to next start

 in the Suburban Handicap on July 2.

Ghostzapper returned $3.30, $2.50 and $2.10. Silver Wagon paid $9.90 and $2.60,

 and Sir Shackleton paid $2.50 for show.