2005 Metropolitan Handicap - Ghostzapper

Reigning Horse of the Year Ghostzapper made a triumphant return to the races Monday, cruising to the lead entering the turn and easily winning the $750,000 Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I) at Belmont Park.

Although he needed a few extra minutes to be loaded into the gate for his first start in seven months, once the race began Ghostzapper ran like a champion.

Ridden by Javier Castellano for trainer Bobby Frankel, the 5-year-old son of Awesome Again was third behind Love of Money and Forest Danger early. When the field hit the turn, Ghostzapper moved between horses and took command at the top of the stretch and won by 6 1/4 lengths over longshot Silver Wagon.

The victory extended Ghostzapper's win streak to six in a row over three years, with his ninth victory in 11 career starts. Now 5-for-5 at Belmont, Ghostzapper earned $450,000 and boosted his bankroll to $3,446,120 for owner-breeder Frank Stronach.

With the victory, Ghostzapper became just the fifth reigning Horse of the Year in 20 years to return to the races for a 5-year-old season. The others were Cigar, Ferdinand, and two fillies -- Azeri and Lady's Secret. Only Cigar went on to repeat as Horse of the Year.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/28366/ghostzapper-displays-to...

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[jmplays44]

He was incredible, a modern day Dr. Fager, although nowhere near as durable.

[TicinoParadise]

Best horse since the Bid!

[watchingponies]

Ghostzapper, great horse.

Maybe a little underrated :o)