In his career debut, Amherst Stable and Spruce Pond Stable's Volponi (Cryptoclearance--Prom Knight, by Sir Harry Lewis) finished third -- beaten by one length -- in a six-furlong turf maiden race won by Baptize. Since then, the 2-year-old finished second twice and third once while racing on dirt. Switched back to the firm turf at Belmont Park Sunday, Volponi relaxed early and used a four-wide move on the second turn to sweep by Baptize approaching the eighth-pole, completing the 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.02. Baptize finished 4 1/4 lengths clear of third-place Strategic Partner. Tom the River Rat was fourth, followed by Reluctant Groom, Wicked Will, Credit Crunch, Broadway Johnny, What's Your Wish, and the Johnson-trained River Otter.

"The key to the race was Baptize, and we ran a length behind him the only time we ran (Volponi) on the turf and that was the reason we ran (Volponi) here. We've improved enough to certainly be a contender." said Johnson. "Every time I had him in a maiden turf race, it would rain and I would scratch him."

Volponi earned $67,980 for the win and returned $21.80, $6.00 and $3.50. Baptize paid $2.80 and $2.30. Strategic Partner was worth $3 to show. The winning exacta paid $52.50.