Zavata Zips in Tremont; Private Emblem Third in Return

Michael Tabor's Zavata, a $575,000 sale 2-year-old in February, cruised to a 6 1/4-length victory in the Tremont Stakes (gr. III) at Belmont Park on the Mother Goose undercard. Hussar, the 5-2 second choice was second.

Zavata, a son of Phone Trick out of the Cox's Ridge mare Pert Lady, came into the Tremont off a 5 1/2-length maiden win at Belmont on May 27. Zavata made his debut in the Three Chimneys Stakes at Churchill Downs on the Kentucky Derby undercard and finished second at 17-1. He only returned $3 after winning the Tremont. The exacta with Hussar returned a scant $5.

Final time for the 5 1/2-furlong race was 1:02.66, just one tick off the track mark set by More Than Ready in 1999.

Zavata was bred in Kentucky by Mill Ridge Farm and Dr. John Chandler. The bay colt was purchased out of the Fasig-Tipton February sale of 2-year-olds.

Winning trainer Patrick Biancone said: "He's doing everything right; all I have to do is keep him healthy and sound. This horse can do anything. He's a star for sure.

"We'll aim for the Saratoga Special (gr. II; Aug. 14) and the Hopeful (gr. I, Aug. 31). We'll want to give him a little break now. Even if he wins easy, I don't want to him to do it every three weeks."

Private Emblem, the Arkansas Derby (gr. II) winner who was last seen in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), also returned to racing on the Mother Goose under card and finished third as the 6-5 favorite in the Mike Lee Handicap for New York-breds.

The winner of the seven-furlong race was No Parole, a 3-year-old colt by Lit de Justice, out of the Bates Motel mare Suddenly Victoria. Bred in New York by Dr. William F. Coyro Jr., No Parole is owned by Thomas Mina and is trained by Joseph Aquilino.

Private Emblem was ninth of 10 early, and rallied for third. "I thought he would show more speed," said jockey Donnie Meche. "I was pushing him to try and keep up with the rest of them, but he fell out of there. But he put in a good run late."

No Parole returned $20.40 and got the distance in 1:22.60 under Shaun Bridgmohan. (Chart, Equibase)