Jan, Mace and Samantha Siegel's Here's Zealous collared front-running Run Kush Run in mid stretch and glided on to a four-length victory in Saturday's grade III, $107,900 Gravesend Handicap for three-year-olds and up at six furlongs.It was the third winner of the day for Dutrow, who opened his lead over Todd Pletcher to 14 in the battle for New York's 2001 leading trainer title. The victory came 10 years after Dutrow's father won the Gravesend with Shuttleman."That was beautiful, wasn't it?" asked Dutrow after Here's Zealous, swept by Run Kush Run who had set a pressureless pace of :22 1/5; :45 3/5; and :57 3/5 on the fast track. "I'm so glad I could win this race for the Siegels (owners Jan, Mace and Samantha). It was my first stakes win for them and I guarantee it won't be the last. I was so happy when I saw the post position draw. We had a gorgeous trip outside and Edgar (Prado) settled the horse great. I started walking down to the winners' circle when they crossed the quarter pole. This horse has an explosive turn of foot when he switches leads. I would like to keep him here all winter."Ridden by Edgar Prado, Here's Zealous returned $6.50 for his fifth win in 12 starts.Peeping Tom, far back throughout, closed late to be second by a neck over Say Florida Sandy, the leading New York-bred money earner of all time and last year's Gravesend winner."Say Florida Sandy ran okay today," said trainer Juan Serey. "There is still a little moisture in the track and he doesn't care for it. You'll see him in the next sprint race on the inner track."A 4-year-old son of Dehere bred in Kentucky by his owners, Here's Zealous has won five of 13 starts, with six placings. The Gravesend marked the colt's fourth victory this year since beginning the campaign in April after a layoff of more than one year.
(Chart, Equibase)