Critical Eye Romps in Honey Bee

Critical Eye pulled away to a 6 1/2-length victory over Eventail in the $200,000 Honey Bee Handicap (gr. III) for 3-year-old fillies Friday night at the Meadowlands. Critical Eye, ridden by Mike Smith, ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:41.90 and paid $5.20, $3.80, and $2.60. She earned $120,000 for the win and has seven victories in 15 starts with career earnings of $445,667.

"She was checked early, but once she got in the clear, she was fine," trainer Scott Schwartz said. "She was the best closer in a race packed with speed. We don't have plans for the Breeders' Cup or anything. She's just real good."

Eventail returned $9.20 and $4.80 and completed a $75 exacta. Philip Johnson trainee Rosie Dooley paid $4 to show. Tugger, North Lake Jane, A. O. L. Hayes, and Dawn Princess completed the order of finish. Rochelle's Terms and Prized Stamp were scratched.

Critical Eye (Dynaformer--Critical Crew, by Dr. Blum) was bred in New York by the trainer's father, Herbert T. Schwartz, who owns the filly. In her most recent start, she upset Secret Status in the Gazelle Handicap (gr. I), winning by a nose over Plenty of Light. Prior to that race, she finished fourth in the Alabama Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga. (Chart, Equibase)