Notebook | Trainer Zito plays spoiler role again

ELMONT, N.Y. — The means were completely different, but for the second time in five years trainer Nick Zito achieved the same end Saturday — sending out a Belmont Stakes longshot to thwart a Triple Crown bid from a previously undefeated colt.

In 2004, Zito sent out 36-1 Birdstone to overtake Smarty Jones in the final 70 yards to win by a length.

This time, Zito's 38-1 shot Da' Tara took the lead at the outset and never was challenged en route to a 5 ¼-length victory over runner-up Denis of Cork in a race that saw Big Brown, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, eased in the stretch.

"If Big Brown was himself, he would've been tough to beat," Zito said. "But he wasn't himself. That's why they play the game."

Just as Birdstone made amends for finishing eighth behind Smarty Jones in the Kentucky Derby, Da' Tara avenged a ninth-place finish far behind Big Brown in the March 29 Florida Derby.

"There's a reason Nick is in the Hall of Fame," said Denis of Cork's trainer, David Carroll.

After checking the past performances of Belmont candidates, Zito recommended entering Da' Tara.

"If Big Brown wanted to lead, he probably could get it but I don't think he wants it," Zito told owner Robert LaPenta. "I think we're the only speed, so let's take the shot."

Notes

• Japan-based Casino Drive, the 2-for-2 colt who was the 7-2 second choice on the morning line for the Belmont Stakes, was scratched when he aggravated his bruised left-hind hoof during a canter Saturday morning.

• Big Brown and jockey Kent Desormeaux didn't have a smooth trip early. Quoting from Equibase's footnotes for the race, "Big Brown steadied and broke outward at the start, moved up inside, steadied sharply while rank in the opening quarter of a mile, steadied and was taken to the outside, bumping with Anak Nakal on the first turn, swung seven wide moving into the backstretch ... "

• Big Brown was taken to a detention barn after the race for observation and will undergo various tests.

Trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. said, "I don't see a problem and I am looking for one. He doesn't seem to be off in any way. ... It certainly seems Kent did the right thing in pulling him up."

Of the Belmont, Dutrow said, "This is a very disappointing race. Now, it looks like he's fine. It looks like he'll live a good life even if he never runs again."

• Warren A. "Jimmy" Croll, the Hall of Fame trainer who won the 1987 Belmont with Bet Twice, died Friday. He was 88. Croll trained Holy Bull, the 1994 Horse of the Year in North America.

• Artiste Royal, a 7-year-old owned by Dave and Jill Heerensperger of Bellevue and trained by Neil Drysdale, beat Monzante by a neck to win the Grade I Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, Calif. Lava Man was third.

Artiste Royal, ridden by David Flores, ran 1-¼ miles on turf in 1 minute, 59.99 seconds and paid $8.40 to win in the $300,000 race.