Champagne under consideration for Grand Arrival following 'special' maiden win

Champagne under consideration for Grand Arrival following

'special' maiden win

Nick Zito was in a philosophical mood on Sunday, the

morning after Richard C. Pell's Grand Arrival broke his maiden by 6 1/2 lengths

and was led into the winner's circle by exercise rider Raymond Bulgado, who

suffered a fractured neck in a training accident just four days earlier.

"That's real life, and it's something where you put

everything into perspective," Zito said. "I was bawling like everybody else

(when Bulgado led Grand Arrival into the winner's circle), and then I kind of

got my composure because I didn't want to lose the moment here. Obviously, God

talks to you and says, 'Make sure we enjoy the moment.' That's a good moment, a

special moment. So that was great."

It was the second career start for Grand Arrival, who

showed early speed between horses, began his advance while racing on the outside

on the far turn, led at the top of the stretch, and was driven home by Rosie

Napravnik to a 6 1/4-length victory.

"It's always nice when a two-year-old does what you think

he's supposed to do," Zito noted. "We just hope he goes forward. He came out of

the race great, thank God."

In his lone previous start, Grand Arrival was third, beaten

10 1/2 lengths, by Grade 1 Hopeful entrant Big Sugar Soda.

"(Grand Arrival) had a little trouble," Zito explained the

colt's debut. "He kind of jumped in the air, and (two horses) squeezed him a

little bit. It was good experience, and the next time he ran to what everybody

thought he would run to, which is always good because great expectations bring

great disappointment."

Zito said he will consider the Grade 1, $500,000

Champagne on October 5 at Belmont Park for Grand Arrival's next start.

"It looked like he'd go a distance of ground, which is

great," Zito said. "We'll see what happens. We'll see how he develops."

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