Zero Rate Policy Gets Class Relief

Klaravich Stables & WH Lawrence’s Zero Rate Policy rode a three-race winning streak into last month’s Jersey Shore (G3).

Not much went right that day as the 3-year-old son of Trippi finished last of four, beaten 8 ½ lengths.

But in Saturday’s Select Stakes, trainer Terri Pompay believes all that went wrong in the Jersey Shore could become right again.

“Much better post,” Pompay said, referring to the five hole.  “Last time he drew the rail which was not the place to be that day.  Every horse in that race had speed, so we just decided from the rail to go gangbusters.  He’s a big, long-striding colt and doesn’t really like to be down on the rail either.”

Zero Rate Policy, who captured the Rumson Stakes two starts back, shows a pair of local works since the Jersey Shore, most recently a three-furlong bullet in 34 3/5.

“We kind of took it easy on him in his work two back (five furlongs in 1:04),” Pompay said.  “So we wanted to wake him up a little bit with this last one.”

Zero Rate Policy will face five rivals in his quest to get back on a winning note:  E Paul Robsham Stables’ Trippi’s Storm will break from the rail and look to regain his winning form after a disappointing last-place finish last out; Gilbert Campbell’s Watch Me Go will be making his first start for trainer Ned Allard after a campaign for conditioner Kathleen O’Connell that included a run in this year’s Kentucky Derby; WinStar Farm’s Cal Nation exits a third-place finish in the Carry Back (G2) at Calder; Mat Stables’ Royal Currier, a stakes winner on dirt and turf;  and the Steve Asmussen-trained Chipshot, who finished a head in front of Zero Rate Policy in the Jersey Shore.