Bio Pro takes Belmont feature

NEW YORK (AP) Bio Pro dominated on the class drop, rallying to beat Golden Rifle by 3 3/4 lengths Wednesday in the $85,000 allowance feature on the turf at Belmont Park.

Bio Pro finished fifth last month to two-time Horse of the Year Wise Dan in his previous race, the Bernard Baruch Handicap at Saratoga. On Wednesday, he faced an easier assignment against five overmatched rivals.

The 6-year-old gelding was in the hands of a pair of Hall of Famers: trainer Bill Mott and jockey John Velazquez. Bio Pro responded with his sixth win in 24 starts, paying $4.10, $2.30 and $2.10 as the even-money favorite.

Golden Rifle, the 7-5 second choice, returned $2.40 and $2.40 while Choctaw Chuck paid $3.40 to show.

The time was 1:21.61 for seven furlongs over the firm course.