The Professor Head of the Class at Belmont

Team Clover Stable’s The Professor saved ground while racing close to the leaders, then came off the rail in mid-stretch under the urging of Chris Antley to beat D’Parrot by a nose in the $119,000 Mike Lee Handicap on Sunday at Belmont Park.

D’Parrot, ridden by Jerry Bailey, prevailed by 3 1/2 lengths over Power Bolt in the race for horses aged 3 and up.

The victory was the second in six starts this year for The Professor, who covered 1 mile on a fast track in 1:36 4/5 to earn $71,400.