After Ghostzapper's victory in the 2003 Vosburgh, he took time off to recover from quarter cracks and a bruised hoof. His first 2004 start came on July 4 at Belmont Park in the Tom Fool Handicap. This time, he stayed close behind the early leaders and then moved to the lead on the far turn, drawing off to win by lengths. He won the 7-furlong race in 1:20.42, just ths of a second off the track record. "Bobby wanted to give him a rest and have him start fresh", said regular jockey Javier Castellano. "Bobby didn't want me to kill the horse after the layoff. I had to keep him with the pace, but not go too early and overuse him. He ran a big race today." Ghostzapper earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 120.