|
Horse Racing News and Commentary |
|
|
|
|
|
Rags to Riches beats the boys in the Belmont Stakes |
|
|
|
Written by Gohorsepower.com
|
|
Saturday, 09 June 2007 |
 Rags to Riches broke out of the gate badly, but came up big when it counted, narrowly beating Preakness Stakes winner Curlin in the 139th running of the Belmont Stakes. Rags to Riches is now undefeated in all five of her 2007 starts. Curlin was a close second, Tiago a distant third, and Hard Spun fourth. It was also the first win in a Triple Crown race for trainer Todd Pletcher, and the first Belmont Stakes win for jockey John Velazquez.
Rags to Riches is the first filly to win the Belmont in 102 years. Her only career loss was her first and only race as a juvenile in 2006.
Rags to Riches paid $10.60 to win. The $2 Exacta paid 25.20, the $2 Trifecta paid $25.20, and the $2 Superfecta paid $242.50.
CP West and Edgar Prado set the pace, with Slew's Tizzy pressing under Rafael Bejarno. Curlin and Hard Spun were close to the leaders early. Rags to Riches and Tiago settled patently at the back, while Imawildandcrazyguy was a distant trailer who never threatened.
Rags to Riches began her surge to the lead midway around the final turn, responding to a game challenge from Curlin, who got close, but was denied. Rags to Riches prevailed by a head. It was 5 1/2 lengths back to Tiago with a closing rally. The head-strong Hard Spun fought against his rider early, and raced considerably wide. He was passed shortly after a late bid from the quarter pole.
|
|
