What A Race!!!!!!!

History was made yesterday when Rags To Riches became the first filly since 1905--yes, 102 years ago, to win the Belmont Stakes in thrilling fashion to get up by a nose at the wire. The stretch duel was right out of 1978 "Affirmed/Alydar". Sent off as the 4-1 second choice in the wagering (in a short field of 7), Rags To Riches was the sentimental favorite as demonstrated by the standing ovation she received as she came past us in the Post Parade.

In the 1-1/2 mile "Test of Champions", you knew the key would be stamina, pace and pure dumb luck. In the stamina category, we knew Rags To Riches could get the distance having Secretariat and A.P. Indy in her bloodlines and being a half-sister to last year's Belmont winner, Jazil. However, it is an incredibly tough proposition for a filly to take on the best boys around and win. Rags To Riches victory was impressive in that she was the first filly to win at the Belmont distance of 1-1/2 miles. The first Belmont in 1867 was won by a filly, Ruthless, when the race was contested at 1-5/8 miles--just a tad longer than the current Belmont distance. Tanya in 1905 won the Belmont when it was run at a 1-1/4 miles-- a quarter mile shorter than today's classic distance.

When the gates opened, I thought Rags To Riches had lost all chance when she stumbled badly and nearly went down to her knees. However, jockey John Velasquez kept his cool, knew it was a long race and gathered her together to reach mid-pack. It also helped considerably that the pace was lethargic. C.P. West and Slew's Tizzy alternated on the lead through an opening 1/4 in 24-3/5ths and a half in 50 seconds flat. At the 3/4 mile marker, C.P. West and Slew's Tizzy were still there in 1:15-2/5ths--a pedestrian pace. Hard Spun, who I thought would be the pace setter, was being hard held in 3rd by Garrett Gomez. Curlin was racing on the rail and looked like he might get boxed in since the front 2 had yet to start backing up and the pace was slow. Tiago was making his move and Rags To Riches was in the clear on the outside just 4 lengths off the lead.

Approaching the stretch, Curlin found room at the rail to get by and begin his bid. Rags To Riches swung 4 wide to circle the field and get right alongside Curlin and the battle was on. Those two just ding-donged through the stretch with Curlin having the lead one second and then Rags To Riches would have the lead when her head came down. At the wire, it was Rags To Riches head coming down just as Curlin's head was coming up and the filly wins by a nose. What a roar from the crowd of only 46,976.

Jockey John Velasquez showed his class when he brought Rags To Riches past the stands for her fans to cheer her on. In my 37 years of attending the Belmont, the last time I saw a horse get such an ovation was Secretariat and Affirmed. It was a very popular victory. It was good for the sport.

I also have to sing the praises of track announcer Tom Durkin. His call of that race will go down as one of the best calls of any race, anywhere. He is the best in the business.

It will be an interesting summer to see how Monmouth and Saratoga now battle to get Rags To Riches t0 keep racing against the boys in their signature events--the Haskell and the Travers. I'm hoping owner Michael Tabor and trainer Todd Pletcher go ahead and have her run again against the boys.

In a short field, there wasn't a lot of money to be made; but, the race was rich just by itself.

May the horse be with you,


Racetrack Lenny

The Belmont

I'll be out to Belmont Park for the 37th consecutive year at the Belmont Stakes. I wish the race was a good betting race; but, it certainly should be an interesting race, especially with the presence of the brilliant filly Rags To Riches.

I was a bit surprised when the track's odds-maker made Rags To Riches the 3rd choice at 3/1. Maybe the odds maker took into account the "filly versus the males" angle which will attract money to Rags. Also, a catchy name that sums up what everyone wants to happen to them--go from Rags to Riches!

Here's my thoughts on the field:

1. I'm A Wild & Crazy Guy: A one-run closer who needs a fast pace to close into. That scenario generally doesn't develop too often in the Belmont. Jazil won from last to first last year; but, the opening fractions were very fast. More often than not, tactical speed wins the race. This horse may be flying at the end; but, best to use him at the bottom of your trifecta bets.

2. Tiago: Another one-run closer who needs a strong pace. He is related to Giacomo; however, remember that Giacomo finished a non-threatening 4th in his Belmont. This west coast based horse may find the Belmont surfact a little too deep for his liking.

3. Curlin: A deserving favorite who will likely go off at even money or less. For that return, I am looking to beat him. Yes, he put in a huge run in the Preakness equaling Secretariat's record for that distance. However, is he capable of another such effort? I am betting he isn't.

4. C.P. West: Trainer Nick Zito beat Smarty Jones with Birdstone--and C.P. West has followed Birdstone's training regimen and race tab. So, a win by C.P. West, while not likely, is not totally out of the question.

5. Slew's Tizzy: Is very much overmatched here; but, he will be a pace factor. He can't get the distance. The question is will he sucker Hard Spun and Rags To Riches into matching strides early. I hope not.

6. Hard Spun: Brilliant effort in the Derby, setting a strong pace and getting beat by a brilliant Street Sense. A very nice effort in the Preakness despite Mario Pino moving much too soon on him. It cost Pino the mount as Garrett Gomez replaces him for tomorrow's race. I think he can set a sensible pace and last to the end.

7. Rags To Riches: Certainly adds an "angle" to the race. Can a filly beat the boys? Sure--if the right pace scenario sets up. She will carry 5 lbs. less than the boys which is a plus. If she can rate off the expected pacesetter- Slew's Tizzy, and get the jump on Hard Spun, she can be around at the finish line.

Bets:

$2 Exacta: 6,7 over ALL.

$1 Trifecta: 6/7 with 6/7 with 1,2,3,4,5

$1 Trifecta 6/7 with 1,2,3,4,5 with 6/7

May the horse be with you,

Racetrack Lenny