No, that is not the BELMONT STAKES replay – that is the METROPOLITAN HANDICAP – the Met Mile.
It is one of the most famous races in America and this year’s running, was one of the most stunning races we have seen in years.
FROSTED shook the Belmont grandstand with an explosive turn of foot and a 14-length win, 1 mile in 1:32.74, translating into a whopping 123 Beyer Speed Figure, putting him among some of the greats in modern history.
FROSTED, by Tapit out of Fast Cookie by Ontario bred Deputy Minister had not raced since he was beaten 5 lengths by California Chrome in the Dubai World Cup in March. Last year the grey colt owned by Shadwell won the Wood Memorial and Pennsylvania Derby. Kiaran McLaughlin trains.
Of course the Belmont was the gem of the day and what a race it was as two grey colts charged to the wire together in an incredible finish after 1 1/2 miles.
CREATOR, by Tapit (yes, more Tapit) is owned by WinStar and Bobby Flay and trained by Steve Asmussen. He had won the Arkansas Derby and then was a troubled 13th in the Kentucky Derby.
CREATOR and DESTIN to the wire – Cindy Pierson Dulay Photo
DESTIN, also troubled in the Derby and also a colt who passed up the Preakness, was locked in the battle but just missed for Todd Pletcher. Another grey, Lani was third in a big effort.
The Beyer for the Belmont was a 99 for a modest 2:28.51.
Trainer Steve Asmussen said, “I thought Irad (Ortiz) gave him a perfect trip. I thought he saved yards and won by inches. He made the difference. He saved a lot of ground going into the first turn. 48 4/5 for a half allowed Creator to show who he is. I thought quite a bit of traffic around the 1/4 pole; Irad was beautifully patient. He went through a lot of traffic very smooth. Very proud of Creator; he stayed focused through the traffic and did all he could to get up and win a great race.”
Brilliant win in the BROOKLYN HANDICAP by Ontario bred SHAMAN GHOST, last year’s Queen’s Plate winner, in the Grade 2 BROOKLYN HANDICAP for Stronach Stables and trainer Jimmy Jerkens – Cindy Pierson Dulay photo
BOBBY FLAY, famous chef, leads in Creator and jockey Irad Ortiz – VANESSA NG photo
AT WOODBINE ON SATURDAY
– SONGS and LAUGHTER had a great trip behind the speed duel of Beliveau and Aaronic Blessing and powered to victory in the Bold Ruckus Stakes at 6 furlongs the grass. The son of Singing Saint is a homebred for Dr. Rolph Davis and Bob Tiller trains.
Eurico da Silva won 4 races in a row up to that event.
Queen’s Plate eligibles had mixed results on the day with only perhaps ALL ON RED, 2nd in an allowance race in race 2 with an 84 Beyer Figure, perhaps earning a trip to the July 3 classic.
Wagering was $3.7 million.
