The Top 7 From Belmont Park
1-DRUMMOND GOLF BELMONT CLASSIC.
The lead-up to the Listed event might have been a little underwhelming with just six starters to contest, but it delivered on the day with an exciting three-way finish and just a length and a half separating the field. A short head and short half-head the margin between Baronova, Truly Reliable and Chili Is Hot.
2-JUSTIN WARWICK
A feature winning send off for Justin Warwick who is about to take a break from racing following the last-stride win of Baronova in the Belmont Classic. The gifted horseman says the daughter of Fiorente is a great filly going forward who will have a great career on the east coast over longer trips.
3-THE SPRUIKER
He might lack height but he is not short on courage and determination. The three-year-old has been a winter revelation and money spinner for trainer Steve Wolfe with four straight wins from as many starts this preparation. After just 11 appearances the I’m All The Talk gelding has pocketed $403,670 in prizemoney and Westspeed bonuses.
4-WILLIAM PIKE
It becomes repetitive but it’s mesmerizing to watch when he snatches victory from the jaws of defeat. From last Baronova was never in a winning position until the final stride and later when supporters of Fuhrer might have been feeling somewhat comfortable he produces a barnstorming inside ride on True Attraction.
5-RAY VINCENT
After Truly Reliable’s heartbreaking defeat in the Belmont Classic you could have forgiven Vincent for feeling a bit dirty on missing out on his first stakes victory, but that wasn’t the case, he was brimming with pride and in a classy postscript said he was just ‘stoked’ to see his three-year-old perform so well in a feature race.
6-DIA DE LA RAZA
Unwanted by suitors early on, Dia De La Raza is a firm favourite of Hopeland trainer Vaughn Sigley, who describes him as the perfect ‘bread and butter’ horse that he loves. The seven-year-old, first-up with no trial, returned to winner’s list for the first time in 1050 days after a perfect front-running ride by Pat Carbery.
7-HOLLY WATSON
The talented 3kg claiming apprentice took full toll of track conditions when she fired Agent Jay straight to the front and was never headed. It was her first Saturday win at Belmont Park and 50th overall this season after 40 wins in the provincials and five in the city and country. A rising talent who is garnering an army of supporters.
Julio Santarelli