Ruler On Ice turned a stalking trip into a stunning victory in the Belmont Stakes, turning back the run of Stay Thirsty to win the 143rd running of the historic Belmont Stakes (gr. I) by a half-length.
Under Jose Valdivia, the colt tracked a moderate pace set by Preakness winner Shackleford in the early stages with Stay Thirsty racing third toward the inside. Favored Animal Kingdom clipped heels soon after the break and nearly unseated John Velazquez, ending up last in the early stages.
Shackleford led the field all the way around the far turn and entered the homestretch with the lead, but Ruler On Ice had plenty of energy left and claimed the lead in deep stretch. Stay Thirsty on the inside was rallying well, and Brilliant Speed on the far outside was right in contention too, but Ruler On Ice turned them all away to win his first stakes race.
Stay Thirsty finished second, followed by Brilliant Speed and Nehro. Shackleford tired to finish fifth, while Animal Kingdom made a sweeping run on the far turn to reach contention before flattening out. Mucho Macho Man was seventh.
-Keelerman
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