Irish classic winner Samitar picked up her first U.S. grade I victory on Saturday afternoon when she held off a prolonged challenge from Somali Lemonade to win the $300,000 Garden City Stakes (gr. I) at Belmont Park in determined fashion.
Ridden to victory by Ramon Dominguez, Samitar was sent off as the odds-on favorite in the nine-furlong turf race, and after getting off to a good start, she settled into the fourth position as Karlovy Vary led the way through moderate fractions of :24.96 and :49.74 seconds. Ciao Bella was content to sit back in second, a length or two clear of Open Water. Trophy Wife, Somali Lemonade, and Tannery were the early trailers.
Karlovy Vary continued to lead the way through three-quarters of a mile in 1:13.86 seconds, but was passed shortly thereafter by Ciao Bella, who made a strong challenge to grab the lead turning for home. But her lead was short-lived, as Samitar was gearing up with a three-wide bid and took the advantage just inside the eighth pole. She appeared to be on her way to victory, but Somali Lemonade was finishing up strongly on the far outside, closing the gap with every stride. The two fillies hit the wire together with little between them, but the photo finish camera revealed Samitar the winner by a head. The final time was 1:48.74 seconds.
Tannery closed well to finish third, while Ciao Bella, Open Water, Trophy Wife, and Karlovy Vary completed the order of finish. The winner is trained by Chad Brown and owned by Martin S. Schwartz.
-Keelerman
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