Tuesday, June 14, 2011

"Ladies' Day"


BELMONT, N.Y. -- In 2007 the Belmont Stakes turned out to be Ladies' Day -- and Eclipse Award-winning trainer Todd Pletcher was off the Triple Crown schnied because of it.

Rags to Riches outdueled favored Curlin in a stirring stretch duel to become the first filly in 102 years to win the Belmont Stakes, gaining a gritty victory by a head in the final leg of the Triple Crown today at Belmont Park.

Sent off at 4-1 in the field of seven in her first start against colts, Rags to Riches overcame a stumble at the start and won despite racing wide throughout. It was her fourth straight Grade 1 stakes victory.

Pletcher, who has won the past three Eclipse Awards as the nation's top trainer, had been 0-for-28 in the Triple Crown. Tanya in 1905 was the last filly to win the Belmont Stakes. She became the first filly since Winning Colors in 1988 to win a Triple Crown race of any kind.

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