Pletcher’s previous victories at the Belmont Stakes were with Rags to Riches in 2007, Palace Malice in 2013 and Tapwrit in 2017. Saturday was a great day at the racetrack for him, as his other race instructor, Nest, finished in second place. “This is my derby,” owner Mike Repol told NBA Sports after the game. “This was a dream I had for 40 years. This is the biggest goal I had in my racing life, and I just achieved it and ran 1-2.” Born and raised in New York, Repole came close to victory just over a decade ago. He was emotional as he said that his dream had finally come true. “In 2011 I came second with Stay Thirsty,” he said. “I saw the repetition 150 times. I will not watch this repetition anymore.” The odds were in Mo Donegal’s favor, as historically the betting favorite had won the Belmont Stakes in more than 42% of cases. He entered the race as the top pick with 5/2 odds and also had a solid resume in New York, as his three previous victories had happened there. He also had a good teammate in Irad Ortiz. The 29-year-old Puerto Rican has a good reputation in the Empire State and won the Belmont Stakes in 2016 with the Creator. Ortiz is a three-time Eclipse Award winner, receiving the award in three consecutive years from 2018 to 2020. Success runs in the family as his brother, Jose Ortiz, won this year’s Preakness Stakes with Early Voting, which did not compete this weekend. No horse took part in all three legs of the Triple Crown this year. Mo Donegal finished fifth in the Kentucky Derby, but had a much better performance on Saturday. He was in the middle of the pack for much of the match, as We the People – the favorite when the morning line odds fell – took the lead early. Skippylongstocking was in second place and was trying to take over, but Mo Donegal climbed from fifth place and started to overtake his rivals with a strong push towards the end. “I will always be Mike from Queens,” Repol said. “This is the biggest fight in New York and to win it here, with my family, my friends, I’m a little shocked.” Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike finished sixth. This is the first time three different horses have won Triple Crown races in four consecutive years.
Belmont Stakes results, payments
6 – Mo Donegal WIN: $ 7.20 POSITION: $ 3.80 PRESENTATION: $ 3,003 – NEST POSITION: $ 5.30 PERFORMANCE: $ 4,102 – Skippylongstocking SHOW: $ 5.60 $ 2.00 Exacta 6-3 $ 27.60 $ 1.00 Trifecta 6-3-2 $ 187.50 $ 1.00 $ Superfecta 6-3-2-1 692.00 $
