In the Belmont, Velazquez rides Dunkirk, the third choice at 4-1.
The scenario is not unlike the 2007 Belmont Stakes. Velazquez had
never ridden the Pletcher-trained Rags to Riches, but picked up the
mount and won the Belmont aboard the filly who was owned by Michael
Tabor and Derrick Smith, who are partners in Dunkirk with Susan
Magnier. Garrett Gomez, the filly’s rider up to that point, stuck with
Hard Spun, whom he had committed to before Pletcher declared Rags to
Riches a runner in the final leg of the Triple Crown.
Rags to Riches provided Velazquez and Pletcher with their first – and to date – only victory in a Triple Crown race.
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