Sir Winston Wins Belmont Stakes

When the ten horses left the gate at the start of the Belmont Stakes this afternoon, Tacitus was the betting favorite, and War of Will was a close second choice.  But it wan't to be for either colt.  Joevia quickly took the lead in the mile and a half race, and ran slow fractions.  The winner by one length was Sir Winston, the chestnut son of Awesome Again, under the guidance of Joel Rosario.  Tacitus was second, with early leader Joevia hanging on for third place.  The final time for the 12 furlongs was 2:28.3.
   The payouts for $2 bets were: (7) Sir Winston to win $22.40; (10) Tacitus to place $3.90; and (1) Joevia to show $8.70.  The $2 exacta paid $96; the trifecta paid $2,488; and the superfecta (7-10-1-4) paid $20,856.
   The complete order of finish was: 1, Sir Winston; 2, Tacitus; 3, Joevia; 4, Tax; 5, Master Fencer (JPN); 6, Spinoff; 7, Everfast; 8, Intrepid Heart; 9, War of Will; and 10, Bourbon War.
   There was some bumping coming around the final turn and into the stretch, and I expected Tyler Gaffalione to claim interference - but he didn't.  I hope the young man will learn to be honest in the future, as he clearly interfered with Maximum Security in the Kentucky Derby.  He Tweeted about it, and then took down the post within an hour, the evening of the Derby.  The video lawyer Anna Oldfather provided the KHRC shows the situation as it happened.  -   But that's over and done with.