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Victorious Filly Races Into History  

Posted Jun 9, 07 6:28 PM CDT in Sports    Editor's Choice

(newser) – The cry of "girl power!" echoed throughout stately Belmont Park today as a filly won the Belmont Stakes for the first time in 102 years. Rags to Riches, a half-sister of 2006 winner Jazil, overcame a stumble at the start to outduel favored Curlin by a neck and capture the third jewel of the Triple Crown under John Velazquez.

Rags to Riches returned $10.60 as the 4-1 second choice. Trainer Todd Pletcher, who earned his first victory in a Triple Crown race in his 29th attempt, abandoned his normal reserve to join the crowd in urging her on down the stretch. Rags to Riches, a chestnut daughter of A.P. Indy, carried 121 pounds to her six rivals' 126.

Source Associated Press

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Play-by-play of the race
Blood-Horse (Ky.) | Jun 9, 07

Rags to Riches and Curlin are more Basinger-Baldwin than Bundchen-Brady
Boston Herald | Jun 9, 07

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Victorious Filly Races Into History
Rags to Riches, ridden by John R. Velazquez, left, stumbles coming out of the starting gate at the 139th Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. on Saturday, June 9, 2007. Rags to Riches went...   (Associated Press)
Victorious Filly Races Into History
Rags to Riches (7), ridden by John R. Velazquez, wins the 139th Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York on Saturday, June 9, 2007. Curlin, ridden by Robby Albarado, background, finished second....   (Associated Press)
Victorious Filly Races Into History
Rags to Riches' trainer Todd A. Pletcher, left, and jockey John R. Velazquez, right, hold up the trophy after the 139th running of the Belmont Stakes Saturday, June 9, 2007 at Belmont Park in Elmont,...   (Associated Press)
Victorious Filly Races Into History
Rags to Riches' co-owners Michael B. Tabor, left, and Derrick Smith, right, handle her as she is ridden by jockey John R. Velazquez into the winner's circle after the 139th running of the Belmont Stakes...   (Associated Press)
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horse racing  • horse  • Curlin  • Triple Crown  • Todd Pletcher


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