What a way to wrap up the 2023 Triple Crown season of Thoroughbred Racing at the 155th Belmont Stakes after we witnessed such an unbelievable finish where Arcangelo got away against a bunch of other late front runners just in time for the win. Current Preakness Stakes winner National Treasure was looking to bow out two of three Triple Crown wins with a great start to lead the pack & hung in there for the majority. But then it all changes everything going into the final homestretch where National Treasure began to slip away from top spot, with Arcangelo becoming the new leader.
The race isn’t still over just yet with about 100-200 metres left as a few other new front runners took place of National Treasure – whose momentum declined even further down the field – in the hope of steal the race off Arcangelo before the finish line approaches at the last minute.
But Arcangelo held on top spot really well against the likes of Forte, Tapid Trice & Hit Show where they were all sniffing right behind him before he crossed the finish line first unscathed that marked their breakthrough moments in Belmont Stakes history by both jockey Javier Castellano & female trainer Jena Antonucci – how good!
And speaking of how good, it’s great to hear the dulcet tones of Tom Durkin once again for new rights holder FOX in conjunction with New York Racing Association after his initial retirement from calling nearly a decade ago. I’m sure he will hopefully continue calling for them on a one-off annual basis going forward. Yes, it’s far from ideal to see NBC carry the first two Triple Crown races now while still airing the Breeders’ Cup. But the Belmont Stakes is still an excellent race to wrap up the third and final leg nonetheless as can’t wait to start all over again beginning with the 150th Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2024.
