Commendable Wins Belmont Stakes in Dominant Performance

Strategic Insights -

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas and jockey Pat Day celebrated a 13th Triple Crown win with the dominant performance of Commendable in the 132nd Belmont Stakes. The field was significantly weaker than in previous years, with the absence of Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus and Preakness winner Red Bullet. Commendable's victory marked a sweet moment for owners Bob and Beverly Lewis, who suffered disappointing losses in the Belmont when Silver Charm in 1997 and Charismatic in 1999 failed to win the Triple Crown.

Key Takeaways:

  • Commendable won the 132nd Belmont Stakes with a dominant performance, taking the lead at the quarter pole and holding off Aptitude by 1 1/2 lengths.
  • The field was significantly weaker than in previous years, with the absence of Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus and Preakness winner Red Bullet.
  • Commendable's victory marked a sweet moment for owners Bob and Beverly Lewis, who suffered disappointing losses in the Belmont when Silver Charm in 1997 and Charismatic in 1999 failed to win the Triple Crown.
  • Commendable went off at odds of almost 19-1, earning a payout of $39.60, $12.80, and $6.30 in the win, place, and show.
  • The total purse for the Belmont Stakes was $1 million.
  • Commendable's victory boosted his career bankroll to $688,470.
  • Pat Day, the jockey of Commendable, rode his third Belmont winner.
  • D. Wayne Lukas is a Hall of Fame trainer with 13 Triple Crown wins.
  • The 132nd Belmont Stakes was held on a sunny day with a temperature of 95 degrees, attracting 67,810 fans to Belmont Park.

Statistics:

  • 1 1/2 miles: Distance of the Belmont Stakes
  • 2:31: Time taken by Commendable to complete the race
  • 19-1: Odds at which Commendable went off
  • $600,000: Amount earned by Commendable from a $1 million purse
  • $688,470: Commendable's career bankroll after the win
  • 13: Number of Triple Crown wins achieved by D. Wayne Lukas
  • 1 1/2 lengths: Distance by which Commendable won the race over Aptitude
  • 67,810: Number of fans in attendance at Belmont Park on the day of the race
  • $100,000: Amount by which Unshaded was supplemented to the race by owner James B. Tafel

Sources:

  • The Associated Press
  • Ed Schuyler Jr.