Belmont Royale N delivered a memorable performance Saturday, April 18, capturing the $16,500 Open Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel with a blistering time of 1:51.4. This marked the fastest mile of the meet so far and came after the horse had runner-up finishes in his previous three starts at the venue.
The victory began when a long shot, Hunter Hill driven by Leon Bailey, initially set a fast pace, checking in at the half-mile mark in :55.3. However, Belmont Royale N and his driver Aaron Byron made a decisive move in the stretch, powering through a :27.1 third quarter to take the lead. Despite a challenge from the favorite, Mydadsaid A (driven by Jacob Cutting), who gained some ground around the final turn, Belmont Royale N held on for a 1-3/4 length win.
The 9-year-old gelding, sired by Betterthancheddar, has now earned over $370,000 in his career. Owned by Archie McNeil and Bill O’Donnell and trained by Melissa Beckwith alongside driver Byron, the combination proved potent again, adding another win to Beckwith’s successful Saturday card. Live racing action continues Sunday with a $5,209 carryover in the early Pick-5.