Going off at 7-1, Arcangelo lived up to his name and floated to the line in front of Forte to give the 2023 Belmont Stakes a somewhat-surprise finish.
Going off at 7-1, Arcangelo lived up to his name and floated to the line in front of Forte to give the 2023 Belmont Stakes a surprise and rather commanding winning flourish. Tapit Trice gritted it out down the stretch to show behind Forte. Arcangelo paid $17.80 to win, Forte an expected, low $4.30 in place, and Tapit Trice a mere $4.10.
The race was an upset in one other, arguably greater way: Trainer Jenna Antonucci is the first female trainer to win the Belmont in the race’s 155-year history — a fine boost for Ms. Antonucci and for the sport. She said generously of her exceedingly game runner: « We’re trying to soak this all in now — just so proud of this horse right now. He’s just got the heart of a champion.
