Tom Pedulla presents key takeaways from the $1.5 million Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets and other major developments Saturday at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y.

Arcangelo arrives. (Eclipse Sportswire)

RAPID RISE: Most owners spend decades only to chase a Triple Crown victory in vain. Not Jon Ebbert, owner of Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets winner Arcangelo. He started his first horse, aptly named Daydreamin Boy, at Philadelphia Park (now Parx Racing) in 2009. Over a relatively short period of time, he obviously learned his lessons well. “An immense amount of gratitude to Jon. He’s a young owner and a patient owner and there is a lot to be learned from his example,” said Jena Antonucci after she became the first woman to train the winner of a Triple Crown race. He spotted a great opportunity with Arcangelo, a son of the late Arrogate whose value apparently was diminished because he was a May foal, and purchased him for $35,000 as a yearling.

ON THE ENGINE: National Treasure benefitted from a sluggish pace and was able to settle into a comfortable rhythm when he outdueled Blazing Sevens to win the Preakness Stakes for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert and masterful jockey John Velazquez. The colt made the lead again in the Belmont – but there was nothing comfortable about the way he traveled. “Johnny said he could never turn him off. He was really tense. He never got a chance to relax,” Baffert said. When the running got serious, the Quality Road colt faltered badly and came in sixth.

Business was brisk at Belmont Park. (Eclipse Sportswire)

BIG BUSINESS: Considering that there was doubt just a few days before about whether the Belmont Stakes could be run as scheduled due to extremely poor air quality in New York, the New York Racing Association had to be overjoyed by the pari-mutuel handle and attendance. The all-sources handle of $118,283,455 set a NYRA record for a year in which a Triple Crown was not at stake. It represented more than a 5% hike over the previous mark of $112,725,278 for a non-Triple Crown year, set in 2021. All-sources handle on the Belmont Stakes was a robust $56,533,820. The 13-race card featured six Grade 1 events. With capacity set at 50,000, NYRA reported an attendance of 48,089.

Another amazing win for Cody’s Wish. (Eclipse Sportswire)

TOP OF THE HEAP: Cody’s Wish, a fan favorite with his wonderful connection to physically challenged teenager Cody Dorman, just might move to the top of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association poll as the nation’s best horse. He sure looked the part when he overcame a poor start with a dramatic rush that provided a comfortable 3 ¼-length victory in the prestigious Hill ‘n’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap, better known as the Met Mile. “For sure, it’s a great story, but it goes along with a good horse,” said Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, adding, “It took us a couple of races to get him going in the right direction and to get him educated enough to where he knew how to use his run. He’s finally figured it out.” Cody’s Wish, named for Dorman, rattled off his fourth consecutive Grade 1 win and his 10^th victory in his last 11 starts. He gained an automatic, fees-paid entry to defend his title in the Big Ass Fans Dirt Mile in the Breeders’ Cup in November at Santa Anita Park.

Caravel beats the boys again.

GOT THEIR NUMBER: Caravel, ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, earned an automatic berth to defend her title in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint when she beat the boys for the third time in her career in the Jaipur Stakes. In addition to the Jaipur and the Breeders’ Cup, she also defeated males in the April 8 Shakertown Stakes at Keeneland. “She is absolutely amazing. She just never lets you down. She is spot on,” said trainer Brad Cox. It is unclear what might be next for the 6-year-old daughter of Mizzen Mast. “There are some races up in Saratoga but I’m not sure yet how many more times we would need to run prior to the Breeders’ Cup,” Cox said. “We’ll just try to keep her happy and healthy.”