Why does Afleet Alex's 2005 Belmont Stakes stand out?
The Belmont Stakes, last leg of the American Triple Crown, has been the least attended in several years with no potential Triple Crown title on the line. Race-goers are still waiting for a Thoroughbred who can add to Triple Crown lore left hanging since Affirmed achieved the triple sweep in 1978.
Three Thoroughbreds of the 1970s won the Triple Crown: Secretariat in 1973, Seattle Slew in 1977, and Affirmed the following year. None ripped the Belmont Stakes course to shreds like Secretariat. He traveled the challenging 1-1/2 miles distance of the contest in 2:24 flat, a distance record worldwide that still stands.
Where Does Afleet Alex Stand?
Although Secretariat's total time remains far untouched, it was a little bay foaled by Maggy Hawk and sired by Northern Afleet that burst through the final quarter of the Belmont Stakes in the fastest effort ever produced in the famed race. Afleet Alex ran his final quarter in :24.50, while Secretariat did it in :25 flat. (Secretariat's victory margin was a mammoth 31 lengths.)
Afleet Alex finished the Belmont Stakes in 2:28.75, not nearly among the fastest times on record.
However, Northern Afleet's son, jockeyed throughout the Triple Crown by Jeremy Rose, certainly left an impression. Afleet Alex was favored in the Kentucky Derby, the triple's first contest, but he failed to catch the 50-1 longshot Holy Bull-sired Giacomo as that colt hit his stride and won driving from the field.
In the Preakness Stakes, Afleet Alex proved his worth in courage, overcoming what could have been a catastrophic fall when he clipped heels from behind Scrappy T and flew first to the wire. In the Belmont, Rose breathlessly described his mount's winning effort as "explosive". The duo's seven-length win was one of the largest margins of victory in 60 years and a statement of stamina.
Fastest Belmont Stakes Times
Since 1926, when the Belmont Stakes distance steadied to remain at 1-1/2 miles, few Thoroughbreds have run that course in under 2:27; two have run the race in 2:26 flat (Seattle Slew colt A.P. Indy, 1992, and Alydar's Easy Goer, 1989).
In comparison, Secretariat's feat is phenomenal.
Running the 1-1/2 miles Belmont Stakes in under 2:27: Secretariat son Risen Star, 1988, 2:26-2/5; Point Given, 2001, 2:26.56; Gallant Man, 1957, 2:26-3/5; Tabasco Cat, 1994, 2:26-4/5; Affirmed, 1978, 2:26-4/5.
Two stars ran the 1-1/2 miles version of the Belmont Stakes in 2:28 flat: Hansel, 1991; and Secretariat stablemate Riva Ridge, 1972.
Running the 1-1/2 miles Belmont Stakes in under 2:28: Go and Go, 1990, 2:27-1/5; Seattle Slew's Swale, 1984, 2:27-1/5; Stage Door Johnny, 1968, 2:27-1/5; Birdstone, 2004, 2:27.50; Birdstone son Summer Bird, 2009, 2:27.54; Caveat, 1983, 2:27-4/5; Jazil, 2006, 2:27.86; Lemon Drop Kid, 1999, 2:27.88.
Interestingly, Stage Door Johnny thwarted a triple sweep by Forward Pass, who won the Kentucky Derby when victor Dancer's Image was disqualified for failing a post-race drug test. Forward Pass went on to triumph in the Preakness Stakes on his own merit.
Birdstone and Lemon Drop Kid also stopped Triple Crown threats, defeating Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes champions Smarty Jones and Charismatic in 2004 and 1999, respectively.
Risen Star, Hansel, Tabasco Cat, and Point Given, as well as Afleet Alex, failed to win the Kentucky Derby but both avenged themselves in the second and third legs of the Triple Crown.
Nearly twenty horses, including Afleet Alex, raced the Belmont Stakes at 1-1/2 miles in under 2:29.
Belmont Stakes Distances
Other distances at which the Belmont Stakes has been raced throughout its 143 runnings include 1-5/8 miles, 1-1/4 miles, 1-1/8 miles, and 1-3/8 miles.
These times varied during the 19th Century and early 20th Century.
Sources:
- Thoroughbred Times Racing Almanac, 2006
- www.thoroughbredtimes.com/triple-crown
- The Blood-Horse magazine, June 13, 2009/No.24
BarbaraAnne Helberg - Barbara Anne Helberg, Supporter of Better Lives for Animals and Clean, Spirited, Competitive Sports
