NEW YORK (AP) — Essential Quality has won the third leg of the Triple Crown, capturing the Belmont Stakes.
Essential Quality went off as the 6-5 favorite and passed early leader Hot Rod Charlie around the final turn before holding on to win the 1 1/2-mile race.
Brad Cox’s gray colt finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby after going off as the favorite and enduring a rough trip.
Hot Rod Charlie was second, Preakness winner Rombauer third and Known Agenda fourth.
