Under a masterfully patient and well-timed ride from jockey Javier Castellano, Blue Devil Racing's Foreign Affair scored in the opener for Belmont's Fall Championship Meet.
Breaking well, with the field, Foreign Affair was content to cruise along the inside path, 4 lengths off the leader and sitting behind three other contenders.
Turning for home, it looked to be anyone's race as multiple runners were within striking distance of a leader who showed no signs of faltering. On this day, however, this 3 year old daughter of Exchange Rate would not be denied as Javier said "go", shooting his mount through a narrow gap on the rail and swinging into a tight 2-path space; between the leader and the trailing horse close behind. From here on in it was hard going, as Foreign Affair dug in gamely and gave everything she had to run down the leader, who was equally determined to capture the win. In the end, the Carlos Martin-trainee crossed the wire 3/4 of a length clear.
Congratulations to Blue Devil Racing's Marc Holliday, on an exciting win to kick off the return to Belmont and for his continued support of Martin Racing Stables. Congratulations as well to dedicated groom, Ricardo Cisterna, Carlos and the entire team at the Martin barn.
