Saratoga Springs, NY (WRGB) — The third day of Saratoga’s July Fourth Racing Festival delivered an upset in its featured event, the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks Invitational.
Fionn, a daughter of Twirling Candy, surged from behind in the final stretch to defeat heavy favorite Nitrogen and Opulent Restraint in a thrilling finish. Ridden by Flavien Prat, Fionn edged past the top two fillies in the closing strides to take the $500,000 race — her first Grade 1 victory.
“First thought was, well, grade one placing, that’s a plus,” trainer Brad Cox said after the race. “And then I thought, she’s coming — and she obviously got there… this win is huge.”
Fionn completed the 1 1/8-mile turf race in a course record time of 1:44.84.
Nitrogen, the 4-5 favorite entering the race, finished second, while Opulent Restraint settled for third.
Seven fillies competed in the Belmont Oaks, all seeking their first Grade 1 win.