Civil Union Runs Away Late in River Memories

ELMONT, NY – Allen Stable homebred Civil Union had more than enough left at the end of the marathon, running away late to win Sunday’s $80,000 River Memories Stakes at Belmont Park.

Civil Union was sent away from post 7 at 9/2 odds under Jose Ortiz and sat in a close tracking position for much of the early running. Beau Belle posted opening fractions of :24.52, :50.07, 1:16.80, and 1:41.62.

Sent three-wide to the lead midway through the far turn, Civil Union turned for home with a slim advantage. The 5/2 favorite Olympic Games ranged up along her outside and made a bid, but Civil Union repelled her effort and began pulling away at the 1/16 pole.

The Shug McGaughey-trained winner crossed 1 3/4 lengths ahead of Olympic Games in a final time of 2:29.49 for the 1 1/2-mile firm turf marathon.

Beau Belle stayed on well in the stretch, finishing 3/4 of a length ahead of Dyna Passer for third. Pallas Athene, Beale Street, Wegetsdamunnys, Lemon Zip, Red Curls, and Seeking Revenge completed the order of finish.

Tass was scratched.

Civil Union’s win was her second straight following a local allowance score on June 21. The lightly-raced 5-year-old War Front mare improved her record to 6-3-1-1 with $149,310 earned.

Civil Union returned $11.80 to win, $5.90 to place, and $4.10 to show. Olympic Games brought back $4.50 to place and $3.50 to show, while Beau Belle paid $4.40 to show.