ELMONT, NY – Juddmonte Farms homebred Tacitus struck the front midway through the far turn and drew off impressively to win Saturday’s $200,000 Suburban Stakes (G2) at Belmont Park.
Sent from the rail as the even-money favorite under John Velazquez, Tacitus took back and watched as Parsimony set the pace, for much of the early running.
Tipped out halfway through the far turn to run three-wide toward the front, Tacitus emerged at the top of the stretch still in hand and with a growing lead.
Given the green light, the Bill Mott trainee flew away from his competition before crossing 8 3/4 lengths the best in a final time of 1:59.51 for the 1 1/4-mile fast main track event.
“He was going comfortable the whole way,” said Velazquez, who was aboard for the second straight ride. “We had a little pressure in the first part of the race, and little by little, we kept reaching back and reaching back. I just wanted to be a little further back. Once we passed the 5/8 pole, I put my hands down and he got into a great rhythm. From there on, I knew he was comfortable and in a position to win.”
Moretti caught Parsimony at the wire for second by a neck. Just Whistle, Mr. Buff, and a non-factoring Sir Winston completed the order of finish.
Forewarned and Joevia were scratched.
Tacitus’ win was his first since the 2019 Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct and improved his overall record to 12-4-3-2 with $2,817,500 earned. The 4-year-old Tapit colt righted the ship after finishing off the board in the $20 million Saudi Cup and the Oaklawn Handicap (G2).
“It seems to make him level off a little more and stay in the bridle a little more,” Mott said about adding blinkers for this race. “We’ve put a lot into this horse. We took him to some big races and he’s run some good races. We took him halfway around the world earlier this year, looking for something like that (winning effort) in Saudi and in Dubai before they canceled the (Dubai World Cup).”
Tacitus returned $4.20 to win, $2.80 to place, and $2.30 to show. Moretti brought back $4.10 to place and $3.50 to show, while Parsimony paid $8.40 to show.
