Union Rags Pedigree: Horse's Victory at 2012 Belmont Shouldn't Be a Surprise

Based on Union Rags' elite racing pedigree, it should be no surprise that the horse rallied to win the 2012 Belmont Stakes.

The third jewel of the Triple Crown is also the most grueling, as the 1.5-mile race in Elmont, New York is known as the "Test of the Champions." Union Rags passed that test on Saturday, making a thrilling surge along the rail to surpass Paynter on the home stretch.

Although this result may have caught some off guard, one look at Union Rags' family history suggests that this one was a foregone conclusion.

Thanks to his mother's side of the family, Union Rags' blood is rich in stamina.

His mother, Tempo, was bred by Alice du Pont Mills at Hickory Tree Stable. Tempo herself won several races in her career, while her granddaughter Vertiformer won the 1.25-mile Grand Prix du Lion D'Angers in France in 2010. 

Terpsichorist, Tempo's mother and Union Rags' grandmother, was also born and raised at Hickory Tree Stable. Under the training of Woody Stephens, she won the 1.5-mile Long Island Handicap at Aqueduct and the 1.25-mile Sheepshead Bay race, which was at the same Belmont track that Union Rags just conquered.

A quick look into Terpsichorist's history also shows some wildly successful horses. Her father, Nijinsky II, was an English Triple Crown winner, while her distant family member Colonial Affair won the Belmont in 1993.

Although Union Rags' pedigree wasn't nearly as strong on his father's side, the talent he gained from his mother's bloodlines was all he needed.

He was one of the favorites coming into Saturday's race, and he didn't disappoint. He delivered a classic performance at the Belmont, proving that his pedigree and skill are truly elite.

For Union Rags' complete pedigree, click here.