Belmont Stakes: Union Rags' Victory Just a Stepping Stone to Greater Things

Union Rags' incredible win at the Belmont Stakes was the first step of many towards greatness.

The colt was fresh and ready for the long race, and jockey John Velasquez handled him masterfully throughout—holding him back until just the right moment for the final stretch. It can all be traced back to a good start, though, and once they got off on the right foot, horse and rider carried out their strategy to perfection.

The way he raced at Belmont Field was the way everyone thought he'd race at the Kentucky Derby. Instead of getting off to a good start like he did at Belmont, though, Union Rags was pinned towards the back of the pack after a bad start and never recovered in time at Churchill Downs.

His victory in New York proves that all the hype surrounding him before the Kentucky Derby was well-deserved. That being said, trainer Michael Matz isn't content to rest on their laurels the rest of the 2012 campaign. They're hunting for even bigger prey than the Belmont Stakes Trophy.

Matz is hoping Union Rags can impress voters enough to give him the Eclipse Award (top three-year-old) and the Horse of the Year, according to USA Today: "It all depends on how we finish the season. Who knows what could go on? We're not throwing in the towel by any means."

I'll Have Another would seem to be the likely choice if the racing season ended today. But there is still plenty of time left for Union Rags to make his mark in the 2012 campaign. Matz told reporters that his colt will race the July 29 Haskell at Monmouth Park, the July 28 Jim Dandy at Saratoga or the Aug. 25 Travers at Saratoga.

After the season is finished, the work won't stop for Union Rags. He'll be busy for a long, long time afterwards as a lucrative stud horse for owner Phyllis Wyeth. Who knows, perhaps it won't be long until we see one of Union Rags' line contending for the Triple Crown?

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