Point Given wins Belmont Stakes

Point Given, ridden by Gary Stevens, won the 133rd Belmont Stakes by 12 1/4 lengths from Preakness Stakes winner A P Valentine in New York yesterday.

Point Given`s victory in the 1 1/2 mile race meant he became the 17th horse to win the Preakness and Belmont Stakes and established him as the three-year-old champion. Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos finished third.

'Today he was a superstar and the fastest horse,' said Stevens. 'I can`t help but think what might have been if he had won the Derby. He could have had a (Triple) Crown next to his name. But it`s a great day for both of us.'

It was trainer Bob Baffert`s first Belmont victory, at his fourth attempt.

Though Stevens had been instructed by Baffert to wait to make his move, Point Given -- who was fifth in the Kentucky Derby on May 5 -- broke eagerly and was full of running. The pair raced five-wide into the clubhouse turn, just off a moderate pace set by Balto Star.

'Gary knew what to do this time,' said Baffert. 'He was hitting on all cylinders and that was the main thing.'

Approaching the far turn, Point Given went wide to take the lead with A P Valentine, under Victor Espinoza, following his move. Monarchos, well back early, began his rally behind the leaders.

When Point Given turned for home he burst clear of his rivals and lengthened his lead impressively through the stretch to finish 12 1/4 lengths ahead of A P Valentine, who held off Monarchos by 3/4 of a length. Dollar Bill was fourth.

Point Given clocked a time of two minutes 26.40 seconds, the fourth fastest in Belmont history.

Invisible Ink, Thunder Blitz, Buckle Down Ben and Balto Star completed the finishing order. The Irish-bred and British-based Dr. Greenfield, clearly upset by the large crowd, briefly refused to enter the gate and was eventually pulled up in last place.