Tapwrit handed trainer Todd Pletcher a third career victory in the Grade 1 $1.5 million Belmont Stakes, presented by NYRA (New York Racing Association) Bets, taking aim on front-running favorite Irish War Cry at the top of the stretch and then surging into the lead in the final yards to win Saturday’s 149th edition of the “Test of the Champion” at Belmont Park, in Elmont, New York by two lengths.

Handled by Jose Ortiz, whose older brother, Irad Ortiz, Jr., won last year’s Belmont aboard Creator, Tapwrit enjoyed a ground-saving trip in third as jockey Rajiv Maragh sent Irish War Cry through moderate fractions of 23.88 seconds for the opening quarter-mile, with the half going in 48.66, three quarters in 1:14.01, a mile in 1:38.95, and 1 ¼ miles in 2:04.10.

Irish War Cry appeared to have the race in hand turning for home and held a length advantage over Tapwrit in upper stretch, but under left-handed urging from Ortiz, Tapwrit kicked into high gear to wrest control with 100 yards left and go on to victory.

"Tapwrit was getting a beautiful trip,” said Pletcher. “It was everything we talked about in the paddock before the race. We were hoping he had enough when it came to crunch time. It looked like Irish War Cry still had a little something left, but the last sixteenth, he dug down deep