After stumbling out of the gate, Rags to Riches won the battle of the sexes Saturday in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I), winning a furious stretch duel with Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner Curlin.

The pace of the race was extremely slow but that did not distract from the drama of the final leg of the Triple Crown. Rags to Riches came on the outside out of the turn under John Velazquez, caught Curlin and Robby Albarado and proved best in a stirring stretch run.

Rags to Riches became only the third filly to win the Belmont and the first in more than 100 years. She also gave trainer Todd Pletcher his first win in a Triple Crown race in his 29th try.

Tiago came on to get third over Hard Spun, followed by C P West, Imawildandrazyguy and Slew’s Tizzy.

C P West made the lead out of the gate while Velazquez had to pick Rags to Riches up after she went to her knees from the outside spot in the seven-horse field. Slew’s Tizzy took up the second spot and Curlin was to the inside of Hard Spun. They went a slow quarter in :24.74 and a half in :50.14