Union Rags is the winner in the 2012 Belmont Stakes, taking the win from Paynter, who had led almost from the start. Paynter jumped out early and stayed there, trailed most of the way by Optimzer and Unstoppable U. Union Rags began to advance around the midpoint of the race and found himself between Paynter and the rail, trying to find room to squeeze by for the victory. He was able to do just that, getting the win, making up for a disappointing finish in the Kentucky Derby and skipping the Preakness. Paynter finished second, followed by Atigun in third and Street Life in fourth.
Jockey John Velazquez proved to be fine replacement for Julien Leparoux, picking up his second Belmont Stakes win. Union Rags' winning time was 2:30:42, and the final odds for the horse were 5-2.
Stay tuned to this storystream for updates from the 2012 Belmont Stakes, and check out And Down The Stretch They Come for full time horse racing news and analysis.