Nitrogen wins Grade 2 Beldame Stakes at Belmont Park

Nitrogen, the 1-9 favorite, secured a decisive victory in the Grade 2 Beldame Stakes at Belmont Park. Ridden by jockey José Ortiz and trained by Mark Casse, the filly won the 1 1/8-mile race on fast dirt with a time of 1:48.36.

Nitrogen finished 2 3/4 lengths ahead of Donor Advised, who took second place. Boutwelltime followed in third. This win marks Nitrogen’s ninth career victory and eighth graded stakes win, pushing her lifetime earnings beyond $3 million.

The Beldame Stakes serves as the final preparation for Nitrogen ahead of the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Distaff at Keeneland. Owner-breeder D. J. Stable noted that the horse appeared to settle into a comfortable rhythm early in the race.