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He was the 13/1 long shot at SBG Global.com, but somehow Summer Bird wins the 2009 Belmont Stakes. Like Mind That Bird, who won the Kentucky Derby as a 100/1 long shot, there was nary a mention of Summer Bird winning the 2009 Belmont Stakes.
Summer Bird has raced only four times in his entire career, with a single maiden score to his credit, according to Claire Novak of ESPN.com.
But a late run in the Arkansas Derby, which he missed winning by just 1 ¼ lengths, gave him the earnings and showed that he had what it took to merit a try in Kentucky. On the first Saturday in May, he ran near the back of the pack before swinging seven wide with another late run.
"He faced a number of issues (in that race)," said Ice. "A lot of things went against him and yet he was still running at the end. We are here because we feel he is an improving horse. He has gotten stronger and he is a very smart, mature horse. We think he'll be tough if he gets to run his race."
Finishing second was Charitable Man and finishing third was Mind That Bird. Jockey Calvin Borel nearly took this one to become the first jockey to win a Triple Crown riding two different horses.
Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
