Parchment Party, trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, made a triumphant return to the winner’s circle at Saratoga Race Course, capturing the Grade 2, $250,000 Belmont Gold Cup after a seven-race drought since a maiden win in late 2023. Originally set for the turf, the race was moved to a 1 3/4-mile distance on a sloppy main track due to heavy rain. Parchment Party, a 4-year-old Constitution colt, dominated the race, finishing 8 1/2 lengths ahead of the competition under jockey John Velazquez.
The Belmont Gold Cup serves as a ‘Golden Ticket’ event, granting the winner an automatic entry into the prestigious Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup, which boasts a purse exceeding AUD $8 million. Despite the victory, Mott expressed hesitation about accepting the invitation to the Melbourne Cup, citing Parchment Party’s previous underwhelming performances on turf. He emphasized the importance of entering the race with a horse that is truly competitive.
The race featured a strong performance from Parchment Party, who settled at the back before making a decisive move in the final stretch. Velazquez followed Mott’s instructions, allowing the horse to conserve energy early on. Parchment Party’s victory earned him $137,500, and he returned $16 on a $2 win wager. The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival continues with a packed schedule of high-stakes races, including five Grade 1 events on Belmont Stakes Day.
