Futurity
Sept. 16, 1972 ~ $75,000 Added Futurity ~ 6 ½ furlongs ~ Belmont Park
Secretariat’s margin of victory in the Futurity Stakes at Belmont Park wasn’t as large as his Hopeful victory – just a length and three quarters but every bit as decisive.
By now a favorite with the racing public, Secretariat was bet down to odds of just $.20 on the dollar that’s 1-5 in racing lingo, meaning bettors could win just $1 for every $5 they wagered.
A $2 win bet paid off at $2.40. And those who bet to show took home a state-minimum $2.10.
But if the Big Red horse didn’t offer much in the way of betting profit, the thousands who turned out to see him run on that September Saturday on Long Island certainly got their money’s worth.
As usual, Secretariat came away from the gate in leisurely fashion, but once he revved up his engines, there was no stopping him.
The Daily Racing Form chart caller reported that Secretariat was, “unhurried following the start, moved boldly around horses to make his bid leaving the turn, quickly drew off nearing the final furlong and was never seriously threatened.”
Stop the Music, another top-notch two-year-old colt, also turned in a big race. Like Secretariat, he came from off the pace, had to wait for room when he caught the leaders, then “finished strongly to best the others.” Stop the Music would become a persistent challenger for Secretariat in coming races.
