Rise of a Champion

Chapter Seventeen

The agreement was made that Mike Smith would ride Egypt in the Belmont Stakes.

Soon though, the field started coming out into the paddock area. Once the horses were fully tacked up, all the jockeys came out and got their instructions on how to ride their mounts. And soon, riders to was called and the jockeys were all given legs up.

Hopefully Egypt would adapt well to the sudden jockey change. Victor has ridden him longer than Martin Garcia did in the past.

But Egypt was perfect the whole way going to the gates, even behind Iced, who was putting in bullet work after bullet work. His danger in the field was lurking and ready to pounce.

Soon, the horses got to the gates. And that is when Egypt started getting washed out due to the heat and he refused to go in the gates at first, so they loaded everyone else before him, and they finally got him in. And soon, the gates slammed open. Egypt, taken by surprise, broke slowly and tripped coming out of the gates.

"And they are off in the Belmont Stakes! And the heavy favorite Egyptian Melody broke slowly and stumbled, but Mike Smith, quickly settles him and he regains his stride.

"Going out to lead the field is Silver Wildcat. German Strike and Tapping Commands are right in behind him and Fallen Angel will settle in fourth. Not Able To will run fifth. Chrome's Bling, eager to run seventh as Iced is eighth. Finding Gatsby, runs along in ninth. Connection will run in tenth and Hopper's Quote is eleventh. And Egyptian Melody after that bad break and regaining his stride, settles right beside his stablemate and is a half length behind in twelfth. And they make their move towards the sweeping first turn of Belmont Park in the Belmont Stakes with Silver Wildcat to catch."

"Easy boy," Mike Smith said to Egypt, which was something Victor or Martin never did.  "Let's not get too carried away in this race just yet, especially after that break.  We'll get going soon enough."

Egypt seemed to respond to Mike Smith and settled into his stride easily.  Egypt was doing perfect with Mike Smith in the saddle, and it seemed as that they were bonding during the gates to the first turn.

"Down the backstretch they come and Silver Wildcat has a narrow lead to German Strike who now quickly takes over the lead.  Tapping Commands keeps the pressure on in third.  Fallen Angel and Not Able To are right together next and they are followed by Iced who has moved up.  Chrome's Bling is next and he's followed by Connection and Hopper's Quote.  Those two are starting to make a run for the lead.  And Egyptian Melody is still last, but settling in very well as they are almost at the turn."

"Okay bud," Mike said.  "We ready?"

Egypt took the bit when Mike stated to loosen the reins and he was ready.  As the horses started to turn for home with Silver Wildcat dropping back dramatically, Egyptian Melody stated going around horses and weaving through gaps.  He was making one big run with Mike Smith and looked to be a danger.

"And around the turn they come in the Belmont Stakes and Egyptian Melody is charging up!  He is making his way through around the turn and he is now becoming a danger!  Hopper's Quote is leading, but for how long, here is Egyptian Melody!

"And down the stretch they come!  Egyptian Melody has taken over and there he goes!  He stats opening up just seeming to glide over the ground here at Belmont!  The Derby winner is far back off the board as Egyptian Melody wins the Belmont Stakes by six lengths!"

The best horse won yet again.  What if Egypt had not been sick and could have run in the Derby?  Would he have won and then had a Triple Crown?  Nobody will ever know.