The Ticonderoga

$200.00 For Fillies And Mares Three Years Old And Upward Foaled In NY
1 1/8 Miles – InTurf – Belmont Park – October 24, 2026

You can argue whether or not Bronx babes really are best, after all there are five boroughs and Brooklyn might have something to say about that, but you can not argue that Bronxbabesarebest was the best filly or mare in The Ticonderoga on Saturday. The five year old mare hit the wire first by a clear length while obliterating the previous stakes record of 1:46.35 for the 1 1/8 mile distance on the inner turf at Belmont Park. Bronxbabesarebest stopped the timer in 1:45.95 to set the new standard.

Winner: Bronxbabesarebest
Owner/Trainer: Big Jd Racing
Jockey: S. Elliott
Breeder: Big Jd Racing (NY) – Bronx Bomber/Aggravated Chick (Aggravation)

With a very short run into the first turn, Bronxbabes are best used her favorable number two post position to gain a prime stalking position. She held the inside position of the group right behind the pacesetting Spanish Empire around the first turn and all down the backstretch. She was the first of those pressing the leader to make her move beginning to inch forward after the first quarter mile and put her head in front as they swung into the final turn for home. A length in front of Kash Bounty at the top of the stretch she ran strongly to the wire with no one behind her able to raise her blood pressure. 

Second: Hit The Mark
Owner/Trainer: Mb Stables
Jockey: D.E. Centeno
Breeder: Mb Stables (NY) – People Pleaser/Gunslinger (Breath Of The Wild)

Broke well and was with the stalking pack early along with the eventual winner. Fell off of that group slightly halfway down the backstretch with Centeno deciding to keep something in reserve for a late run. Shifted to the rail coming into the stretch a couple of lengths behind the leader and finished strongly to catch Kash Bounty for second.

Third: Kash Bounty
Owner/Trainer: Mb Stables
Jockey: A. Fresu
Breeder: Mb Stables (NY) – Kashatreya/Miss Bounty (Great Bounty)

The top three all came from the group stalking Spanish Empire who carved out the early fractions. Was next to Bronxbabesarebest when that one began to move and got the jump on her. The winner may have moved earlier than expected but once Kash Bounty gave up the advantage she was unable to get back on even terms although she continued on well to the finish. 

Fourth: Dark Peel
Owner/Trainer: Our Athletes
Jockey: E.J. Zayas
Breeder: Our Athletes (NY) – Our Dark Knight/Banana Peel (Good Authority)

Took back into the first turn and established a spot along the rail at the back of the field. Shifted out coming into the final turn in order to launch a late run. Was strongest through the stretch and put in a powerful run but ran out of ground.

Preview Pick: Bronxbabesarebest – Winner!

This was the first win in The Ticonderoga for Big Jd Racing as well as jockey S. Elliott. In winning the fifth stakes race of her career Bronxbabesarebest pushed her earnings over the $1,000.00 threshold to a total of $1,067.80.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded