The distaff division competed in the $600,000 Beldame Stakes (G1) at 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Belmont Park. After Unbridled Belle scratched, just 4 of the originally drawn 5 entered the starting gate. Last year's Breeders' Cup Distaff winner Ginger Punch was the 1-2 favorite, entering this race off four straight wins, the last 3 in Grade 1 competition including the Personal Ensign at Saratoga last out. In to challenge the Bobby Frankel trainee included 5-2 second choice Cocoa Beach, winner of the Love Sign Stakes at Saratoga in her first start after shipping in from Dubai where she won both the UAE 1000 Guineas and the UAE Oaks for Godolphin Racing. 9-2 Lemon Drop Mom, second by a nose to Ginger Punch in the Personal Ensign, and 12-1 Leah's Secret, fourth in the Ballerina last out, completed the field.
Ginger Punch went to the lead immediately and stayed just off the rail through fractions of 24.61, 48.18, 1:12.26, and 1:36.76 with Lemon Drop Mom stalking her the whole way just to her outside. Cocoa Beach, who raced back in fourth for the first 3/4 mile, moved up to challenge for the lead inside the 1/8 pole. Cocoa Beach and Ginger Punch hooked up inside the 1/16 pole, and in the final strides Cocoa Beach dug in and pulled ahead by 1/2 a length to get the hard-fought victory in 1:49.50 over the sloppy, sealed main track. It was a long 13 1/2 lengths back from Ginger Punch to Lemon Drop Mom, and another 7 3/4 lengths to Leah's Secret last.
Results chart
