The expansive 1 1/2 mile main track at Belmont Park hosted three other stakes events before the Belmont Stakes. The $300,000 Acorn Stakes (G1) at 1 mile around one turn kicks off NYRA's Triple Tiara series for 3-year-old fillies, which includes the Acorn, Mother Goose, and Coaching Club American Oaks. Bonnie Miss winner Justwhistledixie was sent off as the 9-10 favorite in the field of 9, coming into the race off a 5 race winning streak. In to challenge her included 4-1 second choice Funny Moon, an allowance winner making her stakes debut, and Tempted Stakes Livin Lovin as the 11-1 third choice.
Gabby's Golden Gal was sent to the lead exiting the chute by jockey Javier Castellano and she set fractions of 22.61, 45.39, and 1:09.01 while 1 1/2 lengths ahead of Doremifasollatido and Be Fair down the backstretch, with Justwhistledixie siting in midpack fourth. Justwhistledixie moved out 3 wide for room and moved up to challenge the lead. However, Gabby's Golden Gal was more than up to the task, opening up a 3 length lead at the 1/8 pole and easily holding off Justwhistledixie by 1 3/4 lengths at the line, completing the trip gate-to-wire in a time of 1:34.79 over the fast track. It was another 3/4 length back to Casanova Move third.
Results chart
Belmont Undercard Stakes Part 1 - the Manhattan Handicap (G1) and Just a Game Stakes (G1)
