Classic Causeway wins Belmont Derby in wire-to-wire stunner

Classic Causeway won the Belmont Derby Invitational by three-quarters of a length. He was a 26-1 longshot. His trainer Ken McPeek entered him against top-caliber divisional competition. Classic Cause way won his first two races on dirt. He earned millionaire status with the victory. The win increased his bankroll to $1.12 million. It was the 73rd running of the 1 1/4 mile race on Bel Mont Park's inner turf course. Jockey Julien Leparoux won. Leproux's first BelMont Derby and his second Grade 1 win since 2020.