Birdrun surged to a dominant 8 1/4-length victory in the third race at Belmont Park on Wednesday and eclipsed an 11-year-old track record, while another track record was tied in the opening race.
Ridden by Ramon Dominguez, Birdrun completed 1 1/16 miles in 1:39.38 on a track rated as fast. The winning time broke the previous record for the distance of 1:39.51, set by Rock and Roll on June 13, 1998.
Trained by Bill Mott for owner Oxbow Racing, the Birdstone colt picked up his second victory from seven starts, all this season. He is out of the winning Jolie’s Halo mare Run Like Martha, a half sister to multiple graded stakes winner Sovereign Kitty.
Super Shape set the pace in the first race and cruised to a 2 3/4-length victory in a 6 1/2-furlong claiming race. The five-year-old American Chance gelding covered the distance in 1:14.46 to equal the record set by Bear Fan on June 5, 2004.
Trained by Bruce Levine for owner Repole Stable, Super Shape won for the fifth time in eight starts this season. He is out of South American Group 1 winner Shape, by Senor Pete..
