This time around, champion hoop William Pike is fully invested in Fancy Red and believes she can complete a feature race double and continue her winning ways at Belmont On Saturday.
Pike didn’t think Fancy Red could stay and win last Saturday week’s Belmont Oaks (2019m), but the in-form mare delivered a performance that firmly dispelled his concerns.
Any lingering doubts were swiftly put to rest by a commanding display, with Fancy Red scoring by 2 ½ lengths after a barnstorming finish from the tail of the field.
A Sessions filly, Fancy Red has been a winter find for trainer Adam Durrant with her debut campaign yielding five wins, highlighted by a dominant streak of three consecutive victories.
With form and momentum on his side, Pike is backing his chances of winning Saturday’s Belmont Classic (2200m) and building on his strong race record.
“It’s been a great ride already with her,” Pike said on Tabradio.
“Now that I’m on board with the distance, she’s an out and out stayer.
“I had my queries whether she could get the distance, I really didn’t think she would.
“But the way she ran out the Oaks (Belmont) I can’t see why another couple of hundred metres will hurt.
“The opposition gets a bit stronger, some of the boys are pretty well credentialed, but she’ll give them a shake.
“I’m sure she’ll run well, and I have no knocks or no negatives.
“It’s another mini step up and I’m confident she can do it.
“She did it really well in the Oaks, just bearing in mind it’s a bit harder.”
The Belmont Classic has become familiar territory for Pike.
He leads all comers with five victories, including twice in unison with Durrant: Ihts Closing Inn (2023) and Lords Ransom (2007).
Pike also partnered Baronova (2021), Chantrea (2020) and Elusive Image (2012).
The 2025 Belmont Classic has attracted nine nominations.
Fancy Red has drawn barrier three.
Julio Santarelli