As the Breeders' Cup nears  racing action kicks into full gear. At Belmont Park on Sept. 16th the first of two multiple graded stakes days took place under beautiful autumn skies. In the Grade II Belmont Breeders' Cup (pictured above) Forbidden Apple, the longest shot on the board paid $45.00 to his backers as he drew clear in the stretch.

Lemon Drop Kid & Behrens battle in Woodward

This  Woodward will be remembered for a long time by the 20,189 who were in attendance. Probable Horse of the Year Lemon Drop Kid battled the length of the stretch with Behrens. Behrens again lost another race by a head. So many times he has hooked up in great races only to lose the nod. His racing luck is due to change.

The final Grade I of the day, The Ruffian, for older fillies was won by west coast invader and Multiple Graded Stakes winner Riboletta. With Chris McCarron in the saddle Riboletta drew off to a seven and a half length win.

Riboletta wins the Ruffian Handicap