Practical Joke Wins Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park

Belmont Park in Elmont, New York played host to the $500,000 G1 Champagne Stakes on Saturday, October 8. Some of the best two year olds around took to Belmont Park's dirt track and raced one mile. Klaravich Stables and William Lawrence's 5-2 co-second choice Practical Joke prevailed in a thrilling finish as he edged 9-5 favorite Syndergaard by just a nose. The Champagne is a Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" race to the Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Juvenile. The Champagne also carries qualifying points (10-4-2-1 to the top four finishers) toward the 2017 Kentucky Derby field. Favorable Outcome finished third at 5-2 odds in the field of six while Thirst for Victory and Lookin At Blessing completed the order of finish.