Gucci Factor reappeared after just a two week break to win another course and distance allowance at Belmont earlier today. Joel Rosario was content to sit mid-division on the New York bred Gio Ponti through the early stages of the 8 1/2 furlong turf contest as a blistering pace was set from the outset. With impeccable timing, Joel produced Gucci Factor, while angling five wide as they came into the stretch to get up in the shadow of the wire and prevail by a worthy neck. Trainer Christophe Clement has to be commended here for running the Castleton owned gelding back with short notice but his barn was in top form during this Belmont spring meet and his boldness paid off with victory in this $77,000 allowance which incidentally came in open company for the New York bred. Castleton had four winners at this meet contributing to Christophe’s excellent second place in the trainers standings.
