Chelsea Durand Photo

Eye Luv Lulu captures Affirmed Success on Opening Day of Belmont's Spring/Summer meet

by Brian Bohl

Michael Dubb's Eye Luv Lulu fended off Pat On the Back's stretch-drive charge to register his first win in more than a year, posting a three-quarters of a length victory in the seventh running of the $100,000 Affirmed Success for older New York-breds on Friday, Opening Day, at Belmont Park.

Eye Luv Lulu broke well from the outside post in the six-horse field and stalked Weekend Hideaway's pace of 22.36 seconds for a quarter-mile before taking over the lead, going a half in 45.19. Out of the turn, jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. switched leads on Eye Luv Lulu, who responded by completing the six-furlong sprint in 1:09.78 on the main track to win the first stakes of the Belmont Spring/Summer meet.

Off as the 4-5 favorite, Eye Luv Lulu, trained by Jason Servis, recorded his first win since March 25, 2017 at Aqueduct Racetrack, earning a trip to the winner's circle for the first time in 10 starts.

"It was an easy ride," said Ortiz, who was also aboard for Eye Luv Lulu's previous win. I broke well outside; I had a good post. I just sat there and waited to make my move. When I asked him, he was there for me. He liked the wet track. The last time I won on him it was cloudy and rainy. He likes days like this.

"He [Pat On the Back] was coming hard, but near the eighth pole, I just started [urging] my horse to give me everything he had, and he did."

Eye Luv Lulu paid $3.90 on a $2 win bet. The 7-year-old Pollard's Vision gelding has finished first or second in four of his last five starts and improved his career earnings to $696,616.

Pat On the Back, trained by Kenneth McPeek, hit the wire three lengths in front of Weekend Hideaway for second.

Loki's Vengeance, Caledonian and Gypsum Johnny completed the order of finish.