NYRA announced Friday that Gun Song captured the GII Beldame Stakes at Belmont at the Big A, upsetting heavily favored Randomized in a field reduced to four after the morning scratch of Majestic Oops.
The 4-year-old daughter of Gun Runner, sent off at 9-2 odds, ended a winless streak dating back to August 2023 with her 1 1/4-length victory under John Velazquez.
Gun Song has been a consistent performer against top competition, including a neck second to reigning Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna in last year’s GI Cotillion at Parx. Friday’s win marked a breakthrough moment for the Mark Hennig trainee.
Breaking from the inside of 2-5 favorite Randomized, Gun Song settled third along the rail as Randomized and Margie’s Intention contested the early pace. Velazquez remained patient through a half-mile in :47.26, keeping his mount in striking position while Just Music trailed several lengths behind.
[Spoiler Alert] As the field entered the far turn, Gun Song maintained her momentum and tipped outside the favorite approaching the quarter pole. After a brief duel, Gun Song seized command and drew clear. Margie’s Intention rallied late to narrowly claim second over Randomized in a photo finish.
“Very satisfying,” Hennig said after the race. “When you kind of put one away in mid-July and say, ‘I’m going to point to one race in September,’ you’re putting some pressure on yourself.”
The trainer credited farrier Ian McKinlay with helping solve Gun Song’s foot issues. “We finally got her feet right. Ian McKinlay has shod her the last two times and she really responds to him,” Hennig noted.
While the Beldame isn’t a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” event, it is part of the Dirt Dozen Bonus Series, providing tiered bonuses toward pre-entry and entry fees for top-three finishers.
Regarding Breeders’ Cup plans, Hennig remained noncommittal. “You’ve got some more preps to go and these races have a chance to start falling apart, especially with these older horses as they get closer, so we’ll see how she comes out of it,” he said.
Gun Song is one of 46 stakes winners for Three Chimneys stallion Gun Runner, who recently sired the $3,300,000 sale-topper at Keeneland September. Her dam, Nicole H, was a accomplished runner who earned over $800,000, including a win in the GII Distaff Handicap and a placing in the GI Princess Rooney Handicap.
Gun Song was purchased for $400,000 by Lee Lewis at OBS March in 2023. Lewis has enjoyed a breakout year in 2024, with Gun Song contributing significantly to his success. Nicole H’s yearling colt by Practical Joke sold for $200,000 at Keeneland earlier this month.
The final time for the 1 1/8 miles was 1:49.45 on a fast track.
GUN SONG upsets the Grade 2 Beldame Stakes at 9/2 under @ljlmvel for trainer @Hennigracing, earning credits toward @BreedersCup Distaff entry fees! pic.twitter.com/BgWHgyLYkA
— NYRA (🌳) (@TheNYRA)
GUN SONG upsets the Grade 2 Beldame Stakes at 9/2 under September 26, 2025
