Woodward Stakes at Belmont : Polish Navy Sails Into Contention for the 3-Year-Old Championship

Polish Navy, who missed the Triple Crown series because he was on the mend from knee surgery, raced into the 3-year-old championship picture Saturday with a victory in the $595,000 Woodward Stakes at Belmont Park.

“I think the 3-year-old championship may be within reach,” said trainer Shug McGaughey after his colt won by three-quarters of a length over fast-closing Gulch. “If anyone stubs their toe, we have a chance.”

Gone West held the lead until the top of the stretch, where jockey Randy Romero put the son of Danzig-Navsup into the lead for good after running second all the way.

Creme Fraiche, a 5-year-old who won the 1985 Belmont Stakes, rallied to finish third, a neck behind the runner-up and 2 3/4 lengths in front of Cryptoclearance.

Polish Navy carried 116 pounds over the distance in 1:47 and paid $12.80, $6.80 and $4.20. Gulch, who carried 118 pounds, including Jose Santos, returned $7.60 and $4. Creme Fraiche, 119 pounds with Robby Davis aboard, was coupled in the betting with Gone West as a Woody Stephens-trained entry and paid $3.60 to show.

Bordeaux Bob finished fifth, while Bet Twice, the Belmont Stakes and Haskell Handicap winner, was sixth in the field of nine.