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Sarava Posts Stunning Upset; War Emblem Stumbles
Longshot Sarava noses out Medaglia D'Oro for an upset victory in the Belmont Stakes.
Photo: Mike Corrado

Sarava Posts Stunning Upset; War Emblem Stumbles

Updated: Saturday, June 8, 2002 6:52 PM
Posted: Saturday, June 8, 2002 6:49 PM
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In the biggest upset in Belmont Stakes history, 70-1 longshot Sarava held off Medaglia d'Oro to win the third classic Saturday as favored War Emblem's chance for a Triple Crown was lost when he stumbled at the start of the 1 1/2-mile race.

Ridden by Edgar Prado, Sarava is trained by Ken McPeek, who had seen his Harlan's Holiday upset in the season's first classic when he was upset as the favorite in the Kentucky Derby.

Sarava paid $142.50, $50.00, and $22.40, with Medaglia d'Oro worth $16.00 and $10.60. Sunday Break paid $7.10 in his third-place finish.

Proud Citizen was taken off the track in the equine ambulance, but Dr. Larry Bramlage said the colt did not appear to have a serious injury.

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