– By Kim Walker –

Wow!  Talk about redemption!  Aiken, S.C. has something to brag about now.  My, how a set of blinkers can change your outlook!  What an impressive, impressive win for Aiken’s Dogwood Stable’s horse, Palace Malice, son of Curlin, who beat Kentucky Derby winner, Orb and Preakness winner, Oxbow, to take the 145^th Belmont Stakes.

Gee, was I wrong.  I really didn’t think he had it in him, after his 12^th place Derby finish.  One never knows with horseracing.  Palace Malice only had one maiden victory going into the Belmont, however, his sire, Curlin, lost the Belmont by a head in 2007.  Trainer Todd Fletcher removed blinkers from his colt, which made a world of difference!

The one and a half mile race went in 2:30.70 and paid $29.60 to win.  Palace Malice was purchased as a 2-year-old from the Keenland, Kentucky, sale for $200,000.00.  85yo Cot Campbell, owner of Dogwood Stables, Aiken, SC, said, “Aiken will be dancing in the streets tonight!”  Dogwood Stables, “Summer Squall,” won the Preakness in 1990.  Congratulations, Mr. Campbell, you made us proud!