For the fifth year in succession, the two-mile Belmont Gold Cup (G2) proved ripe for the taking by a European shipper. The German gelding Loft did the honors in Friday’s renewal at Belmont Park, rolling from well off the pace to set a new course record.

Friday’s segment of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival features three terrific turf stakes - the New York (G1), Belmont Gold Cup (G2), and Intercontinental (G3).