Ashley Maley’s tough quest for Belmont Classic 2025 victory

Ashley Maley is hopeful that progressive gelding Lano can hold his own when he lines up in the Listed Belmont Classic (2200m) at Belmont on Saturday. The three-year-old, currently a $10 chance, takes on highly regarded rivals Fancy Red and Arcadia Park in what will be his sternest challenge yet.

Lano has been a model of consistency this preparation, winning three of his past four starts including a gritty victory at Bunbury over 1690m. Saturday’s race will be his eighth run this campaign, and Maley believes the gelding is ready to make the step up in class.

“I’ve always had a big opinion of him,” Maley told Tabradio. “We probably didn’t manage him perfectly early on, and he got a bit sour, but he’s a horse who gives you everything when you ask. He’s a tough competitor, and that’s been the key to his recent form.”

Maley knows the Belmont Classic will demand more from Lano than he has ever produced. “He just keeps coming, he’s tough as nails and he’ll run the trip,” Maley said. “But this is a strong field, so he’ll have to take another step forward.”

Fancy Red, dominant winner of the Belmont Oaks (2019m), has been well-supported as the $2.10 favourite, while Arcadia Park, who claimed the Aquanita Stakes (2019m) at his last start, is the $2.45 second elect. Lano has drawn the outside barrier in the eight-horse field, with Natasha Faithfull to take the reins again.

Punters keen to back their selection can find the latest Belmont Classic odds on major betting sites.