Title Role took a slight lead in deep stretch then held off the oncoming charge of West End Kid to win the $750,000, G1 Belmont Derby on the turf at Saratoga by a nose on Saturday, 4 July.
Winner of the G2 German 2000 Guineas in his previous start, the three-year-old colt by Too Darn Hot also boasts of a victory in the listed Jumeirah Two Thousand Guineas at Meydan earlier this year.
Breaking well and content to track from second when Touch of Fire rolled into the lead heading for the first turn, Title Role was never far off the pace through an opening quarter in :23.65 and a half-mile in :49.20.
Still comfortable after six furlongs in 1:13.15, the closers were beginning to tighten ranks on the far turn, but Title Role had built up a full head of steam at the top of the stretch that vaulted him into the lead.
Working hard but still in command into the final sixteenth, Title Role had an oncoming cavalry charge to fight off late, led by the furious rally of West End Kid and Remember Mamba to his outside. The group hit the wire together, and it was Title Role who got lucky by the slimmest of noses. Remember Mamba was a clear third and Touch of Fire held on for fourth in a blanket finish.
Bred in Great Britain by Hascombe and Valiant Stud, Title Role is out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare, Valiant Girl, winner of the G3 My Charmer Stakes and a full sister to G2 Hardwicke Stakes winner, Bronze Cannon.
Too Darn Hot is keen to emulate his sire Dubawi as a sire of champions, with stars such as Fallen Angel, Native Approach, Tornado Alert and Broadsiding in his firmament.
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