A bold decision at the top of the stretch by Irad Ortiz to ease Instilled Regard near the rear of the Gr1 Manhattan S. field and await their closing bid proved shrewd judgment after his mount produced a decisive rally to win Belmont Park's July 4th co-feature.

A half-length decision over stablemate Rockemperor not only marked the first Gr1 triumph for 5yo Instilled Regard. Already a Gr3 winner from when starting out on the 2018 Kentucky Derby Trail, the well-rounded son of Arch has won three turf stakes over his last five starts. His stylish Manhattan triumph in a standard normally run on Belmont Stakes Day may have likewise marked the beginning of a big summer for the family from which he hails.

In late June, his half-sister Heavenly Sis returned to competition at Churchill Downs and just missed graduating by a head in a one mile MSW on dirt. The 4yo Hard Spun filly placed a close 2nd in similar company at last October's Keeneland meet and appears poised to earn her diploma for trainer Brian House.

A second half-sister to Instilled Regard sourced for purchase the same time as Heavenly Sis is Heavenly Tap, by Tapit, whose 2yo son Heavenly Star is also by leading sire Hard Spun. Instilled Regard and siblings were bred by KatieRich Farm, where their dam Enhancing foaled a Quality Road filly this season.

NYRA Photo.