The training partnership of Grant and Alana Williams added the 2026 Belmont Oaks to their long list of feature race successes when Ladies Pro (the $2.20 race favourite) saluted in comfortable fashion under Willie Pike, beating Pony Up and A Summer Fling, who both started at double-figure odds, into second and third place respectively.
When Ladies Pro’s only market rival Like Clockwork – the $2.70 second favourite – failed to extend in the home straight after being perfectly positioned to strike by jockey Clint Johnston-Porter, it was Ladies Pro’s race to win.
Cornering widest of all in a bunching field at the top of the home straight, Ladies Pro breezed past Like Clockwork with 250m left to run and then quickly reeled in the frontrunners to sweep clear to claim a facile win by a decisive three-length margin, going to the line under a hands-and-heels ride from Pike over the concluding stages.
Ladies Pro justified her status as the $2.20 favourite according to leading Aussie betting sites, while Like Clockwork ($2.70) failed to fire despite strong market support.
“We had a nice enough run, but I thought we were going at a pretty moderate tempo,” said Pike. “Then, when the sprint went on, I didn’t think we’d be able to maintain the sprint for as long as we did.
“I’d say I think she relaxes so well it gives her the chance to sprint like that. Off a slow tempo that was a very nice effort.
“You don’t really have to be a stayer to be competitive here. She’s got the right attitude. She is prepped by the right trainers.”
This was Pike’s eighth win in the Belmont Oaks, including the last four in a row, while Ladies Pro has now won four of her eight starts and has finished second on one occasion.
She is now likely to move on to the Belmont Classic in two weeks’ time.
Stunning effort by 3yo D’Argento filly Ladies Pro, with the @williamsracing6 trained filly charging clear to win the Listed Belmont Oaks (2000m) with William Pike in the saddle – the second stakes winner for her sire 🏆🥂🍾 pic.twitter.com/kUYFVOq2bb
— Bowness Stud & Watershed Farm (@BownessStud) July 4, 2026
