Essential Quality atoned for Kentucky disappointment out-duelling Hot Rod Charlie down the home stretch to win the Belmont Stakes in Elmont, New York, on Saturday. The favourite to win May"s Kentucky Derby, Essential Quality came home fourth at Churchill Downs but this time got a perfect ride from jockey Luis Saez, making his move at the top of the homestretch then battling Hot Rod Charlie neck-and-neck before pulling away to win by a length and a half. Preakness Stakes winner Rombauer was third.