Tom Pedulla breaks down five critical takeaways from Saturday's 154th Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets, as well as other significant occurrences at New York's Belmont Park:

Tip of the cap: While the initial spotlight following the Belmont was on New York native Mike Repole and his one-two finishes with Mo Donegal and Nest, no one should overlook the significance of the victory for Donegal Racing. That partnership owns 75% of the Belmont winner and has won the Triple Crown for the first time in its 13-year history, making managing partner Jerry Crawford very happy.

From the Belmont Stakes, here are five key takeaways. Saturday

Tom Pedulla breaks down five critical takeaways from Saturday's 154th Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets, as well as other significant occurrences at New York's Belmont Park:

Tip of the cap: While the initial spotlight following the Belmont was on New York native Mike Repole and his one-two finishes with Mo Donegal and Nest, no one should overlook the significance of the victory for Donegal Racing. That partnership owns 75% of the Belmont winner and has won the Triple Crown for the first time in its 13-year history, making managing partner Jerry Crawford very happy.

Fabulous fillies: Which three-year-old filly is the best in the land? Secret Oath won the famous Longines Kentucky Oaks by two lengths at a mile and a quarter, but Nest returned the favour five weeks later with a stunning runner-up finish in the mile-and-a-half Belmont. The fact that the hard-working daughter of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin overcame a misstep out of the starting gate further adds to her Belmont performance. She demonstrated her athleticism by recovering swiftly. At the finish, she was flying and exhibiting incredible stamina. "My filly ran well," remarked jockey Jose Ortiz. "I'm quite pleased with her."

Flying high: In the Hill 'N' Dale Metropolitan Handicap, undefeated Flightline comfortably dispatched Happy Saver by six lengths, possibly the most eye-popping performance of the Belmont Stakes Saturday. With ease, Flightline handled his first cross-country trip, his late 4-year-old debut, and early difficulties in the Met Mile. "Because of the one post, he got off to a poor start. Then he got a little bit of the backside taken off," said trainer John Sadler. "He just conquered the difficulties and proved himself best with a young horse who isn't very well-seasoned." Flightline's next start will likely be the TVG Pacific Classic at Del Mar on September 4, according to co-owner Kosta Hronis. Flightline has won all four of his starts by a total of 43 12 lengths.

Sensational sophomore: Jack Christopher still has to establish himself over a distance, but there was no mistake about him when he won the Woody Stephens Stakes Presented by Mohegan Sun by ten lengths. "This horse has a lot of potentials," Chad Brown remarked. "I've been training for 15 years and have never had a dirt horse with as much pure brilliance." The chestnut son of Munnings, who has struggled to remain healthy, extended his unbeaten streak to four starts. He won his second Grade 1 race, this time at Belmont Park. The first was in the Champagne Stakes in October of last year. His next aim is the  Haskell Invitational Stakes at Monmouth Park in New Jersey on July 23.

DOWN AND UP: Echo Zulu, Steve Asmussen's top 2-year-old filly last season, was scratched shortly before the start of the Acorn Stakes, a significant setback for the Hall of Fame trainer. Joel Rosario, a jockey, sensed something was wrong with her. Clairiere helped Asmussen's discomfort by winning the Ogden Phipps Stakes for the second time in her career. "Our is exactly the highs and lows of this sport," Asmussen added. "However, who better take it on than someone who manages 46,000 horses?" The words "always" and "never" have any place in this game." Echo Zulu passed the initial assessment with flying colours.