LIers come out to the races on Belmont Stakes day

Growing up, Trish Rosso would come to the Belmont Stakes and bet on the big race with money her mother had given her.

Saturday, the Manhasset resident traveled to Belmont Park in Elmont for the 142nd running of the famous race and - with a $2 bet on long-shot Drosselmeyer - won $28 and annual bragging rights over her husband, who came up short with his wagers on Fly Down and Game on Dude.

"I grew up coming to this race," Rosso said. "It's very quiet [this year] because there's no Triple Crown. I don't mind. We just have fun picking the horses."

Rosso said she hopes the park will be able to continue to operate, despite its financial problems. "I don't think it's right for it to close," she said.

Moments before the main event, the air was buzzing with anticipation as spectators discussed their winnings and losses in earlier races and others made last-minute bets on small screens near the concession stands.

Sisters Jacqueline and Lauren Wagner had a customized wagering system: put down money on horses that had "Dude" as part of their names.

As it happened, "First Dude" came in third, so the sisters from Astoria - admitted racing novices - may have bested even veteran railbirds with their wagers.

"I don't know a lot about racing," said Jacqueline Wagner, 27, a therapist. "It's just fun. It's just a relaxing day that I look forward to every year."

The sisters stayed up late Friday making large hats adorned with blue and pink ribbon and yellow flowers.

"When I came last year, I saw really great hats," Wagner said. "I just wanted to take part in the experience."

Saturday's humidity left many gripping chilled drinks and searching for the closest shade. Matt Aboff, 25, of Huntington, took cover under a sombrero and sipped a beer during the races.

Aboff won $61 on Champagne d'Oro, a 39-1 long shot, in the Acorn Stakes, a 1-mile race for fillies. Champagne d'Oro was ridden by Martin Garcia, who three weeks ago guided Lookin at Lucky to a win in the Preakness Stakes,

Aboff picked the horse, which wore the number 12, because "it's a great number," he said.

"I was going for the long shot," he said, "because they offer the biggest return."Cecil Craffy also bet on Champagne d'Oro. He watched intently as the horse flew along the track and began screaming and jumping up and down with the finish.