Aqueduct Plays Host to Thrilling Dwyer Stakes This Saturday

The horse racing world turns its attention to Aqueduct Racetrack this Saturday as the track hosts the Grade 3, $200,000 Dwyer Stakes. Despite a short field of just four 3-year-old colts and geldings, the race promises an exciting showdown between some of the top up-and-coming talents in the sport.

The Contenders

The Dwyer Stakes, which goes as the second race on the card with a post time of 1:04 pm EDT, has attracted a well-matched field that has Pedigree Power’s Laurie Ross and Horse Racing News contributor Ashley Tamulonis analyzing the contenders closely.

Billal, an 8-5 morning line favorite trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, will look to build on his listed stakes placing in the Nashua Stakes last year. However, both Laurie and Ashley are inclined to pass on the speedy colt, citing concerns over his ability to get the job done at this longer one-mile trip.

The 7-2 second choice, Hades, seeks to recapture the magic that saw him upset the Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes over the winter. After disappointing efforts in the Florida Derby and Lexington Stakes, trainer Joseph Orseno has removed the blinkers, hoping to spark a resurgence for the talented but enigmatic colt.

Domestic Product, the 6-5 morning line favorite, appears to be the most accomplished runner in the field. Trained by perennial leading trainer Chad Brown, Domestic Product was second in the recent Pegasus Stakes and won the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) earlier this year. Laurie and Ashley both view him as a serious contender.

The X-factor in the race could be 4-1 shot Save the Trees, trained by Mike Maker. The lightly-raced gelding has been visually impressive in his first two career wins, rallying from well off the pace. With top jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. in the irons, Ashley is going big on Save the Trees to pull off the upset.

“This year’s Dwyer may come down to a battle between the proven stakes performer Domestic Product and the up-and-comer Save the Trees. With the short field, the race is sure to be an exciting one for horse racing fans.”

Tune in this Saturday to see who will emerge victorious in the Dwyer Stakes at Aqueduct.

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