Domestic Product Dominates in Dwyer Stakes Victory at Belmont at the Big A
In an impressive display, Domestic Product stormed to a commanding 7 1/2-length victory in Saturday’s Grade 3, $200,000 Dwyer Stakes at Belmont at the Big A. The one-turn mile event for 3-year-olds saw the Klaravich Stables Kentucky homebred, trained by four-time Eclipse Award-winner Chad Brown, rebound strongly from a runner-up finish in the Pegasus at Monmouth Park last month.
Ridden by jockey Flavien Prat, Domestic Product broke well from post 3 in the four-horse field and settled in third as Billal set the early pace. Prat bided his time, keeping the son of Practical Joke under a tight hold up the backstretch as Billal maintained a narrow advantage over Grade 3 winner Hades.
“He was traveling very well. I felt in control the whole race, and he responded really well turning for home,” said Prat. “He took a very nice breather around the turn, and when I called on him, he responded very well.”
Entering the turn, Prat allowed Domestic Product to range up three wide, and the colt swiftly challenged Billal for the lead. The top two drew clear, and Domestic Product kicked on powerfully in the stretch, winning wrapped up with a final time of 1:33.54 for the mile.
The victory was Domestic Product’s second over the Belmont at the Big A main track, having graduated at second asking there last October. The dark bay colt, who earned $110,000 for the win, has now recorded a 2-for-3 record at the New York oval.
Hades Rallies for the Place
Hades rallied for the place, finishing five lengths clear of Billal, with Save the Trees completing the order of finish. Paco López, aboard Hades, believes the runner-up would appreciate more ground.
“We ran very good. My horse, I’m pretty sure that a little longer is better for him,” said López.
The Dwyer Stakes triumph marks a promising rebound for Domestic Product, who was previously second in the Pegasus and had a troubled, off-the-board finish in the Kentucky Derby. With this commanding victory, the Practical Joke colt has firmly reasserted himself as one of the top 3-year-olds on the East Coast circuit.
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