Belmont Park , July 4, 2015
Handicapping the Dwyer Stakes 2015
The Dwyer stakes has been re-carded on the Stars and Stripes undercard with a $500,000 purse and 1 mile distance. This purse attracts the classier horses looking for a money grab, but also draws the power sprinters and Sophomore miler types who may be on the improve and using to prep for the Jim Dandy and Travers Stakes.
The Skinny:
Blofeld ran a competitive race at 6 furlongs in a minor stakes race. Missed some time since that race with an “illness” that went around the barn for a few days. Recent works have been snappy and should love the one mile distance. Figures to be sharp at this distance.
Bridget’s Big Luvy has set the pace in a couple of races but figures to be outgunned for the lead in this race. Shaky on form, speed and class and hard to endorse with several rivals coming in sharp or faster.
Tommy Macho picked up an impressive victory in most recent race, overpowering the field in an impressive allowance race. Improved dramatically in 2nd start and is now in 3rd start of form cycle. Macho Uno and Awesome again add some pedigree power and Javier Castellano rides. Lots to like.
Texas Red is the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile winner from 2014 who has been off since February with a serious of ailments. Recent works have been promising. Using this race to come off the layoff as a prep for the Jim Dandy, Travers experience at Saratoga. Very capable at the one mile distance and does have a class edge over this field. Needs to be fit, but gets speed to run at at a good distance off the layoff.
Hollywood Angel has 9 lifetime starts and 3 lifetime wins and comes off a 10 length win over softer competition. Brings speed to the party. Capable of going for the lead and setting up the pace for a closer.
Speighster is sharp with powerful wins in his only 2 starts and has some classy breeding to boot. Distance should be nice and this is a logical spot to jump up in class. The speed of the speed and looks to take them wire to wire.
Smart Transition ran credibly behind Tomy Macho in the last race and may have been against the pace flow and eligible to improve in this spot. Makes start number 2 at Belmont and cuts back to 1 mile for a sharp trainer.
The Choice:
Blofeld should sit 3rd behind the speed and with the rail position should make a move going into the turn. Blofeld is the top choice with Speighster the second choice and a threat to wire the field.