Dwyer Stakes

This week has been mediocre from a handicapping standpoint. I predicted the Prioress flawlessly. Not only did Indian Blessing win easily as I thought she would, but I picked the trifecta straight. It paid $22, but hey that’s better than nothing! Street Boss also got home for me, but he was also a short price. The Bashford Manor was a total flop. My top pick, Theregoesjojo, got a terrible trip, but closed hard and just missed for third. Raw Silk was forced to go too fast early and relinquished the lead near the top of the stretch in the American Oaks. My second choice, Pure Clan, was the eventual winner. I was further humbled in the United Nations Stakes when local lonshot Precious Passion took the race. I had nearly dismissed him. Let’s take a look at the Dwyer Stakes and see if I can redeem myself.

Halo Najib- I’m glad to see this horse back on the dirt. He has had a decent amount of success at this distance. He seems to be sitting further off the pace then usual. I think this will be beneficial in this race because it is loaded with speed. Look for this colt to be rolling home hard late. I will include him on top.

Web Gem- How can I like a horse who has lost NW1X two times in a row? He needs to improve to compete in this race. I won’t be using him, but I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if Zito got this colt on the board.

Mint Lane- This colt NEEDS the lead. He should get it, but will catch pressure early and throughout the race. I expect him to back up, but he should still hit the board. His ESF was huge last time out, checking in at 108. I have to respect the favorite in this one.

Ready’s Image- This colt was the talk of the two-year-old world last year until Majestic Warrior and War Pass knocked him down a notch or two. He has since won a minor stakes, and flopped in a Grade 2 sprint. This will be his first time routing and I have no idea what to expect from him. I would use him third as backup, but I really don’t know about this one.

Pascal- Wired the field last out, beating Web Gem in an NW1X event. This is quite a step up in class for this colt. I don’t see him doing it this time, but I’m going to be interested to see how he runs.

Fidelio- This colt has a few questions to answer. The first question is, can he route? I would say yes based on his pedigree, plus if Bobby Frankel thinks he can, that’s good enough for me. He should sit right off the pace, and make a move towards the top of the stretch. I will be using him on top.

Tizbig- I have no idea what this colt is doing in this race. I wouldn’t use him on any of my tickets.

1st- Halo Najib (5-1)
2nd- Fidelio (5-2)
3rd- Ready’s Image (9-2)

Plays:

$1 Trifecta Halo Najib, Fidelio/Halo Najib, Fidelio, Mint Lane/Halo Najib, Fidelio, Mint Lane, Ready’s Image (1,6/1,3,6/1,3,4,6)