How to bet the 2022 Dwyer Stakes

A total of six sophomores will travel a one-turn mile over the Belmont Park dirt in Saturday’s $250,000 Dwyer S. (G3). I believe that the event will be a straight-forward one with the logical contenders finishing best of all.

Todd Pletcher’s #1 Charge It (4-5) was second on debut in January prior to dominating a maiden special weight field at Gulfstream Park by 8 1/2 lengths on February 12. He followed that up with a fine runner-up performance in the subsequent Florida Derby (G1) while running a bit greenly, which preceded a failed attempt in the Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs on May 7.

My opinion of the colt is that he could turn out to be among the best of his generation with additional seasoning, as I believe that he possesses a world of raw ability. The three-year-old has flashed glimpses of brilliance, as well as immaturity, to this stage of his development but could start to turn the corner on Saturday. The gray son of Tapit has fired bullet morning drills in his last pair of works, and the Whisper Hill Farm homebred seems perfectly spotted to kick off the second half of his sophomore season, too. John Velazquez picks up the mount.

#6 Nabokov (2-1) was second at first asking at Keeneland prior to graduating in style on this surface last time out. The Chad Brown trainee is a $775,000 yearling purchase by Uncle Mo from a fine female family, and he gave me the impression of a nice prospect in his latest outing when he rated on the lead and came home full of energy. The Peter Brant color bearer comes in fresh with a solid string of morning moves and has every right to move forward while making just his third lifetime start. Flavien Prat inherits the ride.

I believe that the race for show honors will come down to a pair of horses in the cast. #2 No Sabe Nada (20-1) has certainly outrun his modest $2,000 yearling price tag by winning or placing in each of his six career tries to date for Scott Peck. The son of Jersey Town was a game sprint winner in his three-year-old bow and should be more fit for this test.

#5 Runninsonofagun (8-1) was a clear third in the Gold Fever S. on the oval in his latest venture for Toscano. The gelded son of top young sire Gun Runner didn’t fire in his initial try at the distance, but I feel that he will challenge for a placing with a well-timed ride from Kendrick Carmouche.

Dwyer Wagers

• $25 trifecta: 1 with 6 with 2 ($25)
• $15 trifecta: 1 with 6 with 5 ($15)