Dwyer Kicks Off Belmont Stakes Parade July 5

The mile and a sixteenth Dwyer attracts six three year-olds including 8/5 morning line second choice, Kid Cruz, who was overmatched in the Preakness Stakes, but returned to the winner’s circle in his last start with a powerful victory at Belmont in the Easy Goer Stakes for trainer Linda Rice.  Kid Cruz has shown a tendency to run from well off the pace.  

Hot-shot Tiz Dark goes maiden to stakes for Pletcher 

The morning line favorite is 6/5 choice Tiz Dark will be making just his third lifetime start for trainer Todd Pletcher after winning a maiden special weight race in impressive time May 25 at Belmont as the prohibitive 3/20 favorite. The well-bred son of former back to back Breeder’s Cup Classic hero Tiz Now will be ridden again by John Valazquez.

Ulanbator passes the class test after G. III placing in last 

Ulanbator is the third choice after chasing the well-regarded Tapiture to finish second in the June 14 Matt Winn Stakes (Grade II) at Churchill Downs.  Trained by Ian Wilkes, Julien Leparoux will retain the mount on Ulanbator.  Spot (12/1 ML) could set the pace for trainer Nick Zito after a ninth place finish in the Woody Stephens Stakes.  Gaining Ground (30/1) and Captain Serious who is coupled with Kid Cruz comprise the remainder of the field.  Inaugurated in 1887, the Dwyer is one of the oldest races in the country.