Belmont: Practical Joke all business in G3 Dwyer

By Najja Thompson —-

ELMONT, N.Y. – Making his first start since finishing fifth in the Kentucky Derby, Klaravich Stables’ and William Lawrence’s Practical Joke drew away in the final lengths to a solid victory in the Grade 3, $400,000 Dwyer on Saturday at Belmont Park.

Breaking from post 3 as the 3-5 post-time favorite with Joel Rosario aboard, Practical Joke stalked towards the rail in fourth position as even-money Battalion Runner led the field of five through fractions of 23.12 seconds for the opening quarter-mile with the half going in 47.15.

As the field reached the quarter-pole, Battalion Runner remained in front as Giuseppe the Great and Tale of Silence engaged the leader at the top of the stretch. Swinging out four-wide in full drive, Practical Joke went past the three in front to extending away to the wire to win by two lengths.

The one-mile distance was completed in 1:35.16.

“I had a good trip,” said Rosario. “There weren’t a lot of horses in the race, so I stayed inside for a bit. It looked like the 2 horse [Battalion Runner] was probably going to go, so I just kept an eye on him. He [Practical Joke] ran a big race today. He was the best horse in the race. He looked good and finished really strongly. That’s what we were hoping for.

Returning $3.50 for a $2 win wager the Chad Brown-trained son of Into Mischeif boosted his career earnings to $1,315,800.

“The pace wasn’t that strong,” said Brown. “He really ran well today. I certainly think its the best race he’s ever won.”

Following 43-1 longshot Tale of Silence in second was Battalion Runner, Giuseppe the Great and True Timber.