Practical Joke all business in G3 Dwyer
by Najja Thompson
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.
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