Kicking off the stakes action on Independence Day was the $200,000 Dwyer Stakes (G2) for three-year-olds going 1 1/16 miles around one turn of the main track. Warrior's Reward, a close second in the Northern Dancer Stakes at Churchill Downs last out, was sent off as the 4-5 favorite in the field of 7 over 5-1 second choice Just Ben, an allowance winner last out and making his stakes debut. 6-1 Kensei, who was second in the Derby Trial and then third in the Woody Stephens last out, completed the top three on the toteboard.
Warrior's Reward stumbled badly at the start spotted the field at least 10 lengths as Just Ben set the pace through fractions of 23.23, 45.71, and 1:09.30 while being pressed by American Dance the whole way. Turning for home, 7-1 Kensei, who drafted in behind the leaders in third most of the way, came out for room to pass the tiring pacesetters and took over the lead at the 3/16 pole. Convocation put in a strong rally of his own but was no match for Kensei, who cruised under the line 3 1/4 lengths in front in 1:40.47 over the fast track. It was another 2 1/4 lengths back to late-running favorite Warrior's Reward third.
Suburban Handicap and Prioress Stakes - also at Belmont Park this weekend
