Photo by Adam Coglianese (click for larger)

Kensei became Mr. Greeley’s 22nd graded stakes winner on July 4th – Independence Day – when the 3-year-old colt created his own fireworks with a 3 ¼-length triumph in the $200,000 Dwyer S. (G2) at Belmont. It was Kensei’s first graded stakes victory and it was a big one, earning him a gaudy 105 Beyer Speed Figure and setting him up for a potential next start in either the $500,000 Jim Dandy S. (G2) at Saratoga on Aug. 1st or the $1 million Haskell Invitational (G1) on August 2nd.

Ridden by Edgar Prado, Kensei was well positioned inside early in the one-turn 1 1/16-mile event before moving up to powerfully overtake pacesetter Just Ben turning for home. Kensei quickly opened up a decisive advantage in the stretch and cruised to the wire in command, stopping the clock in a crisp 1:40.47 over a fast local main track. It was less than a second off the track record of 1:39.51 established 11 years ago at Big Sandy.

“Every step of the way, I was feeling very comfortable,” said Prado. “It felt good. It was a matter of time, and when I turned him loose, he responded. It’s very nice to ride this kind.”

Trained by Steve Asmussen, Kensei won for the third time in six starts in the Dwyer, which marked his first stakes win. In his previous two starts he was second in the Derby Trail (G3) and third in the Woody Stephens (G2). The bay colt now has earnings of $228,628 for owner Jess Jackson and his Stonestreet Stables.

“He was within himself, which I liked,” said Jackson. “Saratoga is on our screen, but we have to look at other alternatives, as well. We have hard decisions but first we have to see how he comes out of the race.

“Curlin spoiled me; now these horses (Rachel Alexandra and Kensei) are spoiling me. I’m very delighted Kensei came along as he did. It’s all a question of hope, and who emerges is anyone’s guess.”

Kensei was bred in Kentucky by Gulf Coast Farm, LLC, which sold the majority of the colt for $300,000 to Jackson at last summer’s Barretts Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale. By Mr. Greeley, the colt hails from the Belong to Me mare Private Feeling.