Darrin's Dilemma Heads New York Stallion

Thursday’s $100,000 New York Stallion Stakes for 3-year-olds at one mile on the turf attracted a diverse field of five, including Darrin’s Dilemma, a two-time NYSS winner this spring at Belmont Park who is looking win his first race beyond seven furlongs.

Trained by Rudy Rodriguez for Michael Dubb and Bethlehem Stable, Darrin’s Dilemma won a NYSS going 6 ½ furlongs on the dirt in May and a NYSS at seven furlongs on the turf in June. He enters Thursday’s race off a sixth in the Mike Lee at Belmont on June 26.

Cornelio Velasquez will ride Darrin’s Dilemma, 7-2 on the morning line, from post position 2.

The 2-1 morning-line favorite for Thursday’s race is Freud’s Honor, who finished second to Darrin’s Dilemma in May’s NYSS. The Raymar stables color-bearer has made three starts at Monmouth Park in the interim, winning a six-furlong starter allowance in May, finishing third in the Anderson Fowler at 5 ½ furlongs on turf in June, and wiring the Choice at 1 1/8 miles on grass on July 4.

Ridden by John Velazquez for trainer Gregory Sacco, Freud’s Honor will leave from post 5.

Two fillies have been entered in Thursday’s NYSS, including Hessonite, who won the filly division of the NYSS seven-furlong turf stakes on June 5 for trainer David Donk and owners William J. Punk, Jr. and Philip DiLeo. In her most recent start, she was third in the Grade 3 Boiling Springs at Monmouth on June 25.

Ramon Dominguez will ride Hessonite, the 5-2 morning-line second choice, from post 7.

From the rail out, the field also includes Majestic Raffy (15-1), Warrior Up (8-1), Wishingonastar (12-1), and Lady on the Run (6-1).