First Look: Peter Pan offers Belmont Stakes 2026 berths

The Derby hangover is real, but the calendar doesn't slow down. One classic is in the books, two more wait on the horizon, and the 3-year-old division barely gets a chance to catch its breath. For horses still chasing classic glory and bettors still chasing tickets, the road keeps rolling Saturday.

The Grade 3 Peter Pan takes center stage at Aqueduct, a 1 1/8-mile prep that waives Belmont Stakes entry and starting fees for the top three finishers. Two sons of Modernist headline the field. Lexington (G3) winner Trendsetter, a 32-1 shocker last out at Keeneland, squares off with Talk to Me Jimmy, who romped in the Withers at Aqueduct in February before fading in the Wood Memorial (G2).

Four graded stakes across two tracks Saturday give horseplayers a fresh slate of action just one weekend removed from racing's biggest day.

Saturday

Peter Pan (G3), Aqueduct, 1 1/8 miles, 3-year-olds, Belmont qualifier

Two sons of Modernist clash Saturday at Aqueduct, with Lexington winner Trendsetter facing Withers hero Talk to Me Jimmy. Trendsetter sprung a 32-1 upset April 11 at Keeneland for trainer Ben Colebrook, stalking the pace before driving past the dueling leaders to a 2 1/4-length victory. Talk to Me Jimmy romped by 11 lengths in the Withers at Aqueduct on Feb. 6 for trainer Rudy Rodriguez before fading to eighth in the Wood Memorial on April 4. The New York Racing Association will waive entry and starting fees to the Belmont Stakes for the first three finishers, excluding the Triple Crown supplemental fee.

Ruffian (G2), Aqueduct, 1 mile, fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up

A neck shy of taking the 2025 Cotillion (G1), Dry Powder returns to graded-stakes company after drawing off by 5 3/4 lengths in a March 12 allowance at Gulfstream Park. Trainer Chad Summers's 4-year-old Gun Runner filly also won the Cathryn Sophia at Parx and finished third in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) at Saratoga last summer.

John A. Nerud (G3), Aqueduct, 7 furlongs, 4-year-olds and up

Acoustic Ave finished a close second to National Identity in February's Say Florida Sandy at Aqueduct and was runner-up to eventual Elite Power (G3) winner Just Beat the Odds in December. The 6-year-old Maclean's Music gelding ended up fourth in the Tom Fool (G3). Trainer Linda Rice's veteran most recently checked in fifth in the Carter (G2) on April 4.

Señorita (G3), Santa Anita, 6 1/2 furlongs, turf, fillies, 3-year-olds

American Pharoah filly Hypergamy returns to grass after being eased in her main-track debut in the Santa Anita Oaks (G2) on April 4. Trainer Doug O'Neill's 3-year-old set the pace in the China Doll Stakes on March 8 before yielding late to Counterbalance and finishing second. She was fourth in the Sweet Life over the down-the-hill course Feb. 7.