As the Belmont Stakes approaches, the Grade 3 Peter Pan at Belmont at the Big A stands as a pivotal prep for three-year-olds seeking to prove their mettle ahead of the mile-and-a-half classic.
This year’s edition offers a fascinating blend of proven talent and emerging prospects, highlighted by the powerful Captain Cook, a two-time stakes winner who returns to the site of his Withers victory. He’ll be looking to bounce back from a demanding effort in the Wood Memorial, where he set the pace but faded late against top-tier competition. With his tactical speed and proven distance capabilities, Captain Cook sets the bar for this field.
But it’s no walk in the park for the likely favorite, as he faces a field that includes the promising Hill Road, a blue-blooded colt with a third-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on his resume, and Surfside Moon, a tough battler with the tactical speed to stay close.
Add in the likes of McAfee, a well-bred runner adding blinkers in search of a breakthrough, and the hard-knocking Happily Delusional, and this year’s Peter Pan shapes up as a competitive affair where the up-and-comers will look to unseat the established players.
Previewing the Field
1. Vassimo (5/1), Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr, Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
This son of Nyquist came out of the gate strong in his career, winning two of his first three starts, including a sharp victory in allowance company. However, his efforts in graded stakes have been a mixed bag, with off-the-board finishes in the Risen Star and Louisiana Derby.
Still, his early speed and competitive workouts suggest he could find a resurgence here if he can revert to his front-running tactics. With the right trip, he could prove a dangerous presence up front.
2. Happily Delusional (20/1), Jockey: Paco Lopez, Trainer: Louis C. Linder, Jr
Through his eight career starts, this colt has shown flashes of ability, including a recent career-best performance in the Tesio. However, he’s yet to show he can handle this level of competition, and his closing style means he’ll need a pace meltdown up front to have any real shot. He remains a longshot but has a chance to pick up a piece if things break his way.
3. Surfside Moon (8/1), Jockey: Junior Alvarado, Trainer: James L. Lawrence II
This well-bred son of Malibu Moon has been knocking on the door in stakes company, including a strong runner-up finish in the Withers. He has tactical speed and has shown grit in the stretch, making him a likely player if he can work out a good stalking trip. The nine-furlong distance should be within his wheelhouse.
4. Hill Road (5/2), Jockey: Flavien Prat, Trainer: Chad C. Brown
A blue-blooded colt with a hefty price tag, Hill Road has been competitive in top-tier company, including a game third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. While he hasn’t found the winner’s circle since breaking his maiden overseas, his pedigree and experience against elite competition make him a legitimate contender. If he can put it all together, he’s a major threat.
5. McAfee (8/1), Jockey: John R. Velazquez, Trainer: Richard E. Dutrow, Jr
A well-related colt with a half-sister who’s a multiple Grade 1 winner, McAfee has yet to live up to his bloodlines. Trainer Dutrow Jr. adds blinkers for this outing, a move he’s had success with in the past. He’ll need to find another gear, but if the equipment change sharpens his focus, he could be a surprise player.
6. Uncaged (8-1), Jockey: Kendrick Carmouche, Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
With a perfect record on wet tracks, this colt is an enigma. While his best efforts have come over off going, his pedigree suggests he should be able to handle the distance. The big question is whether he can match his wet track form on a dry surface, but his upside is undeniable if he can take another step forward.
7. First Pitch (50-1), , Jockey: Jose Lezcano, Trainer: Jose M. Jimenez
An outsider in every sense, this longshot took advantage of a soft pace to break his maiden last time out. He’ll need to improve significantly to factor here, but he’s a candidate to outrun his odds if he gets another favorable trip up front.
8. Captain Cook (2-1), Jockey: Manuel Franco, Trainer: Richard E. Dutrow, Jr
The likely favorite, Captain Cook has already proven he can handle the distance with a powerful win in the Withers. Though he faltered in the Wood Memorial, he remains a top contender with a potent blend of tactical speed and finishing kick. Expect him to be in the mix late.
9. Brereton’s Baytown (50-1), Jockey: Angel Serpa, Trainer: Paul McEntee
A longshot with a lot to prove, this gelding has struggled at the graded stakes level and would need a career-best effort to factor here. He’s in tough but brings a grinder’s mentality that could help him pick up minor shares if the pace collapses.
10. Lordship (12-1), Jockey: Dylan Davis, Trainer: Chad C. Brown
Lightly raced but promising, this son of Gun Runner took a big step forward in his debut, breaking his maiden impressively. He’s taking a big class hike here but has the pedigree and connections to suggest he’s sitting on another big effort.
Wind, Place, Show, Wildcard, and Longshot
Win: #8, Captain Cook (2/1) – The most accomplished and proven at this distance, should have the tactical speed to stay close and the class to finish strong.
Place: #4, Hill Road (5/2) – High-class colt with strong form against top company, likely to improve second off the layoff.
Show: #3, Surfside Moon (8/1) – Consistent performer with the tactical speed to stay in touch with the leaders.
Wildcard: #5, McAfee (8/1) – If the blinkers wake him up and he finds his best stride, he’s dangerous.
Longshot Threat: #2, Happily Delusional (20/1) – Will need a fast pace and some luck, but he’s improving and could pick up the pieces if things fall apart up front.
Race Info
- Race: #11, Grade 3 – Peter Pan Stakes
- Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
- Scheduled Post Time: 6:46 PM ET
- Location: Bemont at the Big A, Aqueduct Race Track, Jamaica, NY
- Distance: 1-1/8 Miles
- Conditions: For Three Year Olds.
- Purse: $200,000
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