The upcoming Grade 2 Red Smith Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack promises an exciting showdown as the defending champion, the 8-year-old Master Piece, looks to retain his title in the 11-furlong inner turf test. Trained by the seasoned Rick Dutrow Jr., Master Piece is a multiple graded stakes winner who has proven his mettle on the local green. The field also features several formidable contenders, including the Grade 1-placed Integration and the recent Nashville Gold Cup winner, Limited Liability, ensuring a thrilling race for turf enthusiasts.

A Veteran Champ Seeks to Defend His Crown

Master Piece's Impressive Resume

Master Piece, the 8-year-old Mastercraftsman ridgling, is a seasoned campaigner with an impressive resume. The veteran has amassed nearly $1 million in career earnings through a 32-race record of 8 wins, 4 seconds, and 5 thirds. His most recent triumph came in the local Fort Marcy Stakes (G2) in May, where he edged out the next-out graded stakes winner Ottoman Fleet by a neck. This victory marked Master Piece's first win since last year's Red Smith Stakes, where he prevailed by a neck over the multiple Grade 1-placed Soldier Rising.

Preparing for a Title Defense

Dutrow has been pleased with Master Piece's preparation for the Red Smith, noting that the horse "went good" in a recent half-mile breeze over the Belmont Park dirt training track. The trainer expressed confidence in his charge, stating, "He kind of showed us that he is ready. This is his kind of weather, cooler." Dutrow also highlighted Master Piece's affinity for the local turf course, saying, "He's run big twice on this grass course. We can't wait to watch him run again."

A Pleasure to Train

Beyond his impressive performances on the track, Master Piece has also endeared himself to those around him. Dutrow described the gray gelding as "a pleasure to be around," noting that "every barn that he's in, just all the people really like him because he's such a cool, funny horse to be around." This charismatic personality, combined with his proven abilities, makes Master Piece a fan favorite as he seeks to defend his Red Smith title.

Facing Stiff Competition

While Master Piece is the defending champion, he will face a formidable field in the Red Smith. Among the notable contenders are the Grade 1-placed Integration and the recent Nashville Gold Cup winner, Limited Liability. Integration, trained by Hall of Famer Shug McGaughey, has shown impressive form, including a record-setting victory in the Virginia Derby (G3) and a pair of 100 Beyer Speed Figure performances in the Arlington Million (G1) and Million Preview. Limited Liability, also trained by McGaughey, is coming off a dominant 8 1/4-length win in the Nashville Gold Cup, earning a career-best 102 Beyer.

A Talented Supporting Cast

The Red Smith field is further bolstered by the presence of Pioneering Spirit, a Grade 1-placed runner trained by Dutrow, and the multiple graded stakes-placed City Man, trained by Christophe Clement. These horses, along with the aforementioned contenders, promise to make the Red Smith a thrilling and competitive event.

A Turf Test of Champions

The Red Smith Stakes has a rich history as a prestigious turf event, attracting some of the top horses and trainers in the sport. With Master Piece seeking to defend his title and a talented field of challengers vying for the crown, the 2024 edition promises to be a captivating showcase of equine excellence on the inner turf at Aqueduct.