Saratoga Saturday: Jim Dandy Features Major Derby Horses

The mid-summer derby isn’t far away now. On Saturday one of the key lead in events will take place. The Jim Dandy at Saratoga will see the return of familiar Kentucky Derby names such as Forte, Disarm, and Angel of Empire.

Jim Dandy

Jim Dandy was a legendary Thoroughbred racehorse that left an indelible mark on the sport of horse racing. Born in 1936, this bay colt had an illustrious career that earned him a place in racing history. His achievements were so remarkable that the prestigious Jim Dandy Stakes was named in his honor, solidifying his legacy and importance in the world of Thoroughbred racing.

Upset in the Travers

Trained by Tom Healey and owned by Willis Sharpe Kilmer, Jim Dandy displayed incredible talent from an early age. In 1939, he began his racing journey as a two-year-old, quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. His most significant victory came on August 5, 1940, when he triumphed over the iconic Triple Crown winner, Gallant Fox, in the Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. This momentous upset catapulted Jim Dandy into the limelight and earned him admiration from racing enthusiasts across the nation.

The Jim Dandy Stakes

In recognition of his extraordinary performance and the thrilling upset over a Triple Crown champion, the “Jim Dandy Stakes” was named in his honor. It became one of the most anticipated races in the three-year-old horse division, attracting top-notch contenders and enthusiastic crowds year after year.

Travers Prep

The race, held at Saratoga Race Course in upstate New York, carries immense significance in the racing calendar. Traditionally run in late July or early August, the race serves as a crucial prep race for the prestigious Travers Stakes, held two weeks later. It acts as a litmus test for three-year-olds, allowing trainers and owners to gauge the potential of their charges ahead of the bigger and more challenging races.

Over the years, the Jim Dandy Stakes has witnessed numerous thrilling battles and memorable moments, further enhancing its prestige in the racing world. The race’s history and connection to the iconic horse, Jim Dandy, evoke nostalgia among racing enthusiasts and pay homage to the exceptional talent and spirit of this remarkable Thoroughbred.

As each new generation of racehorses competes in the Jim Dandy Stakes, they pay tribute to the enduring spirit and legacy of Jim Dandy, the remarkable colt who carved his place in racing history.

Saturday Full Card Analysis

Saratoga Race Course- Race 1

Post: 12:40 PM ET; $136.5k Maiden Special Weight going 1 1/16 miles on turf; Entries: 8

• #5 FRONTLINE WARRIOR (3-1) makes his debut here and is the top selection due to his impressive pedigree, indicating that he could be a major contender in this field.
• #7 MOONLIGHT (2-1) is another debutant to watch out for, expected to be a significant player in the race. Trained by Pletcher and ridden by Ortiz, this well-bred horse demands respect.
• #4 YAQUI VALLEY (8-1) should be competitive in this race, boasting past performances good enough to challenge this group. With a solid recent record, he appears ready to put on a strong performance.
• #1 CORRUPTION (6-1) also makes his debut and has the potential to be a competitive force in this field due to his promising pedigree.

Selections: 5 – 7 – 4 – 1

Saratoga Race Course- Race 2

Post: 1:11 PM ET; $156k Allowance Optional Claiming going 6 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 8

• #4 BOLD JOURNEY (5-2) is the top pick, arriving in excellent form. With the highest overall power rating in the field, he stands as a strong contender.
• #5 OSBOURNE (2-1) has shown consistency in recent races and should be ready to deliver a formidable performance. He poses a potential threat as he could secure an advantageous position on the front end.
• #3 JOEY FRESHWATER (6-1) has displayed solid form recently and should be competitive in this race.
• #6 SCOCCIATORE (8-1) seems to be a fringe contender, but his strong early pace figures may play to his advantage, particularly in a race with limited front-running speed.

Selections: 4 – 5 – 3 – 6

Saratoga Race Course- Race 3

Post: 1:44 PM ET; $50k Claiming going 5 1/2 furlongs on turf; Entries: 15

• #2 LUNA WARRIOR (3-1) looks to be the strongest contender in this race, boasting performances capable of outclassing the opposition.
• #11 WAR TERMINATOR (9-2) is a potential fringe contender from the Contessa barn and will be ridden by Ortiz, which adds to his chances.
• #1 KBCYA LATER (12-1) is a longshot worth considering for underneath positions on most betting tickets, having proven her ability to handle similar conditions in previous races.
• #6 CARPE’S DREAM (8-1) may also be a contender for underneath positions, as he is expected to have a favorable pace setup and arrives in good form.

Selections: 2 – 11 – 1 – 6

Saratoga Race Course- Race 4

Post: 2:16 PM ET; $52k Maiden Claiming going 6 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 12

• #3 MOONEY MOONEY (6-1) secures the top selection due to his solid early pace figures and previous success under similar conditions.
• #2 BEST COAST (5-1) is expected to show improvement in his second start and could be a threat, potentially securing a favorable position on the front end.
• #5 RATIFIED (10-1) is a longshot with a chance to compete, given his solid early pace figures and the expected pace setup in the race.
• #11 CORNER KICK (6-1) is also in contention for a competitive position, making him worth considering.

Selections: 3 – 2 – 5 – 11

Saratoga Race Course- Race 5

Post: 2:46 PM ET; $156k Allowance Optional Claiming going 7 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 7

• #6 STERLING SILVER (4-1) emerges as the top pick, displaying consistent performances in recent starts, which makes her the class of the field.
• #7 GOOD SAM (4-1) is expected to be a major player in this race and could pose a threat if she manages to establish an advantageous position on the front end. The combination of Brown and Ortiz enhances her chances.
• #2 TIZZY IN THE SKY (5-2) also appears to be a major contender, well-suited for the 7-furlong distance.
• #3 BUSTIN BAY (10-1) is a longshot worth considering for her recent solid form.

Selections: 6 – 7 – 2 – 3

Saratoga Race Course- Race 6

Post: 3:18 PM ET; $88k Maiden Special Weight going 1 1/16 miles on turf; Entries: 15

• #6 STARTS NOW (7-2) is the leading pick, as she has shown her ability to handle similar conditions in previous races. Expected to sit mid-pack and make a late run, she poses a strong chance.
• #11 AUTUMN (8-1) should be competitive and is in good form coming into this race.
• #7 LADY LAOBAN (8-1) also shows promise and is expected to be competitive in this field.
• #9 SPLASHY (5-1) is a contender with early pace that may come into play in a race that lacks a significant amount of front-running speed.

Selections: 6 – 11 – 7 – 9

Saratoga Race Course- Race 7

Post: 3:52 PM ET; $136.5k Maiden Special Weight going 6 1/2 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 12

• #8 LAMBO (4-1) is the top selection, expected to improve in his second start and boasting performances that can challenge this group.
• #7 DEVIL’S PLAYGROUND (8-1) is another horse likely to improve and could be a contender with his competitive performances.
• #9 GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE (6-1) makes his debut and should be a strong competitor, especially under the guidance of trainer Brown and jockey Prat.
• #11 SKIP THE LINE (8-1) also makes his debut and has the potential to be a contender, trained by Pletcher and ridden by Ortiz.

Selections: 8 – 7 – 9 – 11

Saratoga Race Course- Race 8

Post: 4:26 PM ET; $350k Alfred G. Vanderbilt H. going 6 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 7

• #4 ELITE POWER (4-5) is the top pick, carrying the highest overall power rating in the field and expected to make a late run.
• #5 GUNITE (8-5) is another major player, possessing a high overall power rating and possibly gaining an advantage on the front end.
• #7 LITTLE VIC (15-1) is a longshot contender with tactical speed, positioning him well to stalk the leaders and make a late challenge. His impressive recent form enhances his chances.
• #6 DEAN DELIVERS (8-1) also has a shot at being competitive, as his speed figures make sense in this field.

Selections: 4 – 5 – 7 – 6

Saratoga Race Course- Race 9

Post: 5:02 PM ET; $149.5k Allowance going 1 mile on turf; Entries: 16

• #5 EXPAND THE MAP (7-2) is the top contender here, with a strong chance to perform well under the guidance of Brown and Ortiz.
• #6 DIAMOND HANDS (5-1) is also a major player, anticipated to be part of the early pace in this race.
• #4 NO SHOW SAMMY JO (4-1) is another competitive horse, expected to sit mid-pack and launch a late challenge. Her proven ability to handle similar conditions enhances her chances.
• #10 GET YOUR KICKS (6-1) is worth considering as a potential threat, having demonstrated her ability to handle similar conditions in previous races.

Selections: 5 – 6 – 4 – 10

Saratoga Race Course- Race 10

Post: 5:45 PM ET; $500k Jim Dandy S. Presented by DK Horse going 1 1/8 miles on dirt; Entries: 5

• #4 SAUDI CROWN (5-2) earns the top selection, as he could be a potential threat on the front end.
• #5 ANGEL OF EMPIRE (5-2) also appears to be a major contender, fitting well in this field and ridden by Prat for trainer Cox.
• #2 FORTE (7-5) is another major player, showcasing a solid recent form and guided by Pletcher and Ortiz.
• #3 HIT SHOW (6-1) is also a strong contender, demonstrating good form in recent starts and positioning him well in this race.

Selections: 4 – 5 – 2 – 3

Saratoga Race Course- Race 11

Post: 6:19 PM ET; $95k Allowance going 5 1/2 furlongs on turf; Entries: 14

• #8 BUSY MORNING (4-1) is the top pick, displaying strong recent performances and appearing ready to put on a noteworthy performance.
• #9 ACT OF CONGRESS (7-2) is another major player, earning respect due to the combination of Levine and Ortiz.
• #6 SARATOGA CHROME (12-1) is a longshot contender worth considering for her competitive chances.
• #3 SNOWY EVENING (4-1) is expected to be competitive, coming into the race with good recent form.

Selections: 8 – 9 – 6 – 3

Saratoga Race Course- Race 12

Post: 6:52 PM ET; $136.5k Maiden Special Weight going 1 3/8 miles on turf; Entries: 13

• #7 SHE’S MO BUBBLY (3-1) emerges as the strongest contender, being the class of the field.
• #10 SRI LANKA (6-1) is a major player, likely to make a late surge with a good closing kick, well-suited for the distance.
• #3 TAWARET (7-2) should be competitive, having shown performances that could challenge this group.
• #6 LIBRETTO (6-1) could also be in contention, potentially gaining an advantage on the front end.

Selections: 7 – 10 – 3 – 6