The Jim Dandy at Saratoga is an annual prep race for the Travers Stakes. This year’s race is a Dandy with Belmont Runner Up and Breeders Cup Juvenile Winner – Texas Red in the field.
Jim Dandy 2015
Frammento has had a busy campaign and been placed ambitiously in several races. Overall he is 1 for 9 with his last win last October. He is probably better than his running lines show but lacks tactical speed and faces classier horses in this spot.
Japan comes in dressed up with a win in the last race. Beware that was a 3 horse field and he has the stride of a turf horse. He is improving, but gets the class test and his running style and speed figures while competitive are slower than a few of the top contenders.
Texas Red missed some training time this winter and pointed for the Jim Dandy in May. The plan is coming together and the goal is the Travers and Breeders Cup Classic. Ran evenly in last race and may have run into a freak that day in Speighstown. Seems fit but may be the favorite in a race that others may have a tactical edge.
Upstart is a New York Bred who has run well in every race except for the Kentucky Derby. He missed some training time with an illness a few weeks before the first Saturday in May. Upstart was involved in a grinding Florida campaign. Speed figures are competitive with this race and workouts have been strong. Looking for a strong effort with this race.
Upstart is now likely to run in the Haskell on Sunday
Competitive Edge is entered in this race and the Haskell on Sunday. More likely he runs Sunday at Monmouth. Speed could be dangerous and his presence affects the pace of the race.
Entered in Jim Dandy and Haskell –
Tekton most likely will run at Monmouth on Sunday against American Pharoah in the Haskell.
Frosted has a grinding running style and has some Grade 1 class. Since throat surgery in March has never run a bad race and is capable of winning. A short price may be in order and not sure he is a win machine. Lots to like, but 5 second place finishes on his resume.
The Selection:
Upstart has tactical speed and should sit on the lead with slow fractions. If Competitive Edge does not run in this spot, I see a slow pace and Upstart getting the first jump. If Competitive Edge runs in this spot, then Texas Red should benefit from a faster, contested pace.
Update:
Upstart now likely to run in Haskell. Frosted is now the choice.