The $500,000 Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga serves as a key prep race for the mid-summer Travers Stakes, featuring a small but high-quality field of five starters. Among them are notable Triple Crown alumni Sovereignty, Baeza, and Sandman, who will face off again after strong showings in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes. Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby and Belmont winner, is favored to continue his dominance, while Baeza and Sandman are seen as serious contenders, with Sandman racing with blinkers for the first time to improve focus. Two other entrants, Mo Plex and Hill Road, are considered long shots but could factor in exotic bets.
Both analysts Laurie and Ashley agree that Sovereignty remains the horse to beat, citing his pedigree, improving speed figures, and tactical advantage from an outside post. Baeza’s tactical speed and middle-distance aptitude make him the likeliest challenger, while Sandman’s new blinkers add an element of unpredictability. The Jim Dandy’s history shows pace pressers and closers typically perform best, and with only five runners, the race is expected to be a tactical battle rather than a surprise upset. The top three finishers are anticipated to be key players in the upcoming Travers Stakes and the ongoing 3-year-old championship race.
