Handicapper's Corner: Jim Dandy Stakes (G2)

Just Dandy - Short, but Sweet Field for Jim Dandy Stakes

By: John Caro, S. FL ThoroFan Member

The Jim Dandy Stakes is typically used as a preparatory race for the Travers Stakes in late August. The race is named for, Jim Dandy, the 100-1 winner of the Travers Stakes in 1930 over that year’s Triple Crown winner, Gallant Fox; “The upset for the ages.”

Well, I don’t see any big money falling from the sky in this race on Saturday. The field is disappointingly small given the purse with only five entries. There is little doubt that the favorite in this ‘pre-test’ is the best choice for the win and the payout will likely be small. ‘Capping this one will be brief.

#5 Vino Rosso – Has his regular jockey who’s won this stakes four times and his trainer has won here five times. The connection of Velazquez/Pletcher have won three times together. Vino’s run in the Derby was very wide and he was still closing to make up five lengths down the lane in the slop. Posted a 105 in the Belmont to finish 4^th and posted a 102 in the Wood going this distance to win.

#2 Tenfold – The good news is Santana is hotter than a freshly fired pistol and Asmussen is doing well at the meet. The breeding looks superior for this distance but, this guy hasn’t won past 1 1/16 miles, although his showing at the Preakness indicates he has guts and may like an off track. 

#1 Flameaway – Another candidate who hasn’t done much past a1&1/16^th. He likes the front and often misses and his wins are by very short margins. Good jockey and who doesn’t love the Ortiz’s at Saratoga? Unless he can get the ideal pace through this distance he may not make an ITM finish.

#4 Sporting Chance – Love the name, not the colt in any race over a mile. Needs to return to sprinting were he’s done his best work.

#3 Reride – There is always one horse that just peaks my interest in a race like this. Reride is that colt. Great record before traveling to Meydan. Although it looks bad on paper his third place finish against Mendelssohn and Rayya on their home ground was quite a test beating the 3-2 fav Gold Town and Seahenge. Then he takes about 80 days off and runs a prep on the lawn. If there is hope for a longshot to get in the money this is the one for me. Is Asmussen and Ortiz Jr. looking to pull down the 20% finders’ fee for second? I think so.

Selections/Handigambling

Handicapping is one thing, wagering another. I don’t see value in this race unless Reride can place in this race and get 5-1 to 8-1 odds. I suggest using Vino Rosso as an anchor key in a Pick 3 or Grand Slam bet at Saratoga. 

Bet only to your level of expected return*. Check the odds and results of the Honorable Miss Stakes on 7-25-18 with a very short fav (.95) and the second fav (3.2) coming second. Payout was 6.8-1 which is a good return. 

$24 Exacta: 5 with 3*

$40 Exacta: 5 with 2

$6 Trifecta: 5 with 2, 3 with All