4 longshots to bet on Saratoga's Jim Dandy Stakes day
On Jim Dandy Stakes day at Saratoga Race Course, there is plenty of value to be found on the 12-race card. The promising weather forecast should lead to fast and firm conditions, so let’s see if we can find a few live longshots at the Spa.
Race 5: Optional Claiming $62.5k/2x (8.5F inner turf)
Post Time 3:20 p.m.
Chad Brown has the two top choices. Both are returning from long vacations and will probably take more money than they should. I liked #5 Prioritize (10-1) at Belmont Park on June 8, but he got no pace help that day. He ran well in both inner turf starts at Saratoga last summer, including a nice maiden win at this distance under today’s rider, Dylan Davis. James Bond is sending out live runners this summer at the Spa, and the 4-year-old gelding drilled a local training track bullet July 13.
Race 8: Allowance $92k/1x (6F)
Post Time 5:09 p.m. ET
#3 Puttheglassdown (12-1) missed by a neck in an improved effort at Laurel Park on June 30, and he might move forward in his third start after a layoff. He finished second in both starts at Saratoga last summer, and he gets pace to chase in the paper race. Jose Ortiz had teamed up eight times with Jeremiah Englehart recently, and all eight horses finished in the top three, with two wins.
Race 9: Grade 1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt (6F)
Post Time 5:44 p.m.
The pace should be should be honest with #1 Mitole, #2 Strike Power, and possibly #3 Imperial Hint hooking up early. Mitole is the even money favorite and is obviously the horse to beat. #4 Firenze Fire might get first run as the second or third betting choice. #7 Do Share (15-1) is worth using underneath at square odds. His recent form is not great, but he did not get any pace help in his last two starts at seven panels. He does his best work at this distance and might be able to rally for a share.
Race 10: Grade 2 Bowling Green (11F inner turf)
Post Time 6:18 p.m.
This a wide-open, competitive heat with many win contenders. #5 Channel Maker is the defending winner and tepid favorite to repeat. The lack of pace helps his cause, and another horse with tactical speed at much better odds is #10 Channel Cat (12-1). The latter exits an OK third in the United Nations (G1), and his winning rider Luis Saez sticks around. He might be a cut below these, but figures to attend below par fractions and is definitely worth including in trifecta wagers.