Jim Dandy guide: Sovereignty faces 4 rivals in comeback

Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes hero Sovereignty returns to action Saturday in the Grade 2, 1 1/8-mile Jim Dandy at Saratoga. His heavyweight past performances have kept the competiton to just four other 3-year-old colts, including three he has defeated before. The one newcomer is stepping up in class but could have a lot to say about the pace.

Baeza, who finished in third place behind Sovereignty in both the Derby and Belmont returns to try again, this time with the hope that a shorter distance will soften Sovereignty's closing kick.

Sandman, fan favorite and Arkansas Derby winner, has been off since the Preakness. Will that freshening be the key to success this time?

Chad Brown's Hill Road is also back for more, though he looks to be both distance and pace disadvantaged in this race.

Finally, Mo Plex comes into the Jim Dandy off a win in the Ohio Derby and improving speed figures in every start. He will try to take the field all the way from gate to wire.

Get more in-depth profiles of each Jim Dandy contender. 

The Jim Dandy is race 10, post time 5:41 EDT. Live coverage of the Saratoga card will be on America's Day at the Races on Fox from 3 to 6 p.m. EDT. NYRA Bets also offers free live streaming.

Free past performances for this and more top stakes are provided by Brisnet.

Speed figures

Here are the top lifetime speed figures the Jim Dandy entrants.

*Beyer and TimeformUS speed figures are presented courtesy of Daily Racing Form.

HRN handicappers

Sovereignty is the one to beat, but the way to boost your payoffs is to pair him with the right runner-up. HRN's Ed DeRosa has a strategy for your exactas. 

Head to Head handicappers Laurie Ross and Ashley Tamulonis think the Jim Dandy's top choices are obvious.

HorseCenter's Brian Zipse and Matt Shifman have a different take on the Jim Dandy. May there be some vulnerabilities in the favorite's return? See what they have to say. 

This week's Ron Flatter Racing Pod is once more focused on the West Coast, with former DRF turf writer Jay Privman checking in from Del Mar, as well as trainer Bob Hess. HRN's Mark Midland has handicapping for the Jim Dandy and Del Mar stakes. Finally, catch up on feedback with John Cherwa and Keith Nelson. Listen here.

Get your copy of the Super Screener for every weekend through the Breeders' Cup here.