Jim Dandy Stakes Prediction, Preview, and Odds (July 29)
- Forte returns to action in the G2 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga this weekend
- Competitive field lines up in the race, including three for trainer Brad Cox
One of the standout three-year-olds in the United States returns to action this weekend, as Forte will be bidding to bounce back for trainer Todd Pletcher. Last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner will face a small but high-quality field in the G2 Jim Dandy Stakes, as he bids to step up his preparations ahead of a probable run in the G1 Travers in August.
Schedule and How To Watch
- When: Saturday, July 28, 2023, from 5:45 p.m. ET
- Where: Saratoga, New York
- How To Watch: FanDuel TV
Jim Dandy Stakes Odds
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Forte | +140 |
| Angel of Empire | +300 |
| Disarm | +400 |
| Saudi Crown | +400 |
| Hit Show | +500 |
Latest odds taken from an offshore sportsbook.
Race Preview
The G2 Jim Dandy Stakes is the headline race at Saratoga this weekend, and it will be highlighted by the return to action of Todd Pletcher’s Forte. The winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last season has already landed the G1 Florida Derby this year. He was scratched from the G1 Kentucky Derby, despite being the heavy favorite at the time. But, he made a solid enough return to action, finishing second in the G1 Belmont Derby.
In truth, this weekend is Forte’s opportunity to prove that he is the best three-year-old in the U.S., and a victory would set him up for a huge showdown with the likes of Mage and Geaux Rocket Ride in the G1 Travers. But, there could be some serious dangers to the champion two-year-old this weekend.
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Disarm comes into the race this weekend after an impressive return to winning ways on his previous start for Steven Asmussen, landing the G3 Matt Winn in a comprehensive fashion. Angel of Empire has form to find on Forte after finishing fourth in the G1 Belmont Stakes, but he continues to be a high-quality performer, supported by his third in the G1 Kentucky Derby.
The one unknown quantity in the race this weekend is another runner for Brad Cox, as Saudi Crown reached an excellent speed figure of 107 when losing by a neck in the G3 Dwyer on his previous outing. His early pace could make him a solid selection in exactas, but I’m not convinced that he will see out the distance as well as some of the more proven contenders in this field.
Jim Dandy Stakes Prediction
It’s always exciting when we get to see Forte back in action, as he has been the standout three-year-old this season. His return to action was solid enough, and I’d be taking the Pletcher runner over Angel of Empire and Saudi Crown in my Trifecta this weekend.
Free Picks
- Trifecta: (2) Forte/ (5) Angel of Empire/ (4) Saudi Crown
