Bet on The Jim Dandy Stakes

Bet on The Jim Dandy Stakes

The Jim Dandy Stakes has been a fixture of the summer racing scene at Saratoga since the inaugural running in 1964. Though typically regarded as a prep race for the prestigious “Mid-Summer Derby”, the Travers Stakes (G1), the Jim Dandy has built a rich history all of its own. The race is named after of a colt who pulled off an astronomical upset to defeat Triple Crown winner Gallant Fox in the Travers (G1) in 1930. Currently, the Jim Dandy is contested at a mile and a sixteenth and offers Grade 2 status and a purse of $600,000.

No trainer has been more dominant in the Jim Dandy Stakes than trainer Todd Pletcher. He has saddled six winners, beginning with Graeme Hall in 2000. Additionally, he sent out Strong Hope (2003), Purge (2004), Flower Alley (2005), Stay Thirsty (2011) and Palace Malice (2013). Three jockeys – Eddie Maple, Jerry Bailey and John Velazquez – have each won four editions of the race though Velazquez is the only one of the three still actively riding. [+]

Some of the greatest champions in Thoroughbred racing have competed in the Jim Dandy Stakes including Affirmed in 1978. The race marked the chestnut colt’s first race back after defeating rival Alydar in the Belmont Stakes to claim the Triple Crown that year. It would also be the final time the champion would find the winner’s circle his three-year-old year as he would ultimately be defeated in his next three starts.

In 2014, the popular colt Wicked Strong returned off of a frustrating pair of fourth-place finishes in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1) to step into the spotlight and win the second graded stakes race of his career. Under Rajiv Maragh, he rated smartly off of the pace and edged clear by 2 ¼ lengths over Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Tonalist.

Jim Dandy Stakes Betting Odds

Although Texas Red did produce better than than a 2-1 payoff for winning the 2015 Jim Dandy, the fact the field was reduced to four horses meant lower than normal odds on the favorites, and no Show or Trifecta payouts. When there's not much money to be made making straight bets or exotics in a big race with a small field, it's nice to have an account at on online racebook like Bovada, where head-to-heads and other props provide more betting options than you can get at the track. 

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* REMINDER! - you must be of legal age in your state or province to legally wager on thoroughbred or harness horse racing. Please bet responsibly!

2016 Jim Dandy Stakes Contenders

The field is set and post positions have been drawn for Saturday's 2016 Jim Dandy at Saratoga. Race time is 6:18 PM Eastern.

Entries by PP

1) Creator (2-1)

2) Laoban (15-1)

3) Mohaymen (2-1)

4) Destin (5-2)

5) Governor Malibu (6-1)

6) Race Me Home (IRE) (12-1)