The 45th running of the Jim Dandy S. (G2), a stepping stone to the $1 million Travers S. (G1) on August 23, appears to be a wide-open affair. The 1 1/8-mile test could easily turn into a “riders race,” so I’m just going to sit back and enjoy the show.
Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Pyro, a solid stalk-and-pounce winner of the Northern Dancer S. (G3) at Churchill Downs in his last start, has been installed as the 2-1 morning line favorite, but the Steve Asmussen trainee has plenty of question marks. He will be challenged by Da’ Tara, who comes off a front-running victory in the Belmont S. (G1) for trainer Nick Zito, and the streaking Mint Lane, who exits a front-running score in the Dwyer S. (G2).
Iowa Derby winner Tiz Now Tiz Then has done little wrong in his last three starts and is a rapidly improving sophomore. Derby Trial S. winner Macho Again and Wood Memorial (G1) winner Tale of Ekati, who finished fifth and sixth, respectively, in the Belmont, could also have a say in the outcome.
On the undercard, a series of competitive races, which includes four claiming races, three New York-bred races, and a straight maiden for two-year-old fillies, could make things interesting for SHOWdown players. This is easily the most difficult program thus far.
For wagering purposes, I’m going to play Pearl of Valor in the sixth in both the straight pools and the vertical exotics. The Dallas Stewart-trained filly hopped at the start and broke slowly in her debut in Louisville. She moved up quickly on the outside around the turn, then chased home Jardin while between foes late. Jardin, of course, returned to win Wednesday’s Schuylerville S. (G3).
In the eighth, Disperse is an attractive sleeper. The Ian Wilkes-trained filly dropped back early, then made a quick move while three or four wide around the turn before finishing with interest in her debut. She beat the 6-5 favorite for second and figures to improve in her second start. Like the one above, I will play her in both the straight pools and the vertical exotics.
All eight of my SHOWdown entries remained unscathed on Whitney Day, thanks to impressive two-year-old winner Munnings and champion Ginger Punch.
At the windows, I caught a strong win-place and cold exacta play on Munnings, but lost an across-the-board bet on Lewis Michael at Arlington Park. As they say, win some, lose some.
In Saratoga Springs, it was 73 degrees with a dew point of 65 at 10:25 a.m. (EDT). The forecast calls for variable clouds with a 40 percent chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms this afternoon.
As usual, I will return to post my SHOWdown plays, once entries are closed.
Tags: handicapping, Jim Dandy, Pyro, Saratoga, Saratoga selections, Saratoga spot plays, SHOWdown, The Joyce Report, Thoroughbred racing
