The Jim Dandy Stakes unlikely to disappoint with a star-studded line-up
It will be a fight for total domination, when eight competitive runners take on each other in the Grade 2, $600,000 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga on 28th July, 2012.
With the big names not competing, it will be a chance for the ones on the receiving end to show their mettle in the 1 1/8 mile race.
The Ian Wilkes trained, Neck’n Neck, who has been pretty consistent, with two back-to-back victories, will be on a hat-trick in the Jim Dandy.
The son of Flower Alley, out of mare Bootery, will be paired with rider, Leandro Goncalves.
The trainer is optimistic, and has high hopes, since his runner romped to a 7 ¼ length victory in the Grade 3 Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs over 1/16 miles, and defeated, Stealcase, in 1 minute and 43.72 seconds.
The colt will have to stretch himself for this race, but the handler stated he can tackle the distance because he is improving. He stated:
"The reason for his improvement is very simple; maturity."
Referring to the Matt Winn, he said:
“The Matt Winn was a very competitive race. I thought I had a great shot to win, but to win by seven lengths against those horses you have to go on to the next step and see where you belong for the Travers."
Among this line-up are the Michael Matz’s trained, Teeth Of The Dog and Nick Zito’s charge, Fast Falcon, who will get a chance to renew their rivalry, which started when they were in contention for the Grade 2 Dwyer Stakes at Belmont Park.
Teeth Of The Dog conquered the 1 1/16 mile track and finished ahead of Fast Falcon, and will be competing as a high-weight with 121 pounds.
Prospective will also carry the same weights.
The Kelly Breen trained, My Adonis, is also attracting a significant amount of attention, since he finished second to Hansen in the Grade 3 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct in March, 2012, where Hansen managed to complete the 1 1/16 mile track first in 1
minute and 43.84 seconds, but his performance was still commendable.
He will race with rider Javier Castellano on his back with weights of 117 pounds.
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