The Grade II Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga Race Course is set to deliver a thrilling showdown on Saturday, July 26, 2025. As Race 10 on the card, this 1 1/8-mile dirt contest for 3-year-olds offers a $500,000 purse and serves as a key prep for the Grade I Travers Stakes. With a compact but elite field of five contenders, including Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Sovereignty, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Field Overview & Horse Profiles
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line Odds | Pedigree |
| 1 | Baeza | Hector Berrios | John Shirreffs | 3-1 | McKinzie – Puca |
| 2 | Sandman | Jose Ortiz | Mark Casse | 6-1 | Tapit – Distorted Music |
| 3 | Mo Plex | Manny Franco | Jeremiah Englehart | 10-1 | Complexity – Mo Joy |
| 4 | Hill Road | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Chad Brown | 12-1 | Quality Road – Exotic Notion |
| 5 | Sovereignty | Junior Alvarado | Bill Mott | 2/5 | Into Mischief – Crowned |
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
Sovereignty (2/5) – The Heavy Favorite
Trainer: Bill Mott (4-time Jim Dandy winner)
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Pedigree: Into Mischief × Crowned (Bernardini)
Form: Winner of the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1)
Speed Figures: Career-best 111 Brisnet rating in the Belmont
Outlook: Sovereignty is the class of the field and has dominated the 3-year-old division. Though this race is a prep for the Travers, his tactical speed and closing ability make him formidable even if not fully cranked.
Baeza (3-1) – The Logical Challenger
Trainer: John Shirreffs
Jockey: Hector Berrios
Pedigree: McKinzie × Puca (Big Brown)
Form: Placed in the Kentucky Derby, Belmont, and Santa Anita Derby
Speed Figures: 107 Brisnet rating in Santa Anita Derby
Outlook: Baeza has consistently run behind Sovereignty and Journalism. With a rider switch back to Berrios and sharp recent workouts, he’s poised to challenge if Sovereignty is under wraps.
Sandman (6-1) – The Wild Card
Trainer: Mark Casse
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Pedigree: Tapit × Distorted Music (Distorted Humor)
Form: Winner of the Arkansas Derby (G1); 3rd in Preakness
Speed Figures: 104 Brisnet rating in Preakness
Outlook: Blinkers go on for the first time, aiming to sharpen his focus. Sandman has a deep closing style and pedigree suited for distance, but needs a pace setup to thrive.
Mo Plex (10-1) – The Speed Threat
Trainer: Jeremiah Englehart
Jockey: Manny Franco
Pedigree: Complexity × Mo Joy (Uncle Mo)
Form: Winner of the Ohio Derby (G3)
Speed Figures: 97 Brisnet rating
Outlook: Likely pace-setter in a field of closers. If he gets loose on the lead, he could hang on for a piece. However, his speed figures are light compared to the top contenders.
Hill Road (12-1) – The Deep Closer
Trainer: Chad Brown
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Pedigree: Quality Road × Exotic Notion
Form: Winner of Peter Pan (G3); 5th in Belmont
Speed Figures: 101 Brisnet rating in Breeders’ Cup Juvenile
Outlook: Has shown flashes of talent but needs a pace meltdown to be effective. May be prepping for a stronger run in the Travers.
Top Pick: Baeza – With Sovereignty possibly not fully cranked, Baeza could capitalize on a tactical trip.
Exacta Play: Baeza over Sovereignty
Trifecta Play: Baeza – Sovereignty – Sandman
