What is the Jim Dandy Stakes
The Jim Dabdy Stakes are a prominent Grade 2 American Thoroughbred horse race held annually at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. The race is open to three-year-olds and is run over a distance of 1 1/8 miles on dirt.
When is the Jim Dandy Stakes held?
The Jim Dandy Stakes in 2024 is scheduled to take place on July 27th. This race serves as a key prep race for the Travers Stakes, which is also held at Saratoga.
Jim Dandy Stakes Winners
Notable winners of the Jim Dandy Stakes include famous horses such as Man o' War, who won the inaugural race in 1920, and more recently, Stay Thirsty in 2011 and Essential Quality in 2021. These victories often set the stage for further success in subsequent major races.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Fierceness | John R. Velazquez | Todd A. Pletcher | Repole Stable | 1:49.15 |
| 2023 | Forte | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Todd A. Pletcher | Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable | 1:49.61 |
| 2022 | Epicenter | Joel Rosario | Steven M. Asmussen | Winchell Thoroughbreds | 1:48.99 |
| 2021 | Essential Quality | Luis Saez | Brad H. Cox | Godolphin Racing LLC | 1:49.92 |
| 2020 | Mystic Guide | José Ortiz | Michael Stidham | Godolphin Racing LLC | 1:49.00 |
Horses qualify for the Jim Dandy Stakes primarily based on their past performance and earnings. Trainers and owners often use this race as a preparatory step for three-year-olds aiming to compete in more prestigious races later in the season.
