The Grade 2 Jim Dandy serves not only as a preparation for the Travers Stakes (G1) but also as a significant indicator of where Fierceness and Sierra Leone stand in the 3-year-old male division.
Champion Fierceness was last seen finishing 15th as the favourite in the Kentucky Derby, with Sierra Leone taking second place on that occasion, before disappointing with a third-place finish, again as the favourite, in the Belmont Stakes. Both horses possess the potential to lead the division eventually, but they currently trail behind Dornoch, the winner of both the Belmont and Haskell Stakes (G1). A victory in the Jim Dandy wouldn’t necessarily crown either horse as the top contender but would likely position them as favourites for the upcoming Travers Stakes.
Another notable entrant in the Jim Dandy is Preakness Stakes winner Seize the Grey. I previously underestimated him at 40-1 odds for the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, but I’m ready to stand by my belief that he may be overvalued once again here.
Complicating matters is Pony Express, who presents a challenge for Fierceness with his speed. Both Seize the Grey and Fierceness have shown they can win from behind, but I anticipate a fierce duel among them in this race. While I prefer Fierceness due to his superior race speed, it’s essential to acknowledge that this setup appears to favour Sierra Leone more.
It may seem unconventional to introduce Batten Down as a potential value pick, especially considering his two previous victories were achieved in gate-to-wire fashion. Yet, he was only outpaced by Sierra Leone in his last race, and he has consistently clocked faster times than the field—except for Fierceness when he's on his A-game—in his last three outings.
This race presents an excellent opportunity for head-to-head prop bets popular with sports bettors. I would definitely back Batten Down at longer odds than Seize the Grey. For now, I'll focus on keying him in the exotics.