With over a decade of horse racing expertise, US Racing delivers data-driven insights and betting expert picks to sharpen your Jim Dandy betting strategy, especially when it comes to high-paying picks.
The Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga Race Course will be held on Saturday, a cloudy day with intervals of clouds and sunshine as per Weather.com— these are the perfect conditions for mudders. Currently, the favorite is Sovereignty (4-5), he finished first in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, everyone saw him defeat Journalism and Baeza in the same order. He has accomplished this on both fast tracks and sloppy ones. Our strategy includes Sovereignty, Baeza, and Sandman, each offering unique strengths that we will dive into in more detail shortly. Stay tuned for the data-backed reasoning behind these picks.
USR Recommended Picks based on a $2 bet:
$2 Exacta: 1st Sovereignty | 2nd Baeza
$2 Trifecta: 1st Sovereignty | 2nd Baeza | 3rd Sandman
Sovereignty (2/5) is a top pick for your Exacta and Trifecta bets in the 2025 Jim Dandy Stakes. With 4 wins from 7 starts and earnings over $4.8 million, his track record speaks for itself. He recently won the Belmont Stakes in impressive fashion, finishing three lengths ahead of Journalism, proving his ability to excel at the highest level. Trained by Bill Mott and ridden by Junior Alvarado, Sovereignty is backed by a strong pedigree (Into Mischief and Bernardini) that has produced multiple top racehorses.
His recent performances, including victories in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, demonstrate his versatility and consistency. A top speed rating of 138 further confirms his competitive edge. With a favorable post position 5 at Saratoga and a solid workout leading up to the race, Sovereignty is in peak condition and poised to make a strong bid for victory. Given his proven class, tactical adaptability, and expert connections, he's a clear choice for your exotic picks in this prestigious race.
Baeza (3/1) is a compelling choice for second place in your Exacta and Trifecta wagers for the Jim Dandy Stakes. With a career record of 6 starts—1 win, 2 seconds, and 2 thirds—and earnings of $848,500, Baeza has demonstrated consistent performance. Trained by John A. Shirreffs and ridden by Hector Berrios, Baeza finished third in both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level.
In his most recent race, the Belmont Stakes, Baeza earned a top speed rating of 131, indicating his competitive edge. His versatility as a stalker/pace-presser allows him to adapt to various race dynamics. With a favorable post position 1, Baeza is well-positioned to capitalize on any opportunities that arise during the race. Given his consistent form, strong connections, and favorable race dynamics, Baeza is a solid pick for second place in your exotic bets.
Sandman (6/1) is a strong choice for third in your Exacta and Trifecta picks for the 2025 Jim Dandy Stakes. With a career record of 3 wins, 1 second, and 3 thirds from 10 starts, he's shown consistent ability, earning over $1.47 million. His recent performance in the Preakness Stakes, where he finished third, along with a solid top speed rating of 136, highlights his competitiveness. Trained by Mark E. Casse and ridden by Jose Ortiz, Sandman is in good hands with a proven team. Post position 2 gives him a good chance to stay in the mix early on, and his recent form, including a solid win in the Arkansas Derby, makes him a valuable pick for your exotic wagers.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
