Dirt sprint races are the most common races in the United States and the foundation of so many daily racecards in this country, yet it sometimes feels like the Breeders’ Cup Sprint gets overshadowed by other World Championships races like the Longines Classic, Longines Distaff, and
Tom Pedulla presents five takeaways from the $600,000, Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course and other major developments this weekend:
Shedaresthedevil, favored at odds of 1.30-1, turned in a perfect dress rehearsal for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff in the $300,000, Grade 1 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Aug. 1.
Champions are officially crowned through a vote, but their legends are written on the racetrack.
Already a champion, Godolphin's Essential Quality did not record the most important or most memorable victory of his career July 31 when he prevailed at minuscule odds and captured the $582,000 Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes for 3-year-olds at Saratoga Race Course.