Frosted Vs. Texas Red in Compact Jim Dandy Stakes

2/1 morning line favorite, Frosted, chased American Pharoah in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes following his signature win in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial, and will surely benefit from not having to face the Triple Crown winner again. Trained by Kiran McLaughlin, Frosted has won 2 of 9 career starts, and may be at a disadvantage over the traditionally speed-favoring track at Saratoga given his closing style. Joel Rosario will ride the colt for the fourth consecutive time with the pair set to break from post 7.

Juvenile champ set for big effort 

Both Upstart (3/1) and Competitive Edge (4/1) are entered in the Jim Dandy, but both are expected to start in the purse-enhanced $1.75 Grade 1 Haskell Stakes on August 2 to face American Pharoah. That leaves 2014 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner, Texas Red, as the contender assured to battle Frosted in the wagering. Texas Red ran well to be second in the Grade 3 Dwyer July 4 at Belmont after a five-month layoff. The son of 2005 Preakness and Belmont Stakes winner, Afleet Alex, is bred to excel at longer distances, and will be much tighter for this effort.

Speedy colt shouldn't be forgotten

Tekton (10/1) was beaten just a head last out by the talented Mr. Jordan June 21 at Monmouth in the Grade 3 Pegasus, and will get the jump on the top two contenders. The improving colt can take this compact field a long way on the front end.