Texas Red the One to Deny in Jim Dandy Stakes

Texas Red the One to Deny in Jim Dandy Stakes: Gone throughout the Triple Crown series, but not forgotten, fan-favorite Texas Red makes his second start off the layoff in the Jim Dandy (GII) at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday. Run at nine furlongs, this race works as Saratoga’s traditional prep race for their prestigious Travers Stakes (GI) later next month. Texas Red finished second in the Dwyer (GIII) just a few weeks ago at Belmont Park, and with another solid effort, could show up in the meet’s featured race for three-year-old horses.

With two wins out of seven starts, Texas Red holds his fair share of critics who think Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI) winners are difficult to trust. His fanbase remains strong though for a couple of reasons, such as the human connections. The brother-team of trainer Keith and and jockey Kent Desormeaux are behind this colt. A number of partners hold a share in Texas Red, including Lee Michaels, who kindly spoke a few words for an interview on here.

When Texas Red won the Juvenile last fall after a big swooping move, many were captivated by the run. Late runners, especially talented ones like Zenyatta, hold a special place in the hearts of racing fans. This one has a popular sire Afleet Alex, a team of owners with zero controversy behind them, and siblings for a trainer and jockey. No wonder Texas Red is loved on social media.

Pace handicappers were not impressed. It is true he took advantage of a fast pace and the race collapsed. Carpe Diem rallied from the back for second, which only more gives evidence the flow sided with deep closers. On the other hand, Texas Red won like a quality horse is supposed to win, by over six lengths. If readers are wondering why a race run last fall is being given this much attention now, it is the last race Texas Red competed in without a layoff to overcome.

One race before in the FrontRunner (GI), Texas Red lost by four lengths to American Pharoah, and no one can fault any horse for losing to a Triple Crown champion. After the Breeders’ Cup, he fell short in the San Vicente (GII), which is fine. Horses do not need to win every race, and the shorter seven furlong distance hurt him anyway. A minor injury forced another break, and when Texas Red returned in the Dwyer, he ran a solid race despite losing to the promising Speightster.

Going back to a topic discussed many times, racing fans seem a little more impatient than 15 to 20 years ago, either that or social media highlighted some unseen opinions. Star horses rarely win every single race, at least not the ones aiming for absolutely the highest level possible. Texas Red had his big win last fall, then he lost twice, with neither of the two losses an indication of missing form.

Finding an alternative option with value will prove difficult. The gray horse Frosted makes his first post-Triple Crown start from the outside position, and it is likely the beautiful Tapit colt will take a lot of money at the windows. Of course, it is reasonable to believe Texas Red will attract too much money as well. Bettors must pick their poison. Frosted’s form improved starting with the Wood Memorial (GI) in April, and he ranks as a logical win contender if not tired from his campaign. Normally, giving a horse like Frosted one race to misfire after the Belmont is a good idea.

Japan is a name rising in discussion on forums, and he comes off a win over Stanford in the Easy Goer at Belmont Park. There are a couple of points to criticize. The Easy Goer was a three-horse field, and runners like Texas Red and Frosted are classier than Stanford. His seven-length maiden win at Churchill Downs was not exactly brimming with quality horses either, as runner-up I’mbetterthangood lost 10 straight races before that one. Yet, with only four career starts the ceiling runs high.

Upstart makes his return after being eased in the Kentucky Derby and losing by 60 lengths. His previous form appears nothing short of consistent, as the ridgling never failed to hit the board in seven races leading to the Derby failure. Also, when a horse fires a bullet workout that is best out of 109 other horses, the “ready” sign is posted.

Even the Todd Pletcher-trained Competitive Edge has a small chance. The field feels short from the quantity department, but is filled with quality runners. Unfortunately, there is nothing too creative to suggest in terms of betting possibilities. Seven horses are entered, and six may start depending on where Tekton goes. Why not simply enjoy the race? The pace scenario will favor Upstart, if looking to topple the favorite. Pace and value aside, Texas Red is best on paper.

Jim Dandy Stakes 2015 Post Positions & Odds
Race 10 6:15 PM ET
1 Frammento Lezcano/Zito
2 Japan Alvarado/Mott
3 Texas Red Desormeaux/Desormeaux
4 Upstart Ortiz, Jr./Violette, Jr.
5 Competitive Edge Velazquez/Pletcher
6 Tekton Cintron/Dutrow
7 Frosted Rosario/McLaughlin
*Odds Updated Upon Release