Betting With, and Against, Sovereignty in the Jim Dandy Stakes

Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont S. (G1) star #5 Sovereignty (2-5) looms as an imposing favorite in Saturday’s $500,000 Jim Dandy S. (G2) at Saratoga. The nine-furlong tilt on the main oval attracted five talented sophomores, but all eyes will be on the Godolphin homebred. 

Sovereignty – With 

• $20 trifecta key 5 with 1,3 ($40)

Sovereignty – Against

• $10 trifecta 1,3 with 1,3,5 with 1,3,5 ($40) 

Sovereignty has been well managed this campaign and has delivered with excellent runs in each of his four endeavors in 2025, obviously capped by his pair of Triple Crown scores leading up to this event. The Bill Mott pupil looks to be improving, which is a scary thing for his foes, as he was into the race early in the Belmont last time before exuding his measurable class in the lane in the Test of the Champion. The Into Mischief colt had never displayed interest in the opening portions of a race prior to that, so the standout colt might be putting it all together at this stage of his development, which makes him even more formidable going forward. Regular pilot Junior Alvarado has the call. 

The favorite will not be fully cranked up for Saturday’s tilt, so for those looking for an upset threat in the heat, two horses have appeal to me. I feel that Ohio Derby (G3) victor #3 Mo Plex (10-1) has some intrigue at a price in the contest. The Jeremiah Englehart pupil has yet to run a bad one in his career and passed his two-turn test most recently at Thistledown with a measured win. Complexity New York-bred has improved his ç in four straight races in preparation for this. With his potential to be controlling speed in the field combined with his two-for-two local line, he is worth considering with Manny Franco in the stirrups. 

Derby and Belmont third #1 Baeza (3-1) has not yet reached his potential for John Shirreffs. The McKinzie colt has performed well in each of his career tries on the dirt in advance of his second run at The Spa, and he is working swiftly like a colt ready to fire his best shot in this race, as well. He possesses some early speed, and if Hector Berrios sends him early, then the well-bred sophomore will improve his chances in a big way. Saving ground and being forwardly placed are often huge factors when going long on this oval, so Baeza is not without a chance.