Destin on course for Jim Dandy

Edited Press Release

Grade 2 winner and Belmont Stakes (G1) nose runner-up Destin emerged from his latest breeze in good order and remains on target for Saturday’s $600,000 Jim Dandy Stakes (G2).

The sophomore son of Giant's Causeway worked five furlongs in 1:00.87 Friday morning at Saratoga to wrap up his major preparations for the Jim Dandy, the traditional local prep for the $1.25 million Travers Stakes (G1) on August 27.

"He's doing excellent," trainer Todd Pletcher reported. "I thought he worked very well and came out of it good and if everybody stays on board for what they're supposed to be doing, I believe we're just going to stay here and run in the Jim Dandy."

Far From Over, winner of the 2015 Withers Stakes (G3) who remained unbeaten coming off a 16-month layoff against allowance/optional claiming company in June, worked over the fast Oklahoma training track Sunday morning and could make a summer appearance at the Spa.

"He's been training very well. We've been very pleased with him," Pletcher said. "I thought his comeback race was quite good. I like what we're seeing in the morning. I'd like to get a real nice, cozy allowance race for him sometime in the next three weeks."

Breezing in company with Grade 2 hero Protonico, Far From Over covered five furlongs in 1:02.03.

Pletcher's impressive first-out winner One Liner has stamped himself as an early contender for the $350,000 Hopeful Stakes (G1) on closing day, Labor Day, September 5, following his 1 1/2-length maiden victory Saturday.

"It was kind of what we were expecting from him based on the way he'd been training," Pletcher said of the race. "He had been pretty professional in the mornings and I liked the fact that he drew toward the outside and was able to put himself in a good spot without having to shove on him the whole way.

"It was a good professional debut. I would think we would consider a race like the Hopeful, but we'll see how he trains and let that guide us."

Destin photo courtesy of SV Photography