Afleet Express readies for Jim Dandy

AFLEET EXPRESS (Afleet Alex), winner of the Pegasus S. (G3) in his most

recent start, worked seven furlongs Friday morning over Saratoga's fast main

track in his final serious move for next Saturday's Jim Dandy S. (G2) at the

Spa.

With exercise rider Kelvin Pahal aboard, the dark bay colt went out after the

renovation break and covered the distance in 1:25 3/5.

"I didn't pick him up right at the beginning from where I was standing, but

when I did I thought he was going at the right pace, and finished up well,"

trainer Jimmy Jerkens said. "I thought it was perfect."

Afleet Express, who sports the colors of Gainesway Stable, is 3-1-0 from five

starts including a 7 3/4-length win going seven furlongs at Belmont Park on May

22 and the 1 1/16-mile Pegasus, in which he came from just off to pace to win by

1 3/4 lengths in his stakes bow.

"His last race told us a lot," Jerkens said. "It was his first time around

two turns on a very, very slow track against some nice, seasoned horses, and he

handled them pretty well."