Renegade rallies to claim Jim Dandy

Luck finally went Renegade’s way on Saturday, as the dual classic-placed colt mowed down Commandment in the final sixteenth to capture the $485,000 Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga.

It was a record-extending ninth win in the Jim Dandy for trainer Todd Pletcher in the 1 1/8-mile test for three-year-olds, and a record-equaling fourth for Mike Repole, who owns the son of Into Mischief in partnership with Robert and Lewana Low. The Jim Dandy was Pletcher’s fifth win at Saratoga on Saturday.

Despite the apparent lack of pace on paper, Renegade was backed down to strong favoritism in the five-horse field, starting at 1.19-1. The fractions, set by Ohio Derby (G3) winner Chip Honcho, were not overly quick -- :23.46, :47.82, and 1:12.30 – but that colt and Southwest (G3) winner Silent Tactic, a stalking second, eventually yielded to the classier Commandment and Renegade.

Commandment, who was never more than four lengths off the lead in his first race wearing blinkers, got first run, but Renegade closed stoutly through the stretch. Erasing an 11 1/2-length deficit, Renegade eventually prevailed by a half-length.

“I was just concerned that he was so far back, but I mean, that was part of the strategy that Irad and I talked about, it was ‘let him be him,’” Pletcher said. “Hats off to Irad to have that much confidence in a horse to allow him to get that far back and ride him patiently. I’m glad it worked out.

Ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., Renegade paid $4.72 after covering one lap of Saratoga’s fast main track in 1:49.08.

Commandment finished two lengths ahead of Silent Tactic, who had a dozen lengths on Chip Honcho. Asked and Answered, a maiden, trailed throughout.

The Jim Dandy was the third stakes win on the season for Renegade, who kicked off his campaign with a maiden-breaking score in the Sam F. Davis S., followed by a four-length romp over Silent Tactic in the Arkansas Derby (G1).

“We know from those races, the Arkansas Derby, the Sam Davis, that he has that unique ability to really close fast in a dirt race, which you don’t see very often,” Pletcher said.

If not for drawing post 1, Renegade might have gone favored in the Kentucky Derby (G1). Overcoming trouble passing the stands for the first time, Renegade made a remarkable rally into contention, only to be caught by longshot Golden Tempo in the final strides.

Favored in their Belmont (G1) rematch, Renegade wound up a distant third behind Golden Tempo, with Commandment splitting the pair. 

Renegade is likely to meet Golden Tempo again in the Aug. 29 Travers (G1) over 1 1/4 miles. Perhaps the third time will be the charm for Renegade. 

The complexion of the $250,000 Saratoga Special (G2) for two-year-olds changed at the start, when favorite Flight Command stumbled leaving the gate and Sanford (G3) winner Booked was off a beat slow. Flight Command never recovered, while Booked was able to duel with Twinkle Town for a half mile before Twinkle Town pulled away in the stretch to record a six-length win under Jose Ortiz.

Now 2-for-2 after a similarly lopsided debut win at Churchill Downs in late June, Twinkle Town finished up 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:16.44 and paid $9.08. A son of Take Charge Indy, Twinkle Town is owned by Four G Racing and is trained by Kenny McPeek.

I thought, mentally, he could be a horse that could lay second, third, fourth, stalking, but it looked like he took [Ortiz] there,” McPeek said. “I think he is definitely a two-turn horse, but we’re going to have to retool him a little bit at the end of the year or later in the year into next year. He’s just naturally talented.” 

Booked finished second, seven lengths clear of How’s Al. Flight Command trailed the strung-out field of six.

In the $225,000 Lake George (G3) for three-year-old fillies, Amberglen overtook long-time leader Candy Moonshine in upper stretch and went on to post a 1 1/4-length triumph under Irad Ortiz Jr. 

Owned by Stonestreet Stables and trained by Brad Cox, Amberglen covered 1 1/16 miles over firm turf in 1:42.33 and paid $5.32 as the favorite in a field of eight. Deep Learning won a four-way battle for the place, with Honfleur third.

Amberglen, an Irish-bred daughter of Night of Thunder, is now 3-for-5. She had preceded this first stakes win with a five-length allowance triumph at Churchill Downs.