SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) — Alpha has won the $600,000 Jim Dandy Stakes in wire-to-wire fashion, pulling away from Neck ‘n Neck in the sloppy stretch at Saratoga and returning to the winner’s circle for the first time in nearly six months.
Alpha was gunned straight to the lead by jockey Ramon Dominguez, and maintained the advantage as Teeth of the Dog gave chase. But when the field turned for home, it was all Alpha.
Neck ‘n Neck finished second, with Liaison third and Teeth of the Dog fourth in the eight-horse field. Alpha finished 12th in the Kentucky Derby in his last start, and will likely run next in the Travers at the Spa on Aug. 25.
Winning time Saturday for the 1 1/8 miles was 1:50.47. Alpha, the 9-5 favorite, returned $5.60 for a $2 win bet.
