SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) — Belmont Stakes winner Palace Malice pressed front-running Moreno from the outset, then took command in the stretch to win the $600,000 Jim Dandy Stakes on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course.
Mike Smith rode the Todd Pletcher-trained Palace Malice, who ran 1 1/8 miles in 1:47.37 and finished a length in front of Will Take Charge. Moreno was third of nine.
The victory was worth $360,000 to the owner, Dogwood Stable, and $4.70, $3.40 and $2.70 to Palace Malice’s betting supporters. Will Take Charge paid $11.80 and $6.10, and Moreno returned $4.30 to show.
Earlier on the Saratoga card, Laughing led four opponents at every call and won the $600.000 Diana Stakes for fillies and mares. The Alan Goldberg-trained 5-year-old held off a late bid from Dream Peace and prevailed by a head. Jose Lezcano rode the winner, who covered 1 1/8 miles on the inner turf course in 1:47.24. Laughing paid $15.80 and earned $360,000 for owner Richard Santulli.
