SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) — Kentucky Derby also-ran Alpha is the slight 5-2 morning-line favorite for Saturday’s $600,000 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.
The 3-year-old colt trained by Kiaran McLaughlin will be making his first start since finishing 12th in the Derby on May 5.
A field of eight was entered Wednesday, with Neck ‘n Neck the second choice at 3-1, Liaison at 7-2 and Teeth of the Dog at 5-1. Also entered were Atigun (8-1), Fast Falcon (10-1), Prospective (12-1) and My Adonis (20-1).
With Derby and Preakness winner I’ll Have Another and Belmont Stakes winner Union Rags retired, and Derby-Preakness runner-up Bodemeister recovering from a fever, there is no standout in the key 1 1/8-mile prep for the $1 million Travers Stakes at the Spa on Aug. 25.
