With the calendar turning toward the $500,000 Jim Dandy Stakes Presented by Mohegan Sun at Saratoga Race Course on July 26, those observing the scene speculate that there might not be an abundance of 3-year-olds willing to challenge Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve and Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets victor Sovereignty.
Nevertheless, the team surrounding Sandman has historically embraced challenges – the horse notably being among a select few Kentucky Derby participants who competed in the Preakness Stakes two weeks later – and they are ready for another attempt against the dual classic champion.
The 71-day interval between the Preakness and Jim Dandy marks the most extended respite in the Tapit offspring’s career. According to those close to him, the break appears to have served him positively as he enters the latter portion of the season.
“He maintained a steady course from last year’s Saratoga up to the Preakness. This marked his initial actual break,” stated Terry Finley, founder and president of West Point Thoroughbreds, who co-owns the colt with D. J. Stable, St. Elias Stable, and CJ Stables. Social media figure Griffin Johnson holds a minority ownership stake in Sandman via West Point, and his experiences at some of the sport’s most significant races in recent months have garnered millions of followers and elevated Sandman’s popularity.
“I believe we can all see a physical improvement in him,” Finley added. “We have ground to gain on the Derby winner (Sovereignty), without a doubt, but I anticipate a strong performance, and we’ll evaluate his position as we enter the second half.”
U.S. and Canadian Hall of Fame conditioner Mark Casse shared that perspective, noting the horse’s growth in the past couple of months. Alongside increased size, Sandman will also experience a noteworthy equipment adjustment, sporting blinkers for the first time.
“Based on conversations with (jockeys) Johnny (Velazquez) and Jose (Ortiz), he might not engage as intensely as desired early on,” Casse said of the colt, known for his deep-closing style. “We intend to position him slightly closer. I anticipate the blinkers will assist in that regard.”
Casse clarified that the blinkers implementation is experimental. With the $1.25 million DraftKings Travers Stakes on Aug. 23 as a primary objective, the Jim Dandy presents an opportune moment to test the equipment and assess Sandman’s reaction.
“My concern is that it could make him overly aggressive early, potentially compromising his finish,” Casse explained. “I’ve encountered this situation before. Sometimes, attempting to position them closer doesn’t align with their preferred running style.
“It’s an experiment. I’ve seriously considered not doing it, but we’ve decided to proceed. We’re going to give it a shot.”
Sandman has been trialing the blinkers in training, including his final maintenance breeze on July 16 over Saratoga’s main track, covering a half-mile in :49.01 with exercise rider Reynaldo Dumont.
Having secured a Grade 1 victory in the first part of the season, Sandman shouldn’t be overlooked ahead of the major races in the latter portion. Notably, expectations have been significant since the owners acquired the colt for $1.2 million at the 2024 Ocala Breeders’ Sales March Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training.
“This is precisely what you do when purchasing yearlings, breeding horses, or buying 2-year-olds,” Finley commented. “This is the trajectory and timeline we envision. We aren’t fixated on needing to close a seven- or eight-length gap (on Sovereignty). We hope to perform well. If we are defeated, it will be by a superior horse on that particular day.”
A West Point Military Academy alumnus, Finley established West Point Thoroughbreds in 1991. Prior to that, he attended Truman High School in Levittown, Pa., where he played defensive back on the football team.
As Sandman completed his final breeze ahead of the Jim Dandy, Finley was accompanied by his high school defensive back coach, Tony Schino, and his wife, Susan.
“It’s wonderful. It makes you feel good to witness,” the coach remarked about Finley’s career progression. “He grew up in a working-class neighborhood. To see him attend West Point and enter this field – I recall when he initially entered the business with a single horse. … My eldest son attended West Point because of him.”
