Always Dreaming, Cloud Computing headed for rematch in Jim Dandy

ELMONT, N.Y. – Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming and Preakness winner Cloud Computing are expected to meet again in the Grade 2, $600,000 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga on July 29.

Trainer Todd Pletcher said the goal for Always Dreaming is the $1.25 million Travers at Saratoga on Aug. 26, and he believes the best way to get to the Travers is via the Jim Dandy as opposed to the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell at Monmouth on July 30. Starting in 2005, seven of the last 13 Travers winners prepped in the Jim Dandy. Both of Pletcher’s Travers winners, Flower Alley (2005) and Stay Thirsty (2011), won the Jim Dandy.

“Most likely, the Jim Dandy would be our first target,” Pletcher said.

Pletcher said that Always Dreaming could return to the work tab next weekend.

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“I thought he was pretty tired after the Preakness, and it’s taken him a little while to come back to himself,” Pletcher said. “He’s coming that way. We’ll most likely gallop him for another week and then start getting him into a breeze program.”

Meanwhile, trainer Chad Brown has mentioned the Jim Dandy as the next objective for Preakness winner Cloud Computing.

Cloud Computing was expected to have his first work since the Preakness this weekend.

Pletcher said Belmont Stakes winner Tapwrit is also likely to run in the Jim Dandy or Haskell.

“Initial thoughts are he’s come out of the Belmont really well, full of himself, and should be looking for a race around that same time,” Pletcher said. “Hopefully, that’s a decision we’ll have to make.”