Decision looms for Competitive Edge

The lineup for Saturday’s Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga changed significantly at entry time Wednesday and figures to change yet again by post time.

Trainer Todd Pletcher did not enter Florida Derby winner Materiality because he was not pleased with how the horse trained Wednesday. Instead, Pletcher entered Competitive Edge in the $600,000 Jim Dandy but was expected to cross-enter him Thursday for Sunday’s Haskell Invitational, where he would run against Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.

“I think the Jim Dandy from top to bottom is a deep race,” Pletcher said. “There are four or five tough horses in there. If you look at the Haskell, there’s one standout. Makes it a little bit of a tough call.”

Competitive Edge drew post 5 in a Jim Dandy field that includes Wood Memorial winner Frosted (post 7) and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Texas Red (post 3). Holy Bull Stakes winner Upstart has been entered in the Jim Dandy but will run in the Haskell, according to trainer Rick Violette.

“He’s doing so good I’m going to take a shot,” Violette said.

Tekton, second in the Grade 2 Pegasus at Monmouth, is entered in the Jim Dandy, Friday’s $100,000 Curlin Stakes here, and Saturday’s $750,000 West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer. Rounding out the Jim Dandy field are Japan and Frammento.

Competitive Edge won his first four starts, including the Grade 1 Hopeful here last summer, before suffering his first loss in the Grade 2 Woody Stephens at Belmont Park on June 6, when he may have been affected by a virus that went through Pletcher’s barn.

Whether it’s the Jim Dandy or the Haskell, Competitive Edge will be trying 1 1/8 miles and two turns for the first time. John Velazquez is named to ride Competitive Edge here. Mike Smith is expected to ride him at Monmouth.