Wicked Strong works toward Jim Dandy Stakes

ELMONT, N.Y. – Wood Memorial winner Wicked Strong continued preparations for an expected start July 26 in the Grade 2, $600,000 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga by working a strong six furlongs in 1:13.17 Friday morn ing over the Belmont Park training track.

Under exercise rider Kelvin Pahal, Wicked Strong broke off at the five-furlong pole and shaded 36 seconds for his first three furlongs. With his ears up and reaching out nicely, Wicked Strong went his final three furlongs in 37.27 seconds. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:26.72.

Friday’s work was Wicked Strong’s second move since he dead-heated for fourth-place in the Belmont Stakes with the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome.

“He was moving good,” trainer Jimmy Jerkens said. “He’s in good shape.”

Jerkens said that Wicked Strong has had several “good gallops” in between workouts. He likely will ship Wednesday from Belmont to Saratoga and have one work at Saratoga before the Jim Dandy, which is expected to attract Belmont Stakes winner Tonalist.

Samraat, who has finished behind Wicked Strong in their last three meetings, has worked twice since his sixth-place finish in the Belmont, including a six-furlong move in 1:14.07 Monday at Aqueduct. Samraat is due to work Sunday at Aqueduct before shipping Monday to Saratoga. Samraat, who won the Withers and Gotham over Aqueduct’s inner track, finished second in the Wood and fifth in the Kentucky Derby.

Trainer Rick Violette said Samraat is a candidate for either the Jim Dandy or the Haskell on July 27.

“We’re going to see which one his style fits, evaluate the competition, and make a decision,” Violette said. “Naturally, a race over the track for the Travers is all part of the consideration.”

Tonalist also is expected to work Sunday at Belmont before shipping to Saratoga.