The $500,000 Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) is the major local prep for the August 29 Travers Stakes. A field of 6 three-year-olds went to post in this 1 1/8 mile main track feature, with Belmont Stakes 4th place finisher Charitable Man sent off as the 7-5 favorite over Dwyer Stakes winner Kensei at 5-2 and Dwyer third place finisher Warrior's Reward, also at 5-2.
Warrior's Reward set early fractions of 23.43 and 47.50 over the fast track with Kensei giving chase on the outside a length back. On the turn, Kensei moved alongside the pacesetter to challenge, poking a head in front through 3/4 in 1:11.55. Jockey Edgar Prado asked Kensei to pull away and he did, widening his advantage through the stretch to win by 2 1/4 lengths in 1:47.90. Warrior's Reward was all out to hold off the late-running favorite Charitable Man for second money.
