Jeff Down’s Zandon made his first Saratoga steps towards the $600,000 Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) on July 30 when he made four stretches in: 48 3/5 July 16 on the main track at Racecourse Saratoga.
With longtime trainer Chad Brown Kriss Bon on board, Zandon worked alone. Brown watched from the front.
Brown said as he returned to his barn on the Oklahoma Training Road. “Just wanted to make him stretch his legs.”
Zandon was last seen finishing third in the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) at Churchill Downs May 7th.
By design, Brown wanted to spend some time with his son Start up . He did not consider running Zandon in the 1 mile Belmont bets presented by NYRA Bets (G1) at Belmont Parklove a summer campaign.
Jim Dandy and Runhappy Travers (G1) on August 27 are the targets.
“I’m really pleased with him,” Brown said. “He’s put on some weight, he’s really looking better than ever. Our plan is to just get him over the track and give him a good feel for it. He can’t go. even better.”
Brown’s other caliber 3-year-olds – Klaravich Stables’ Vote early and Jack Christopher owned by Jim Bakke, Gerald Isbister, Coolmore Stud and Peter Brant – also worked on July 16 in Belmont.
Early voting, the winner of Preakness Stakes (G1), took four points with: 49.25 and Jack Christopher, undefeated in four career starts, counted as 49.80.
Jack Christopher is expected to join TVG.com Haskell Stakes (G1) $1 million at Monmouth Park July 23. Brown has said he is leaning towards implementing Early Voting in Jim Dandy.
Brown, on July 16, said he would make a final decision on Early Voting on July 17 after speaking with Seth Klarman, who runs Klaravich.
