Study Guide: 2026 Jim Dandy Stakes

Jul 28, 2026 J. Keeler Johnson/TwinSpires.com

Commandment wins the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

A small but strong field of five horses, including a pair of 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) starters, will compete in Saturday’s $500,000 Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga.

The Jim Dandy serves as a steppingstone to the Aug. 29 Travers (G1) at Saratoga, the historic “Midsummer Derby” in which 2026 Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo is expected to compete.

Let’s take a horse-by-horse look at the Jim Dandy field:

Chip Honcho

Start(s): 8
Wins: 3
Place: 2
Show: 1

Owner: Leland Ackerley Racing, James Sherwood, Jode Shupe, and John Cilia
Breeder: Venneri Racing and Tony Fanticola
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Jose Ortiz

Top Speed Rating: (97) when finishing second in the Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds.
Total Earnings: $800,475

Sire: Connect
Dam: Miss My Rose
Color: Dark bay/brown

Chip Honcho has shown flashes of serious talent, winning the Ohio Derby (G3) and recording top-three finishes in the Preakness (G1) and Risen Star (G2). He’s the only horse with early speed entered in the Jim Dandy, and as a result he may secure an easy lead and pull off a gate-to-wire victory.

Asked and Answered

Start(s): 6
Wins: 0
Place: 2
Show: 0

Owner: Aci Racing Stable and Gerardo Salinas
Breeder: Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings
Trainer: Antonio Arriaga
Jockey: Jaime Rodriguez

Top Speed Rating: (87) when finishing second in a maiden special weight at Aqueduct.
Total Earnings: $36,913

Sire: Tapit
Dam: Faypien
Color: Gray/roan

Asked and Answered has yet to win a race, though he’s finished second in two of his three tries on dirt. Returning to dirt after a misfire on grass could help Asked and Answered’s chances, but his career-best 87 Brisnet Speed rating looks light against this deep Jim Dandy field.

Renegade

Start(s): 7
Wins: 2
Place: 3
Show: 2

Owner: Robert Low, Lawana L. Low, and Repole Stable
Breeder: Robert Low and Lawana Low
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.

Top Speed Rating: (98) when finishing second in the Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs.
Total Earnings: $2,231,500

Sire: Into Mischief
Dam: Spice Is Nice
Color: Bay

Renegade has performed with aplomb this year, winning the Sam F. Davis S. and Arkansas Derby (G1) before finishing second by a neck in the Kentucky Derby and third by 5 1/4 lengths in the Belmont (G1). He’s been rested since running a bit below his best in the Belmont and could bounce back with a big performance in the Jim Dandy.

Silent Tactic

Start(s): 6
Wins: 2
Place: 4
Show: 0

Owner: John C. Oxley
Breeder: Don Alberto Corporation
Trainer: Mark Casse
Jockey: Luis Saez

Top Speed Rating: (93) on two occasions, including when finishing second in the Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park.
Total Earnings: $1,051,922

Sire: Tacitus
Dam: Magical Sign
Color: Bay

Silent Tactic has finished first or second in all six of his races, including five stakes, showing consistency against tough competition. He couldn’t keep pace with Renegade when second by four lengths in the Arkansas Derby, but a hoof bruise may have compromised his chances. He’s taken time off since the Arkansas Derby and could be poised for a strong showing in his return.

Commandment

Start(s): 7
Wins: 4
Place: 1
Show: 0

Owner: Wathnan Racing
Breeder: Lee Pokoik
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Flavien Prat

Top Speed Rating: (103) when winning the Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park.
Total Earnings: $1,377,339

Sire: Into Mischief
Dam: Sippican Harbor
Color: Bay

Commandment kicked off 2026 with three straight wins against stakes competition. He took the Fountain of Youth (G2) by a neck, then proved best by a nose in the Florida Derby (G1). He wasn’t as successful in the Kentucky Derby, finishing seventh, but bounced back with a strong runner-up finish in the Belmont. Commandment finished four lengths ahead of Renegade in the Belmont and looms as a serious win threat in the Jim Dandy.

COMMANDMENT nails THE PUMA on the wire in the G1 Florida Derby! 🌹 @bradcoxracing @KentuckyDerby pic.twitter.com/vqMmh7SWkk

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) March 29, 2026