Into Mischief colts sweep top two spots in Jim Dandy S. (G2)

Renegade stormed past Commandment in the final strides of Saturday’s $500,000 Jim Dandy S. (G2) at Saratoga to key an Into Mischief exacta in the 1 1/8-mile race that serves as a prep for the Travers S. (G1).

The Jim Dandy was a rubber match of sorts for Renegade and Commandment, who faced either other in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont S. (G1), with both finishing ahead of each other on one occasion.

Chip Honcho took the early lead, with Commandment in third about five lengths from the front entering the backstretch. Meanwhile, Renegade was far off the pace, some 12 lengths back of the leader midway down the backstretch. Commandment and Silent Tactic made their bids for the lead on the final bend and hit the top of the homestretch as co-leaders.

Renegade was gaining as well, but still had five lengths to make up. With giant strides he closed the gap relentlessly and struck the front in the final 50 yards, winning by a half-length in 1:49.08 on a fast track.

“I was just concerned that he was so far back, but I mean, that was part of the strategy that Irad [Ortiz, Jr.] and I talked about, it was ‘let him be him’”, said winning trainer Todd Pletcher. “Not overthink the pace scenario, don’t take him out of his style, let him do his thing. Hats off to Irad to have that much confidence in a horse to allow him to get that far back and ride him patiently. I’m glad it worked out.”

About a potential start at Saratoga in the Travers Aug. 29, Pletcher said: “That’s what we’re hoping for. He’s had a really good two months since the Belmont, and hopefully we can have another good month until the Travers.”

Owned by Robert & Lawana Low and Mike Repole, Renegade has wins in the Sam F. Davis S., Arkansas Derby (G1), and now the Jim Dandy. The 3-year-old colt is 3-3-2 in 8 starts and has earned $2,506,500. The Lows also bred the winner, who sold to Repole for $975,000 at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling sale. The Lows subsequently bought back into the colt.