Fly So Free Wins Dandy; Strike The Gold Is Third

Fly So Free, beaten twice this year by Strike The Gold, held off a late charge by the Kentucky Derby champion to win the Grade II Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga on Sunday.

Fly So Free, the 2-year-old champion, swept wide in the stretch to finish 1 1/4 lengths ahead of Upon My Soul. The winner, carrying 126 pounds and Jose Santos, ran the 1 1/8-miles on the fast track in 1:48 4/5.

It was another three lengths back to Strike The Gold, making his first start since losing the Belmont Stakes by a head to Hansel.

For Santos, it was his second victory in the Jim Dandy in the last three years. He was aboard Is It True in 1989.

The rest of the order of finish was Majesterian, Tong Po, Vermont, Man Alright and Opinionator.

Fly So Free, coupled in the wagering with Opinionator, paid $6.20, $3.60 and $2.80. Upon My Soul paid $8.40 and $4.60 and Strike The Gold $2.40.