Renegade Wins Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga as Twinkle Town Captures Saratoga Special

Three-year-old Renegade, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., secured victory in the Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga, earning a $500,000 purse and edging out Commandment by a half‑length. The win follows Renegade’s strong performances in the 2026 Triple Crown trail, including a run in the Kentucky Derby and a third‑place finish in the Belmont Stakes, as well as a prior Arkansas Derby win.

Two-year-old Twinkle Town, a colt by Take Charge Indy, triumphed in the Grade 2 Saratoga Special, winning by six lengths and posting a time of 1:16.44. Trainer Ken McPeek praised the colt’s speed and announced plans to target the $300,000 Hopeful Stakes on September 6.

Commandment (Into Mischief), who finished second in the Jim Dandy, is being considered for future Grade 1 races such as the Travers Stakes or Pennsylvania Derby, according to trainer Brad Cox.

Daily Racing Form analyst Mike Beer provided betting picks for the Saratoga card on August 2, highlighting Lady Orient, Dividend Recap and Bryant and Cooper as his top selections.