07/27/2008 - Saratoga Springs, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Derby Trial winner Macho Again pulled a major upset in Sunday's $500,000 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. The 1 1/8 mile Jim Dandy is the traditional local prep race for the $1 million Travers on Saturday, August 23.
A field of seven three-year-olds went postward for the Jim Dandy, including Belmont Stakes champ Da' Tara and Louisiana Derby winner Pyro. Pyro went off as the 3-2 favorite and Da' Tara was the 7-2 second choice.
Taking the lead out of the gate was Da' Tara, who went wire-to-wire in winning this year's Belmont Stakes. Joining him on the lead up the backstretch was Dwyer Stakes winner Mint Lane.
Entering the far turn, Mint Lane took the lead as Da' Tara began to tire. Moving into contention was Tale of Ekati and Macho Again with Julien Leparoux riding.
Coming out of the final turn, Tale of Ekati had the lead with Mint Lane in second. At the top of the stretch Tiz Now Tiz Then was in first followed by Macho Again on the inside and Pyro ranging up on the outside.
In mid-stretch Macho Again took the lead from Tiz Now Tiz Then and Pyro powered into second. Macho Again hit the wire a half-length in front of Pyro with Tiz Now Tiz Then in third and Tale of Ekati holding on for fourth.
Rounding out the order of finish for the 45th Jim Dandy Stakes was Anak Nakal, Mint Lane and Da' Tara. Alaazo was scratched.
The final time was 1:51.16 on a track listed as good.
Owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, Macho Again earned $300,000 with the victory in his first start since a fifth-place finish in the Belmont Stakes. The gray colt has now won four of 11 career starts for $673,761.
"The colt is jumping out of his skin," trainer Dallas Stewart said before the race. "He has been very keen and feeling good. He loves this track, and he has freshened up nicely. We expect a big summer from him."
After winning the Derby Trial, Macho Again was held out of the Kentucky Derby to train for the Preakness Stakes. He finished second to Big Brown in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown as a 39-1 longshot.
For the Jim Dandy, Macho Again paid $18.40, $5.30 and $3.40. Pyro returned $3.40 and $2.90, Tiz Now Tiz Then paid $4.70 to show.
Macho Again may still face Big Brown in the 139th running of the $1 million Travers. Big Brown is currently being trained for next Sunday's Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park.
"At this point, we're taking it one step at a time," said Michael Sherack, vice-president of IEAH Stables. "Sunday's race will determine what happens."
Earlier on the program, Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux became the 23rd rider in thoroughbred history to reach the 5,000-win plateau. He did it in the seventh race at Saratoga aboard Bella Attrice.
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American Idol odds : Blake Lewis the Early Standout
An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.
Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off. Randy was not impressed though. Paula thought he started off fantastic. "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either.
Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed. Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact. He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition.
Big favorite Sundance came in with a flat version of "Knights in White Satin" and the judges let him have it, including Paula. Randy claimed the song was out of pitch throughout.
Korean American - and a Jenny Woo favorite - Paul Kim was up next. Another pitchy flat one but Randy said he still liked his potential. Kim at +3000 odds was said to have sung a "third rate version of that (George Michael) song" according to Simon Cowell. He sang "Careless Whisper".
22 year old Chris Richardson was up next. He was listed with +1100 odds coming in. He got the best response from the judges though Simon did not believe the vocal was that great.
Nick was boring and pitchy. Simon didn't think he was that bad though and predicted he would be back next week. Nick Pedro was a big +3000 dog coming into this competition.
Beat boxer Blake Lewis was listed with early +1000 odds or $1000 payout on a $100 bet if he were to become the next American Idol winner odds . These of course were the early odds. He was considered original for picking an "odd song". He did not beat box and the judges felt it was the best vocal of the night.
Sanjaya came in as the second biggest favorite after Chris Sligh but his performance Tuesday night was not very good.
Chris Sleigh was the early favorite at +450 odds. Great voice and a great sense of humor. He's a real standout. Randy felt it was on point but maybe ahead of the chorus a little bit. Simon Cowell said he felt like he was in some "sort of weird student gig".
Jared Cotter followed. He was listed with +2000 odds early on to win the competition. The judges felt he needs to take more risks but looked good.
22-year old AJ Talbado, who has tried out for American Idol five times, was up next. "Kind of a theme park performance" said Simon. Though the judges felt he performed okay. Simon did feel AJ might be better than he originally thought.
Phil - this season's military favorite - came into this competition with +1200 odds to win the competition. He was the last to perform. He was certainly strong enough to get through this stage of the competition and perhaps the best one after a shaky start.
Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys. Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.
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