Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who last month favored running Seize the Grey in the July 20 Haskell Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park, now appears inclined to await the July 27 Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) at Saratoga Race Course with the Preakness Stakes (G1) winner. The Jim Dandy would be designed to advance him toward the Aug. 24 Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga.
"I think we will go Jim Dandy to the Travers. He was recently syndicated to stud to Gainesway, so the Travers is a real big deal for us, a lot of incentive to win that," Lukas told New York Racing Association publicity.
Mitchell: Gainesway Buys Breeding Rights to Seize the Grey
According to MyRacehorse, who owns Seize the Grey and maintains his racing rights, a stud deal with Gainesway has financial kickers based on potential racing accomplishments. A Travers win is worth $3 million, the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) nets $4 million, and any other grade 1 stakes—the Haskell being one contest—is worth $2 million.
Seize the Grey, training this summer at Saratoga, broke his maiden there last year. He was also purchased at nearby Fasig-Tipton two years ago for $300,000 from The Saratoga Sale.
Winner of the Pat Day Mile Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs before leading throughout in the Preakness, he tired to seventh last out when racing in the June 8 Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga.
