Sports

Liaison will run in Jim Dandy

Cash Call Futurity winner Liaison was confirmed as a starter for this Saturday’s Grade 2 $600,000 Jim Dandy at Saratoga by trainer Bob Baffert.

The Indian Charlie colt was beaten a half length for first in the Grade 3 Affirmed at Hollywood Park on June 3, and was third in the Grade 2 Swaps on Independence Day following his sixth-place finish in the Kentucky Derby.

On Monday morning, Liaison worked 1:12 4/5 for six furlongs at Del Mar with the likely Haskell favorite Paytner, second to Union Rags in the Belmont Stakes.

“Liaison worked really well today,” Baffert said. “We thought he earned his trip today to the Jim Dandy. Martin Garcia wokrked him and he said he really felt great.”

Baffert said Liaison will fly from California on Tuesday along with Gun Boat, a recent allowance runner at Hollywood Park who is entered in Sunday’s Grade 2 $200,000 Amsterdam at Saratoga, a 6 1/2 furlong sprint for 3 year-olds.

Garcia will be aboard Liaison on Saturday.

The Jimmy Toner trained Winter Memories turned in a five furlong breeze over the Oklahoma turf course on Monday morning stopping the clock at 59.83 with jockey Javier Castellano in the irons on route to this Saturday’s Grade 1 $600,000 Diana for fillies and mares on the turf.

“Nice and comfortable, so we’re very happy with her,” said Toner. “We’re good to go. Every time she runs, you get excited. And the way she runs is exciting.”