Albert the Great Works Toward Jim Dandy

Despite the muddy conditions at Saratoga, Tracy Farmer's Albert the Great zipped a half-mile in a quick :48.02 over the Oklahoma training track as he continued to progress toward Saturday's $400,000 Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II). Trainer Nick Zito said he decided to go ahead with the workout for the Dwyer Stakes (gr. II) winner despite the track conditions because the forecast is for more rain Tuesday and Wednesday. "He's going to be better than he was in the Dwyer," the trainer said. "I'm really excited about him."

Also expected in the field for the 1 1/8-mile prep for the more prestigious Travers Stakes (gr. I) later in the month are Curule, Graeme Hall, Postponed, Unshaded, and Millencolin. Listed by the New York Racing Association as possible Jim Dandy starters are Brave Quest and Inner Harbour.

Graeme Hall breezed four furlongs Sunday over the Oklahoma surface, getting the distance in :49 4/5 over a track labeled good. Unshaded went five furlongs over a sloppy main track in 1:02 2/5.