Saratoga Springs, NY (My Sportsbook) - 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.