🔥 Klaravich Stables Makes Shocking Decision at Saratoga: Luis Saez and Tyler Gaffalione Named to Ride Sandman in the 2025 Jim Dandy Stakes, But the Jockey List Leak Sparks Controversy
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Saratoga racing community, Klaravich Stables has officially selected top jockeys Luis Saez and Tyler Gaffalione to ride their rising star, Sandman, in the 2025 Jim Dandy Stakes. The news broke earlier than expected due to a leaked jockey list, setting off a wave of reactions across the horse racing world. While some fans celebrated the decision, others voiced frustration, creating a stir that is rapidly turning into one of the summer’s hottest racing controversies.
Sandman, a colt who has been building a reputation as one of Klaravich Stables’ most promising horses, was widely expected to enter the Jim Dandy Stakes as a serious contender. However, few anticipated that Klaravich would go all-in by assigning two of the most high-profile jockeys in the sport to the same horse for different stages of the prep campaign. Luis Saez, known for his aggressive riding style and Saratoga dominance, will take the reins first. Then, depending on the horse’s performance and condition, Tyler Gaffalione—fresh off a series of lightning-fast victories in Kentucky—will step in for a potential rematch ride in future Grade 1 events.
The leak of the official jockey list has ignited debate among racing insiders, fans, and even rival trainers. Many are questioning why Klaravich Stables is creating an apparent rotation strategy for Sandman, a move that breaks from tradition in a sport where consistency between horse and jockey is often seen as crucial. Some believe the decision was made to keep both Saez and Gaffalione happy, ensuring they remain aligned with Klaravich for future high-stakes races. Others accuse the stable of playing politics, favoring star power over chemistry between rider and horse.
Social media lit up within minutes of the leak, with hashtags like #SandmanSaga and #JimDandyDrama trending across racing forums and fan pages. While many fans praised Klaravich Stables for choosing two of the most talented jockeys in America, some argued that the decision disrespects other riders who have worked with Sandman in training but were left off the list. There’s also concern from bettors, who fear the constant change in riders could affect the horse’s odds and performance consistency heading into Saratoga’s key summer meet.
Luis Saez, who has a long history of success at Saratoga, has not publicly commented on the announcement, but insiders close to his camp say he’s eager to prove that he is still the dominant force on the East Coast circuit. Tyler Gaffalione, meanwhile, has quietly risen to become one of America’s most reliable big-race jockeys, and his supporters are calling this move a sign that Klaravich sees him as the next face of their stable. Whether this two-jockey plan will backfire or deliver championship results remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the 2025 Jim Dandy Stakes just became the most talked-about race of the summer.
With Klaravich Stables making such a bold, headline-grabbing decision, all eyes will now be on Saratoga. Fans, trainers, and bettors alike will be watching closely to see if Sandman can live up to the hype—or if this dual-jockey gamble will spark more drama than victory.
