In early January, Jim French won the Dade Metropolitan Handicap by a nose, carrying top weight. Eleven days later, he came fast in the Hibiscus Stakes at Hialeah, only to be beaten by Executioner. Another two weeks later, closing from 10th place, Jim French ran past His Majesty in the Bahamas Stakes. Two weeks passed, and he was only a head behind His Majesty in the Everglades Stakes. Once again, two weeks later, he finished third behind Executioner from 19 lengths in the Flamingo Stakes.