And at last, entries are up for the Preakness.
- Orb, 1-1, has by all accounts been thriving since his Derby triumph. Trainer Shug McGaughey admitted that he’s considered the Triple Crown — “a thrilling thought,” he called it — but cautioned that Saturday’s Preakness will be a tough test. He’ll saddle the horse inside in the Pimlico paddock before taking him out to the turf course with the others on Saturday…
In this photo released by the Maryland Jockey Club, Orb, with exercise rider Jenn Patterson aboard, jogged at Pimlico Race Course on Wednesday, May 15 in preparation for Saturday’s $1 million Preakness Stakes (G1). (Maryland Jockey Club, Jim McCue)
- Goldencents, 8-1, has seemingly enjoyed his time in Baltimore to date, and the same can be said of his human connections. Though the atmosphere is different from last year, when trainer Doug O’Neill’s I’ll Have Another was a Derby winner — and not, like Goldencents, the 17-place finisher — O’Neill commented, “It is a different vibe, but it’s a good vibe.” The horse galloped and schooled in the paddock on Wednesday…
- Titletown Five, 30-1, is one of a few new shooters in here off a fourth-place finish in the G3 Derby Trial. Co-owned by Green Bay Packer greats Paul Hornung and Willie Davis — and trainer D. Wayne Lukas — among others, the colt will need to show the talent that Lukas believes he possesses to be a factor. Julien Leparoux replaces Gary Stevens, who picked Oxbow for the middle jewel, in the irons…
- Departing, 6-1, who arrived in Baltimore earlier today, galloped 1 1/2 miles at Churchill Downs before standing in the starting gate for 90 seconds, not an uncommon move to ensure horses are acclimated to it. Trainer Al Stall says he’s not worried about post position, since “there is going to be speed in there… Goldencents, Titletown Five, Oxbow… [and] I know they will be in front of us.”
- Mylute, 5-1, got new shoes and jogged a mile at Churchill Downs this morning before getting on a Baltimore-bound plane, said trainer Tom Amoss…
- Oxbow, 15-1, had it rough in the Kentucky Derby, racing close to the feverish early pace before fading to sixth. He was the only horse in the top half of the race early who was in the top half late, and he’s bounced back well. After his last work — an easy half in 49 and change — rider Gary Stevens “said it was the best he ever had him work,” according to trainer D. Wayne Lukas…
- Will Take Charge, 12-1, has gotten a lot of pub in the last several days after his tough trip in the Derby. He made a strong move with Orb before being blocked by a faltering rival. Once he was able to get started again, it was too late. Mike Smith takes the mount from Jon Court…
- Govenor Charlie, 12-1, is doing well after his spirited breeze Monday morning and headed to Baltimore via plane this morning, accompanied by two other Bob Baffert-trained runners headed to weekend stakes at Old Hilltop…
- Itsmyluckyday, 10-1, visited the racing strip at Pimlico for the first time this morning, and all systems are go, according to Frankie Perez, assistant trainer to Eddie Plesa…
