Preakness Profile: Armagnac * The Racing Biz

Preakness Profile: Armagnac

Gary Quill
May 21, 2022

After the April 9 Santa Anita Derby, it was hard to see Armagnace participating in any of the Triple Crown races. The Quality Road colt finished fourth of six, beaten a dozen lengths, while off at 72-1.

But trainer Tim Yakteen sent him out to a solid score in allowance company May 8 — the day after Derby day — and believes the runner he’s bringing to Baltimore is set to demonstrate that he’s a better horse than the one who showed up in the Santa Anita Derby.

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GQ SAYS…

Trainer / Jockey (Preakness Mounts W-P-S): Tim Yakteen / Irad Ortiz, Jr. (3:0-1-0)

Last Race (Finish): Optional Claimer (1^st)

Morning Line Odds: 12-1

Twice has finished behind #6 Happy Jack. The first time by 17 in G2 San Felipe and then in the Santa Anita Derby, albeit by a neck in their subsequent meeting. Yet this Quality Road colt got more respect from Morning Line Oddsmaker Keith Fuestle based on recency. Just 12 days ago he won in gate-to-wire fashion at Santa Anita versus five others of questionable talent.

Ironically this colt has gotten better in his two starts since exiting the Bob Baffert barn to pursue graded stakes events in jurisdictions where the 7-time Preakness winning trainer is serving suspensions.

Both career victories came in front-running style, so expect to see him vying for the early lead the first time under the wire. Gets major upgrade with Irad Ortiz, Jr. in the irons which can only help his chances which in the opinion of this handicapper are longer than in his Morning Line odds. Appears to be in a lose-lose situation. If he goes for the lead, he’ll help set the kind of smoking hot early fractions that cooked the early speed in the Derby. If he takes back, he’ll be unhappy with the kickback and not run a lick. A toss for ol’ GQ.