Updated Preakness Preview
May 18th, 2011By Jude T. Feld
Entries for Pimlico’s 136th Preakness (G1) will be taken today. Now that the 137th Kentucky Derby (G1) has been etched in the history books it is time to move on to Maryland in the hopes of a possible Triple Crown bid by Animal Kingdom. As usual, there are several new faces who skipped the Derby for various and sundry reasons or didn’t have enough graded earnings to get in the race. Here’s who we are looking at as major contenders with their pedigree and pace figure:
1. Animal Kingdom (Leroidesanimaux-Dalicia, by Acatenango) 102
There is no doubt that the Team Valor colorbearer was impressive taking Kentucky Derby 137. He was fresh going into the race, so striking while the iron is hot might actually be a good idea. The late, great horseplayer and Thoroughbred owner Col. E.R. Bradley would be all over him in the Preakness (G1) after his sub :24 last quarter at Churchill Downs. By all reports, he has been galloping up to the race in excellent fashion and is not scheduled to breeze between starts. Wouldn’t it be ironic if this was the year we had a Triple Crown winner – when everything was so jumbled going into the Run for the Roses.
2. Astrology (A.P. Indy-Quiet Eclipse, by Quiet American) 99
He will be making his third start of the year in the Preakness (G1), often a horse’s best effort. The Steve Asmussen trainee owns excellent tactical speed, so he should get a good trip while forwardly placed. He handles any type of track and his best races have been those beyond a mile. He worked :51 3/5 in the slop at Churchill on Monday morning and will ship to Pimlico Wednesday.
3. Mucho Macho Man (Macho Uno-Ponche de Leona, by Ponche) 99
Kathy Ritvo’s colt looked better physically in Louisville than he had in any of his previous 2011 starts. Maybe his rigorous training schedule was the key or maybe the late foal is finally growing into his frame. Ritvo was pleased with his Tuesday workout in the Belmont slop and says her colt is “getting better and better.” In any case it will be hard to leave him off your vertical tickets and even your horizontal wagers.
4. Sway Away (Afleet Alex-Seattle Shimmer, by Seattle Slew) 97
This son of a Preakness winner actually had a legitimate shot at the Derby had Pletcher and Repole not entered Uncle Mo. He made a big bid turning for home in the Arkansas Derby (G1) but hung a little in the drive. The form was flattered by Nehro, so he is a major contender.
5. Dance City (City Zip-Ballet Colony, by Pleasant Colony) 98
His third-place finish in the Arkansas Derby (G1) was his best race yet after improving in every start. Another move forward from the Todd Pletcher trainee puts him right there at the Old Hilltop finish line. The mile and three-sixteenths might be pressing his distance limitations a bit, but he is in sharp form and his dam’s sire Pleasant Colony could run all day and into the night. His final Preakness (G1) prep took place Sunday at Churchill Downs when he worked five-eighths in a minute and change much to the delight of assitant trainer Mike McCarthy.
6. Dialed In (Mineshaft-Miss Doolittle, by Storm Cat) 104
Eligible for Magna’s $5.5 million bonus, Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito will run the Kentucky Derby favorite back in two weeks, seeking the cash. Was that the reason the son of Mineshaft had an abbreviated schedule up to the Derby? I think Nicky’s ego is too big to let the roses go in lieu of money, but stranger things have happened.
7. King Congie (Badge of Silver-Wise Ending, by End Sweep) 97
Disqualified from the win in the Hallandale Beach and then pinballed around in the Toyota Blue Grass (G1) which he lost by two heads, the pride of West Point Thoroughbreds has had more problems than Dick Tracy. Trainer Tom Albertrani will have him ready to roll again in Maryland but he’ll need to run straight and find a clear path. He will also need to step up his game.
8. Shackelford (Forestry-Oatsee, by Unbridled) 104
If ever there was a horse that figured to bounce, it is this guy. He ran his ass off in the Derby, making the lead on a dead rail, running against a “rally wide” bias and running way longer than his pedigree dictates. Now he comes back off two weeks rest. It should be his undoing, but let’s monitor his training up to the race.
