Alwaysmining, Win Win Win will target summer campaigns

BALTIMORE – Alwaysmining and Win Win Win, the two Maryland-based horses in Saturday’s Preakness, appear to have come out of the race well, according to their trainers. Although neither will move on to the Belmont Stakes, they both are expected to target other stakes this summer.

Alwaysmining moved up to challenge pacesetting Warrior’s Charge and Anothertwistafate nearing the far turn of the 1 3/16-mile Preakness but tired during the stretch run and finished 11th. The Maryland-bred is a popular local runner and ended up the 6-1 fourth choice in the 13-horse field.

Trainer Kelly Rubley said Sunday he emerged from the race none the worse for wear and that she would get him back on a regular training schedule before selecting a next race.

“I was surprised he dropped back as suddenly as he did,” Rubley said, “and he cooled out just like it was a normal race. There’s no reason to stop on him. We scoped him after the race and he was fine.”

Win Win Win, who like Alwaysmining is stabled at the Fair Hill Training Center, “seems like he came out of it okay,” said trainer Mike Trombetta.

Win Win Win had his work cut out for him in the Preakness from post 13. As can be expected, he had a wide trip. Win Win Win was still in contention in upper stretch but flattened out in the final furlong and finished seventh, beaten 5 1/2 lengths.

“The post was just one of those things,” Trombetta said. “You try and make the best of it, but it’s just a little challenging to do what you want.

“Improbable and us kind of had the same trip – four or five wide around the turn and we ended up close to each other.”

Improbable finished sixth as the 5-2 favorite, 1 3/4 lengths ahead of Win Win Win, who was sent off at 13-1.

Trombetta equipped Win Win Win with blinkers for the Preakness, and thought he benefited from the change.

“They kind of did their job,” he said. “He broke well and seemed to get into the race earlier.”

Win Win Win will likely continue to run in two-turn races this summer but at distances shorter than the Derby or Preakness.

“He can certainly get a mile, but we don’t have to be chasing these mile and a quarter and mile and three-sixteenth races,” Trombetta said.