Bourbon War adding blinkers for Preakness

ELMONT, N.Y. – Bourbon War will wear blinkers for the first time in a race when he starts in the $1.5 million Preakness Stakes on May 18.

Bourbon War, most recently fourth to Maximum Security in the Florida Derby, had his fourth workout in blinkers on Thursday, breezing five furlongs in 1:01.91 over Belmont Park’s main track. The blinkers are a thin cup.

“I thought turning for home in his last couple of races he’s had a little trouble with the bigger crowds transitioning off the turn, but I don’t want to completely close him up at this point,” trainer Mark Hennig said Thursday. “I just want to put a little cup on and get his attention which I think we’ve gotten. You never know, sometimes these horses show like the blinkers make a difference in the morning, and in the afternoon they still have the ability to shut off and wait.”

In Thursday’s work, Bourbon War, under exercise rider Jose Mejia, started a length in front of stablemate Carlino, who was ridden by Jose Lezcano. Bourbon War went his opening quarter in 24.23 seconds as Carlino, on the outside, moved within a head of him. Bourbon War maintained a slight advantage coming to the top of the lane, going three furlongs in 36.30, then finished a length in front at the wire as he completed his final quarter in 25.61 seconds.

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Bourbon War continued to gallop out steadily, going six furlongs in 1:15.29, seven furlongs in 1:28.80, and out a mile in 1:42.91.

“They were supposed to start off together – Bourbon War was just a little sharper with the blinkers,” Hennig said. “It was a good work, I was happy with it. He galloped out super. We got what we needed.”

Carlino, who has not run since he finished fourth in the Jockey Club Gold Cup last fall, is possible either for the Pimlico Special on May 17 or the Grade 3, $150,000 Salvator Mile at Monmouth Park on May 25.

Hennig said Bourbon War would ship to Pimlico by van after training at Belmont next Wednesday. Preakness horses are required to be on the grounds by noon on Thursday.