Diamond King gets acquainted with off going ahead of toughest test

BALTIMORE – Diamond King, in his first morning at Pimlico on Thursday, jogged two miles the wrong way – clockwise – around the track under exercise rider Efrain Santana. The track was sloppy and a steady rain was falling.

Diamond King, a winner of four of six starts, will taking a big step up in class in the 143rd Preakness, and trainer John Servis is realistic about his chances of winning. Diamond King is doing exceptionally well, however, and comes into the race off a four-week break following his victory in the Federico Tesio Stakes on April 21.

“He’s doing great, but we’re up against it, that’s all” Servis said. “This is by far the toughest he’s faced.”

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Five of Diamond King’s seven opponents will be returning on two weeks’ rest after racing on Kentucky Derby Day at Churchill Downs. Quip, who is trained by Rodolphe Brisset, comes into the Preakness off a five-week break, as does Tenfold, trained by Steve Asmussen.

Although Diamond King has never raced on an off track, Servis worked him five furlongs in the slop at Parx in 1:01.40 on Sunday. Diamond King appeared quite comfortable over the wet footing Thursday.

“I’m sure glad I got that work in Sunday,” Servis said as the rain picked up at Pimlico.

With his training for the Preakness complete, Diamond King is scheduled to jog again Friday.

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