Friesan Fire to return in Preakness

Friesan Fire, who finished 18th as the favorite in the Kentucky Derby, is on target to return in the Preakness, his connections said Thursday morning.

Coming back to be unsaddled following the Derby, Friesan Fire had blood coming from his left front foot after getting stepped on, or grabbing a quarter as it's called. However, using a paste that is prescribed for use by diabetics who have wounds that won't heal, the area has toughened up, according to trainer Larry Jones.

"It is healing extremely fast," Jones said. "We feel like there's a really good shot we can make it."

Jones said that Friesan Fire returned to the track Thursday morning at Delaware Park. Jones said he intends to ship Friesan Fire to Pimlico on Monday and work him over the track on Tuesday.

Friesan Fire won three consecutive stakes at Fair Grounds this winter, including the Louisiana Derby in the slop, and was sent off the 7-2 favorite in the Derby. Jones said Gabriel Saez would ride the horse.

In other Preakness news, the connections of European-based Sky Gate said that horse would not travel to the U.S. for the Preakness.