Many to try again at Preakness

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A number of horses who competed in the on Saturday at Churchill Downs, including the race's first three finishers, are all likely to move on to the second leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes, on May 21 at Pimlico Race Course.

Giacomo, Closing Argument, and Afleet Alex were the first three across the line in the 131st Derby, and are expected to meet again in the 130th Preakness. Afleet Alex will be the first to arrive at Pimlico. He is scheduled to travel to Baltimore on Wednesday.

Wilko, who finished sixth, is also likely for the Preakness.

Trainer Nick Zito, who had five runners in the Derby, said he would probably have a couple of starters in the Preakness from amongst Bellamy Road, High Fly, Noble Causeway, and Sun King. He said Andromeda's Hero would await the Belmont Stakes on June 10.

High Limit, who ran last, was at first feared to have a foot injury that would keep him out for a month, but trainer Bobby Frankel got a positive report from a vet later Sunday morning and said High Limit was now possible for the Preakness.

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas said Going Wild, who was 18th in the Derby, could run in the Preakness. If he doesn't go, Lukas said he would consider A.P. Arrow.

Trainer Todd Pletcher, who had three starters in the Derby, said it was unlikely he would have a Preakness starter, though he said Flower Alley was possible. Coin Silver will await an easier spot. Bandini will be examined by veterinarians at Ashford Stud before his future is plotted, Pletcher said.

In addition to those Derby runners, there are at least three newcomers to the Triple Crown trail expected for the Preakness -- Hal's Image, who won the Unbridled Stakes in Florida; Malibu Moonshine, the winner of the Tesio Stakes; and Scrappy T, who won the Withers.

The 1 3/16-mile Preakness is limited to 14 starters, six fewer than the Derby.