Market King arrives at Pimlico for Preakness

BALTIMORE – Market King arrived at Pimlico Race Course at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday for his intended start in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, accompanied by Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, his staff, and Lukas’s pony.

Lukas said the van left Churchill Downs at 5 a.m. and that the drive was uneventful.

"It was a real good trip," Lukas said. "There was no traffic. He ate on the way and didn't turn a hair."

Market King hasn’t raced since finishing 11th in the Blue Grass Stakes on April 6. He was scratched by the veterinarian during the post parade of the Pat Day Mile at Churchill on Kentucky Derby Day with Mike Smith aboard and placed on the vet’s list.

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Market King breezed five furlongs at Churchill in 1:00.20 three days later and worked another five furlongs in 1:00.40 on May 11.

“It was unfortunate, the horse is fine,” Lukas said. “Mike Smith must have thought he needed a rest.”

Lukas said Market King has been cleared physically by Kentucky Racing Commission veterinarians to come off the vet’s list. In order to start in the Preakness, a blood test taken from Market King for analysis must meet specifications. The results could be released Thursday.

Entries for the Preakness will be taken Wednesday. Market King will be allowed to enter, pending the results of the blood test.