Preakness 2012: Hierro will skip Pimlico classic

Hierro, the winner of the Derby Trial in his last start on April 28, will bypass the Preakness Stakes on Saturday and his connections will "consider other options," according to a press release from Barbara Banke's Stonestreet Stables, which owns the colt.

According to Stonestreet, Banke made the decision after she spoke with trainer Steve Asmussen Monday morning following Hierro's five-furlong work at Churchill Downs in 1:01.20.

Hierro has won twice in six starts. He has never raced beyond a mile, and has never won outside of Churchill Downs. In his lone start around two turns, he finished last of five in the Sham Stakes at Santa Anita in January.

The Preakness, at Pimlico, is at 1 3/16 miles.