Preakness Doings: Justify looking like his old self

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – While the Kentucky Derby was nearly a week ago, the focus is still squarely on the Bluegrass State as runners prepare for the second leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes on May 19 at Pimlico in Baltimore. The majority of the prospective field, led by Kentucky Derby winner Justify, is currently based at either Churchill Downs or Keeneland.

For the second consecutive morning, Justify galloped about 1 1/2 miles at Churchill under regular exercise rider Humberto Gomez. Assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes, who is supervising the chestnut colt, said that Justify is displaying no ill effects from the hoof bruise on his left hind he was treated for following the Derby. The colt is shod in a three-quarter shoe on his left hind.

“That’s his normal self out there,” Barnes said following the gallop. “High energy level, feeling very good, got a good bounce in his step, going over the track perfect. Couldn’t fault anything he’s doing right now.”

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Also stabled at Churchill Downs are Wayne Lukas’s confirmed Preakness duo of Bravazo and Sporting Chance, along with possible entrants Givemeaminit, Lone Sailor, and Tenfold.

Down the highway at Keeneland, Tampa Bay Derby winner Quip, who skipped the Derby to await the Preakness, was expected to breeze on Sunday. Preakness possibility Bolt d’Oro, who was 12th in the Derby, is also stabled at Keeneland, owing to its proximity to owner-trainer Mick Ruis’s recently acquired Chestnut Farm. Corey Nakatani will regain the mount on Bolt d’Oro for his next start, according to his agent, Matt Nakatani, with the June 2 Penn Mile or June 9 Woody Stephens possible if the colt bypasses the Belmont.

The three Preakness candidates stabled outside of Kentucky are Kentucky Derby runner-up Good Magic and Pony Up, both in New York, and Diamond King, based at Parx in Pennsylvania.

PROSPECTIVE PREAKNESS FIELD