For a guy who hasn't spent much time here over the years, Todd Pletcher sure is making up for it as he approaches the Preakness Stakes on Saturday with Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming.
Drawing the dreaded rail post in the cavalry charge that is the Kentucky Derby is a daunting prospect – for more reasons than are obvious at first glance. That became apparent to Lookin At Lee, who began the May 6 Derby from post 1, and his trainer, Steve Asmussen.
Gunnevera tacked a three-furlong open gallop onto the end of his Wednesday morning gallop at Pimlico in his final serious work for the 142nd Preakness Stakes on Saturday.
In 1999, Charismatic upset the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland. Three years later, War Emblem posted a front-running score in the Illinois Derby at Sportsman's Park. Both colts went on to capture the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stake. Those two colts were the last winners of those respective races to capture a Triple Crown event.
Mike Smith, the man they call “Big Money,” is a regular in the winner's circle at Thoroughbred racing major events, but the Preakness has eluded him since winning his first and only Baltimore classic in 1993. On Saturday, he gives it another shot with longshot Gunnevera.
The two-day wager linking the Black-Eyed Susan on Friday with the Preakness on Saturday is among the many exotic wagers being offered here this weekend.
Given that he has so many owners, it wouldn't have been surprising to see Always Dreaming competing under a different set of jockey's silks every time he runs. But the pale yellow-green silks of MeB Stables will continue to be the only ones the colt carries.
Leading up to the Kentucky Derby, Hence was something of a “wise guy” horse. But that won't be the case in the Preakness, much to the relief of his trainer, Steve Asmussen.
Until Exaggerator won last year, it had been 23 years since the second-place Derby finisher had won the Preakness. Lookin At Lee, second to Always Dreaming in the Derby when dismissed at 33-1, will try to make it two in a row.
It was on May 20, 2007 that Curlin ranged up alongside Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense deep in the Pimlico stretch before poking his chestnut head in front just before the wire. Ten years later, the excitement of the Preakness still resonates with Steve Asmussen.
