Sherlock uncertain whether Uncle Lino will run in Preaknesss

ARCADIA, Calif. - A decision on whether Uncle Lino will start in the $1.5 million Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on May 21 will be made in the next week, trainer Gary Sherlock said on Sunday.

Uncle Lino won the $151,035 California Chrome Stakes in track-record time at Los Alamitos on April 30 to join the list of candidates for the Preakness. At the time, Sherlock said he wanted to assess the colt’s condition and watch the Kentucky Derby before proceeding with plans.

Sherlock said he was left impressed by Nyquist’s win in the Kentucky Derby.

“After yesterday, it makes it harder to go, but it is $1.5 million,” Sherlock said.

Uncle Lino races near the front and Sherlock is hoping the Preakness does not draw many speedy runners.

“A lot has to do with who goes pace-wise,” he said. “If there is no more pace, I would feel better about it.”

Uncle Lino won his first stakes in the California Chrome, running 1 1/16 miles in 1:40.86. The colt is scheduled to have a workout at Santa Anita on Friday or Saturday which should aid Sherlock’s decision regarding the Preakness.

Sherlock co-owns Uncle Lino with Tom Mansor and Purple Shamrock Racing. Uncle Lino, by Uncle Mo, has won 2 of 7 starts and earned $316,160. Uncle Lino was third in the Santa Anita Derby on April 9 behind Exaggerator, the runner-up in the Kentucky Derby.