***Updated after Monday’s post position draw
The 80-1 Rich Strike, who sprang the second-biggest upset in the 148-year history of the Kentucky Derby (G1), has been ruled out of the May 21 Preakness (G1).
Derby runner-up Epicenter, the narrowly-beaten favorite, will seek compensation in the second jewel of the Triple Crown. While just two re-oppose from Churchill Downs, he will meet high-profile newcomers. Kentucky Oaks (G1) heroine Secret Oath is set to tackle the boys, and Withers (G3) winner Early Voting deliberately passed on the Derby to aim here.
Here’s the Preakness field with post positions and morning-line odds:
Kentucky Derby alumni
Epicenter, post 8, 6-5 favorite
The 4.10-1 Derby favorite appeared to be on his way to victory until collared by Rich Strike late.
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds; Trainer: Steve Asmussen; Jockey: Joel Rosario
Simplification, post 1, 6-1
Derby fourth, who offered a solid rally, is confirmed for the Preakness.
Owners: Tami Bobo and Tristan de Meric; Trainer: Antonio Sano; Jockey: John Velazquez
Happy Jack, post 6, 30-1
Derby 14th was a fringe player in the Southern California preps.
Owner: Calumet Farm; Trainer: Doug O’Neill; Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Pedigree: Oxbow-Tapitstry, by Tapit
Newcomers to Triple Crown
Secret Oath, post 4, 9-2
Kentucky Oaks star was a better-than-appears third in the Arkansas Derby (G1) in her prior try versus males.
Owner: Briland Farm; Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas; Jockey: Luis Saez
Pedigree: Arrogate-Absinthe Minded, by Quiet American
Early Voting, post 5, 7-2
Withers romper, just caught late in the Wood Memorial (G2), has had the middle jewel as his goal.
Owner: Klaravich Stables; Trainer: Chad Brown; Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Pedigree: Gun Runner-Amour d’Ete, by Tiznow
Skippylongstocking, post 9, 20-1
Wood Memorial third is on the upswing.
Owner: Daniel Alonso; Trainer: Saffie Joseph; Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Pedigree: Exaggerator-Twinkling, by War Chant
Creative Minister, post 2, 10-1
Sharp allowance scorer on Kentucky Derby undercard was supplemented for $150,000.
Owner: Fern Circle Stables & Back Racing; Trainer: Kenny McPeek; Jockey: Brian Hernandez
Pedigree: Creative Cause-Tamboz, by Tapit
Armagnac, post 7, 12-1
Santa Anita Derby (G1) fourth rebounded with an allowance romp.
Owners: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables et al; Trainer: Tim Yakteen; Jockey: Irad Ortiz
Pedigree: Quality Road-Kitty Wine, by Lemon Drop Kid
Fenwick, post 3, 50-1
Tampa Bay Downs maiden winner checked in last of 11 behind Zandon in the Blue Grass (G1).
Owner: Villa Rosa Farm & Harlo Stable; Trainer: Kevin McKathan
Pedigree: Curlin-Make the Sun Shine, by Malibu Moon
Still my favorite of all is the one and only Secretariat, no one like him!
Rich Strike It’s out of the Preakness which to me you should not be able to run in the Belmont if he comes back Just to me just ruined unless injury another triple Crown They need to do something about this maybe put 3 weeks between every race to save the horses Do I get an Amen
AMEN
Amen (well sort of, hehe) — in practice it is a pretty rare horse than can produce top 3 top efforts over a 5-week span and few owners want to take the chance. Even 3 weeks in between races probably isn’t enough. The fragility of the modern thoroughbred has led to most of the superstar racehorses resting 2+ months off between races. I would see no problem revamping the Triple Crown with a July Preakness, and a September Belmont to encourage all of the shining stars sport to participate on Triple Crown race days. Good for everyone — horses and the fans (bettors). The 5-week long Triple Crown is an outdated tradition that discourages participation.
must have participated in the Derby to run in Preakness, then the Belmonte; no more sitting on the side lines and trying to ambush..
It’s a trainer’s/owmer’s right to enter any race for which the horse is eligible. This isn’t just for the Triple Crown, they are individual races, and it has been this way for a long, long time. A Triple Crown horse has to be good enough to dispatch all contenders, regardless of what race they exit.
Amen