***Updated with post positions and morning-line odds
After skipping the Kentucky Derby (G1), Rombauer exploded from off the pace to win the Preakness S. (G1) going away at odds of 11.80-1. Now he’ll bid for divisional leadership in the June 5 Belmont S. (G1), where several Derby alumni and a new shooter pose fresh challenges.
Medina Spirit, the first-past-the-post in the Derby and third in the Preakness, is not going for the Belmont. The Triple Crown veteran who seriously considered competing in all three jewels, Keepmeinmind, was definitely ruled out of the Belmont on Monday.
Here’s the final Belmont field:
Preakness runners
ROMBAUER, post 3, 3-1
Preakness upsetter, whose prior stakes win came in the El Camino Real Derby, was improving from a third in a paceless Blue Grass (G2).
Owners: John & Diane Fradkin; Trainer: Michael McCarthy; Jockey: John Velazquez
Pedigree: Twirling Candy-Cashmere, by Cowboy Cal
More on Rombauer
FRANCE GO DE INA, post 5, 30-1
Japanese shipper showed tactical speed before tiring to seventh in the Preakness.
Owner: Yuji Inaida; Trainer: Hideyuki Mori; Jockey: Ricardo Santana
Pedigree: Will Take Charge-Dreamy Blues, by Curlin
More on France Go de Ina
Contenders freshened since the Kentucky Derby
HOT ROD CHARLIE, post 4, 7-2
Kentucky Derby third had wired the Louisiana Derby (G2) in track-record time two back.
Owners: Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing & Strauss Bros Racing; Trainer: Doug O’Neill; Jockey: Flavien Prat
Pedigree: Oxbow-Indian Miss, by Indian Charlie
More on Hot Rod Charlie
ESSENTIAL QUALITY, post 2, 2-1
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and Blue Grass champion lost his perfect record when a wide-trip fourth as the Derby favorite.
Owner: Godolphin; Trainer: Brad Cox; Jockey: Luis Saez
Pedigree: Tapit-Delightful Quality, by Elusive Quality
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KNOWN AGENDA, post 6, 6-1
Florida Derby (G1) romper closed for ninth in the Kentucky Derby after getting shuffled back from his rail post.
Owner: St. Elias Stable; Trainer: Todd Pletcher; Jockey: Irad Ortiz
Pedigree: Curlin-Byrama, by Byron
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BOURBONIC, post 1, 15-1
Wood Memorial (G2) shocker never landed a blow when 13th in the Derby.
Owner: Calumet Farm; Trainer: Todd Pletcher; Jockey: Kendrick Carmouche
Pedigree: Bernardini-Dancing Afleet, by Afleet Alex
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ROCK YOUR WORLD, post 7, 9-2
Santa Anita Derby (G1) conqueror never recovered from a troubled break in the Derby and trudged home 17th in his first career loss.
Owners: Hronis Racing & Talla Racing; Trainer: John Sadler; Jockey: Joel Rosario
Pedigree: Candy Ride-Charm the Maker, by Empire Maker
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Triple Crown newcomer
OVERTOOK, post 8, 20-1
Withers runner-up was most recently third to stablemate Promise Keeper in the Peter Pan.
Owners: Repole Stable, St. Elias Stable, Michael Tabor, Mrs. John Magnier & Derrick Smith; Trainer: Todd Pletcher; Jockey: Manny Franco
Pedigree: Curlin-Got Lucky, by A.P. Indy
More on Overtook
