Dateline Baltimore ... Will the 'Dream' continue? · 9:32pm May 20th, 2017
Or will it be a Star Wars inspired headline tomorrow that declares 'Classic Empire Strikes Back'.
Preakness Stakes weekend and the Second Jewel of the American Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing is in the spotlight.
So here's how they line up this afternoon.
The two top contenders neatly seated in the middle of the Pimlico starting gates in slot 4, Kentucky Derby winner (and possible favorite of Princess Luna) 'Always Dreaming' alongside 'Classic Empire' (with Shining Armor and Cadance looking on from the Crystal Empire) in gate 5, who placed fourth in the Derby after a rough ride in the slop two weeks ago at Churchill Downs. The other strong contender is in the 10 slot, Lookin at Lee, who made up some ground late to place second behind Always Dreaming. Gunnevera, also has a thing or two to prove after a mid pack finish in the Derby.
For those wondering where the horse I posted the pic of two weeks ago, Patch, is. He shipped from Churchill Downs to New York, possibly looking at the Belmont or it's under-card. Though the story of the one-eyed race horse in the Kentucky Derby certainly garnered him quite a few new fans.
From the outside, the field includes six 'new shooters' (horses not having run in the Kentucky Derby). Multiplier, Cloud Computing (sounds like a Pegasus IT character here), Hence, Term of Art (Rarity's looking at you I'm sure), Senior Investment, and Conquest Mo Money. (the last two sounding like relatives of the Rich Family).
Unfortunately, this 'Old Racehorse''s choice pick of ponies that missed the field at Churchill two weeks ago, Royal Mo, suffered a career ending ankle fracture last Sunday while working out. Many thanks to veteran jockey Gary Stevens who quickly pulled up the colt at the first hint of trouble and prevented more serious damage. I can say he's had successful surgery to repair the beak and is expected to have a long and happy retirement. (and Fluttershy has stopped hyperventilating and resumed caring for her charges in the Everfree Forest).
So in about an hour it comes down to the Dash for the Black-eyed Susans and whether Always Dreaming keeps the dream alive of becoming the 13th Triple Crown Champion or gets a rude awakening from one of the other nine on the track.
As always safe trip to all those competing.
Sir Barton (One Old Racehorse)
