As we enter the final 1/16th of a mile before the Preakness, like the rest of you, we are trying our best to navigate the plethora of pre-race information and content. We also have the benefit of being on the grounds at Pimlico to gain additional insight and observations before Saturday. In an effort to streamline this info, we present to you our Preakness Happy Hour, filled with links, musings, and photos from our research and time at Pimlico. Be sure to check back often as we will be updating regularly.
For detailed notes on each Preakness probable, check out this article from the Courier Journal: Update
Nyquist:Upon arriving at Pimlico this morning, we observed roughly 50 reporters and photographers filming bath time for Nyquist. Everyone around the barn was raving about the impression Nyquist has made at Pimlico over the last few days, including Laoban trainer Eric Guillot.
Laoban Speaking of Guillot, he entertained us, Jerry Bailey, Randy Moss and Jay Privman for about 15 minutes while he watched Laoban walk shed row. Guillot went through Laoban’s race history, explaining that the blinkers were added in response Southern Equine’s “do something” proclamation following a very disappointing debut from their prized colt. Guillot wanted to remove the blinkers before the Gotham, but “despite buying $150 worth of Italian food for the racing office, they gave me the god damn rail.” The blinkers stayed on to ensure the horse broke alertly. He considered removing them again before the Bluegrass, but he thought the track was playing favorably to speed, so left them on yet again. Since then though, Laoban has had four works, without the blinkers, where he has rated comfortably behind other horses. Guillot added, missing the derby was “the best thing to ever happen to this horse” because it provided Laoban with more time to learn to relax. Guillot expects him to be near the lead again, but not pressing the pace if it’s highly contested.
On a related note, Guillot believes his expected Sir Barton starter, Fearless Dragon, a gutsy maiden winner last out, may be in over his head, but is very happy with how the horse is progressing.
Skipat Stakes: Defending champion Preakness trainer, Bob Baffert, was on the grounds this morning. In addition to Collected, Baffert sends Fantastic Style in the Skipat Stakes on Friday. On all speed figures we’ve analyzed so far this 1-2 chalk looks like an unfortunate single.
Black Eyed Susan (The Drink): Glad to see people starting to devise some variations to the BES–not only because it shows the drink is growing in popularity, but more so because it’s current recipe looks like a hangover. Check out this less sweet and classy variation: The Only BES Recipe You Need
Laurel: Each year the discussions of moving the Preakness to Laurel become seemingly more serious. However, this year state officials have commissioned consultants to evaluate how the track facility accommodates the 100,000 guests expected on Saturday. Of course the rains may not help supporters of a Pimlico Preakness–but at least Old Hilltop has another chance to show its potential to host the race going forward. Pimlico’s Viability
Pictures from this morning to follow…
