We have our first possible Preakness horse
The Kentucky Derby is still five days away and yet we already have a colt that will likely run in the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 16 -- Mr. Fantasy, who won Saturday's $150,000 Grade III Withers Stakes at Aqueduct by 1 3/4 lengths under Richard Migliore.
After the race, Migliore reportedly told the New York bred colt's connections that he'd be a logical candidate for the Preakness, the second leg of horse racing's Triple Crown. This Ones for Phil was second, 7 1/4 lengths ahead of Gone Astray.
As usual, Mr. Fantasy broke badly at the start but had enough talent to overcome the adversity. The son of E Dubai, trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, has won three of four lifetime. It was the colt's first stakes victory and his first win against open company.
Watch for this guy in the coming weeks and months. He could be one of the nation's top 3-year-olds come Travers Stakes time in August.
Art,
You can also add Hull to the list of contenders for the Preakness. COlt was scratched out of the Lexington to compete in last Saturday's G3 Derby Trial at Churcill Downs and made it look very easy. He's owned by Team Valor, so you know they'll be aiming high.
Patrick,
I'm going to have to watch that race on youtube. I was at Hollywood Park and missed it, but I heard it was an impressive effort. This 3-year-old crop, at this early stage, is shaping up pretty well. I know Gary Stevens liked this batch of sophomore runners, and that was before Mr. Fantasy and Hull ran so impressively in their races. I think they're going to be a fun bunch to watch race throughout the rest of the year.
It will be the Met Mile for Mr. F next race going against 3yr olds snd up -- probably Two Step Salsa will be in as well as Gayego. Do you think he has a chance agaisnt them.
SSC,
Let's wait and see the full field before offering an opinion on the Met Mile. It's a difficult chore for a 3-year-old to tackle older horses this early in the year, but it appears Mr. Fantasy is talented enough for the challenge. I wouldn't be surprised at anything after what happened in the Derby this year with the impossible winner. I also heard Georgie Boy was a possibility for the Met Mile, but that was before the quarter crack that kept him out of the Gold Rush Sprint at Hollywood Park last month. I don't know that he's recovered enough to go in the race, but my guess is no. I'm thinking the Met Mile will probably be a wide-open race, but then, I'm also the same guy who drew a line through Mine That Bird, so what do I know?
Art, so far it looks like the field has:
Bribon
Mr. Sidney
Mr. Fantasy
Driven by Success
My Pal Charlie
Runforthedoe
The Roundhouse
Smooth Air
Ready's Echo
Now what do you think?
Wow, I didn't think THAT many newcomers would try the Belmont. If the Preakness didn't take too much out of her and she goes in the Belmont, I like Rachel Alexandra. If she doesn't go, I definitely like one of the new shooters. I'll be surprised if Charitable Man doesn't go, unless he's not recovering well from the Peter Pan Stakes.
Art - this is the field for The Met Mile not the Belmont
Sorry ... brain cramp. At first glance I think I like Mr. Fantasy but I want to look at the PPs before I pick a winner.
Agree - weight assignments come out on Wed and that could make a difference as well - Also mentioned as possible are:
Commentator
Barrier Reef
Riley Tucker
This One's for Phil
Could be a great betting race.
PP's are on the NYRA Belmont website
I'm not so sure about Commentator. He sure seems to be tailing off since that race late last year when he faltered badly. Is Zito seriously thinking of the Met Mile with him?
Well, he breezed at Saratoga yesterday and Zito said it was a "possibility" but he may wait until Saratoga for his next race as well. He was nominated - so we shall see.
Well, it's usually a great race. Looking forward to watching it in the Hollywood Park press box. I'll be there Monday covering the Shoemaker Mile. Ventura is going to try to become only the third distaffer and first since 1951 to win the race. Should be a great day of racing from coast to coast.