The Preakness lost a possible starter in Harlem Rocker, but could gain one in Kentucky Derby also-ran Gayego.
Gayego, who finished 17th after a sluggish start, is under consideration for another shot at Derby winner Big Brown in Saturday’s second leg of the Triple Crown in Baltimore.
Trainer Paulo Lobo said he will decide today after watching Gayego on the track.
Gayego won the Arkansas Derby in his first race on dirt, then got off to a slow start in the Derby, had to be steadied in traffic and never got into the race.
“That’s the reason we are thinking about (the Preakness),” Lobo said Monday. “He’s very happy right now and he came back very sound.”
If Gayego doesn’t run, it would be the first time in 60 years the Derby winner didn’t face a single Derby rival in the Preakness.
Meanwhile, unbeaten Harlem Rocker (3-0) will be pointed to the Canadian Triple Crown races, trainer Todd Pletcher said.
Big Brown bored
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Another day at Churchill Downs, another jog around a muddy track for Big Brown.
Exercise rider Michelle Nevin was aboard for the light exercise, with gallops scheduled for today and Wednesday if the weather permits before Big Brown is shipped to Baltimore.
Trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. said he’s considering a small “blowout” workout after Big Brown arrives at Pimlico Race Course, perhaps the morning of the race.
“We’ll probably do it the day of (the race) if the track’s good,” Dutrow said.
The Associated Press
