American Pharoah captures the 2015 Kentucky Derby (Photo credit (kentuckyderby.com)
It looks as if the top three finishers of the Kentucky Derby (G1) will be heading to Baltimore to compete in the second jewel of the Triple Crown, the $1 million Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course.
Two questions popped into my head immediately after American Pharoah won the Run for the Roses: First was what method was I going to use to replenish my wagering bankroll which took a hit on Saturday, and secondly, would trainer Bob Baffert really run Dortmund in the Preakness, hurting his chances at a Triple Crown?
Baffert did not seemed fazed on Sunday with the idea of running Derby third place finisher Dortmund back in two weeks. The stablemates have two different owners.
“As of right now, I don’t see why not,” Baffert said at a press conference on Sunday morning. “We’ll see how they train next week.”
“I’ll have to talk to Kaleem Shah (Dortmund’s owner),” Baffert said. “I’m sure he wants a little revenge.”
American Pharoah earned a 105 Beyer Speed Figure for his win. The colt won by a length over a stubborn Firing Line with Dortmund weakening late to finish third.
The only runner that made up any ground closing into a moderate pace was Frosted, who came from the back of the pack to finish fourth.
International Star, winner of the Louisiana Derby (G2) will miss the Preakness with a chip in his left front ankle.
2015 Kentucky Derby
It looks as if the top three from the Kentucky Derby will face seven or eight runners. The question is how many trainer Todd Pletcher elects to run.
He started three in the Kentucky Derby, Materiality (6th) Itsaknockout (9th) and Carpe Diem (10th) and it appears the undefeated Competitive Edge is being considered. That colt won the Pat Day Stakes (G3) on Derby Day.
It is unlikely Pletcher would start all four back on two weeks rest.
2015 Preakness Stakes (G1) Prospective Field and Early Odds
American Pharoah
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Record: 6-5-0-0 $2,830,300
Last race: Kentucky Derby (G1) Won
Status: Probable
Early Odds: 6-5
Firing Line
Trainer: Simon Callaghan
Record: 6-2-4-0 $974,800
Last race: Kentucky Derby (G1) 2nd
Status: Probable
Early Odds: 7-2
Dortmund
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Record: 7-6-0-1 $1,489,400
Last race: Kentucky Derby (G1) 3rd
Status: Probable
Early Odds: 3-1
Bodhisattva
Trainer: Jose Corrales
Record: 11-3-1-4 $165,095
Last race: Federico Tesio Stakes Won
Status: Probable
Early Odds: 30-1
Divining Rod
Trainer: Arnaud Delacour
Record: 5-2-1-2 $249,800
Last race: Coolmore Lexington Stakes (G3) Won
Status: Probable
Early Odds: 20-1
Mr. Z
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Record: 13-1-4-4 $652,226
Last race: Kentucky Derby (G1) 13th
Status: Possible
Early Odds: 40-1
Danzig Moon
Trainer: Mark Casse
Record: 6-1-2-0 $311,120
Last race: Kentucky Derby (G1) 5th
Status: Possible
Early Odds: 15-1
Competitive Edge
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Record: 4-4-0-0 $417,280
Last race: Pat Day Mile (G3) Won
Status: Possible
Early Odds: 15-1
Carpe Diem
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Record: 6-4-1-0 $1,518,900
Last race: Kentucky Derby (G1) 10th
Status: Possible
Early Odds: 12-1
Materiality
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Record: 4-3-0-0 $656,028
Last race: Kentucky Derby (G1) 6th
Status: Possible
Early Odds: 10-1
Betting odds created by turfnsport.com
