***UPDATED after the post position draw
Transferred from its customary role as the “Middle Jewel” because of the pandemic, the Oct. 3 Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico concludes the unprecedented 2020 Triple Crown trail.
In another reflection of its late date on the calendar, the 1 3/16-mile test is serving as a “Win and You’re In” for the Nov. 7 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).
But at least there’s an air of familiarity in that the Kentucky Derby (G1) winner, Authentic, is advancing to Pimlico, along with others from Churchill Downs, to meet some new rivals.
Here are the Preakness entrants:
Kentucky Derby alumni
Authentic, Post 9, 9-5 favorite
Front-running Kentucky Derby hero now sports a 5-for-6 career record.
Owners: Spendthrift Farm, MyRaceHorse Stable, Madaket Stables & Starlight Racing; Trainer: Bob Baffert; Jockey: John Velazquez
Pedigree: Into Mischief-Flawless, by Mr. Greeley
Mr. Big News, Post 2, 12-1
Third-placer at 46-1 in the Kentucky Derby was previously known for upsetting the Oaklawn S.
Owner: Allied Racing Stable; Trainer: Bret Calhoun; Jockey: Gabriel Saez
Pedigree: Giant’s Causeway-Unappeased, by Galileo
Max Player, Post 8, 15-1
Derby fifth was previously third in both the Belmont S. (G1) and Travers (G1)
Owners: George Hall & SportsBLX Thoroughbreds Corp.; Trainer: Steve Asmussen; Jockey: Paco Lopez
Pedigree: Honor Code-Fools in Love, by Not for Love
Ny Traffic, Post 7, 15-1
Derby eighth had just missed to Authentic two back in the Haskell (G1).
Owners: John Fanelli, Cash Is King, LC Racing & Paul Braverman; Trainer: Saffie Joseph; Jockey: Horacio Karamanos
Pedigree: Cross Traffic-Mamie Reilly, by Graeme Hall
Kentucky Derby defections
Art Collector, Post 3, 5-2
Blue Grass (G2) and Ellis Park Derby winner was knocked out of the Derby by a minor foot issue.
Owner: Bruce Lunsford; Trainer: Tom Drury; Jockey: Brian Hernandez
Pedigree: Bernardini-Distorted Legacy, by Distorted Humor
Thousand Words, Post 5, 6-1
Winner of three Derby scoring races made it to the Churchill Downs paddock only to rear up, flip over, and become a last-minute scratch.
Owners: Albaugh Family Stable & Spendthrift Farm; Trainer: Bob Baffert; Jockey: Florent Geroux
Pedigree: Pioneerof the Nile-Pomeroys Pistol, by Pomeroy
Belmont Stakes alumnus
Pneumatic, Post 10, 20-1
Belmont fourth came back to dominate the Pegasus, but passed the Derby to arrive fresh at Pimlico.
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds; Trainer: Steve Asmussen; Jockey: Joe Bravo
Pedigree: Uncle Mo-Teardrop, by Tapit
Triple Crown newcomers
Swiss Skydiver, Post 4, 6-1
Star filly qualified for the Derby with a runner-up effort in the Blue Grass, but stuck to the Kentucky Oaks (G1) instead and placed second.
Owner: Peter J. Callahan; Trainer: Ken McPeek; Jockey: Robby Albarado
Pedigree: Daredevil-Expo Gold, by Johannesburg
Liveyourbeastlife, Post 11, 30-1
Jim Dandy (G2) runner-up enters on the upswing.
Owner: William H. Lawrence; Trainer: Jorge Abreu; Jockey: Trevor McCarthy
Pedigree: Ghostzapper-Ellie’s Moment, by Kris S.
Jesus’ Team, Post 6, 30-1
Recent Jim Dandy third was previously second in the Pegasus and fourth in the Haskell.
Owner: Grupo 7C Stable; Trainer: Jose D’Angelo; Jockey: Jevian Toledo
Pedigree: Tapiture-Golden Memories, by Suave
Excession, Post 1, 30-1
Last seen rallying for second to Nadal in the Mar. 14 Rebel (G2), confirmed mudlark hopes for rain.
Owner: Calumet Farm; Trainer: Steve Asmussen; Jockey: Sheldon Russell
Pedigree: Union Rags-Draw It, by Tapit
