Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Justify will be heading to Baltimore next week for the second jewel of the Triple Crown and is scaring off most of his competition.
The field for the Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico next Saturday could end up small, with Justify a short-priced favorite at 2-5.
Of the 19 foes he beat at Churchill Downs, just one is probable and three others are possible for the Preakness, and the new shooters likely will not be scaring the connections of Justify.
Justify and his barn did have a minor scare this week as the colt developed a minor heel bruise, but after a gallop on Thursday morning at Churchill Downs it appears all systems are go for his Triple Crown bid to continue.
The only other Kentucky Derby participant other than the winner that is heading to Baltimore for sure is Bravazo, the D. Wayne Lukas trainee who checked in sixth in the Derby, beaten eight lengths at 66-1. The colt is listed at 20-1 in early Preakness betting.
Derby runner up Good Magic and 12th place finisher Bolt d’Oro would likely be the biggest threat to Justify, and their connections are considering the Preakness.
The Chad Brown trained Good Magic put in a solid effort in a runner-up finish, beaten 2 ½ lengths. Last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) champion is listed as the second choice in early Preakness wagering at 7-2.
Bolt d’Oro faded to finish 12th in the Derby, beaten 24 ¼ lengths in a very disappointing effort. The colt ran second in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) in his previous start, beaten three lengths by Justify in that outing. The colt is the third choice in early Preakness betting at 10-1.
Quip is the new shooter in the field with the best credentials. The colt earned enough points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, but his connections elected to hold him out of the Derby in favor of the Preakness. The colt won the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) and then ran second to Magnum Moon in the Arkansas Derby in his last outing. The colt is listed at 16-1 in early Preakness odds.
Diamond King is another new shooter and is listed at 14-1. The colt won the Federico Tesio at Laurel Park in his last start. His connections entered him in Saturday’s Peter Pan (G3) at Belmont Park but have stated they will scratch and head to Pimlico next week.
In addition to Bravazo, Lukas plans on running Sporting Chance. The colt was fourth in the Pat Day Mile (G3) on the Derby Day undercard. The colt is 22-1.
Lone Sailor, who was eighth in the Derby, is possible for trainer Tom Amoss. The colt is 25-1 in early Preakness odds. Others that are possible include Givemeaminit (33-1), Pony Up (33-1) and Tenfold (25-1).
Post positions for the Preakness will be drawn on Wednesday.