Preakness profiles: Lookin At Lee

Staff Reports

In our Preakness profiles, we look into each of Saturday’s Preakness contenders.

WHO IS LOOKIN AT LEE?

The Steve Asmussen trainee ran big at 33-1 to earn the place in the Kentucky Derby, his second consecutive top quality effort following a fast-closing third in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby. The son of 2010 Preakness winner Lookin At Lucky has been improving with each start.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT LOOKIN AT LEE

“Proud of his effort,” Asmussen said following the Derby. “Glad he got a chance to show what he could do.” Subsequently, Asmussen termed himself “just very happy” with how Lookin At Lee came out of the Derby.

WHY HE COULD WIN

Lookin At Lee ran a monster race in the Kentucky Derby, chopping more than 13 lengths off his early deficit to cut it to less than three — and five clear of the show horse. That was his second straight big effort, as he closed fast despite obstacles in Arkansas. He’s increased his Beyer speed figure in three straight races; a fourth straight improvement might be enough to get him the win here.

WHY HE COULD LOSE

He’s a deep closer in a field full of them — and lacking in early speed. If no one softens up early runners like Always Dreaming, it’ll be tough for Lookin At Lee to run them down. Two of the other major players here — Always Dreaming and Classic Empire — both have run better Beyers than his career-best 98.