On a weekend in which the fate of Pimlico almost overshadowed the Preakness itself, Cloud Computing ran down Classic Empire on the money to win the middle jewel.
Locals entered Black-Eyed Susan day’s four graded stakes with high hopes, but out-of-towners recorded a clean sweep.
Always Dreaming is “ready to roll,” trainer Todd Pletcher said after the colt’s final day of preparation for the Grade 1 Preakness.
Always Dreaming has been installed as the 4-5 morning line favorite for Saturday’s Preakness Stakes, and Classic Empire is 3-1.
Exercise rider Peter Leiva counts Preakness contender Cloud Computing among his charges – quite a journey for the kid who came here from Chile at 19.
Starting Wednesday, a small army of cops and firefighters will trade their hats for those of drivers, assistants, and fix-it guys for the Preakness connections.
While trainer Todd Pletcher and Always Dreaming weather the Preakness media crush, jockey Jorge Carreno and Conquest Mo Money are flying under the radar.
A brilliant, ground-saving ride by jockey Don Miller played a major role in making Deputed Testamony in 1983 the most recent Maryland-bred Preakness winner.
What’ll it take for Gunnevera to turn the tables on Always Dreaming? “Action on the front end,” says Larry Kelly.
Friday’s Black-Eyed Susan day card features big fields — the average stakes field size is over 11 — and competitive racing, including four graded events.