With the use of Lasix in Thoroughbreds set to be banned in late May, a group of trainers, including two Hall of Famers, call for its continued availability.
Tuscan Gold is “in good shape” for Preakness 149, trainer Chad Brown said, and has a similar resume to Brown’s two other Preakness winners.
Tuscan Gold will aim at the May 18 Preakness, while Kentucky Derby 4th-place horse Catching Freedom also is eyeing the Middle Jewel.
Technical issues forced the Tampa Bay Derby to be run for purse money only, but the show went on and Domestic Product proved best.
In two Triple Crown points races, Sierra Leone rallied to run down Track Phantom to win the Risen Star, while Stronghold scored in the Sunland Park Derby.
On a troubled Preakness day, National Treasure took advantage of a slow early pace to give jockey John Velazquez his first Middle Jewel.
Preakness-bound Blazing Sevens breezed five furlongs in 1:00 Saturday, and trainer Chad Brown pronounced it a “super” final move before the race.
Blazing Sevens, winner of the 2022 Champagne Stakes, is on track for a date at the Preakness, as is supplemental entry Perform.
Early Voting is a no on the Belmont, and Epicenter is a “probably not.” But a couple of other Preakness runners may give it a shot.
Early Voting skipped the Derby to run in the Preakness — wise move, it turns out, as he surged to victory in the 147th edition.