3 minute read

It's a bitter-sweet day for the racegoers of Baltimore.

This year's Preakness will be the last at the historic "Old Hillside" as the track will close for major alterations and next year's event will be run at Laurel.

This year's version is all about Journalism who just missed out on the Kentucky Derby from which he seems to have fully recovered.  It's been wet all week in Baltimore and while there may be some let -up on Saturday the track may be on the soft side.

Journalism, as mentioned above, is on 8/5 and looks the one to beat.  Sandman, a lovely grey son of Tapit is on 4/1 for Mark Casse and John Velazquez.  Todd Pletcher will saddle River Thames, by Maclean's Music, who is on 9/2 with Irad Ortiz on board and his brother Jose will be on Clever Again, one that has caught our eye.  He's with Steve Asmussen and is by American Pharoah out of a Galileo mare and is on 5/1.

There's an interesting raider in the Jamie Osborne trained Heart of Honor.  So far UK runners have not enjoyed success in the Triple Crown races and adjusting to the dirt.  Saffie Osborne retains the ride and if they win she would be only the second female jockey to win a Triple Crown race – so far Julie Krone holds that record.