The 149th Preakness (G1) is this Saturday, May 18, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The 1 3/16-mile race is the second leg of the Triple Crown. usracing.com is publishing profiles of the contenders.
It may be a reach for a lightly raced colt, but why not try to win a $2 million race rather than a $200,000 race?
Such is the case with Tuscan Gold, who was entered last week in the Peter Pan Stakes at Aqueduct only to be scratched in favor of running in the Preakness on Saturday.
Trained by Chad Brown, a two-time Preakness winner, Tuscan Gold comes into the 1 3/16-mile race off a closing and credible third in in the Louisiana Derby behind Catching Freedom and Honor Marie.
That said, he’s raced only three times with a maiden victory in his second start. Tyler Gaffalione has the call as the son of Medaglia d’Oro races for the first time in eight weeks. He has the fewest starts of any other Preakness starter.
Tuscan Gold worked 4 furlongs in 49.30 at Belmont on May 11, in company with 2023 Preakness runner-up Blazing Sevens, rather than run in the Peter Pan.
“That was the best I have ever seen him work,” Brown said. “He came out of it in good shape.
“It was a good test for him against a horse that is established. What better horse to prepare him? I am confident going into the race. He is fast enough on figures to win.”
Betting advice: Hard to back a lightly raced colt against a bunch of seasoned veterans.
Post position: 8
Odds: 8/1
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Trainer: Chad Brown
Owners: William Lawrence, Walmac Farm, Stonestreet Stables
Career record: 3-1-0-1
Career earnings: $147,100
Most recent race: Louisiana Derby, March 23 (3rd)
Top Equibase speed figure:
Pedigree: Medaglia d’Oro-Valadorna, by Curlin
Color: Bay
Running style: Closer
Notes: Brown’s two Preakness winners did not run in the Derby -- Cloud Computing in 2017 and Early Voting in 2022 … Tuscan Gold broke his maiden in his second career start, Jan. 31 at Gulfstream Park ... Purchased for $600,000 at the Keeneland yearling sale.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
