Heart of Honor's past performances, jockey, trainer, Preakness Stakes odds and full analysis heading into the second leg of the Triple Crown.
After falling just a head short in the 1 3/16-mile UAE Derby (G2) on April 5, Heart of Honor earned a ticket to the Kentucky Derby—but connections opted out. Now he lands in the Preakness Stakes, fresh, well-traveled, and aiming to make a mark in his American debut.
His narrow loss came to Admire Daytona, who went on to finish dead last in the Kentucky Derby. Does that result dampen Heart of Honor’s prospects? Not necessarily. He’s rested, battle-tested, and has never finished worse than second in six starts—five of them in Dubai.
“He came off the plane full of energy,” trainer Jamie Osborne said. “We thought he might need a break, but he made it clear he was ready for more. He’s tough, and he’s thriving.”
With no compelling targets back home in the UK, Osborne decided to take a shot at Pimlico. “He’s only three once,” he added. “If we didn’t run here, we’d be turning him out until next year’s Dubai season.”
Heart of Honor will ship to Pimlico on Tuesday after quarantine at Churchill Downs. He’s adjusted well after the long haul from Dubai to England to the U.S., and he’ll wear blinkers again—just as he did in his best effort yet in the UAE Derby.
“He used to lag early and stay on too late,” Osborne said. “The blinkers helped him travel better and stay engaged. That could make the difference.”
He’s consistent and fit, but this is a tall order for his U.S. debut. Maybe underneath in exotic bets—but don’t expect a win. Pass or use lightly.
Notes: Saffie Osborne, the 23-year-old daughter of trainer Jamie Osborne, was aboard for the UAE Derby and will ride again at Pimlico. This is the first Preakness runner for both. Heart of Honor qualified for the Derby but skipped it in favor of this spot. Only two foreign-bred horses have won the Preakness: War Cloud (England, 1918) and Northern Dancer (Canada, 1964). The odds are long—but he’s done everything right so far.
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.
