Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher is a two-time Kentucky Derby (G1) winner, a four-time Belmont Stakes (G1) winner, but he’s still seeking a first victory in the Preakness Stakes (G1), the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.
Of course, there’s a logical explanation: He rarely sends his 3-year-olds that ran in the Derby to the Preakness contested just two weeks later.
Other than his Derby winners Super Saver in 2010 and Always Dreaming in 2017, only two other Pletcher horses ran in the Derby and Preakness – Impeachment in 2000 (third in both races) and Circular Quay in 2007 (sixth in the Derby, fifth in the Preakness). Both Derby winners ran eighth in the Preakness.
River Thames is set to become just the 11th Preakness starter for Pletcher, who has sent out a record 65 Derby starters and 40 Belmont starters. The Preakness is May 17 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
Beaten at the wire by Sovereignty in the Fountain of Youth (G2) and third in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1), River Thames qualified for the Derby but was kept out in favor of preparing for the Preakness.
“The tough beat in the Fountain of Youth looks even stronger after Sovereignty’s performance in the Derby,” said Pletcher of Sovereignty’s Derby win on May 3. “He’s held his best form. He’s run well every time. We’re hoping that bringing in a fresh horse will give us a little advantage.”
Sovereignty is skipping the Preakness and will prepare for the Belmont on June 7, leaving racing fans without a Triple Crown possibility.
Irad Ortiz, Jr. has the return call on River Thames.
The field for the 1 3/16-mile Preakness continues to take shape with Bob Baffert-trained Rodriguez (Wood Memorial winner) among other contenders. Also Preakness bound are American Promise (16th in the Derby), Heart of Honor (second in the Lexington Stakes), Pay Billy (Federico Tesio Stakes winner), Clever Again (Hot Springs Stakes winner), and Lexington winner Gosger.
Derby runner-up Journalism was out for a spin on the Churchill Downs main track on Wednesday, and a Preakness decision is pending.
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.
