The $2 million Preakness Stakes (G1), the second leg of the Triple Crown, is Saturday, May 17, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The US Racing team has published profiles on each horse in the race, updated with post positions and Preakness Stakes betting odds.
In the 1 3/16-mile UAE Derby (G2) on April 5, a closing Heart of Honor was beaten a head by Admire Daytona. On May 3, Admire Daytona finished last 19 in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
What might that mean for Heart of Honor in the Preakness Stakes?
It means he might do well at the Preakness Stakes distance of 1 3/16 miles and that he’s well-rested. Sort of. The bay colt has been piling up the air miles since – from Dubai to England to Churchill Downs, where he’ll be quarantined for a few days, and then he’ll be vanned to Pimlico Race Course by Tuesday for the May 17 race.
Trainer Jamie Osborne admits Heart of Honor needs to step up for a chance in the Preakness Stakes, but the colt has never finished worse than second in six career starts. He debuted in England with a runner-up finish and ran his next five races in Dubai.
“Initially, after the UAE Derby, I thought that the horse may well need a break. He’d had five runs in Dubai. But when he got off the plane, he told me he wasn’t ready for a break,’’ said Osborne. “He’s thrived since he’s been back. He’s a hardy kind of horse.
“With that in mind, we thought this was worth a shot. He’s only 3 once. There’s nothing in the UK for him. So, the alternative was to give him a break, a long-extended break, and wait for next year’s Middle East season when we go back to Dubai.”
A good effort would likely keep the colt in America for the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 7.
Heart of Honor was equipped with blinkers in the UAE Derby and will wear them in the Preakness.
“He did travel more generously with them on,’’ said Osborne. “Prior to that, he was being a little bit lazy. He was getting behind. He lost a couple of races in Dubai by getting a little bit too far behind and staying on a bit too late.”
A win seems unlikely in his first race in America, but he’s been first or second in all six starts. Not this time. No bet.
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.
