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.
When the field comes off the far turn in the Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 17, trainer Mark Casse expects Sandman to come barreling down the stretch.
Whether he can catch the leaders is a question worth answering. In the Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 3, Sandman was bumped at the start, then was taken nine wide for his usual rally but ended up seventh over a sloppy track.
Before that, his closing kick came through in the Arkansas Derby (G1), which he won by 2 ½ lengths.
With the decision to run him back two weeks after the Run for the Roses, Casse believes his gray son of Tapit is fit.
“I always quote Allen Jerkens, ‘Run ‘em when they’re good,’ and he’s good right now,’’ said Casse, referring to the late Hall of Fame trainer H. Allen Jerkens. “We were planning on waiting for the Belmont, but a lot of things can happen in between. He’s telling us he’s happy, so we’re going to go with it.”
Casse has been monitoring his colt’s fitness since the Kentucky Derby, even though he had his troubles in a field of 19. The Preakness Stakes field will be much smaller.
“I knew when he went by us the first time that we were in big trouble,’’ said Casse of the Derby. “He obviously wasn’t handling the track very well, and you just don’t know how that affects them late in the race. He made a middle run but did flatten out a little bit.”
In two other Kentucky Derby preps, Sandman finished second in the Southwest Stakes (G3) and third in the Rebel Stakes (G2).
Sandman is undoubtedly a win contender if there’s a fast track, a clear trip, and his usual closing kick. Include in exotics.
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.
