With just ten days to go until the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course, international interest in the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown is heating up. Less than a month after a narrow defeat in the UAE Derby (G2), British-trained HEART OF HONOR is confirmed to ship to the U.S. on Thursday as connections gear up for a major tilt at American classic glory.
Trainer Jamie Osborne confirmed from his Lambourn base that the son of Honor A.P., owned by Jim and Claire Limited, will undergo quarantine at Churchill Downs before heading to Pimlico on Monday. The colt, who placed second to Japan’s Admire Daytona in the UAE Derby at Meydan on April 5, will be seen on the Pimlico track for the first time next Tuesday.
“He’s thrived since returning from Dubai,” Osborne said. “Initially, I thought he might need a break, but he made it clear he’s ready to continue. He’s only three once, and there’s nothing for him in the UK right now. The Preakness gives him the platform he deserves.”
HEART OF HONOR, who debuted at Southwell before racing five times in Dubai, will wear blinkers again—an equipment change that brought noticeable improvement in the UAE Derby. Osborne’s daughter, 23-year-old jockey Saffie Osborne, retains the ride.
While HEART OF HONOR brings an international flavor, several key American contenders continue their preparations. CLEVER AGAIN, a lightly raced son of Triple Crown hero American Pharoah, breezed five furlongs in 1:01.60 at Churchill Downs under Jose Ortiz. Trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen and owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds and Coolmore partners, CLEVER AGAIN enters off a dominant front-running win in the Hot Springs Stakes.
“He’s very kind, very athletic,” said Asmussen, who seeks a third Preakness victory after Curlin (2007) and Rachel Alexandra (2009). “He’s shown he has speed but isn’t rushed—he carries himself like a seasoned pro.”
Asmussen plans another workout on Monday before shipping to Pimlico on Tuesday.
RODRIGUEZ, trained by Bob Baffert, is also on track for the Preakness after missing the Kentucky Derby due to a minor foot issue. The Wood Memorial (G2) winner is now fully recovered and is scheduled for a timed breeze this weekend before traveling to Baltimore. Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith will be aboard, reuniting with Baffert in pursuit of the trainer’s ninth Preakness victory.
Another contender in the mix is JOURNALISM, runner-up in the Kentucky Derby (G1). Assistant trainer Justin Curran reported the colt is training well and is expected to jog Wednesday and gallop Thursday. Ownership includes Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, and Coolmore’s global powerhouses.
“He’s eating, has great energy, and looks happy,” said Curran. A decision on whether to run in the Preakness will follow soon.
Trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who has won the Preakness seven times, is eyeing a return with AMERICAN PROMISE, a $750,000 purchase and Virginia Derby winner who endured a rough trip en route to 16th in the Kentucky Derby. The Justify colt is set to resume training Thursday, with Nik Juarez retaining the ride.
“He’s a big, long-striding horse,” said Lukas. “He needs uninterrupted rhythm. He bounced back well and looks ready.”
Meanwhile, trainer Brendan Walsh has yet to commit GOSGER to the Preakness. The Stonestreet Lexington Stakes winner will work at Keeneland later this week before a final call is made.
As contenders from across the U.S. and overseas converge on Baltimore, the 150th Preakness Stakes is shaping into a truly global affair, with seasoned champions and rising stars ready to write the next chapter in Triple Crown history.
