Rodriguez, the winner of the Wood Memorial, will not be part of the lineup for the 150th edition of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 17. The decision to withdraw the promising colt was confirmed by trainer Bob Baffert, who had initially kept him in training at Churchill Downs after a minor foot bruise sidelined him from the Kentucky Derby. Despite the anticipation surrounding his potential return for the Preakness, connections ultimately decided against entering him.
Instead, attention now shifts to another undefeated Baffert trainee, Goal Oriented, who remains under consideration for the Preakness. The colt impressed with a sharp victory on the Kentucky Derby undercard, following up on a strong debut win at Santa Anita. Baffert noted the colt’s continued development and physical maturity as promising signs, and a key workout this weekend will determine whether he moves forward to Baltimore. If he gets the green light, Goal Oriented would be piloted by jockey Flavien Prat, who was aboard for his latest win.
Meanwhile, Journalism, who finished second in the Kentucky Derby, has resumed training with a light gallop at Churchill Downs. Assistant trainer Justin Curran reported that the colt showed positive energy during the session, and a final decision on his Preakness status will likely be made once trainer Michael McCarthy evaluates him in person over the weekend.
American Promise, who had a disappointing Kentucky Derby showing, has bounced back well according to Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas. The colt is showing strong physical signs of recovery and high energy in training. Lukas is preparing to ship six horses to Pimlico, including American Promise, who will be ridden by Maryland native Nik Juarez in his first Preakness appearance.
At Delaware Park, Pay Billy took a well-deserved walk day after completing his final major Preakness prep. Trainer Mike Gorham expressed satisfaction with the colt’s condition post-breeze and outlined a light galloping schedule heading into the race. Owned by RKTN Racing, the colt brings along a lively contingent of first-time owners who are thrilled to be part of such a marquee event.
Elsewhere at Churchill Downs, Clever Again—trained by Steve Asmussen—is quietly preparing for his trip to Baltimore. Following some light schooling at the gate, he’s scheduled for a timed workout before shipping out early next week. The colt, a winner at Oaklawn Park, is by American Pharoah and enters the mix as another potential threat.
In Lexington, Gosger maintained his routine with a light gallop and is due for a scheduled workout Saturday, while at Belmont Park, River Thames is being prepped by Todd Pletcher for a return to action. After skipping the Kentucky Derby, he remains a fresh contender for the Preakness following solid performances in earlier stakes races.
Lastly, Heart of Honor, who finished second in the UAE Derby, has arrived in the U.S. and will remain in quarantine at Churchill Downs until early next week. Trainer Jamie Osborne has plans to move him to Pimlico on Monday, continuing preparations for the next leg of the Triple Crown.
With several key contenders under watch and workouts planned over the weekend, the field for the Preakness Stakes is still taking shape. Final decisions are expected soon, as trainers and connections evaluate their horses’ form and readiness for the second jewel of the Triple Crown.
