For Elizabeth Merryman, Preakness Day holds a special place in her heart. As someone deeply rooted in Maryland’s racing tradition, the day is steeped in nostalgia and personal history. Now, the local trainer hopes to add a defining moment to her own career by sending out Witty in the $125,000 Jim McKay Turf Sprint at Pimlico.
Witty, a six-year-old gelding, brings not only experience but a strong résumé into Saturday’s race. The Pennsylvania-bred has carved out a solid career with consistent performances, including multiple wins and numerous runner-up finishes on turf. Co-owned by Merryman, Qatar Racing LLC, and Marc Detampel, the son of Great Notion has been a reliable competitor throughout his 30-race career.
Despite her longstanding presence in the industry, Merryman is still chasing a victory on one of racing’s biggest stages. Though she scored a notable win with Caravel in The Very One Stakes on Black-Eyed Susan Day back in 2021, a Preakness Day triumph has remained elusive. That Caravel would go on to capture a Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint win later that year added extra weight to Merryman’s reputation for developing high-quality turf sprinters.
Saturday’s Jim McKay Turf Sprint offers her a prime opportunity, especially with Witty making his second start of the year. His seasonal debut came in the King T. Leatherbury Stakes last month at Laurel Park, where he finished second despite encountering significant trouble at the break. A clean trip this time could put him in the mix, particularly if the race unfolds with the quick early fractions that suit his closing style.
The field, however, is stacked with formidable opposition. Coppola, trained by Dale Romans, looms large with raw speed and proven success at the five-furlong distance. With 10 wins under his belt, including an electrifying performance at Gulfstream earlier this year, he’ll be tough to catch if he gets loose on the lead.
Fore Harp, fresh off a win in the Leatherbury, also brings sharp early speed and is capable of dictating terms. The seven-year-old will once again be handled by Abner Adorno and poses a serious threat from the outside post.
Veteran turf sprinter Boat’s a Rockin returns for his seasonal debut, adding depth to the field with an impressive lifetime record that includes 14 wins. Meanwhile, Determined Kingdom, though faltering in his 2025 debut, remains dangerous if he recaptures his prior form.
Duncan Idaho, trained by Jeff Runco, enters on a hot streak, having captured three consecutive allowance races this year. Another interesting name is Honeyquist, who has shown front-running ability and is still lightly raced on turf. Mattingly, a Florida shipper who recently found success on grass, adds an element of intrigue with Paco Lopez aboard.
No Nay Hudson rounds out the field with a balanced turf sprint record and will be guided by Junior Alvarado. He has been a consistent performer for trainer Wesley Ward and could find his best stride with the right setup.
As the current Pimlico building prepares for demolition and redevelopment, this year’s Preakness weekend carries a sense of transition and reflection. For Merryman, a win in the Jim McKay Turf Sprint would not just be a personal milestone — it would be a poignant farewell to a track that has shaped her love for the sport.
With Witty poised and ready, she’ll be hoping that Saturday offers the kind of memory that lasts a lifetime.
