PREAKNESS: Field drops to 12 with Behind demuring

CSC · #1 05-12-2008, 07:57 AM

It's not official yet but it's almost certain to happen now.

Trainer Todd Pletcher can't confirm if Harlem Rocker will start in Saturday's Preakness Stakes until he talks to owner Frank Stronach.

But if the decision were up to the 40-year-old trainer, Harlem Rocker would be in the starting gate against Derby winner Big Brown, Pletcher said after watching the colt work five furlongs in 1:00.10 Sunday morning over Belmont's training track.

"I thought the horse worked extremely well," Pletcher said. "His work this morning was very, very good. I'm going to recommend to the Stronachs that he runs. Obviously it's their decision."

Pletcher hopes to talk Monday to Stronach, who is in Austria.

CSC · #2 05-12-2008, 08:12 AM

By The way if he(Harlem Rocker) goes, I'm certainly going to bet him. Unfortunately he is the only logical choice to upset BB and he may be a wiseguy pick by default. But any reproduction of the Withers race and or improvement he should post a very good result.

CSC · #3 05-12-2008, 10:19 AM

According to Adena racing venture..."Mr Stronach has decided against the Preakness for Harlem Rocker (15). The focus will remain on the Queen's Plate.

I was wrong. Surprised to say the least.

freddymo · #4 05-12-2008, 10:21 AM

Smart... Wait till Travers to take on Big Brown..What's the rush.. I would rather win the Travers then the Preakness anyday.

NoLuvForPletch · #5 05-12-2008, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freddymo

Smart... Wait till Travers to take on Big Brown..What's the rush.. I would rather win the Travers then the Preakness anyday.

If BB is the real deal, and still sound and racing in August, he would present a much tougher challenge to HR then than 2 weeks after running in the derby.

My guess is they are hoping BB is no longer in the picture later in the year.

Alan07 · #6 05-12-2008, 10:46 AM

No diamonds for Freida?

CSC · #7 05-12-2008, 10:56 AM

Just waiting for it to be announced on one of the major publications but that is the word also from Jensblog of DRF and the Morningline odds maker at Woodbine.

philcski · #8 05-12-2008, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CSC

According to Adena racing venture..."Mr Stronach has decided against the Preakness for Harlem Rocker (15). The focus will remain on the Queen's Plate.

I was wrong. Surprised to say the least.

Official as per DRF... I was also wrong, and surprised. He'll jog in the Queen's Plate though.

CSC · #9 05-12-2008, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philcski

Official as per DRF... I was also wrong, and surprised. He'll jog in the Queen's Plate though.

I don't know how he will do on Poly and how he will handle turf for that matter, but perhaps Stronach is shooting for the Triple up there. Now really getting ahead of ourselves now could it set up a match up between 2 TC winners? would have loved to have seen him in the Preakness, he had a shot IMO