Preakness Stakes (G1) notes from Laurel Park

When news broke that Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Golden Tempo would not run in the Preakness Stakes (G1), Bill Knauf handled it about as well as you could expect from the chief executive of the track that plays host to the Triple Crown’s second jewel.

This year’s Preakness Stakes (G1) is full of bargain-priced horses, with seven of the 14 entrants costing less than $200,000. Despite being the least expensive horse in the field, selling for $12,000 as a yearling, Ocelli boasts the highest earnings.

Following the event’s tradition of recalling the reasons, bad luck, or excuses that cost their Kentucky Derby (G1) entrant victory, trainer John Ennis at this year’s Preakness Alibi Breakfast May 14 at Laurel Park, told the sad tale of Great White.

Last year’s Arlington Million Stakes (G1T) winner Fort Washington will aim to return to top form May 16 when he tries to win the $250,000 Dinner Party Stakes (G3T) for a second straight year, this time around at Laurel Park.

Back-to-back Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) winner Groupie Doll has been retired from broodmare duties at Whisper Hill Farm, according to the farm’s Facebook page.

My Miss Mo may not have been ready for the Kentucky Oaks (G1) but she certainly seems on edge for the May 15 George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) at Laurel Park.

The June 29-30 Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit will feature presentations on the progress of the racing industry and how diagnostic equipment and technology are being used to assist in racing safety. 

New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program to host its 23rd Annual All-Thoroughbred Charity Horse Show from May 29-31 at Highfields Event Center in Aiken, S.C.

Back-to-back Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) winner, Groupie Doll, has been retired from broodmare duties at Whisper Hill Farm, according to its Facebook page.