As we turn our focus to the Preakness Stakes (G1) Frank Angst takes a final, in-depth look at the winning move by Mage and Javier Castellano in the Kentucky Derby (G1).

The May Digital Sale on Fasig-Tipton Digital closed May 16 with 34 hips sold for $1,402,700. Offerings included breeding stock, including mares with foals at foot, horses of racing age, and yearlings.

Not to be counted out, third favorite Wonderwherecraigis (4-1) is as much a specialist at this distance as anyone in the field of 10. Of his 16 career starts, 12 have come at six furlongs, with half of those victories. 

Pablo Morales, who nearly lost a finger on his right hand after a bite from an opposing horse in a starting gate accident March 19 at Tampa Bay Downs, resumed riding—and winning—May 15 on the opening day of the Presque Isle Downs meet.

Porter on Pedigrees

The first of three under tack shows got underway May 16 at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. A son of Awesome Slew clocked the fastest eighth of a mile, going in :10, and two juveniles shared the fastest quarter (:21 3/5).

Cricket Goodall, executive director of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association (MHBA), has been named Honorary Postmaster for Preakness 148.

While the first two days of York’s Dante meeting will provide notable Derby and Oaks clues, the May 19 card will feature a Classic winner with St Leger Stakes (G1) hero Eldar Eldarov primed to return in the Yorkshire Cup (G2).

This year’s Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mage will be ridden by Racing Hall of Fame rider Javier Castellano in the Preakness Stakes (G1). Castellano is the only rider in the field with a previous victory in the Baltimore classic.

On the afternoon that Mage races in the 148th Preakness Stakes (G1), trainer Kenny McPeek will send out the Kentucky Derby (G1) winner’s 4-year-old half sister Gunning in the $100,000 Skipat Stakes on the May 20 undercard at Pimlico Race Course.