Lookin At Lucky lived up to his name for the first time in a long time when he took the Grade 1 Preakness Stakes by 3/4 lengths under steady right hand urging from new jockey Martin Garcia. He dueled for a short while with long shot First Dude before kicking clear. First Dude held second place from a hard charging Jackson Bend. ‘Lucky gave trainer Bob Baffert his fifth Preakness winner. His others were Real Quiet, Silver Charm, Point Given, and War Emblem.
While ‘Lucky was able to redeem himself with a win, things didn’t go so well for Calvin Borel and the Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver. “My horse broke sharp, right where I wanted,” said Borel. “I let the other horse go, and I was right behind him. We went 23-and-change and 46-and-change. He just wasn’t able to get there today. I will win a lot of other races with this horse. He’s a good one.”
Todd Pletcher made it clear that his colt would not go to Belmont to try the third leg of the Triple Crown. He also noted that the connections got the race they wanted; the Derby. ““I thought as well as First Dude hung in there that we were in a good spot.” said Pletcher. ” He was able to move himself right outside of (First Dude). It looked like the colt was relaxed. He was traveling well down the backside and you could tell that when he went to the far turn, he came up empty.”
As can be expected, Bob Baffert was extremely enthused over the win. Martin Garcia seemed thankful and happy, but he might not understand the magnitude of the win just yet. Garcia was a line cook just 5 years ago and knew nothing of horse racing until he started riding professionally in 2005. If he hasn’t hit him yet, it will very soon!
“It’s just as exciting. I know it’s been a few years. I mean, this was a different kind of win,” said Baffert. ” This was more of a redemption win. This horse is such a warrior. He wants to win. He tries so hard. So I wanted to win it for the horse, you know, ’cause he tries so hard every time. I mean, the Derby, he had that rough trip. Santa Anita Derby, rough trip. I didn’t want him to get hit. But, you know, every time he had those rough trips, he came back. He’s got a great mind. He’s a cool horse. He’s just a really great athlete. I mean, he’s one of the best horses I’ve ever had. It’s amazing. He’s still a baby. He’s so immature. He’s not even three years old yet. His birthday is May 27th.”
It’s unfortunate, but neither the Kentucky Derby winner, Super Saver, or the Preakness winner, Lookin At Lucky, will forge ahead to the Belmont Stakes. That race is likely to be headlined by Kentucky Derby second place finisher Ice Box and fellow Nick Zito trainee and Dwyer winner Fly Down.
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