If the Derby was a mile race, the favourite could be Wealthy Strike, who received the Louisiana Derby but then dropped to second to Mandaloun and Zandon. However, each horses had been in high form and completed inside putting distance of the winner. So, why aren't they the favorites in the Preakness? Right here is a better look. This article will also clarify the explanations for the withdrawals of Wealthy Strike, Mandaloun and Grindstone.


Rich Strike's withdrawal from Preakness
The Kentucky Derby was the first leg of the Triple Crown and, after profitable it, the Preakness Stakes was the subsequent step. But after a week of rest, the horse's owner, Rick Dawson, has decided to withdraw Rich Strike from the Preakness to give attention to the Belmont Stakes. Though the Preakness is the shortest of the Triple Crown races, how long is the preakness race it will compliment Wealthy Strike's closing style.



The rationale for Rich Strike's withdrawal from the Preakness is not clear. The Kentucky Derby winner did not qualify until the day before the race and Dawson registered the horse with about 30 seconds left. He had 80-1 odds to win the Preakness, a a lot shorter odds than the 91-1 odds for Donerail in 1913. However from a monetary standpoint, Dawson's decision is comprehensible. Winners of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness fetch huge stud fees, and Dawson has an opportunity to money in on the worth of Rich Strike.


Mandaloun's withdrawal from Preakness
While Mandaloun received the Kentucky Derby, she will not be racing within the Preakness. A number of causes have been supplied for Mandaloun's withdrawal from the race. For one, equine steroids are legal in Kentucky. Nonetheless, horses have to be clear of any banned substances 14 days earlier than the race. The steroid levels found in Medina Spirit were double the authorized limit, but Baffert pushed back in opposition to the findings, claiming the horse was 'wronged.' In any case, Mandaloun will likely be declared the Kentucky Derby winner and never run within the Preakness Stakes.



The draw for the Preakness is Monday. Mandaloun's withdrawal from the race will not be stunning because he grew up in Baltimore. The jockey grew up three blocks away from the track, and he gained the race. That makes him an area hero, and it was an excellent feeling to be a part of the storied Baltimore racetrack. The race is one of the most anticipated in the nation, so Mandaloun's withdrawal from the race will likely be an enormous blow to the local horse racing scene.


Grindstone's retirement from race
Whereas there was hypothesis that Grindstone wouldn't make it to the Kentucky Derby, the information was not as surprising as some had feared. The colt gained the Kentucky Derby and went on to win the Triple Crown. Nonetheless, he did endure a setback final week. Grindstone, who's skilled by D. Wayne Lukas, retired from racing following a sluggish workout at Churchill Downs. It was later revealed that he had a small chip in his knee and had arthroscopic surgical procedure final August.



The Kentucky Derby was Grindstone's final begin. The darkish bay or brown horse was leggier and shorter than his stablemate Buzz My Bell, but he had a formidable ending kick. Regardless of his fragile body, Grindstone won the Louisiana Derby by three and a half lengths. He completed second in the Arkansas Derby by a neck. At three, Grindstone chipped his knee and had to retire as a result of a setback. Although he was a gentleman at the beginning of his stallion career, Grindstone became aggressive and testy as he aged.


Donerail's absence from Preakness
The Kentucky Derby winner Wealthy Strike won't run in the Preakness Stakes. The Kentucky Derby winner was 80-1 longshot to win the first leg of the Triple Crown. He's one in all the top lengthy pictures to win the Derby within the final century. Wealthy Strike's absence from the Preakness is bound to spark so much of discussion. However, he is not the one longshot that won't be working within the Preakness.



Despite the unexpected circumstances, there was some excellent news for the Triple Crown. Epicenter had long been the favorite. Joel Rosario was aboard the 7-5 favourite. The horse made a late transfer, however lacked sufficient to overtake the Early Voting. Steve Asmussen hoped that Epicenter may repeat Curlin's stellar 2007 marketing campaign, which noticed him finish third within the Kentucky Derby and win the Breeders' Cup Basic.


Present spacing of races
Some individuals have referred to as for changes in the spacing of Derby races. Corridor of Fame coach D. Wayne Lukas is a type of supporters. Triple Crown races have followed the same schedule since 1969. But a pandemic in 2020 threw the order out of whack. He and fellow Hall of Famer Randy Moss have proposed 4-week spacing between the Triple Crown races. In the meantime, the current race schedule is working just tremendous for racing fans.


Reed's plans for Preakness
On Friday, Reed stated he still didn't know if he would skip the Preakness Stakes, but that he would decide on Saturday after his work at Churchill Downs. The decision might come as a shock to some, however for the proprietor of Wealthy Strike, the news was unexpected. The Kentucky Derby winner, who is taken into account a powerful Triple Crown candidate, won the Kentucky Derby, however he's skipping the Preakness and aiming for the Belmont instead.



On Sunday, Preakness officials referred to as Reed to tell him that Rich Strike, the horse he has trained since 2009, was delivery from Kentucky in time for the race at Pimlico Race Course. Nonetheless, the proprietor Ron Winchell has not ruled out sending the horse to Baltimore. The trainer says he hasn't visited Baltimore, however he does personal an "Omar's Coming" sweatshirt.