Friesan Fire Given Green Light for Preakness

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Photo: Mathea Kelley

Friesan Fire at Churchill Downs prior to the Kentucky Derby.

Following a workout at Pimlico Racecourse on Tuesday, May 12, trainer Larry Jones reported that Friesan Fire   is fit and ready for the May 16 Preakness Stakes (gr. I).

Although he had not seen the official clocking, Jones said he believed the A.P. Indy colt got the five-eighths of a mile in :58 2/5.

“He came back well and as of right now we will run in the Preakness,” Jones said of the colt who finished next-to-last as the 4-1 favorite in the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I). In that race, Friesan Fire injured his left front hoof and had cuts on his legs as a result of being bumped around in the crowded 19-horse Derby field.

One reason the trainer had not fully committed to the Preakness before Tuesday was to see how he recovered from the injury. “His foot looks fine,” Jones said.

Owned by Vinery Stable and Fox Hill Farm, Friesan Fire has won four of eight starts, including the Louisiana Derby (gr. II), LeComte Stakes (gr. III), and Risen Star Stakes (gr. III), all at Fair Grounds. The colt has earned $603,265.

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