Mike Pegram's Govenor Charlie remains on course for a start in the May 18 Preakness Stakes (gr. I), Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert confirmed Tuesday, May 14.
"He came out of his work really, really well," said Baffert, who has won the 1 3/16-mile classic five times. "We are prepared to go."
Govenor Charlie worked six furlongs in 1:10 4/5 May 13 at Churchill Downs. Baffert is at home in California this week and has been receiving reports on the colt from longtime assistant Jimmy Barnes.
The Sunland Derby (gr. III) winner did not compete in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) because a minor foot bruise caused him to miss some training time in April. Govenor Charlie has had three solid works and has demonstrated that he has recovered from the foot issue.
Although Baffert noted that he has until Wednesday morning to change his mind about shipping the Midnight Lute colt to Maryland's Pimlico Race Course, he said, "Unless he shows me something, it's pretty likely he'll be on that plane."
Jockey Martin Garcia, who has ridden Govenor Charlie in his three career races, will be aboard in the Preakness.
Baffert is scheduled to travel to Baltimore May 16 to prepare his 14th Preakness starter. He has won the race with Silver Charm (1997), Real Quiet (1998), Point Given (2001), War Emblem (2002), and Lookin At Lucky (2010). Last year Baffert saddled Bodemeister for a second-place finish behind I'll Have Another .
Departing
Claiborne Farm and Adele Dilschneider's Departing returned to the track early May 14 at Churchill Downs for the first time since working a half-mile in :50 2/5 May 12. Trainer Al Stall Jr. led the Illinois Derby (gr. III) winner to the track for his one-mile gallop.
Itsmyluckyday
Trilogy Stable and Laurie Plesa's Itsmyluckyday was scheduled to arrive at Pimlico May 14 after jogging at Monmouth Park in the morning. Eddie Plesa Jr., who trains the Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III) winner, stated that "Everything is good." The trainer will arrive in Baltimore Wednesday, May 15.
Mylute
GoldMark Farm and Whisper Hill Farm's fifth-place Kentucky Derby runner Mylute enjoyed a light morning walk at Churchill Downs May 14, a day after working a half-mile in :49 3/5. "He came out of the work good and will jog in the morning," trainer Tom Amoss said.
Oxbow / Titletown Five / Will Take Charge
Trainer D. Wayne Lukas' Pimlico contingent that included the three candidates for the Preakness left the Churchill Downs barn area by van early morning May 14. They are expected to arrive in Baltimore before 5 p.m.
