Astrology, 'Interlude' Set for Preakness

Stonestreet Stables and George Bolton’s Astrology   had his final tune-up for the May 21 Preakness Stakes (gr. I), breezing a half-mile in :51 3/5 May 16 over a sloppy track at Churchill Downs. Arnold Zetcher's Midnight Interlude also signaled his readiness for the second leg of the Triple Crown.

Scott Blasi, assistant to trainer Steve Asmussen, said he caught Astrology in :50 3/5, with a final eighth in :11 4/5. The fastest half-mile work of the morning was :49 1/5.

“Scott said it was exactly what they were looking for,” Bolton said. “The track was very slow and sloppy, and they weren’t looking for speed; just something to shake his legs up. We already know he can work fast (coming off a six-furlong drill in 1:12 2/5), so they got in just what they wanted. He’ll definitely head to Baltimore on Wednesday (May 18).”

In other Preakness works May 16, Nehro, whose status will be determined May 17 by Asmussen and owner Ahmed Zayat, breezed his half in :50 4/5, while Midnight Interlude blew out three furlongs in :35 3/5 for trainer Bob Baffert.

Nehro was timed in :12.80, :25.40 and :37.80, and galloped out five furlongs in 1:05.20.

“We’ll just evaluate how he’s doing, how he comes out of the race and how he’s acting,” Asmussen told Churchill officials. “I thought he went over the racetrack well (this morning) and traveled good.”

Asmussen said a decision on a Preakness run would be made May 17. The flights that will carry horses from Churchill to Baltimore leave May 18.

“He has done a lot over a short period of time,” Asmussen said.  “I think you’re trying to evaluate the runs, the races themselves and how he’s doing, while also trying to weigh the opportunity that is ahead of you.”

Midnight Interlude, meanwhile, galloped out in :48.60 and 1:02.80 before pulling up at the track kitchen by the half-mile pole.

“He acted like he got into his work this morning,” said Baffert, who was at Churchill to see the work. “The track was a little greasy this morning, and we haven’t had the best of luck with him here catching fast tracks for works.

“After what I saw today, we are going to the Preakness. I feel pretty good about him. I think he is better now than he was before the Derby. He never really ran in the Derby; he just laid a big goose egg.”