Not surprisingly, WinStar Farm’s Super Saver seemed to relish the wet track at Pimlico Race Course during a routine gallop May 13 in preparation for a start in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I).
Super Saver won the May 1 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) on a sloppy track at Churchill Downs, and last year broke his maiden in the slop at Belmont Park. It appears, however, the Pimlico dirt will be dry by Preakness post time May 15.
Super Saver was out before the renovation break. Trainer Todd Pletcher watched the move from the track.
“He did great—just a real easy jog,” Pletcher said. “He seems relaxed and happy.”
WinStar Farm co-owner Bill Casner also watched Super Saver jog.
“I don’t think he can be training any better,” Casner said. “The horse has been showing us he’s ready to run at the top of his game.”
Super Saver, a 3-year-old Kentucky-bred colt by Maria's Mon, worked May 10 at Churchill, two days before he traveled to Maryland. He is one of five Preakness entrants to have run in the Derby; the others are Paddy O'Prado (third), Lookin At Lucky (sixth), Dublin (seventh), and Jackson Bend (12th).
Pletcher also entered Dogwood Stable’s Aikenite in the Preakness. The Yes It's True colt finished second behind Hurricane Ike in The Cliff’s Edge Derby Trial (gr. III) at Churchill.
“If you have a horse that’s doing well, you have to take the chance,” Pletcher said of Aikenite.
When asked if it would be difficult to enter another horse in the June 5 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) should Super Saver win the Preakness and have a shot at the Triple Crown, Pletcher said: “Yeah, it would. I’d have to think long and hard about running another horse in the Belmont if he wins the Preakness.”