Icabad Crane, who most recently won the April 19 Frederico Tesio Stakes at Pimlico, will be entered in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I), according to Aaron Cohen, racing manager for owner Earle I. Mack.
“With so many horses backing off, and going with the knowledge that he has won over the track and will like the distance, we’ve decided to go ahead and enter him,” said Cohen.
The 3-year-old son of Jump Start --Adorahy, by Rahy, posted a head victory over pace-setter Mint Lane in the Tesio, rallying from sixth to clear the 1 1/8-mile race in 1:50.83. Icabad Crane, who was bred in New York by Gallagher Stud, has three victories from four lifetime starts, with $125,400 in earnings.
Cohen acknowledges the presence of Big Brown, who was impressive in his last two victories, the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), and the Florida Derby (gr. I).
“If Big Brown runs back to the Derby or his lace race in Florida, I don’t think anyone can beat him,” said Cohen. “But based on the other horses running, I think we have a chance; and second- or third-place money in the Preakness isn’t bad.”
Icabad Crane was purchased by Mack for $110,000 at the 2007 Ocala Breeders’ Sale Co. March selected sale of 2-year-olds in training. He is trained by H. Graham Motion and was ridden by Jeremy Rose in the Tesio. Cohen said a final decision hasn’t been made on who will ride Icabad Crane in the Preakness, but said it will probably be Rose.
Motion stables many of his horses at the Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland, where Cohen said Icabad Crane worked an easy five furlongs in 1:02 2/5 May 9. Cohen said Motion will probably ship Icabad Crane to Pimlico on the day of the Preakness.
Cohen said Mack also entered Yorktown in the May 11 Poule d'Essai des Poulains-French Two Thousand Guineas (Fr-I), where the French-bred 3-year-old son of Red Ransom has drawn post position number five.
Trained by Jean-Claude Rouget, Yorktown has two wins from four career starts, with his last victory coming in an about 7 1/2-furlongs allowance race at Deauville March 14. Mack acquired Yorktown for $230,922 at the 2006 Deauville August yearling sale.
Tesio winner Icabad Crane is headed to the Preakness.
