Ole Faunty to Join Pimlico Special Fray

Ole Faunty will join the select cast of top runners lining up for Friday's Pimlico Special (gr. I), according to Wendy Pensivy, stakes coordinator for the Maryland Jockey Club. The stakes-winning son of Quiet American is expected to face a bang-up field that will have grade I winners Funny Cide, Southern Image, and Evening Attire, along with major winners Dynever and Midway Road.

Ole Faunty, out of the Topsider mare Main Topic, was bred in Kentucky by Pulley-Works Stable. The 5-year-old gelding is owned by Thomas VanMeter II and Doug Hendrickson and is trained by Elliott Walden.

Earlier this year, Ole Faunty rolled to a 1 1/4-length score in the John B. Campbell Handicap at Laurel Park under 114 pounds. He got the 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.65. In his last start he rallied from 11 lengths off the pace to finish second to Peace Rules in the Oaklawn Handicap (gr. II) on April 3. He has a 6-4-1 slate from 12 career starts and has earned $339,715.

The $500,000 Special, run at the Preakness (gr. I) distance of 1 3/16 miles, is the highlight of the Pimlico card on the day on May 14, which also spotlights the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (gr. II) for 3-year-old fillies. Other stakes on the card are the Adena Springs Miss Preakness Stakes (gr. III) for 3-year-old fillies at six furlongs; the Pimlico Breeders' Cup Distaff Handicap (gr. IIIT) for older fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles on the turf; and the The Very One Stakes, for fillies and mares on the grass at five furlongs.

Both the Pimlico Special and the Black-Eyed Susan will be telecast on ESPN, from 5-6 p.m. EDT