Baffert Says During is Being Considered For Preakness

Bob Baffert said Monday evening that James McIngvale's During is a possibility for Saturday's Preakness Stakes, although the Sir Barton Stakes on the Preakness undercard is also being considered.

"We're going to give it some hard thinking," Baffert said. "We'll take him up there and assess the situation. The other option is the Sir Barton. One of the main problems is finding a top rider at this late date. Also, his running style, laying up close to the pace, is very similar to most of the horses in the race. But he's a talented horse and we are giving it serious consideration."

During, a son of Cherokee Run, made a sudden leap into the big-time on Feb. 20 when he finished a gusty second to Atswhatimtalknbout in a 1 1/16-mile allowance race at Santa Anita, coming off a 6 1/2-furlong maiden victory. He then captured a one-mile optional claiming event by three-quarters of a length, but faltered badly in the 7-furlong Bay Shore Stakes at Aqueduct, finishing a distant seventh in the mud as the 2-1 favorite.

During was purchased by McIngvale for $350,000 at the 2001 Keeneland September yearling sale.