Preakness Stakes Results and Analysis
by Bodog Racebook | May 23 2011
With a shot at the Triple Crown on the line, Animal Kingdom did his best to rally from the back of the pack in late stretch of the Preakness Stakes. But Shackleford, fourth in the Kentucky Derby, managed to hold on to capture the second leg of the Triple Crown series.
In a speed-packed Preakness Stakes, Flashpoint set the pace early on and was chased by Shackleford, ridden by Jesus Castanon. Midnight Interlude, with Martin Garcia aboard, and Dance City, piloted by Ramon Dominguez, stalked the leaders. Meanwhile, Animal Kingdom and John Velazquez remained near the back of the 14-horse pack.
As the field entered the second turn, Shackleford assumed the lead from Flashpoint. But Astrology, ridden by Mike Smith, was making his move along the inside. After a brief duel, Astrology began to fade. But Shackleford was going to have to repel a new challenger: Animal Kingdom, who had woven his way through traffic and had found a seam through the middle of the pack to made a bid for the lead. But Shackleford had a final gear left and pulled away in the late stages of the race, hitting the wire first in a time of 1:56.47.
Animal Kingdom finished runner-up, which ended his Triple Crown hopes. Astrology rounded out the top three. Completing the order of finish: Dialed In, Dance City, Mucho Macho Man (who lost a shoe), King Congie, Mr. Commons, Isn’t He Perfect, Concealed Identity, Norman Asbjornson, Sway Away, Midnight Interlude and Flashpoint.
Shackleford, a son of Forestry trained by Dale Romans, has been improving with every race. His excellent Kentucky Derby effort was preceded by a narrow loss in the Florida Derby (G1) on April 3 and a fifth-place finish in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) on Feb. 26. He earned $1,100,000 for owners Michael and Cubbedge Lauffer, boosting his career earnings to $1,471,666. Early indications are that Shackleford is possible for the Belmont Stakes – to be run on June 11 – the third and final leg of the Triple Crown.
Even with his Triple Crown bid ended, Animal Kingdom is also possible for the Belmont Stakes. Trained by Graham Motion, Animal Kingdom has proven himself a versatile runner, adept on all surfaces and capable at various distances. Animal Kingdom has earned $1,938,700 from six career starts and is 3-3-0.
Others possible for the Belmont Stakes include Kentucky Derby third-place finisher Nehro, who skipped the Preakness Stakes. Mucho Macho Man, who had the misfortune of losing a shoe during the race, is also probable, according to trainer Kathy Ritvo.
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