Well it all unfolded exactly like I had envisioned the 136th running of the Preakness Stakes would play out….right up until Shackleford slowed the pace down in the second half mile of the race. After a blistering opening half mile in 46.87 seconds, Shackleford was able to slow the pace down to get the second half mile in 50.35 seconds. That move is what likely enabled Shackleford to just hold off the late rush of Kentucky Derby champion, Animal Kingdom.
My initial thoughts after the Preakness were that this group of three year olds is better than anyone has given them credit for. After the loss of some of the more brilliant colts like Boys at Toscanova, Uncle Mo, Premier Pegasus, etc. it was easy to see why the nation would think that the rest of the colts in the division were weaker. The truth was, that they had yet to really break out and show us what they could really do. In the Preakness we saw just how good these horses can be.
Shackleford was a 12/1 shot by the time the gates opened, yet again being underestimated, even by myself. I felt that he would tire like the rest of the speed did that day and like most do in the Preakness. However he showed a whole different dimension. Instead of grabbing the lead immediately he was allowed to utilize his speed to sit off of the pace setter, Flashpoint, just enough to apply pressure that would eventually see that one fade to the tail of the field. Then, once he took over the lead, the son of Forestry slowed what looked to be a torrid pace in the beginning, and made it manageable. His adjustability allowed his jockey the opportunity to slow him down, giving him what he would soon need to fight down the lane.
For a horse so unseasoned, it is rare that he is able to relax to the extent that he did. Shackleford almost stole the Kentucky Derby when he got away with a leisurely pace. This time, he may have not gotten the soft early fractions, but he got his breather in the middle. This could make him very dangerous in races like the Haskell Invitational or Jim Dandy Stakes at 9f.
While Shackleford gets to bask in the winner’s limelight, a horse that should not be forgotten for the rest of the year is Animal Kingdom. He broke awkwardly and balked slightly when he felt the dirt truly hit his face for the first time, which cost him good position and possibly the race. After the awkward beginning the colt finally found his rhythm, and at the 7/16 pole began to mount an incredible rally. From that point to the finish, it took Animal Kingdom 43.37 seconds to stop the clock. His time for the final 3/16 of the race was 18.55 seconds.
Most horses have 3/8 of a mile move in them at most, while this colt sustained his bid for nearly half a mile. He proved in the Kentucky Derby that he has a devastating turn of foot when he came home his final quarter in 24 seconds flat. We know that he is also extremely versatile, having the ability not only to run on any surface but to come from anywhere in the field. Being so versatile and being able to thrive at longer distances will make him extremely dangerous in races like the Travers Stakes, Jockey Club Gold Cup, and Breeders Cup Classic.
Other colts to keep a watch on later this year are Astrology and Mucho Macho Man. The latter may have run sixth, however the colt yet again threw a shoe early in the race, which would likely take away from his normal closing kick. Astrology has performed very well this year and ran very well again in the Preakness to just fall short of two exceptionally talented colts.
Overall, I believe that the Preakness Stakes again has served as the most telling jewel of the Triple Crown, showcasing just how good this group of three year olds has the potential to be.