Perched in time, as we are, between the second and third classics of the American Triple Crown, and within sneezing distance of the Derby at Epsom, racing fans can look back in wonder at one of the greatest broodmares in the breed, Maggie B.B. (by Australian), who produced a winner of each of these races.
Bob Baffert's National Treasure won the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, ending Mage's Triple Crown bid in the trainer's return from a suspension and just hours after another of his 3-year-old horses was euthanized on the track.
Louisville, Ky.
Before taking the first crack at unlocking how to make any money on this year’s Bob Baffert Invitational, a.k.a. Preakness 146, a peek behind the racing journalists’ curtain is in order. It reveals a little more than a half-day in the arc of the Triple Crown.
Around 7 a.m. Thursday, I drove into the stable area at Churchill Downs. Knowing that trainer Brad Cox would be on a media conference call six hours later, I was hoping he would tell me first whether Mandaloun and Caddo River would be in the Preakness. Upon my arrival only barn goat Mister Man was there to greet me.