Medina Spirit targets Preakness under doping cloud
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14/05/2021 - 21:32 Drug-tainted Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit enters Saturday s Preakness Stakes at Pimlico under a doping cloud Rob Carr GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP 3 min
Washington (AFP)
Drug-tainted Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit will attempt to claim the second leg of US horse racing s Triple Crown on Saturday as the 146th Preakness Stakes takes place in Baltimore under a cloud of doping intrigue.
The shockwaves from the Bob Baffert-trained Medina Spirit s failed Derby drugs test continue to ripple across racing, muting the sense of anticipation that would normally build ahead of Saturday s classic at Pimlico.
May 13, 2021 10:00 PM
Controversies over drug tests will not be ignored, but there is a horse race this weekend in Baltimore. That is the setting for a Preakness preview episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Maryland Jockey Club TV host Naomi Tukker analyzes and handicaps the Black-Eyed Susan and the Preakness stakes. Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas discusses his long shot Ram plus the controversy surrounding Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit. Exercise rider Humberto Gómez talks about the differences between Medina Spirit and stablemate Concert Tour. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod is available via free subscription from iHeart, Apple, Google, Spotify and Stitcher as well as from VSiN.com/podcasts. It is sponsored by 1/ST BET.
Lineup Analysis
Bob Baffert has opted not to attend the Preakness following Medina Spirit s positive drug test. But there s still a chance the trainer will notch his eighth career win in the race, especially if Medina Spirit performs like he did at the Kentucky Derby.
Medina Spirit led the Derby wire to wire, and although he wasn t the favorite heading into the race, he ended up dominating the event. But there s going to be some strong competition in the Preakness, and things may not unfold quite the same way they did two weeks ago in Louisville.
Longtime trainer D. Wayne Lukas knows what it takes to win the Preakness. He s had a horse emerge victorious at the race six times. If longshot Ram wins Saturday, then Lucas would match Baffert s all-time record with his seventh Preakness win.
May 15, 2021 07:16 AM
1. RAM (LUKAS/SANTANA JR.) - 30/1
What’s Preakness without ‘Coach?’ Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas has pulled off some major upsets at Old Hilltop, but this shouldn’t be one of them. This son of American Pharoah has distinguished himself in his last two races, winning a maiden $50k claiming heat and a first-level allowance test. Before and including those, there’s nothing in his past performance lines to suggest he can threaten in here. Love ya, Coach, but we’ll pass.
2. KEEPMEINMIND (DIODORO/COHEN) - 15/1
At two this guy displayed a world of talent. He finished in the money in a maiden race, the Gr. 1 Breeders Futurity and the Gr. 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. He also finally won the Gr. 2 Kentucky Jockey Club as a maiden! That’s a strong resume. Heading into his 3-year-old season he was reportedly knocked off schedule by poor weather in Arkansas and hasn’t regained his best form. The big question with this one is: Was he a precociou
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