Clever Again Prepares for Preakness with 5F Breeze at Churchill
BALTIMORE – Jamie Osborne, a trainer based in Britain, announced on Tuesday from his stable in Lambourn that Heart of Honor, who previously placed second in the UAE Derby (G2), is set to travel to the United States on Thursday to prepare for the 150th Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 17 at Pimlico Race Course.
“He will need to quarantine at Churchill, which is somewhat inconvenient,” Osborne remarked, noting that his stable is located about an hour away from London. “He’ll be transported to Pimlico on Monday, and he’ll hit the track at Pimlico Tuesday morning.”
After starting his career with a second-place finish on an all-weather track at Southwell (England), Heart of Honor competed in five races at Dubai’s Meydan Race Course. He narrowly missed winning the 1 3/16-mile UAE Derby on April 5, finishing just a nose behind Japan’s Admire Daytona.
“Initially, I thought he might need some time off after the UAE Derby due to his five outings in Dubai. However, upon his return, it was clear he wasn’t quite ready for a break. He has flourished since being back. He’s a tough horse,” Osborne stated. “With that in mind, we thought we’d give this a try. He’s only three once, and there isn’t a lot for him in the UK. The alternative would be a long break until next year’s Middle East season when we head back to Dubai.”
“The Kentucky Derby was too soon for him, and shipping from Dubai back to the U.S. was logistically impractical,” he added. “The extra couple of weeks should benefit us. We’re going to give it a shot; if he performs well in the Preakness, we may aim for Saratoga three weeks later.”
Heart of Honor wore blinkers for the first time in the UAE Derby.
“He seemed to race more energetically with the blinkers, and he’ll continue to wear them for the Preakness,” Osborne noted. “Before that, he was a bit lackadaisical and occasionally fell behind. He lost a couple of races in Dubai because he got too far behind and wasn’t finishing strong enough.”
Osborne has been impressed by Heart of Honor’s steady progression.
“Given his accomplishments so far, he will need to step up, but I believe he has the potential to do so,” said the 57-year-old trainer. “He seems to be maturing well at this time of year.”
Saffie Osborne, the trainer’s 23-year-old daughter, rode Heart of Honor in the UAE Derby and will be aboard for the Preakness.
Justin Curran, an assistant to trainer Michael McCarthy at Churchill Downs, reported that Kentucky Derby (G1) runner-up Journalism had a day of walking on Tuesday and is set for training on Wednesday.
“The owners will make a decision in a few days,” he stated. “He came out of the race in excellent condition—energetic and eating well. He looks very happy.”
Curran mentioned that Journalism will likely jog on Wednesday morning when the track opens at 5:30 a.m. ET, followed by a gallop on Thursday.
McCarthy, who returned to California, is expected back in Louisville over the weekend.
Journalism was purchased as a yearling for $825,000 at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga, and is owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, and Elayne Stables 5 LLC. Notable racing partners such as Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith are involved as lessees after acquiring breeding rights to the son of Curlin, a two-time Horse of the Year and previous Preakness winner.
After experiencing three days of delays due to poor track conditions at Churchill Downs, Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen was finally able to work the lightly-raced Clever Again ahead of the Preakness Stakes. The son of 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah completed five-eighths of a mile in 1:01.60 alongside jockey Jose Ortiz.
“What was scheduled for Saturday has now been accomplished today,” Asmussen remarked. “Clearly, the horse possesses talent. He’s easygoing and manageable. Jose was pleased with how he felt and how he galloped out. We are very pleased to have gotten this work done.”
Clever Again debuted in April of his 2-year-old season at Keeneland, finishing second by a head at 4 ½ furlongs. He returned to racing in February, winning a 1 1/16-mile maiden race at Oaklawn, followed by a dominant victory in the mile Hot Springs Stakes on March 30.
“It all comes down to talent,” Asmussen said. “You’re either physically able, or you’re not, and he is definitely capable. Jose commented on how easy he is to manage. He has a great disposition, is very athletic, and while he has speed, he doesn’t rush; he’s just naturally capable.”
Ortiz has been aboard Clever Again in his two Oaklawn races.
“It was a significant leap forward,” Ortiz said regarding Clever Again’s win after a layoff and while stretching to 1 1/16 miles in his second race. “All credit goes to Steve. The horse was ready. He broke well, took the lead, and handled everything after that. He won the stakes race too. He’s a really nice horse—calm, which helps him in races. He has speed but seems to be able to sustain it.”
Asmussen indicated that Clever Again will likely work a half-mile on Monday before heading to Pimlico on Tuesday. Clever Again is owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds and Coolmore associates Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith.
Asmussen is hoping to secure his third Preakness win, having previously won with Curlin in 2007 and the filly Rachel Alexandra in 2009.
Rodriguez, who won the Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct, is scheduled for a timed workout this weekend as Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert looks to extend his record of eight victories in the Preakness.
Rodriguez was removed from the Kentucky Derby due to a minor foot issue, which has since been resolved, according to Baffert. Rodriguez has continued to train daily, including galloping at Churchill on Tuesday morning.
“We plan to breeze this weekend and then head to Pimlico,” Baffert shared.
Hall of Famer Mike Smith, who has two Preakness victories, including aboard Baffert-trained Triple Crown winner Justify in 2018, will ride Rodriguez.
Rodriguez was purchased for $485,000 as a yearling at Keeneland and is owned by a partnership that includes SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital LLC, and Catherine Donovan.
Trainer D. Wayne Lukas noted that American Promise, who finished 16th in the Kentucky Derby after winning the Virginia Derby, is expected to resume training on Thursday at Churchill Downs. American Promise, a large son of 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify, faced some difficulties at the start from his No. 4 post position during the Derby.
“He’s back to eating well and feels good,” Lukas reported about the sturdy colt, who was purchased for $750,000 as a yearling at Keeneland. “He has recuperated well.”
Lukas confirmed that Nik Juarez will ride American Promise in the Preakness, a race the legendary trainer has won seven times, including last year with Seize the Grey.
“He executed a strong race to recover from an early setback,” Lukas noted. “When that horse pushed everyone over, he ended up in the 1 hole. He was making his customary move but got pinned again. He’s a big horse who needs room to maneuver. Once he begins his motion, stopping and starting is difficult for him.”
According to trainer Brendan Walsh, Stonestreet Lexington winner Gosger is scheduled to work out either Friday or Saturday at Keeneland, with a final decision regarding the Preakness to follow.