LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A sport built on hopes and dreams rests its hopes for a Triple Crown sweep on Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming.
Saturday's hero at Churchill Downs "came out of it in wonderful fashion, just excellent," trainer Todd Pletcher said Sunday. "He ate very well last night's and he's really got some spring in his step this morning."
Bettering the second-place finish of Arkansas Derby-winning sire Bodemeister in the 2012 Derby, Always Dreaming pressed the early pace and drew off with authority, winning by 2 3/4 lengths over Arkansas Derby runner-up Lookin At Lee as the 9-2 betting favorite. It was the second Kentucky Derby victory for Pletcher and his longtime go-to rider, Hall of Famer John Velazquez, but their first together.
Pletcher used a longer rein on the horse and changed exercise riders in an attempt to curb the enthusiasm of Always Dreaming, who hadn't run in five weeks since winning the Florida Derby. Saturday's win marked the colt's fourth straight as a 3-year-old.
"It feels awesome. I think it's still sinking in," Pletcher said Sunday. "The first one's special, but this one is just as good or even better. We felt coming in we had a good chance, and we had some anxious moments during the week. But we were just happy to see him deliver the performance we felt he was capable of."
Pletcher plans to send Always Dreaming to Baltimore and Pimlico Race Course on Tuesday for the May 20 Preakness, the trainer hoping to improve his 0-for-8 record in the race. His previous Derby winner, Super Saver, finished eighth in the 2010 Preakness.
"I congratulated him on winning the race and extended him the traditional invitation to the Preakness, which he accepted," said Maryland Jockey Club president and general manager Sal Sinatra. "We are thrilled to have the Derby winner, and he is excited about coming."
Stall 40 at Pimlico, traditionally reserved for the Derby winner, will house Always Dreaming.
"I think we want to follow the tradition," Pletcher said. "That stall's been successful plenty of times. And Pimlico is usually great. They're very accommodating."
It was reported on Preakness.com that Pletcher is considering Malagacy, the March 18 Rebel Stakes winner at Oaklawn Park, for the Baltimore race. Malagacy was removed from consideration for the Kentucky Derby after running fifth in the Arkansas Derby April 15.
Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen commended Lookin At Lee's performance and said the Preakness is "definitely a possibility" for the Derby runner-up, who salvaged third in the Arkansas Derby with a similar late charge.
Lookin At Lee saved ground from the dreaded (for Derby) rail post and outfinished Battle of Midway by five lengths for second money at 33-1 odds.
"He always tries," said Asmussen. Jockey Corey Lanerie "gave him a great ride. He fits this horse really well. They have qualities you like; they don't give up and always try. He got his dream run. He got his chance. He ran well to the wire. We're very fortunate to have him."
Arkansas Derby winner Classic Empire, fourth on Saturday after being clobbered out of the gate, will go to the Preakness, said trainer Mark Casse, if he recovers quickly from an issue with his right eye. Last year's male juvenile champion missed a prep race in Florida and experienced a foot abscess and back issues en route to Churchill Downs, where his career began.
"We don't want to give any excuses for the trip," assistant trainer Norm Casse said, "but he ran very well with everything that happened this winter."
Sonneteer, second in the Rebel and fourth in the Arkansas Derby, is 0 for 11 after finishing 16th of 20 on Saturday. Asked about the next start for the Calumet Farm colt, trainer Keith Desormeaux said, "How about a maiden race?"
Others reportedly considering the Preakness include Arkansas Derby runner-up Conquest Mo Money, Rebel starter Royal Mo and Oaklawn maiden winner Senior Investment.
• Asmussen did not have immediate plans for his two other Derby runners Saturday, Hence (11th) and Untrapped (12th), the latter representing the first Derby starter for Jonesboro owner Mike Langford.
Hence, the trainer said, might have been affected by the sloppy track. "Not that he didn't handle the track, but I think the slop and the kickback in the face was a bit overwhelming. He just jumped up and down the whole way," Asmussen said.
Still seeking his first stakes win, Untrapped finished out of the money for the second-straight race after placing second or third in three straight Derby preps. Said Asmussen: "We'll just try to find him the right spots."
Sports on 05/08/2017