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| Staff Writer |
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As anticipation builds for the Preakness, Hall of Fame Trainer Bob Baffert's candidates for the 149th edition of the event, Muth and Imagination, showcased their final timed workouts on at Santa Anita Park, covering six furlongs in tandem in 1:11 4/5. The two colts impressed Baffert, who highlighted their synchronised efforts, emphasising their strong and steady progress leading up to the race.
"They went five-eighths, and they went out three-quarters, and they look good," Baffert said. "They stayed together like last week. It was nice, skillful work, and I was happy with it."
From Zedan Racing Stables, Muth clinched his second top-tier stakes triumph by winning the Gr.1 Arkansas Derby. In this race, Muth outperformed competitors like Just Steel and Gr.1 Kentucky Derby victor Mystik Dan, both potential runners in the upcoming Preakness.
On the other hand, Imagination, competing for a partnership with esteemed stables, secured a close second in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) on April 6. Both colts are set to debut in the Triple Crown and are scheduled to ship to Pimlico later this week.
Juan Hernandez, Muth's regular rider, will saddle up for the Preakness, slated to be his first Triple Crown race. Internationally acclaimed jockey Frankie Dettori will partner with Imagination for the third consecutive race.
In the meanwhile, Michael Milam and LC Racing's Uncle Heavy, under trainer Butch Reid Jr., showcased exemplary form during his final breeze at Parx Racing, gearing up for the Preakness with confidence. Seasoned jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. will join Uncle Heavy in the race, adding a touch of experience to their pursuit of victory.
Under his regular exercise rider Jose Castro, Uncle Heavy covered four furlongs in :47.34 at Parx Racing. It was the third-fastest time of 34 breezes at the distance at the track.
"He just worked great," Reid said. "The track was a little bit faster today than it's been because of all the moisture we had all week. With that said, he did it very well under control. We just let him run a little bit the last eighth of a mile. He finished up there in 47 and change and came back and couldn't blow out (a) match and barely took a couple of sips of water. It was just what we were looking for, and he galloped out strong and good."
Meanwhile, Average Joe Racing Stables and Dan Wells' Mugatu, trained by Jeff Engler, demonstrated readiness with a swift breezing session at Belterra Park. With Joe Bravo set to ride Mugatu, the colt's past successes and promising speed make him a contender to watch in the Preakness stakes.
"He's ready to go," Engler said. "I'm waiting to hear back from Brook Ledge. I think they said Tuesday or Wednesday. If it's Wednesday, it will be early."
As the countdown to the Preakness intensifies, the stage is set for a thrilling showcase of talent, determination, and relentless pursuit of victory in the esteemed Preakness Stakes. Each contender brings their unique strengths and aspirations, adding layers of excitement to the historic race next Saturday.