Who doesn't enjoy a Triple Crown chase?
The Preakness Stakes traditionally marks the second leg of the race for the Triple Crown for the Kentucky Derby winner, but the Churchill Downs champion doesn't always participate. Last year's shocking Derby winner, Rich Strike, wasn't planning to run in the Preakness and forfeited a chance at the Triple Crown by sticking to that plan.
Will Mage give fans a Triple Crown chase to watch this year? After winning the Kentucky Derby as 15-1 underdog, trainer Gustavo Delgado has a chance to take the momentum into the second leg and move one step closer to history.
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Here's what you need to know about Mage's status entering the Preakness.
Will Mage run the Preakness?
Mage's co-owner Ramiro Restrepo said Sunday at Churchill Downs that the Kentucky Derby winner is planning to run in the Preakness.
“If all remains as is, we’re going to Preakness," Restrepo said, adding that Mage would not run if he wasn't feeling up to the standard they want. "If my guy is feeling the way he’s feeling [now], then on to Baltimore and crab cakes we go," Restrepo said.
Delgado's son, Gustavo Delgado Jr., confirmed that the plan is for Mage to run in the Preakness.
“If it’s up to what we see now, it’s high expectation that we’ll go to the Preakness," he told reporters.
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If this year's Kentucky Derby taught fans anything, it's that even the best plans don't always come to fruition. Five horses were scratched leading up to the Derby, including betting favorite Forte just hours before the race. That means Mage's status will have to be watched carefully ahead of the Preakness.
As it stands now, though, the race for the Triple Crown is on.
When is the Preakness Stakes in 2023?
- Date: Saturday, May 20
- Post time: 6:50 p.m. ET
The 148th running of the Preakness Stakes will take place on Saturday, May 20. The post time for the race is 6:50 p.m. ET from Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
The last Kentucky Derby winner to also win the Preakness was Justify, who would complete the Triple Crown by winning the Belmont Stakes three weeks later. That is the standard Mage is trying to follow after a mild upset at Churchill Downs.