When trainer Ken McPeek decided to buck history by entering the filly Swiss Skydiver in the 145th Preakness Stakes on Saturday, he was keeping close to him the words of his late mother, Ann.
“Son, stretch yourself,” she told him. “You’ll be fine.”
Bob Ehalt and Tom Pedulla became fast friends when they met on their first day at Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx, N.Y., in 1970.
Bob soon introduced Tom to the joys of thoroughbred racing. They have endured some rough moments at the track, with Tom taking exception when Bob repeatedly smacks him on the back with a program as one of their horses launches an all-out drive. Much to Tom’s chagrin and the amusement of onlookers, Bob has been known to call for security as he proceeds to cash a $27 triple.
Art Collector is listed at 5-2 on the morning line, making him the second choice to win the 145th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on Saturday after 9-5 Authentic. No one would argue, though, that he is an overwhelming sentimental favorite.
The Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity is the kind of stakes that opens a new door for 2-year-olds. Run at 1 1/16 miles, it offers young, promising speedsters and closers a chance to test their mettle at a two-turn distance for the first time.
Each week a panel of media members, horseplayers, and Breeders’ Cup World Championships officials release a poll tabulating their votes on the nation's top contenders for the 2020 Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic.
