Preakness Field to Include Imperialism

[AP-TBO Spt]

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Imperialism will make another run at Smarty Jones
in Saturday's Preakness as part of a prospective 10-horse field that
includes the top three finishers in the Kentucky Derby....

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[AP / DAVID GINSBURG, AP Sports Writer]

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Imperialism will make another run at Smarty
Jones in Saturday's Preakness as part of a prospective 10-horse
field that includes the top three finishers in the Kentucky Derby.

Imperialism, who took third behind winner Smarty Jones and
Lion Heart, enjoyed a spirited gallop Monday in California and is
expected to arrive at Pimlico Race Course on Tuesday.
Steve Taub, owner of the Kentucky-bred colt, initially
planned to skip the Preakness and focus on the Belmont on June 5.
But Taub changed his mind, opting to challenge unbeaten Smarty Jones
and eight other horses in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.
Imperialism closed with a flourish at Churchill Downs and
appeared in excellent health Monday.
"He was taken to the gate for training at Hollywood and then
galloped 1 1/2 times around the oval," Taub said. "His feet were
dancing in the air when he got back to the stall."
Trained by 21-year-old conditioner Kristen Mulhall,
Imperialism won the San Rafael and San Vincente, then placed second
in the Santa Anita Derby when Rock Hard Ten (who's also in the
Preakness) was disqualified to third.
That was followed by an encouraging run in the slop at
Churchill Downs.
During an otherwise quiet day at Pimlico, Nick Zito carried
on a tradition that's become as much a part of the Preakness as
Black-eyed Susans: bringing his horses to the stakes barn ahead of
the other entrants.
The Cliff's Edge and Sir Shackleton made themselves at home
along with Birdstone, who finished eighth in the Kentucky Derby but
likely won't run in the Preakness.
In 2001 and 2002, Zito's horses were the first to arrive at
Pimlico. The strategy proved sound three years ago, when A P
Valentine took second. Two years ago, however, Straight Gin and
Crimson Hero finished out of the money.
Zito didn't have a horse in the Preakness last year.
Borrego, Little Matth Man, Eddington and local entry Water
Cannon are also slated to run in the Preakness.
Smarty Jones, Lion Heart, Borrego and Rock Hard Ten are
expected to arrive at Pimlico on Wednesday. Little Matth Man will
arrive by van Friday afternoon from Philadelphia Park.
Water Cannon, who trains in nearby Bowie, will arrive by van
Saturday.