A look at the Preakness field, in post position order with morning line odds:

1. Aikenite (20-1)
Pedigree: By Yes It’s True, out of Silverlado, by Saint Ballado
Lifetime record: 8-1-2-2. Most recently, second in the Derby Trial on April 24.
Pros: Twice stakes placed this year, finishing third behind standouts Eskendereya and Jackson Bend in the Fountain of Youth back in February.
Cons: Winless this year and his only career victory came in his debut at Saratoga last August.
Connections: Javier Castellano won the 2006 Preakness aboard Bernardini. Todd Pletcher won his first Derby this year and is now looking for his first Preakness; of course he also saddles Derby winner Super Saver today. Owner Cot Campbell’s Dogwood Stables won the 1990 Preakness with Summer Squall.

2. Schoolyard Dreams (15-1)

Pedigree: Stephen Got Even x Hear This, by Prospector’s Music
Lifetime record: 6-2-2-1. Fourth in the Wood Memorial on April 3.
Pros: Has knocked heads
with solid company all spring and was actually ahead of Derby winner Super Saver while placing second in the Tampa Bay Derby in March.
Cons: Only career wins were in a maiden at Philadelphia and in an allowance optional claimer at Tampa against inferior competition.
Connections: Co-owner Tony Mitola is a Troy native and current Saratoga resident. Derek Ryan, who saddled Musket Man to a third place finish in last year’s Preakness, gives Eibar Coa a leg up.

3. Pleasant Prince (20-1)
Pedigree: Indy King x Archduchess, by Pleasant Tap
Lifetime record: 9-1-2-2. Third in the Derby Trial on April 24.
Pros: Finished second in the Florida Derby, just getting caught at the wire.
Cons: Has run six times already this year without a win and this will be his third start in the last five weeks.
Connections: Wesley Ward trainee retains the services of Eclipse Award winner Julien Leparoux in the saddle.

4. Northern Giant (30-1)
Pedigree: Giant’s Causeway x Jessi Take Charge, by War Chant
Lifetime record: 9-1-2-2. Ninth in the Arkansas Derby on April 10.
Pros: Fairly consistent colt has been on the board in four of five starts this year, breaking his maiden in February and then finishing third in the Risen Star and second in the Lane’s End.
Cons: Turned in a career-worst effort last time out against the best field he’s faced.
Connections: Hall of Famer Wayne Lukas is seeking his sixth Preakness victory and saddles two horses in this edition. Terry Thompson picks up the mount.

5. Yawanna Twist (30-1)
Pedigree: Yonaguska x Twist and Pop, by Oliver’s Twist
Lifetime record: 4-2-2-0. Second in the Illinois Derby on April 3.
Pros: New York-bred colt hasn’t been worse than second in just four lifetime starts.
Cons: Finished second his last two outings behind Awesome Act and American Lion, both of whom finished well up the track in the Kentucky Derby.
Connections: Rick Dutrow, who won the Preakness two years ago with Big Brown, gives a leg up to Hall of Famer Edgar Prado.

6. Jackson Bend (12-1)
Pedigree: Hear No Evil x Sexy Stockings, by Tabasco Cat
Lifetime record: 10-5-4-0. Twelfth in the Kentucky Derby on May 1.
Pros: Smallish colt is as tough as they come and has been first or second in nine of his 10 lifetime starts.
Cons: Turned in a career-worst effort in the Derby last time out.
Connections: Hall of Famer Nick Zito gives a leg up to a fellow Hall member Mike Smith.

7. Lookin at Lucky (3-1)
Pedigree: Smart Strike x Private Feeling, by Belong To Me
Lifetime record: 9-6-1-1. Sixth in the Kentucky Derby on May 1.
Pros: Lost all chance when jostled early breaking from the rail in the Derby, yet still finished a credible sixth. Still has plenty of room to improve after getting three troubled trips in a row; a rider change and a more favorable draw today could make a difference.
Cons: Although he can be forgiven for the debacle in the Derby’s 20-horse field, he may be one of those horses with a tendency to find trouble, since he’s also done so in much smaller fields.
Connections: Martin Garcia, who has been riding well for trainer Bob Baffert on the West Coast, picks up the mount. Baffert is looking for his fifth Preakness; he and owner Mike Pegram took the race in 1998 with Real Quiet.

8. Super Saver (5-2)
Pedigree: Maria’s Mon x Supercharger, by AP Indy
Lifetime record: 7-3-2-1. Won the Kentucky Derby on May 1.
Pros: Kentucky Derby winner has thrived in the two weeks since his big victory and is coming into this race is great shape.
His versatility makes him dangerous in this second jewel; proved he could rate and win from just off the pace at the Derby, but running style earlier in his career suggests he could dictate the pace in a field devoid of wicked early speed.
Cons: Has never won back-to-back races.
Connections: WinStar Farm homebred gave Pletcher his first Derby win and jockey Calvin Borel his third Derby in four years. Pletcher is looking for his first Preakness while Borel won the race last year with Rachel Alexandra.

9. Caracortado (10-1)
Pedigree: Cat Dreams x Mons Venus, by Maria’s Mon
Lifetime record: 7-5-0-1. Fourth in the Santa Anita Derby April 3.
Pros: Won the first five starts of his career, including the Robert B. Lewis Stakes. Has shown good tactical speed in past outings.
Cons: Dropped his last two outings against solid competition, although he did get a troubled trip last time out. Will be making his first start outside of California; did win his only start on dirt, but it was against maiden claimers at Fairplex.
Connections: Trainer, co-owner and breeder Mike Machowsky is starting his first horse in the Preakness and giving a leg up to another Triple Crown newcomer, veteran jockey Paul Atkinson.

10. Paddy O’Prado (9-2)
Pedigree: El Prado x Fun House, by Prized
Lifetime record: 7-1-2-3. Third in the Kentucky Derby on May 1.
Pros: Finished a solid third in the Derby, just getting caught late for second. Has been on the board in all four starts this year.
Has the tactical speed to find a solid running position or even lead, if breaking from near the outside doesn’t hinder him.
Cons: His other efforts this year came on turf and synthetic, while he may have been moved up by the muddy track at Churchill Downs.
Connections: Trainer Dale Romans sends out two runners here. Kent Desormeaux is looking for his third Preakness win.

11. First Dude (20-1)
Pedigree: Stephen Got Even x Run Sarah Run, by Smart Strike
Lifetime record: 6-1-3-1. Third in the Blue Grass on April 10.
Pros: Has finished second twice behind Fly Down, a stakes winner last weekend at Belmont. Finished a good third after a bad break in the Blue Grass.
Cons: His stakes placing came on synthetic; he was a soundly beaten fifth in the Florida Derby, 12 lengths behind the winner.
Connections: Romans’ horses break next to each other. NYRA leading rider Ramon Dominguez will be aboard.

12. Dublin (10-1)
Pedigree: Afleet Alex x Classy Mirage, by Storm Bird
Lifetime record: 9-2-1-2. Seventh in the Kentucky Derby on May 1
Pros: Strapping chestnut colt ran well earlier this year without winning, finishing on the board in three tough stakes in Arkansas competing against the likes of Super Saver and Lookin at Lucky.
Cons: Still looking for his first win since the Hopeful on closing day last summer at Saratoga and will have to contend with the outside post here.
Connections: Lukas gives a leg up on his star to Garrett Gomez, one of the nation’s leaders who picked up the mount after being bumped off Lookin at Lucky.

As always, best of luck and safe trip to everyone.

Fans will be forgiven if they have some nostalgic feelings or even misty eyes today, on Preakness Day, when Michael Matz saddles a bay colt who will carry the blue, green and white silks of Lael Stables out onto the Pimlico track.

Nicanor, the 4-year-old full brother to ill-fated 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, is a contender in the Grade II Dixie Stakes, the race immediately preceding the Preakness - a race his older brother was favored in but never finished.

Barbaro, also trained by Matz, won the 2006 Derby in such emphatic fashion that many were stamping him as the best Triple Crown prospect in years. The colt came to Pimlico undefeated, but disaster struck just about an eighth of a mile into the Preakness when he was pulled up with severe fractures to his right hind leg. Although the prognosis was grim, owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson wanted to give the colt a chance and he indeed survived for over eight months after his injury. But just weeks after talk of releasing the colt from the veterinary hospital began, complications from the hoof disease laminitis necessitated that he be euthanized on Jan. 29, 2007.

Nicanor was born shortly before that 2006 Derby, a product of mating the stallion Dynaformer to the Carson City mare La Ville Rouge. Barbaro and Nicanor also have two younger full brothers, the 3-year-old Lentenor, who is also a winner on the turf, and a yearling named Margano. The names of all four colts come from a portrait of a family of foxhounds that hangs in the Jacksons’ home.

Nicanor didn’t flash the same early brilliance as Barbaro, who won the first six starts of his career. The colt lost his first three starts, all on dirt, before Matz switched him to the turf, the surface Barbaro began his career on. The result was a dazzling 15 length maiden score last May. Nicanor won his second start on the turf, too, an allowance race in June. But an injury while training forced him to the sidelines for the rest of the year. Nicanor made his return in an allowance race at Keeneland in April, racing in contention throughout before fading late to be a close fifth in a blanket finish.

Nicanor, who is 8-1 on the morning line, brings a career record of 6-2-2-0 into the Dixie, a nine furlong event on the turf. He will be ridden by Robby Albarado and they break from the outside in the field of 13.

The morning line favorite, at 3-1, is the millionaire turf specialist Just As Well, a Grade I winner last year. Jonathan Sheppard gives a leg up to Eclipse Award winner Julien Leparoux, and they leave from post 4. Also in the field is Grassy, who finished second in Nicanor’s comeback race last time out.

The Dixie is one of six stakes on the Preakness undercard.

Some familiar faces will be on hand for the Grade III William Donald Schaefer, a mile and a sixteenth event on the main track. Bullsbay won the Whitney and finished third in the Woodward last summer at Saratoga. Looking to rebound from a last-place finish in his 2010 debut, he breaks from the rail in a field of nine under Leparoux. Favored in the race is 4-year-old Blame. The colt brings in a lifetime record of 8-5-1-2 and capped last season with a victory over older horses in the Clark. The 8-5 shot breaks from post 7 under Garrett Gomez. Also in the field are Flying Private, who was fourth in last year’s Preakness for Hall of Fame trainer Wayne Lukas, and Understatement, a two-time stakeswinner at the Aqueduct meet for trainer Todd Pletcher.

In the Grade III Gallorette, a mile and a sixteenth on the turf for fillies and mares, millionaire Rainbow View faces off with Payton d’Oro, who won the Black Eyed Susan on the Pimlico dirt last year. Rainbow View, a Group I winner in Europe and Grade I placed after coming to North America last year, is fresh off a win in her 2010 debut for trainer Jonathan Sheppard. She breaks from post 3 as the evening money favorite under Leparoux. Meanwhile, Payton d’Oro is coming off a win in the Bayakoa at Oaklawn Park and leaves from post 5 under Terry Thompson. The local hope is Blind Date, who breaks from post 10 under Kent Desormeaux. The filly is a 20-1 longshot on the morning line, but is 2-for-2 at Pimlico with a win in the Hilltop Stakes on Preakness weekend last year. She has also won several races at nearby Laurel Park.

Defending champion Ravalo returns in the Grade III Maryland Sprint Handicap, a six furlong event for older horses. The 6-year-old gelding is 2-for-2 at Pimlico, both stakes races last year. Ravalo leaves from post 7 as a 5-1 shot under Johnny Velazquez.

The other stakes on the card are the Grade III Chick Lang Stakes, a sprint for 3-year-olds named in honor of the late "Mr. Preakness," and the James W. Murphy Stakes at a mile on the turf for 3-year-olds.

Updates on Preakness Stakes contenders and other news as the second jewel of the Triple Crown is tomorrow.

Final tuneup: Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver galloped about a mile at Pimlico on Friday morning. Trainer Todd Pletcher says all systems are a go for tomorrow's race and in fact added that his charge may be in better shape than he was before the Derby.

Gang's all here: Tampa Bay Derby runner-up Schoolyard Dreams was the last to arrive at Pimlico, pulling in on trainer Derek Ryan's van at about 7:30 a.m.

The public choice: After the early wagering on Friday, Super Saver, who opened at 5-2, and Lookin at Lucky, who opened at 3-1, are both at 9-5 odds, although Super Saver is the favorite with slightly more money bet on him. Paddy O'Prado is the third choice at 8-1 and everyone else is double-digit odds, with the longest shot being First Dude at 35-1.

The girls have it: In a wild edition of Friday's Black Eyed Susan Stakes, the fillies' counterpart to the Preakness, Acting Happy sprung an upset for trainer Rick Dutrow, who won the Preakness two years ago with Big Brown. The daughter of Empire Maker, who was a supplemental nomination to the race, beat No Such Word by 1 1/2 lengths, with favored Tidal Pool back in third - just as she was in the Kentucky Oaks two weeks ago. The race was marred by a spill entering the far turn, as Diva Delite, under Julien Leparoux, clipped heels with CC's Pal and went down, with Seeking The Title and Kent Desormeaux falling over her. Both fillies got up and ran off under their own power and were taken back to the barn not much worse for the wear. Both Desormeaux, who will be aboard Paddy O'Prado in the Preakness and Leparoux, who will ride Pleasant Prince, were unharmed, although Leparoux was taken for x-rays as a precaution after complaining of body soreness.

Skip Away, the 1998 Horse of the Year and a member of the Hall of Fame, died of a heart attack this morning at Hopewell Farm in Kentucky, where he stood at stud. The stallion was 17 and had had a heart murmur for several years.

The big gray son of Skip Trial, by Ingot Way, was a birthday gift from trainer Sonny Hine to his wife Carolyn and raced in their red and gold colors. Running against the solid group of horses that graced the track in the mid-to-late 1990's (including Cigar, Formal Gold, Will's Way, Unbridled's Song, Louis Quatorze, Gentlemen and Behrens) Skip Away proved his mettle time and again, carrying as much as 131 pounds while competing at 14 different tracks across America and in Canada. When all was said and done, he'd compiled a career record of 38-18-10-6, with 10 Grade I victories and three divisional championships to go with the Horse of the Year title. His career bankroll of $9,616,360 ranks him third all time among North American runners. His accomplishments earned him a trip to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

Skip Away was stakes placed as a 2-year-old, finishing second in both the Cowdin and Remsen, and continued to flash that promise early in his 3-year-old season, finishing third in the Florida Derby. He broke through with a dazzling victory in the Blue Grass Stakes, defeating future classic winners Louis Quatorze and Editor's Note while running the nine furlongs in a record 1:47.29. But in the Kentucky Derby three weeks later, Skip Away flashed his detest for the Churchill Downs surface, finishing 12th. He came back to be second in the Preakness to Louis Quatorze and a hard-fought second in the Belmont to Editor's Note.

After a short break, Skip Away rebounded to win the Ohio Derby and the Haskell. After finishing third in the Travers, he picked up another Grade I win in the Woodbine Million. He then capped his year with a stunning upset of reigning Horse of the Year and fellow Hall of Famer Cigar, holding off the champion by a head in the Jockey Club Gold Cup to seal his title as champion 3-year-old.

Skip Away's 4-year-old campaign got off to a slow start, although his results were by no means disappointing considering the competition and the circumstances. He was second in the Donn Handicap to Formal Gold while giving that rival 10 pounds, then second in the Gulfstream Park Handicap while conceding nine pounds to Mt. Sassafras. He was third after being forced wide in the Texas Mile, then second in the Pimlico Special to the classy Gentlemen. He broke through by outdueling Formal Gold in the Massachusetts Handicap while conceding five pounds, then defeated both Formal Gold and Will's Way in the Suburban Handicap. The rivals took turns the rest of the year, as Will's Way won the Whitney with Formal Gold second and Skip Away third, and Formal Golf took the Iselein and Woodward with Skip Away second in both.

But with his rivals on the sidelines for the fall's biggest races, Skip Away would have the last laugh. He earned an easy victory in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, then coasted to a six-length score in the Breeders' Cup Classic, run that year at Hollywood Park. His winning time of 1:59.16 established a stakes record at the time (Ghostzapper would better it by winning in 1:59 flat in 2004). Although the 2-year-old Favorite Trick was named Horse of the Year for an unbeaten campaign, Skip Away was the Eclipse Award winner as champion older male.

Skip Away's swan song, the 1998 season, established him as one of the best handicap horses of the modern era. He began the year with a win in the Donn, carrying 126 pounds and conceding between 10 to 14 to his rivals; took the Gulfstream Park Handicap under 127 pounds, conceding between 13 to 15; and took the Pimlico Special under 128, conceding between 13 to 15. In the Massachusetts Handicap, Skip Away won under 130 pounds, giving his rivals between 14 to 23 pounds. After a win in the Hollywood Gold Cup at equal weights, Skip Away was assigned an incredible 131 pounds in the Iselin Handicap, conceding between 17 to 20 pounds. The weight very nearly got the better of him, as he was headed and passed in deep stretch by the classy stakes winner Stormin Fever, carrying just 113 pounds; but Skip Away battled back gamely for the victory.

Skip Away faltered late in the year, finishing third over a muddly Belmont strip in the Jockey Club Gold Cup and then displaying his hatred for Churchill Downs again while finishing sixth in one of the deepest editions of the Breeders' Cup Classic in history. But his exploits earlier in the year had been enough to earn Skip Away another divisional title, as well as the Horse of the Year trophy.

Standing at Hopewell Farm in Midway, Kentucky, Skip Away produced the earners of over $19.4 million, including Grade III winners Skipaslew, Sister Swank and Skip Code as well as Sanky Panky, a champion in South America. He will be buried at Hopewell Farm.

Blogger's Confession: Skip Away broke my heart in 1996 when he held off my equine hero, Cigar, to win the Jockey Club Gold Cup. But the torch was passed that day from one champion to another, and 'Skippy' proved himself every inch a worthy successor to that throne. He was my mother's all-time favorite runner and a family favorite to cheer on with his handsome dapple gray coat, likable connections, unique style of running with his high-stepping action and head held high and his toughness. It's strange that this incredibly generous horse, who showed his heart every time he was asked for more run, should have his heart give out on him at a relatively young age. Sonny Hine passed away in 2000 but posthumously was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2003. His best trainee joined him a year later - and joins him again now. It was hard to call my mother today and tell her Skippy was gone. It's hard to say goodbye to this old friend. Rest in peace, Skippy. Thank you for all the memories, and we hope Sonny was there to open the gate for you.

Updates on Preakness Stakes contenders and other news as the second jewel of the Triple Crown is now just two days away.

Feeling things out: Derby winner Super Saver got his first feel of the Pimlico track on Thursday morning, along with stablemate Aikenite. Both colts jogged a mile. Trainer Todd Pletcher said Super Saver cleaned up all his grain both last night and this morning and appears to have handled the last two weeks, and the ship from Louisville to Baltimore, very well. He and Aikenite will gallop Friday morning.

Change in plains: Trainer Derek Ryan had planned to get to Pimlico as late as possible with Schoolyard Dreams, vanning from Monmouth to Pimlico early on Saturday. But after poor weather made the Monmouth surface iffy, he's instead elected to make the two and a half hour drive tomorrow. The colt will be the last Preakness runner on the grounds.

Weather watch: It looks like the Preakness field won't have to deal with the mud and mess encountered at the Derby. Friday's forecast in Baltimore called for thunderstorms, but Saturday is expected to be mostly sunny, with highs in the 70's and only a 10 percent chance of precipitation.

Updates on Preakness Stakes contenders and other news as the second jewel of the Triple Crown is now just three days away. The field is now set.

The field: Post positions were drawn Wednesday at Pimlico for the Preakness. Twelve horses were entered for the second jewel of racing's Triple Crown and Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver drew post 8 in the blind draw and was installed as the 5-2 morning line favorite. Beaten Derby favorite Lookin at Lucky drew 'lucky' post 7 and is the 3-1 second choice while Derby third-place finisher Paddy O'Prado came up with post 10 and is a 9-2 shot.

The complete Preakness field, from the rail out, is No. 1 Aikenite, ridden by Javier Castellano, 20-1 on the morning line; No. 2, Schoolyard Dreams, Eibar Coa, 15-1; No. 3, Pleasant Prince, Julien Leparoux, 20-1; No. 4, Northern Giant, Terry Thompson, 30-1; No. 5. Yawanna Twist, Edgar Prado, 30-1; No. 6, Jackson Bend, Mike Smith, 12-1; No. 7, Lookin at Lucky, Martin Garcia, 3-1; No. 8, Super Saver, Calvin Borel, 5-2; No. 9, Caracortado, Paul Atkinson, 10-1; No. 10, Paddy O’Prado, Kent Desormeaux, 9-2; No. 11, First Dude, Ramon Dominguez, 20-1; No. 12, Dublin, Garret Gomez, 10-1.

Arriving in style: Super Saver, who went for a light gallop this morning before leaving Churchill Downs, was accompanied by police escort from the Baltimore airport to the Pimlico backside, where he arrived shortly after 3 p.m. Wednesday. After walking the shedrow, the colt was bedded down in Stall 40, traditional home of the Derby winner while stabled at Pimlico.

The gang's (almost) all here: A chartered flight brought most of the Preakness contenders to Baltimore today. It originated in California early Wednesday morning, where Caracortado boarded. It then continued on to Louisville to pick up Super Saver, Aikenite, Lookin at Lucky, Paddy O’Prado, Jackson Bend, Pleasant Prince, Yawanna Twist and First Dude.

Out: One horse who was not on the flight was Derby Trial winner Hurricane Ike, who came up lame Wednesday morning and was forced out of the race just hours before entries were taken. He remained at Churchill Downs and will undergo further diagnostics.

Two of Saratoga's biggest stars from last summer are working their way back to the races after some setbacks.

Travers winner Summer Bird, who also captured the Belmont and Jockey Club Gold Cup in his championship campaign last year, has been galloping regularly at Delaware Park, but missed going to the track this week because of a temperature.

The 4-year-old, who hasn't run since finishing a credible fourth behind Zenyatta in the Breeders' Cup Classic, is working his way back from a condylar fracture suffered while training for the Japan Cup Dirt late last November. Buring the interim, he was transferred from trainer Tim Ice to Tim Ritchey, who conditioned 2005 champion Afleet Alex.

Ritchey is hoping to breeze Summer Bird this month and have him racing in June. A return to Saratoga is on the slate for the strapping chestnut, as Ritchey mentioned the Whitney and the Woodward as summer goals.

Meanwhile, Careless Jewel, winner of the Alabama, will miss the Shuvee at Belmont this weekend after developing some heat in a leg. It's the second setback of the year for the 4-year-old filly, who missed a planned start in the La Troienne on April 30 with a quarter crack. No plans have been made for her next start, which will be her season debut.

Careless Jewel won five of seven starts last year but hasn't started since fading after setting the pace in the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic last fall.

Updates on Preakness Stakes contenders and other news as the second jewel of the Triple Crown is now just four days away.

Luck of the draw: Entries will be taken for the Preakness tomorrow at Pimlico and the post position draw is scheduled for 5 p.m. A field is 13 is expected to pass the entry box.

Arrivals: The first Preakness horses have arrived in Baltimore, as Wayne Lukas' duo of Dublin and Northern Giant vanned from Louisville to Baltimore today. Despite some mechanical problems with their van, the colts arrived safe and sound at Pimlico shortly before 6 p.m., along with Black Eyed Susan favorite Tidal Pool and Flying Private, who was fourth in last year's Preakness. The majority of the field, including Derby winner Super Saver, is expected to arrive via chartered flight tomorrow. The flight originates in California, where Caracortado will board, then continued on to Louisville to pick up Super Saver and the others.

Musical riders: Bob Baffert confirmed that he'll name Martin Garcia aboard Lookin at Lucky when entries are taken tomorrow. Garcia, who has ridden frequently for Baffert on the West Coast in major races this year, was 15th aboard pacesetter Conveyance in the Derby. Garrett Gomez, who is being replaced on Lookin at Lucky, will ride Dublin in the Preakness, bumping regular rider Terry Thompson to stablemate Northern Giant.

Updates on Preakness Stakes contenders and other news as the second jewel of the Triple Crown is now just five days away.

Derby winner watch: Kentucky Derby champion Super Saver turned in his only pre-Preakness workout this morning at Churchill Downs, covering three furlongs in :36.39 with jockey Calvin Borel aboard. The move was the fifth fastest of 29 at the distance. Super Saver broke off through early fractions of :12.40 and :36.60, then galloped out a half in :49.20 and five furlongs in 1:02. The son of Maria's Mon will fly to Baltimore on Wednesday, on a charter flight that's taking many of the Preakness runners.

Other works: Hopeful winner Dublin, seventh in the Derby, breezed four furlongs in :48.40 at Churchill Downs with new rider Garrett Gomez aboard. The son of 2005 Preakness winner Afleet Alex will van to Baltimore tomorrow. Wayne Lukas' other runner, Northern Giant, worked three furlongs in :36.40. Jackson Bend, 12th in the Derby, turned in early splits of :11.80, :23 and :34.80 enroute to the bullet of the day at :46.60. He galloped out five furlongs in :59.80. Derby Trial winner Hurricane Ike breezed seven furlongs in 1:25.80. New York-bred hopeful Yawanna Twist worked five furlongs in 1:01.80. Mission Impazible, who is still on the fence for the Preakness, breezed three furlongs in :36.40. If he starts, it would give Todd Pletcher three runners, along with Super Saver and Aikeinite.

Lucky in: Derby favorite Lookin at Lucky, who finished a credible sixth after enduring a nightmare trip, is officially in the Preakness, according to trainer Bob Baffert. He'll ship to Pimlico on Wednesday, and no rider has been officially named yet.

Bubble watch: Following an endoscopic examination after his morning breeze, A Little Warm was declared out of the Preakness. It wasn't entirely unexpected, as he'd missed training time last week with a temperature. The defection reduces the number of contenders to 14, exactly the field limit, and will allow First Dude to enter.

Notes: Pimlico Racecourse, home of the Preakness, has received full accreditation from the NTRA's Safety and Integrity Alliance.

Rachel Alexandra, reigning Horse of the Year, turned in her first work since her second straight loss in the La Troienne on April 30, covering an easy half mile on :52 flat at Churchill Downs.

Jockey Shaun Bridgmohan, often used by trainer Steve Asmussen, was aboard for the work in place of regular exercise rider Dom Terry, who appears to have been replaced. Using Bridgmohan added more fuel to the speculation that regular jockey Calvin Borel could be replaced aboard Rachel Alexandra, who lost the New Orleans Ladies by under a length and the La Troienne by a head. We'll have more on the status of all of Rachel's riders as information becomes available.

Also on the worktab Monday at Churchill Downs was stablemate Kensei, who breezed a half in :48.80. The Jim Dandy winner was off the board in the Churchill Downs Stakes on the Derby undercard last time out.

Whitney winner Bullsbay, who was last in the Alysheba in his first start of 2010, breezed a half in :49.20 at Fair Hills.

Welcome to Preakness Week! Updates on Preakness Stakes contenders and other news as the second jewel of the Triple Crown is now just six days away.

Derby winner watch: WinStar Farm's Super Saver galloped nine furlongs Saturday morning at Churchill Downs under the watchful eye of trainer Todd Pletcher, who returned to Louisville this weekend. The colt will work a half mile Monday morning under jockey Calvin Borel, then board a charter flight Wednesday bound for Baltimore.

Musical riders: Jockey Garrett Gomez was officially taken off Lookin at Lucky on Saturday, but quickly picked up the mount on Dublin for the Preakness. Gomez has been aboard Lookin at Lucky in all of the colt's career starts, but the duo encountered troubled trips in the Rebel and Santa Anita Derby, with trainer Bob Baffert publicly berating Gomez after the latter. Lookin at Lucky was then sixth as the favorite in the Kentucky Derby after another nightmare trip. Baffert is expected to confirm whether or not Lookin at Lucky will move on to the Preakness tomorrow after the colt trains. Martin Garcia, who rode stablemate Conveyance in the Derby, is a strong candidate to take the mount.

Saturday works: California invader Caracortado, who won the first five starts of his career before tasting defeat, turned in his final work Saturday morning at Santa Anita, covering seven furlongs in 1:24.60. Jockey Paul Atkinson, who will have his first Preakness mount, was aboard. At Churchill Downs, contender First Dude fired off five furlongs in 1:00.60.

Sunday works: Derby Trial runner-up Aikenite, trained by Pletcher and owned by Dogwood Stables, worked five furlongs in company in 1:01.40 Sunday morning at Churchill Downs. He'll fly to Baltimore with stablemate Super Saver on Wednesday. Florida Derby runner-up Pleasant Prince, who was excluded from the Derby field based on graded earnings, worked a brisk five furlongs in :59 flat at Keeneland.

On the slate: Expected to work Monday at Churchill Downs - in addition to Super Saver - are Preakness contenders Dublin, Hurricane Ike, Northern Giant and Yawanna Twist. At Delaware Park, A Little Warm is expected to work.

On the bubble: As of Sunday, 15 horses were still considered candidates for the Preakness: Super Saver, Lookin at Lucky, Mission Impazible, Paddy O'Prado, Dublin, Aikenite, Jackson Bend, A Little Warm, Hurricane Ike, Caracortado, Pleasant Prince, Yawanna Twist, Schoolyard Dreams, Northern Giant and First Dude. Preakness starters are determined by a three-tier process if the field is oversubscribed. The first seven runners are selected based on graded stakes earnings; the next four by all stakes earnings; and the final three by overall lifetime earnings. If the field does oversubscribe when entries are taken Wednesday, First Dude would be the horse excluded.

Notes: Fountain of Youth and Wood Memorial winner Eskendereya, withdrawn for Kentucky Derby consideration six days before the race with a leg injury, has been retired after extensive veterinary examination. Jess Jackson, owner of Curlin and Rachel Alexandra, has bought into the colt, but he and co-owner Ahmed Zayat have made no decisions about a stud deal. ... Even though it's Preakness Week, the Belmont field is already beginning to develop. Derby runner-up Ice Box is expected to arrive at the Oklahoma Training Track in Saratoga this week to begin preparations. Game On Dude, winner of the Lone Star Derby this weekend, and Fly Down, who took the Dwyer at Belmont on Saturday, are expected to move on to the race, along with Dwyer runner-up Drosselmeyer.

By now, you all know that Super Saver is the winner of the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby, splashing home at muddy Churchill Downs on Saturday under a rail-skimming ride from Calvin Borel.

The duo gave trainer Todd Pletcher his first victory in the Kentucky Derby. He entered Saturday 0-for-24 in America's biggest race since 2000. Nice to see the four-time Eclipse Award winner and one of the most dominant trainers in the modern era finally get that monkey off his back. Congratulations also go out to Borel, who has now won three of the last four Kentucky Derbies, the first rider in history to accomplish that feat. The veteran rider broke through in 2007 with Street Sense, finished third in 2008 aboard Denis of Cork, won with the shocking longshot Mine That Bird last year and piloted Super Saver to one of his customary rail-skimming wins on Saturday.

If you followed the Pink Sheet handicappers, you didn't fare too badly. Nicholas Fabiani gave you the winner and both Sam Hollingsworth and Jeff Reynolds chose runner-up Ice Box. Sports editor Andrew Bernstein gave you Make Music For Me, who was the last horse into the field based on graded earnings but ran a solid fourth to complete a monster superfecta. The rest of us went down with Lookin at Lucky (Mike Veitch, 6th), Dublin (Nicole Russo, 7th), Awesome Act (Jeff Scott, 19th) and Backtalk (Stan Hudy, 20th).

There were plenty of Saratoga connections to the race. The top three finishers - Super Saver, Ice Box and Paddy O'Prado - all ran in maiden races here last summer and Pletcher owns several training titles here.

A quick rundown of how the field fared and where they're headed next, from first to worst:

Super Saver: Emerged from his victory in good shape and will likely ship to Baltimore next week prior to the May 15 Preakness.

"We're going to win the Triple Crown this year," Borel boldly predicted to the Associated Press, reiterating a comment he made on NBC moments after crossing the wire.

Ice Box: Nick Zito marveled at his colt's hard-charging finish despite being checked multiple times late. While he hasn't entirely ruled out the Preakness, he seems to be leaning toward shipping Ice Box back to New York to prepare for the Belmont in five weeks.

Paddy O' Prado: The Preakness is still under consideration for the third-place finisher, with a plan coming later in the week.

Make Music For Me: Will be shipped to Keeneland to train and a Preakness decision is forthcoming.

Noble's Promise: Will get a break for a few days at trainer Ken McPeek's Lexington farm before his next race is chosen. Heading to England to race in June at Royal Ascot is a possibility.

Lookin at Lucky: The Preakness isn't out of the question for the Derby favorite, who emerged from his nightmare trip in good order.

Dublin: Hopeful winner is likely headed on to Baltimore for trainer Wayne Lukas, who watched one of his former assistants, Pletcher, take his first Derby.

Stately Victor: Will point for the Belmont.

Mission Impazible: Pletcher says the Louisiana Derby winner is still under consideration for the Preakness.

Devil May Care: The filly, who was trying to become the first of her sex since Winning Colors in 1988 to wear the roses, made a strong move on the turn but faltered late to be 10th. She emerged from the race in good shape, but won't move on to the Preakness.

American Lion: Will train at Keeneland while his next race is decided.

Jackson Bend: Emerged from his 12th-place finish, the first time he's ever been worse than second, in good shape. He likely won't move on to the Preakness.

Discreetly Mine: Came out of the race well, but won't move on to the Preakness.

Dean's Kitten: Likely headed back to turf racing this summer at Colonial or Arlington.

Conveyance: Is 50-50 for the Preakness after setting the Derby pace.

Homeboykris: Rick Dutrow's charge will regroup in New York.

Sidney's Candy: Heading home to California.

Line of David: Like his stablemate, shipping back to California.

Awesome Act: Cooled out fine following his dismal Derby finish. Will remain in America and will join Steve Asmussen's string.

Backtalk: Emerged from his effort in good order, and trainer Tom Amoss says he'll train at Churchill Downs while his next move is decided.

Our Daily Preakness Peek kicks off on this blog Wednesday, beginning the 10-day countdown.

Here's a look at the field, in post position order with morning line odds. After checking out the horses, make sure you pick up your copy of today's paper to see who the Saratogian staff is picking in the Pink Sheet.

1. Lookin at Lucky (3-1)

Pedigree: By Smart Strike, out of Private Feeling, by Belong to Me. Of Belong To Me's three foals, two are stakes winners. The other is Kensei, winner of the Jim Dandy last summer at Saratoga.

Lifetime record: 8-6-1-1. Most recently, third in the Santa Anita Derby on April 3.

Pros: Owner of three Grade I wins in California is a remarkably consistent colt whose only losses come with excuses; he was still second after a poor trip in the BC Juvenile and third after an even worse trip in the Santa Anita Derby. Proved he could ship and win over dirt when he took the Rebel at Oaklawn two starts back. Has fired solid workouts over this track and can settle nicely off what is expected to be a hot early pace.

Cons: Has a tendency to find trouble even in small fields, which makes this 20-horse race a daunting prospect - especially when he drew the rail.

Connections: Bob Baffert, inducted into the Hall of Fame last summer in Saratoga, has three Derby wins. He and owner Mike Pegram, longtime friends, missed the Triple Crown by a nose with Real Quiet in 1998. Jockey Garrett Gomez, among the nation's leaders, would win his first Triple Crown race.

2. Ice Box (10-1)

Pedigree: Pulpit x Spice Island, by Tabasco Cat

Lifetime record: 7-3-0-0. Won the Florida Derby on March 20.

Pros: Improving with each start, this colt is one of the few deep closers in a race that's expected to have a hot early pace. He's trained strongly at Churchill Downs and fired a bullet work in the mud last week.

Cons: Coming off a six-week layoff since the Florida Derby and will need plenty of racing luck in a crowded field.

Connections: Hall of Famer Nick Zito has two Derby wins and starts two horses in this race, both owned by longtime client Robert LaPenta. Rider Jose Lezcano is looking for his first Derby win.

3. Noble's Promise (12-1)

Pedigree: Cuvee x The Devil's Trick, by Clever Trick

Lifetime record: 8-3-3-1. Fifth in the Arkansas Derby on April 10.

Pros: Remarkably consistent colt won the Breeders' Futurity last fall at Keeneland and finished second to Lookin at Lucky twice in 2009. Has fired two strong works in a row at Churchill Downs.

Cons: Comes into this off the worst performance of his career and trainer Ken McPeek waited until earlier this week before announcing the colt was definitely in the field after he came out of that race with a lung issue and some superficial cuts on his legs. There are also questions about his distance limitations.

Connections: McPeek and jockey Willie Martinez are looking for their first Derby wins.

4. Super Saver (15-1)

Pedigree: Maria's Mon x Supercharger, by AP Indy. Super Saver comes from a family with incredible depth. He is a half brother to successful runner and sire Guided Missile; his second dam produced runners such as Accelerator, Daydreaming and Girolamo, as well as the dam of Derby runner-up Bluegrass Cat. Super Saver's third dam, Dance Number, produced the sires Not For Love and Rhythm, as well as Oscillate, dam of sire Mutakddim. Dance Number is out of Numbered Account, champion filly in 1971 and eventually the dam of Private Account, sire of Personal Ensign. The line also traces back to Baby League, dam of the great Busher. Super Saver's sire, Maria's Mon, has already produced a Derby winner in Monarchos.

Lifetime record: 6-2-2-1. Second in the Arkansas Derby on April 10.

Pros: Scored a two-turn win at Churchill Downs last fall in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. The colt keeps Calvin Borel aboard, has a solid pedigree with some propensity to run on a wet track and has displayed heart in deep stretch in his last few races.

Cons: Speedy sort could falter in a race where he'll have plenty of company up front. There were also no real excuses for his Arkansas loss.

Connections: Borel has won two of the last three Derbies and is red hot at Churchill Downs over the first week of the meet. Trainer Todd Pletcher, famously 0-for-24 at the Derby, starts four horses this year.

5. Line of David (30-1)

Pedigree: Lion Heart x Emma's Dilemma, by Capote

Lifetime record: 6-3-0-1. Won Arkansas Derby on April 10.

Pros: Ran exactly like his sire, the 2004 Derby runner-up, in winning the Arkansas Derby, and that's not a bad thing. Chestnut colt whisked through brilliant early fractions then displayed heart in deep stretch to hold off challengers in his first start on conventional dirt.

Cons: Didn't move well or handle the wet track at all in his final work.

Connections: Trainer John Sadler starts two horses here and Rafael Bejarano, who rode Line of David to two of this three wins, regains the mount.

6. Stately Victor (30-1)

Pedigree: Ghostzapper x Collect the Cash, by Dynaformer. First Grade I winner for his sire, the 2004 Horse of the Year. Dam Collect the Cash won the Grade I Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup on the Keeneland turf.

Lifetime record: 8-2-1-0. Won the Blue Grass on April 10.

Pros: Second to Winslow Homer, who went on to win the Holy Bull, in a Saratoga maiden that was off the turf last summer and has also trained well over the wet track this week. Looked good making a sweeping move to win the Blue Grass and that running style could figure in this race.

Cons: Finished well back in two other dirt tries at Gulfstream and his only other career victory came on the turf.

Connections: One of Kentucky's leading trainers, Mike Maker, has two chances to win his first Derby. Alan Garcia, who took the Saratoga riding title and won the Belmont in 2008, is aboard. Co-owner Jack Conway is the Attorney General of Kentucky and is running for a Senate seat, meaning the month of May could be eventful for him - the primary is May 18.

7. American Lion (30-1)

Pedigree: Tiznow x Storm Tide, by Storm Cat

Lifetime record: 6-3-1-1. Won Illinois Derby on April 3.

Pros: Fairly consistent colt showed heart when turning back a foe in the stretch to win the Illinois Derby despite setting the pace.

Cons: American Lion couldn't beat most of the top 3-year-olds from California and the Illinois Derby was one of the weaker prep races this spring.

Connections: Trainer Eoin Harty, a former assistant to Baffert, is looking for his first solo win. Rider David Flores was aboard for the Illinois Derby win.

8. Dean's Kitten (50-1)

Pedigree: Kitten's Joy x Summer Theatre, by Ide

Lifetime record: 11-3-1-2. Won the Lane's End on March 27.

Pros: Has a solid running style and looked good rallying four wide to take the Lane's End. Picks up Robby Albarado in the saddle.

Cons: Has two wins on turf and one on synthetic. In his only try on dirt, he was soundly beaten.

Connections: Maker saddles this colt and Albarado picked up the mount earlier in the week when Endorsement came out.

9. Make Music For Me (50-1)

Pedigree: Bernstein x Miss Cheers, by Carson City

Lifetime record: 8-1-2-1. Sixth in the Blue Grass on April 10

Pros: Twice second and once third behind Lookin at Lucky in stakes company in California.

Cons: This will be his first try on dirt and his only career win came on the turf.

Connections: Joel Rosario finally gets a Derby mount after being bounced off both Homeboykris and Dean's Kitten. Alexis Barba would be the first woman to saddle a Derby winner.

10. Paddy O' Prado (20-1)

Pedigree: El Prado x Fun House, by Prized

Lifetime record: 6-1-2-2. Second in the Blue Grass on April 10.

Pros: Grade III winner and GI placed runner trained strongly over the mud at Churchill Downs and is bred to run all day.

Cons: His stakes win came on the turf and his Blue Grass placing was on synthetic.

Connections: Three-time Derby winner Kent Desormeaux rides this colt, trained by a Kentucky mainstay in Dale Romans.

11. Devil May Care (10-1)

Pedigree: Malibu Moon x Kelli's Ransom, by Red Ransom. Kelli's Ransom was also the dam of a Derby starter last year in UAE Derby and Super Derby winner Regal Ransom.

Lifetime record: 5-3-0-0. Won the Bonnie Miss on March 20

Pros: Solid resume, with wins in the Frizette and Bonnie Miss, would have made her one of the Kentucky Oaks favorites. Has trained strongly and looks to still be improving from race to race.

Cons: A filly hasn't won the Kentucky Derby since Winning Colors in 1988. Devil May Care can still run greenly and act up in the post parade and starting gate, things that don't bode well in a 20-horse field in front of a rowdy crowd.

Connections: The only Triple Crown win for Pletcher and his go-to rider Johnny Velazquez came with a filly in the 2007 Belmont with Rags to Riches.

12. Conveyance (12-1)

Pedigree: Indian Charlie x Emptythetill by Holy Bull

Lifetime record: 5-4-1-0. Second in the Sunland Park Derby on March 28

Pros: Once-beaten colt transferred his form from California to dirt very well, with a victory in the Southwest at Oaklawn two starts back.

Cons: His front-running style makes him vulnerable here.

Connections: Baffert gives Martin Garcia a leg up in his first Derby.

13. Jackson Bend (15-1)

Pedigree: Hear No Evil x Sexy Stockings, by Tabasco Cat

Lifetime record: 9-5-4-0. Second in the Wood Memorial on April 3

Pros: Ultra-consistent colt with a ton of heart and Hall of Fame connections has been second to Eskendereya in his last two races.

Cons: He hasn't won yet this season and could have distance limitations.

Connections: Mike Smith, a Hall of Famer who won the 2005 Derby with longshot Giacomo, teams up with Zito.

14. Mission Impazible (20-1)

Pedigree: Unbridled's Song x La Paz, by Hold Your Peace. A half-brother to stakes winner and sire Forest Camp.

Lifetime record: 5-2-1-2. Won the Louisiana Derby on March 27

Pros: Looked good winning the Louisiana Derby, making a three wide rally to get up for the win. Consistent colt also has a stakes placing at Churchill Downs as a 2-year-old.

Cons: The Louisiana Derby was probably one of the weaker preps.

Connections: Rajiv Maragh has the call for Pletcher.

15. Discreetly Mine (30-1)

Pedigree: Mineshaft x Pretty Discreet, by Private Account. Pretty Discreet, winner of the Alabama, is the dam of Grade I winner Discreet Cat.

Lifetime record: 8-2-3-0. Fourth in the Louisiana Derby on March 27

Pros: Grade I-placed as a 2-year-old, Discreetly Mine finally broke through with a win in the Risen Star this spring.

Cons: Frontrunner could have distance limitations.

Connections: Javier Castellano has the call for Pletcher.

16. Awesome Act (10-1)

Pedigree: Awesome Again x Houdini's Honey, by Mr. Prospector

Lifetime record: 8-2-2-2. Third in the Wood Memorial April 3.

Pros: This colt began his career on the turf in England and has been solid since moving to the dirt in New York, winning the Gotham and running third in the Wood. He had a legitimate excuse in that race, as he threw a shoe at the break.

Cons: The Gotham was probably one of the weaker prep races of the spring.

Connections: Trainer Jeremy Noseda was nearly stuck in England thanks to the clouds of volcanic ash generated by the eruption in Iceland, but he finally arrived in Louisville this week. French-born jockey Julien Leparoux won the Eclipse Award as the nation's top rider in 2009.

17. Dublin (12-1)

Pedigree: Afleet Alex x Classy Mirage, by Storm Bird. From the first crop of his sire, winner of the 2005 Preakness and Belmont. Classy Mirage was a multiple stakeswinner with her big win coming in the Ballerina; second dam First Mirage is the dam of Grade I winner Missy's Mirage; and third dam Gray Mirage was also a stakes winner.

Lifetime record: 8-2-1-2. Third in the Arkansas Derby on April 10

Pros: Winner of the Hopeful last year. Closed strongly to be second in the Southwest in February, then was third with decent efforts in the Rebel and Arkansas Derby.

Cons: Hasn't won yet this year and had no real excuses for the Arkansas Derby loss, hanging in the stretch.

Connections: Hall of Famer Wayne Lukas has won four Derbies - most recently in 1999 - and a win would make him second all-time. Terry Thompson rides.

18. Backtalk (50-1)

Pedigree: Smarty Jones x Apasionata Sonta, by Affirmed. Backtalk is the first Derby starter for his sire, the 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner. Apasionata Sonta also produced the multiple stakeswinning filly Bsharpsonata.

Lifetime record: 7-4-0-1. Third in the Illinois Derby on April 3

Pros: Winner of two stakes, the Bashford Manor at Churchill Downs and the Sanford at Saratoga, as a 2-year-old.

Cons: Won his first three starts but is 1-for-4 since, with his only win coming against suspect competition. Was soundly beaten in the Illinois Derby, although he might have left his race in a bullet work earlier that week.

Connections: Trainer Tom Amoss, saddling his second Derby starter, gives first-time Derby jockey Miguel Mena a leg up.

19. Homeboykris (50-1)

Pedigree: Roman Ruler x One Last Salute, by Salutely

Lifetime record: 6-2-1-0. Second in an allowance on Feb. 27.

Pros: Won the Grade I Champagne at Belmont last October.

Cons: Hasn't won since and was soundly beaten in his two other stakes tries. Coming off a layoff of over two months.

Connections: Rick Dutrow, who won the 2008 Derby and Preakness with Big Brown, gives a leg up to Ramon Dominguez, NYRA's leading rider. The gelding's ownership group includes Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre.

20. Sidney's Candy (5-1)

Pedigree: Candy Ride x Fair Exchange, by Storm Cat

Lifetime record: 6-4-1-0. Won the Santa Anita Derby on April 3.

Pros: Consistent colt is a perfect 3-for-3 this year, all in stakes company, and looked good winning the Santa Anita Derby on the front end. Has trained superbly at Churchill Downs.

Cons: Will be making his first start outside of California and his first start on dirt. Drawing the extreme outside means he could get hooked wide around the first turn. With plenty of other horses figuring to join him on the front end, he won't get the easy trip he had last out.

Connections: The young Joe Talamo makes his Derby derbut after having the favorite scratched out from under him on the morning of the race last year. Sadler's trainee is owned by Sid and Jenny Craig, whose silks feature caricatures of a fat horse and a skinny horse.

Happy Derby Day - but it hasn't been a happy morning for Churchill Downs track superintendent Butch Lehr.

About two inches of rain fell in Louisville this morning beginning at 4 a.m. Lehr responded by sealing the track and closing it to training. With the first race at Churchill Downs slated to go off at 10:30 a.m., the track remains sloppy and sealed. The turf is yielding, and the non-stakes races, No. 3 and No. 5, have been taken off the turf.