As Post-Time Nears for the 2010 Grade 1 Preakness Stakes It Looks Like a Full Field Is Ready To Take On The Derby Winner

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Next stop Baltimore, and if you have not already gotten your ticket, it might be too late as the racing office at Pimlico is predicting a full-field for the Preakness Stakes on May 15.

While the Derby is limited to 20 starters, the tighter turns and smaller track at Pimlico can only handed 14 starters, here is how the field is shaping up.

Super Saver, winner of the Kentucky Derby, exited the Run for the Roses sound and in good order and he is expected to remain at Churchill Downs for at least the next week before shipping to Baltimore.

Trainer Todd Pletcher noted that his son of Maria's Mon obviously likes the surface at Churchill Downs and he would prefer to keep his colt in comfortable surroundings.

The connections of Ice Box have not committed to the Preakness yet. Trainer Nick Zito's initial reactions the morning after the Derby were to skip the second jewel of the Triple Crown and head for the Belmont Stakes on five weeks rest.

Owner Robert LaPenta appears to have different thoughts, he told the Daily Racing Form yesterday that he had the best horse in the Derby and is concerned about the potential lack of pace in the 1 1/2 miles Belmont Stakes, which he won in 2008 with longshot Da' Tara.

Zito has mentioned that Ice Box is a son of Pulpit, a sire known for producing horses that are brilliant athletes, but also temperamental.

Remember Corinthian, winner of the 2007 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile and the posterchild for Pulpit, he was a worldbeater at times, but threw in his fair share of clunkers when most thought he was sitting on a big effort.

It should also be noted that Ice Box had the best wet track pedigree in the race and he got an ideal pace setup.

Ice Box's prospects for winning the Preakness are tough to figure, as he got the pace and wet track setup that moved up his chances, but he also had a horror trip, getting shut off numerous times throughout the Derby.

The connections should be applauded for this next decision. They have stated numerous times that jockey Jose Lezcano will stay aboard for the next race. He was not blamed for the traffic trouble in Kentucky, surely many that bet on Ice Box don't feel that way.

LaPenta and Zito have said that Derby also-ran Jackson Bend will head to Baltimore for the Preakness, so they will be involved one way or another.

Paddy O' Prado, an improving and lightly raced son of El Prado who was a determined third-place finisher, is listed as likely for the Preakness.

Noble's Promise, the fifth-place finisher in the Derby for trainer Kenny McPeek, is headed to Baltimore. He fits the profile of a live Preakness contender. The son of Cuvee outran his sprint breeding and had the lead in midstretch before tiring late; he will only benefit from the reduced 1 3/16 miles distance in Baltimore.

Trainer Bob Baffert has not made a decision regarding Lookin at Lucky, the sixth-place finisher in Kentucky as the favorite. The son of Smart Strike ran bravely under the Twin Spires after an eventful trip. One has to wonder if the colt has any lasting effects of soreness after encountering serious trouble and breaking stride in his last two races.

Dublin, who ran better than it looks on paper, finishing seventh, is headed for the Preakness, which is no surprise considering D. Wayne Lukas never misses a spot with this horse.

Conveyance, who tired to 15th after setting the pace, should get a better setup in the Preakness and he could be a live longshot for Bob Baffert.

Newcomers targeting the Preakness include:

Derby Trial first, second and third-place finishers Hurricane Ike, Aikenite and Pleasant Prince.

The latter was beaten a nose by Ice Box in the Florida Derby and entered the race in Kentucky, but was excluded for lack of graded earnings.

Caracortado, Schoolyard Dreams, Turf Melody, and A Little Warm will be longshots and they are also expected for the Preakness.

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