Preakness Report, 5/20
by Laura Ferguson

Today, the rains came, and while the Turf Angels ventured forth, nearly drowning under the wind and water, the majority of the horses walked or jogged the shedrow. The near-deserted track was visited briefly by Going Wild, Afleet Alex, and Closing Argument. With such little activity going on, we decided a quick retreat the hotel to dry off and warm up was in order, but we’re headed back for stakes coverage this afternoon.

Eddington Wins the Pimlico Special © Emily Hufford 2005

Eddington Splashes to 'Special' Victory by Emily Hufford Last year as a three-year-old, Eddington finished third in the Preakness Stakes behind Smarty Jones and Rock Hard Ten. A bigger, improved Eddington reappeared at Pimlico Racecourse on Friday to take the Pimlico Special impressively. The son of Unbridled scored in the Grade 1, $500,000 race by 5 1/4 lengths. Pollard's Vision was second and pacesetter Presidentialaffair finished third. Funny Cide, the 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, was fourth, with Eurosilver and Offlee Wild rounding out the field. Grand Reward was pulled up. Second of June, who had to remain in quarentine at Churchill Downs, was scratched, as was Badge of Silver due to the track condition, which was sloppy. Mark Hennig trains the winner for Willmott Stables.

Spun Sugar Draws Away © Emily Hufford 2005

Sweet Victory for Spun Sugar
by Emily Hufford

The Todd Pletcher-trainee Spun Sugar, a three-year-old filly Awesome Again, darted to victory in Friday's Black Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico. The Grade 2 race featured a small but talented six horse field that would run 1 1/8 miles on the sloppy dirt for $200,000. Spun Sugar was the favorite for the race, and defeated R Lady Joy by 3 3/4 lengths for the win. Second choice Runway Model finished 14 lengths behind the third place finisher, Pleasant Chimes. Private Gift and Merrill Gold rounded out the field.

John Velasquez rode the winner for Frank Stronach's Stronach Stables. Spun Sugar paid $4.40 for the win.