Cavonnier Steps Into Preakness Favorite’s Role

Cavonnier finds himself a stand-in for Kentucky Derby winner Grindstone at the Pimlico stakes barn, and trainer Bob Baffert thinks the gelding can extend his role into the Preakness winner’s circle.

“I think he thought he won,” Baffert said of the California-bred who was beaten a nose by Grindstone in a tremendous finish in the Derby. “I really think he’s going to run the same kind of race here.”

Clem Florio, the Pimlico linemaker made Cavonnier the 9-5 favorite when 12 3-year-olds were entered Wednesday night for Saturday’s second race of the Triple Crown.

Chris McCarron will ride Cavonnier from the No. 2 post.

Cavonnier, winner of the Santa Anita Derby, arrived at Pimlico on Wednesday from Louisville and was put in stall 40, reserved for the Kentucky Derby winner.

Grindstone, who extended trainer D. Wayne Lukas’ incredible streak of wins in Triple Crown races to six, was retired to breeding when it was discovered that the colt had suffered a bone chip in his right knee.

Also missing from the 1-3/16-mile Preakness will be Unbridled’s Song, the beaten Derby favorite who is recuperating from a foot injury.

Lukas will try to extend his streak Saturday with Derby veterans Prince of Thieves, third; Editor’s Note, sixth; and Victory Speech, 10th.

Prince of Thieves was made the second choice at 5-2.

xxxx
Preakness Stakes Post positions and odds

POST HORSE JOCKEY ODDS 1 Allied Forces Migliore 30-1 2 Cavonnier McCarron 9-5 3 Victory Speech Douglas 30-1 4 In Contention Solis 20-1 5 Secreto de Estado CVelasquez 50-1 6 Louis Quatorze Day 8-1 7 Feather Box JVelasquez 50-1 8 Mixed Count Prado 20-1 9 Prince of Thieves Bailey 5-1 10 Editor’s Note Stevens 6-1 11 Skip Away Sellers 6-1 12 Tour’s Big Red Bravo 15-1