Derby also-ran Gayego may run Preakness

BALTIMORE – The Preakness lost a possible starter in Harlem Rocker, but may gain one in Kentucky Derby also-ran Gayego.

Gayego, who finished 17th after a sluggish start, is under consideration for another shot at Derby winner Big Brown in Saturday’s second leg of the Triple Crown.

Trainer Paulo Lobo said from Southern California that he will decide today after watching Gayego on the track.

Gayego won the Arkansas Derby in his first race on the dirt, then got off to a slow start in the Derby, had to be steadied in traffic and never got into the race.

“That’s the reason we are thinking about (the Preakness),” Lobo said Monday. “He’s very happy right now and he came back very sound.”

If Gayego doesn’t run, it would be the first time in 60 years the Derby winner didn’t face a single Derby rival in the Preakness.

Meanwhile, unbeaten Harlem Rocker (3-0) will be pointed to the Canadian Triple Crown races, trainer Todd Pletcher said.

Pletcher will have a Preakness runner in Lexington Stakes winner Behindatthebar.

Other confirmed starters taking on Big Brown include Giant Moon, Hey Byrn, Icabad Crane, Kentucky Bear, Macho Again, Racecar Rhapsody, Riley Tucker, Stevil, Tres Borrachos and Yankee Bravo.