Kentucky Derby winner Mage is on course to compete in next week’s Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, potentially advancing in the quest for horse racing’s prestigious Triple Crown. The decision will be finalized on Friday, following one last workout. Ramiro Restrepo, part of Mage’s ownership group, confirmed that the horse has been performing well and that a final assessment would determine the colt’s participation.
“We’re exercising patience,” Restrepo explained during a conference call. “If Mage continues to train as well as he has been, we’ll confirm his entry in the Preakness on Friday.”
Mage’s possible entry would make him the first undisputed Derby champion since Justify in 2018 to aim for the Triple Crown. In the years since, a series of unexpected events prevented other Derby winners from competing in the Preakness. For instance, Maximum Security was disqualified in 2019, Medina Spirit faced a drug test scandal in 2021, and last year’s winner, Rich Strike, bypassed the Preakness altogether.
Despite the short two-week window between the Derby and the Preakness, Restrepo is confident in trainer Gustavo Delgado’s expertise. Delgado, who has twice won the Venezuelan Triple Crown, is experienced in managing the tight turnaround. “We’re very comfortable with his preparation for the race,” Restrepo noted.
Logistics are already underway to transport Mage from Churchill Downs to Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, signaling readiness for the next challenge. Restrepo emphasized that Mage’s well-being is paramount: “We let Mage guide us. If he’s feeling good and showing positive signs, we’re confident in moving forward.”

Mage’s Triple Crown Bid and Field of Challengers
Mage’s unexpected victory in the Kentucky Derby at 15-1 odds came after a turbulent lead-up to the event, marked by the tragic deaths of seven horses and the last-minute withdrawal of five others, including pre-race favorite Forte. Forte was scratched due to concerns over a bruised hoof, and subsequent veterinary rulings have since eliminated him from Preakness contention.
Among those expected to join Mage in the Preakness are fourth-place Derby finisher Disarm, trained by Steve Asmussen, and Red Route One, another of Asmussen’s horses. Trainer Brad Cox, who fielded four Derby entries, is skipping the Preakness with those horses but plans to challenge Mage with First Mission. Additionally, Shug McGaughey’s colt Perform and Chad Brown’s Blazing Sevens are set to compete.
National Treasure, trained by Bob Baffert, could also make an appearance in the Preakness. Baffert, banned from training Derby horses in 2022 and 2023 following the Medina Spirit scandal, is eligible to return for the Preakness, where he could seek a record-breaking eighth win.
Though Mage’s owners and trainers have received some criticism for their cautious approach, Commonwealth Racing’s Chase Chamberlin defended the decision, citing the team’s responsibility to ensure Mage is fully prepared. “We’re putting the horse first,” he said. “Gustavo is making sure Mage is 100% ready before making any commitments.”
As Mage’s team prepares for the Preakness, horse racing fans eagerly await the possibility of a Triple Crown pursuit, with Mage potentially poised to take the next step toward racing history.
Source : https://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2023-05-11/kentucky-derby-winner-mage-is-on-track-to-run-in-the-preakness-pursue-triple-crown