The drawing for post positions for the Preakness Stakes on Wednesday, May 15, saw Orb, winner of the Kentucky Derby trained by Shug McGaughey, drawing post-position #1, not always the best draw because of the number of horses closing in on the position as the horses race toward the shortest path to a win.
First lap of Kentucky Derby 2013
Wednesday, May 15, saw Orb, trained by Shug McGaughey, drawing post-position No. 1, not always the best draw as the horses race toward the shortest path for a win..
© 2013 by Steve Ryan
With just nine horses running in the Preakness, however, renowned trainer McGaughey remained confident that Orb could meet the challenge. Orb has started from the inside post before and had some trouble getting out of the gate, but won the Fountain of Youth race that qualified him for the Kentucky Derby from the No. 1 position.
According to reports, Jennifer Patterson, the exercise rider for Orb didn't take it as well as Shug McGaughey and showed signs of disappointment when the position was announced.
McGaughey reminded everyone that the Preakness is rather different from the Kentucky Derby where the 20 horse field faces serious challenges jockeying for better positions. With just nine horses, McGaughey believes that Orb, listed at even odds can pull the inside job.
In addition, Jockey Joel Rosario has great faith in the horse and his own abilities to guide him through the challenges of the race.
With the Preakness Stakes taking place on Saturday May 18, 2013, excitement remains high. The purse for the 1 3/16 mile race is $1 million, with $600,000 for first place, $200,000 for 2nd, and $110,000 for 3rd. Post time is 3:15 p.m. PDT.