Field just trying to keep up with Jones

Ralph Siraco

Friday, May 14, 2004 | 10:03 a.m.

The Smarty party moves to Baltimore for Round 2 of the Triple Crown quest. Now a household name, Smarty Jones will certainly have a bigger entourage cutting a swath through Old Hilltop for the Preakness Stakes on Saturday.

Each year the Preakness Stakes is the pivotal point in defining the glamour group in racing. While the Kentucky Derby is certainly the race for 3-year-olds, it's the Preakness that's instrumental in assembling the rooting section of the masses.

For only one horse can go into the Preakness with a chance to win the most coveted prize in racing. If Kentucky Derby winner Smarty Jones wins the middle jewel at Pimlico on Saturday, then this most unlikely Triple Crown candidate will take on legendary proportions over the three weeks between the Preakness and the final jewel, the Belmont Stakes, on June 5.

But this Preakness Stakes is not a run-of-the-mill renewal for a cool million dollars. This Preakness will not be handed over to the heir apparent. For several reasons, this 129th edition is not a cut-and-dried outcome for the Kentucky Derby winner.

Although Smarty Jones comes into the Grade I event undefeated, he must answer more questions -- again.

The Smarty Jones rags-to-riches story is reminiscent of the Funny Cide crew last year: a most endearing saga for the masses. Smarty Jones' 7-for-7 record through the Kentucky Derby recalls the last undefeated Derby winner, Seattle Slew, who won the Preakness and ultimately the Triple Crown, in 1977. Majestic Prince was the only other undefeated Derby winner to go on to the Preakness; he won the race and later lost the Belmont Stakes in 1969.

And then there's that Sports Illustrated jinx. Featured on the cover of the sports magazine last week, Smarty will try to run in the hoofsteps of Seattle Slew, who overcame the cover boy stigma.

However, this year more than a few handicappers will be scanning the nine lining up against Smarty Jones looking for an upset -- arguably, at their own risk.

First, there are two of the five new shooters in the Preakness field that did not have the opportunity to compete in the Derby. Looking in from the outside were Rock Hard Ten and Eddington. Each horse was ready for battle in Louisville, but didn't make the Derby criteria cut. Four Derby runners who re-upped for the Preakness are also given a chance to make amends for their performances due to the track conditions at Churchill Downs. Just an hour before the Derby, the skies opened to produce a speed-favoring sloppy track, which played into the running style of winner Smarty Jones and runner-up Lion Heart.

Although the Preakness Stakes -- at 1 3/16 miles -- is shorter than the Derby, most feel that those taking on Smarty Jones will be moving earlier and faster at the first two Derby finishers this time around.

Here is the field (in post position order with rider and morning line odds) for the Grade I, $1 million Preakness Stakes, 1 3/16 miles, post time Saturday at 3:15 p.m. PDT:

1. Lion Heart

Mike Smith, 3-1.

This son of Tale of the Cat was the runner-up in the Kentucky Derby after setting the pace. Although the Patrick Biancone trainee finished second in his past three starts, his one-run style makes him the target for Smarty Jones again. Dangerous if left alone on the lead. In his case, "pace makes the race."

2. Borrego

Victor Espinoza, 15-1.

No rally, 10th in the Derby. Like Lion Heart, he finished second in three consecutive races before his Louisville debacle. His bullet drill in preparation for the Preakness, at Churchill Downs on May 10, could signal a wake-up call. This son of Irish-bred El Prado could turn it around in Baltimore for trainer Beau Greely.

3. Little Matth Man

Richard Migliore, 50-1.

This son of Matty G was overmatched in the Wood Memorial, finishing 10th. He won the Whirlaway Stakes at Aqueduct in the mud in February and is 2-for-2 on wet tracks. Obviously, the hope for this Martin Ciresa trainee is for rain -- a lot of rain.

4. The Cliff's Edge

Scratched

The Blue Grass Stakes winner was scratched from the Preakness today due to soreness in his front feet resulting from an incident in the Kentucky Derby in which he lost both shoes.

5. Song of the Sword

Jorge Chavez, 30-1.

Checked on the first turn and never a factor while beaten by more than 17 lengths in the Derby. This son of Unbridled's Song was not expected to stay on the Triple Crown trail. Last-minute change for Jennifer Pedersen trainee may not be the best move. Jockey is best asset for exotics chance.

6. Sir Shackleton

Rafael Bejerano, 30-1.

Trainer Nick Zito has had a roller-coaster year with his 3-year-olds. For as much bad luck as he has had, the conditioner keeps coming up with prospects to take the place of injured stablemates. This son of Miswaki scored his third consecutive victory in four lifetime starts with a solid effort in the Derby Trial at Churchill Downs one week before the main event. He also boasts a bullet drill since that race. If there is anyone who deserves a turnaround in luck for the spring classics it's Zito. Beware.

7. Smarty Jones

Stewart Elliott, 8-5.

Won the Kentucky Derby to remain undefeated in seven lifetime starts. Banked a $5 million bonus from Oaklawn Park with the victory. This son of Elusive Quality comes from the wrong side of the blueblood tracks, hails from a bush-league racing circuit and is handled by bush-league trainer John Servis for bush-league owners. It's a great fairy-tale story. In spite of all that, he keeps winning. Will get another test here. Best rooting interest for racing.

8. Imperialism

Kent Desormeaux, 5-1.

The only horse to make up any ground in the Derby, finished third. Although beaten by six lengths by Smarty Jones, this son of Langfur encountered traffic trouble and was seven-wide into the homestretch. Trainer Kristin Mulhall, who was the youngest Derby trainer at 21 and now the youngest of the Preakness starters, originally wanted to bypass the Preakness in favor of freshening for the Belmont Stakes. But, convinced by owner Steve Taub and jockey Desormeaux, she has the horse in Saturday's race.

9. Eddington

Jerry Bailey, 8-1.

One of two who didn't earn enough graded money to make the Kentucky Derby field. This son of Unbridled was third in a blanket-finish Wood Memorial in his last outing. Although impressive in two Gulfstream Park starts this winter, the Mark Hennig trainee may need more seasoning. However, the top jockey in the nation lands here. Hmmm ...

10. Rock Hard Ten

Gary Stevens, 6-1.

Fate may owe this Jason Orman trainee a victory. Finished second in the Santa Anita Derby, then was disqualified to third. The difference in prize money from second to third place in that race cost him the Kentucky Derby earnings cut. A promising son of Kris S., he has trained well leading up to the Preakness. Stevens, who has won several Preakness trophies, sees enough upside to fly in from France for the ride.

11. Water Cannon

Ryan Fogelsonger, 30-1.

This Linda Albert trainee has the local angle. Won the April 17 Federico Tesio over the track in his last start. Since his maiden-breaking win at Laurel on Dec. 28, this son of Waquoit has reeled off five consecutive victories -- 4-for-4 this year. He continues to train well and should be close to Smarty and the Lion in the early stages from his outside post. A factor of familiarity with dangerous rider in tow.

As in the Derby, I find the Preakness presents value from a betting prospect using exotics. Although we didn't cash the exotic play we went for in the Derby -- the superfecta -- it paid $41,380.20, with favorite Smarty Jones winning.

Again, the value here is an exotic wager. This time, we will box four horses in the trifecta.

The bet: $2 trifecta box of Smarty Jones, Borrego, Rock Hard Ten and Imperialism (Nos. 2, 7, 8 and 10) for a total of $48.

Good luck and may the horse be with you.

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