The Alibi Breakfast is a Pimlico tradition that dates back to the 1930's. On the porch of the historic Clubhouse, owners, trainers, and press would discuss the horses over coffee each morning during training hours. Some of the greatest tales of racing ever to reach print were told those mornings. The tradition of the Preakness Alibi Breakfast started in the 1940's, a chance for the connections of Preakness entrants to solicit interesting and often colorful race predictions. Hosted by Baltimore radio personalities Scott Garceau and Keith Mills, the event not only allows each trainer to be interviewed in a relaxed atmosphere, but also for the Maryland Jockey Club to present awards to members of the media and others who have made significant contributions to the local racing industry.
Trainer Todd Pletcher has 2 horses entered in the Preakness. Asked about his experience winning the Derby with Super Saver, he said, "It's been a great couple of weeks having the Derby winner, and we're looking forward to the race on Saturday. He's picked up (on the fact that he's a star) but he's a great horse to be with. He shipped in really well, traveled well over the track this morning." Co-owner Bill Casner added, "He's a homebred, and that's one of those things that makes it so special, so many people on our team to develop the horse and to make it to Derby day. Calvin Borel is a professional at Churchill Downs, and knows how to win on this track too as we saw last year with Rachel Alexandra."
He also has Aikenite owned by Dogwood Stables. He said, "He's been galloping really well at Churchill. From the 1 post we'd like to take back a bit, get cover early, and come running at the end."
Trainer D. Wayne Lukas, when asked about the jockey switch to Garrett Gomez aboard Dublin, after Gomez was taken off Lookin at Lucky by Bob Baffert, said, "Bob realizes I'm getting on in years so I won't have many more opportunities in the Preakness so he felt sorry for me and said 'Just take him. If Gomez can help you out...'" Earlier in the week Lukas had compared Gomez to quarterback Peyton Manning, and added today, "but he threw 5 interceptions."
Trainer Bob Baffert said of Lookin at Lucky, "The Preakness is the race where, the guys who got beat (in the Derby) can answer the question of 'What if?' We enjoy coming here every year. (The traffic is) part of what the Derby is, it's part of racing, take the good with the bad, and come back in the Preakness. (New jockey Martin Garcia) knows the horse, he's worked the horse many times, maybe he can change our luck. It's his first Preakness and a good experience for him. I always worry about Wayne Lukas, never count him out." Bob's brother Bill quipped, "(Lukas) is like a bad cold, you can't shake him off." Baffert said he would not send Lookin at Lucky to the Belmont but would give him a rest.
Mike Machowsky, trainer and co-ower of Caracortado said, "When we got him he had this huge gash so we wanted to name him Scarface (the name is Spanish for scarface). (Stable jockey) Paul Atkinson hasn't done anything wrong. I've had agents contacting me offering me some of the top riders. If I had say, Bejarano, ride my horse and win the race I'd feel like crap. Paul is a good guy, a hard worker."
Triple Crown quick links:
- Preakness Entries and Post Positions - A field of 12 was entered. Get morning line odds, past performances, profiles, and photos
- 2010 Preakness Thursday Photos - Eleven of the 12 Preakness entrants are at the Pimlico stakes barn and all of them went out on the muddy, sealed track Thursday morning either for a walk around or gallop. Check out photos for each here.
- Analyzing the Preakness Contenders - using popular angles and statistical trends to see who best matches the profile of a Preakness winner
- Preakness contender past performances - free from DRF
- Preakness Weather Forecasts
- Preakness Infield Changes for 2010 - After last year's massive tightening of the rules which resulted in a huge drop in attendance, this year officials are relaxing things slightly. You can't bring beer, but you can buy a special "all you can drink" Mug Club ticket.
- Preakness Traditions - Black-eyed Susans to the winner, the Woodlawn Vase trophy, the Alibi Breakfast, painting the weather vane, and more.
- Preakness Info Central - the main list of everything Preakness
- Preakness 101 - A basic introduction the the second jewel of the Triple Crown
- Past Preakness Winners
- Preakness official site - news, history, and more
- Triple Crown Index - the master list with even more info
