2007 Preakness Undercard Results

The Sir Barton Stakes, a long-time Preakness day feature for 3-year-olds and a popular "back-door" prep for the Belmont, was renamed the $100,000 Barbaro Stakes this year. 3-10 favorite Chelokee, who was originally slated to start in the Preakness, stalked the early pace of 4-1 second choice Stonehouse through fractions of 23.60 and 46.80, then took over the lead on the far turn and drew away to a 4 3/4 length victory in 1:43.44 over the fast main track. It was a long 4 3/4 lengths back to Zephyr Cat in third while pacesetter Stonehouse was fourth. It was fitting that Michael Matz, trainer of Barbaro, would win this race, and it was an emotional scene in the winner's circle.

Matz said, "Right now, I'm elated. I couldn't be happier. I have a promising horse. To win the first Barbaro Stakes, it's a great feeling. I'm glad we decided to run in the race. He had a couple of little problems. This should straighten him up a little bit and make him all the better for it." Asked if Chelokee would go in the Belmont next, he said, "It's still a little early to tell. We'll see how he comes out of this race. He hadn't run in 7 weeks. Those other (3-year-olds) are looking like they're doing real good, so at this point, we'll just wait and see where we are."
Full Results Chart