He's in it! Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird to run in Preakness
BY JERRY BOSSERT - NY Daily News

May 4, 2009 - Mine That Bird stunned the world Saturday when the 50-1 shot won the Kentucky Derby. Now he is going to try to do it again.

Despite speculation that Mine That Bird would skip the May 16 Preakness, trainer Bennie (Chip) Wolley Jr. announced Monday that the 3-year-old will be in Baltimore for the second jewel of the Triple Crown and a chance at history.

"It is good for the sport," Woolley said at Churchill Downs. "You cannot have a Triple Crown winner without having the Derby winner in the Preakness. That played into our decision, but the horse looks super. I have never been to Baltimore, but it looks like I won't be able to say that in a few days."

Mine That Bird will van to Baltimore in the same vehicle that carried him from New Mexico to his Derby upset. He's expected to arrive at Pimlico next Monday or Tuesday.

The Derby winner jogged a mile over Churchill's sloppy strip Monday under exercise rider Charlie Figueroa.

"He was just bucking and playing out there," Figueroa said. "The outriders were surprised to see that yellow (Derby) saddle towel jogging by."

Woolley wanted to make sure the gelding came out of the race OK before committing to the Preakness.
"I jogged him when we first got here on the road here (by Barn 42) Monday and he looked good," the trainer said. "But I like to reserve my judgment until the second day when they are on track. Today, I just want him to get the kinks out. It will be two rounds a day. I might walk him one day, maybe the day we ship, but he will have no breezes before the Preakness."

Mine That Bird gave Calvin Borel his second Kentucky Derby victory and Woolley gives the jockey all the credit.

"Calvin has given two of the greatest rides in Kentucky Derby history," Woolley said of Saturday's score and his similar dash along the rail two years ago aboard Street Sense. "To come from last and go by 18 head, that's just incredible."

Big Drama, winner of the Swale Stakes at Gulfstream Park earlier this year before being disqualified and placed second, breezed six furlongs in 1:14 at Calder as he prepares for the second leg.

"We are ready to roll," trainer David Fawkes said of the colt, who has won five of seven.
Big Drama is expected to arrive at Pimlico tomorrow.

"When you watch the Derby and see a 50-1 shot win, it can only help the Preakness," Fawkes said. "There might be some trainers who may not have thought their horses had Triple Crown abilities but now might take a chance."

Other definite Preakness entrants are Papa Clem, Take the Points and Hull. Possible starters include Pioneerof the Nile, Musket Man, General Quarters, Mr. Fantasy, Miner's Escape, Conservative and Sky Gate.


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