Flashpoint pointing to Preakness; now with Wesley Ward

[NTamm1215]

Though Flashpoint has enough graded stakes earnings ($140,000) to put him 22nd on the list of Kentucky Derby hopefuls - meaning he would need just two defections to get into the 20-horse Derby field - owner John Fort said Friday that his lightly-raced 3-year-old is being pointed to the Preakness at Pimlico on May 21.

Fort also confirmed that Flashpoint has been transferred from Richard Dutrow Jr. to Wesley Ward. Fort declined to elaborate on the change, but it is known that Dutrow has been denied a license by the Kentucky Racing Commission and is prohibited from training or racing horses in that state. Ward has Flashpoint stabled at Keeneland where the colt has breezed twice over the synthetic surface, including a five-furlong move in 59 seconds Thursday morning, the fastest of 27 at the distance.

http://www.drf.com/news/preakness-fl...ed-wesley-ward

[golfer]

For whatever it's worth, it was reported on TVG that Ward is on his way to France, not sure how long he's staying there. Kind of a strange choice for new trainer, but he shouldn't have any trouble getting out of the gate.

[blackthroatedwind]

He is a cinch in the Preakness......




























.....to be last.

[Mike]

Preakness is shaping up to be fascinating. As wide open as the Derby seems to be, the Preakness already looks interesting, without even knowing what Derby runners will be wheeling back.

Maybe this year we have three different winners for the Triple Crown races.