Swiss Skydiver, the speedy filly that came in second place at the Kentucky Oaks, might make an appearance at the Preakness Stakes, according to trainer Ken McPeek. She has faced males before and could make a big splash in a Preakness field that will not have Belmont Stakes winner Tiz the Law. Will she enter the field?
Before we continue with our special, let’s check out the latest odds to win the Preakness Stakes, courtesy of JAZZSports.ag:
Preakness Stakes – Top 5 Odds to Win *
| Name | Odds |
| Authentic | -125 |
| Art Collector | +235 |
| Thousand Words | +600 |
| Swiss Skydiver, Max Player, Pneumatic, Mr. Big News | +1250 |
| Mystic Guide, Ny Traffic | +1500 |
*Odds are subject to change.
Will Swiss Skydiver Enter the Preakness Stakes?
In an interview with Daily Racing Form, McPeek said, “The filly has had a really good week. There’s no need to make any kind of decision just yet. Let’s see how she works Saturday and we’ll go from there.”
Swiss Skydiver, a three-year-old filly sired by Daredevil, had her first competition against male horses at Keeneland this summer in the Blue Grass Stakes (Grade II). There she came in second, 3 ½ lengths back of Art Collector, who will also race at the Preakness. She won the Alabama Stakes (Grade I) by 3 ½ lengths and came in 1 ½ lengths behind Shedaresthedevil at the Kentucky Oaks.
Swiss Skydiver is supposed to breeze on Saturday at Churchill, and then McPeek will make his determination by Monday.
More confirmed entries for the October 3 Preakness Stakes are coming in as well. Earlier this week we wrote about Max Player’s chances. Now, Pneumatic, winner of the Pegasus Stakes, has had his entry confirmed. Excession, who was the runner-up at the Rebel Stakes (Grade II) will enter as well.
Country Grammer, winner of the Peter Pan Stakes (Grade III) has also entered. At this writing, there are ten confirmed entrants for the Preakness. Currently, the favorite is Authentic, winner of the Kentucky Derby. The field is limited to 14, so the entries are running out.
Excession has not run in six months since finishing as the runner-up to Nadal at the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park. He started regular workouts again in August, moving to a 1:00.6 breeze over five furlongs on Tuesday, the fastest workout over that distance of the day.
Country Grammer has had an eight-week break since finishing fifth at the Travers Stakes (Grade I) at Saratoga Race Course.
Give an edge to your horse-betting with JAZZ Horse Racing’s expert advice! – We will be daily posting special articles on the upcoming Preakness Stakes & Breeders Cup. Until Next Time!
