Seize the Grey’s Victory at the Preakness Stakes
Seize the Grey triumphed from start to finish in the Preakness Stakes, providing Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas with a remarkable seventh win in the prestigious race and effectively crushing Mystik Dan’s Triple Crown aspirations.
The gray colt effectively utilized the muddy track conditions, exactly as Lukas had envisioned, to capture an upset victory in another impressive showing just two weeks after a dominant performance in a race at Churchill Downs on the Derby undercard. Despite being one of the longer shots on the board at 9-1, Seize the Grey seized the lead early on and never relinquished it.
Lukas expressed his satisfaction with the colt’s performance, stating, “I thought his movement down the backside was exquisite, and I was confident that he was handling the track well. I had a feeling he wouldn’t disappoint.”
Mystik Dan’s Bid Falls Short
Mystik Dan finished as the runner-up in the field of eight horses competing in the $2 million Preakness Stakes. Following his narrow victory in the Kentucky Derby, Mystik Dan’s hopes of clinching back-to-back wins were dashed. It is unlikely that he will participate in the Belmont Stakes on June 8 at Saratoga Race Course.
Trainer Kenny McPeek commended Mystik Dan, asserting, “My colt is exceptional, and I am proud of his effort. It simply wasn’t his day to shine, but he will live to see another race.”
The Unexpected Preakness Winner
Seize the Grey’s triumph in the Preakness Stakes was surprising given the tougher competition compared to the Pat Day Mile on May 4. Nevertheless, the victory was a testament to the prowess of the Lukas stable. While many may have been taken aback by the outcome, it is never truly shocking when one of his horses strides into the winner’s circle, draped in a blanket of Black-Eyed Susan flowers.
Lukas’ stellar record at the Preakness includes saddling 48 horses since his debut in 1980, the most in the race’s 149-year history. Although he entered two horses this time, with Just Steel finishing fifth, Seize the Grey, owned by numerous investors associated with the MyRacehorse group, delivered the triumphant finish.
Lukas reflected on the widespread ownership of Seize the Grey, remarking, “Can you fathom the number of people who will revel in this achievement? I am not even aware of the horse’s total ownership count, but it is undoubtedly substantial.”
A Record-Setting Trainer
With this victory, Lukas now boasts seven Preakness wins, placing him just one triumph away from equalling the record held by two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert. Baffert’s horse, Imagination, finished seventh in this race. Despite mutual competition, Lukas remains undeterred by setbacks and intends to continue his illustrious career.
Commenting on Baffert’s luck with scratchings, Lukas humorously stated, “I believe they are attempting to push me out of the game. Perhaps they wish for my retirement, but that seems unlikely. The thrill of competition never diminishes at this level, and I relish the challenge.”
Rising Star in the Saddle
Jaime Torres guided Seize the Grey to victory in his debut Triple Crown race, riding the colt admirably throughout. Torres, a native of Puerto Rico who discovered his passion for horse racing through television viewing in late 2019, expressed his elation at the unexpected triumph. He extended gratitude to all those who supported him in his burgeoning career.
Evolution of Triple Crown’s Final Leg
This Preakness marked the last event held at Pimlico Race Course before the commencement of its planned demolition. The historic track will host its 150th running amid ongoing renovations next year. The Belmont Stakes will shift to Saratoga for the first time due to construction at Belmont Park. The race length will be reduced to 1 1/4 miles due to the course layout. Sierra Leone, the second-place finisher at the Kentucky Derby, is anticipated to headline the field at Saratoga.
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