Preakness Stakes Watch: Other contenders eager to get a shot at Barbaro

Derby winner Barbaro remained undefeated and hinted at greatness in his 61/2-length Kentucky Derby romp, the widest margin of victory in 60 years. He likely will be odds-on to capture 13/16-mile Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on May 20 and appears to have an excellent chance at becoming the 12th Triple Crown winner and the first since Affirmed in 1978.

Barbaro may have looked like a horse for the ages  Saturday, but trainers of two of the 3-year-olds he vanquished in the Kentucky Derby say they are eager to try the unbeaten colt again in the May 13 Preakness.

Dan Hendricks, trainer of Brother Derek, who finished in a dead heat for fourth, 9 ^1/2 lengths behind Barbaro thinks his horse has the capability of spoiling Barbaro’s Triple Crown dream. The California-bred colt was the morning-line favorite and third actual betting choice at 7-1.

Sweetnorthernsaint trainer Michael Trombetta said he can’t say he’s in a hurry to run back against [Barbaro] but he’s definitely in a hurry to take his chances. His colt finished seventh by 13¹/2 lengths as the 5¹/2-1 betting favorite.

Barbaro’s 6¹/2-length win over runner-up Bluegrass Cat was the biggest winning margin in the Derby since Triple Crown winner Assault beat a field of 17 by eight lengths in 1946. Assault went on to win the Preakness by a neck and the Belmont Stakes by three lengths.

Meanwhile, trainers of most other Derby losers seemed less eager to renew their rivalry with Barbaro. Three-time Derby winner Bob Baffert said he will "wait and see" what develops with his also-ran trio of Point Determined (ninth), Sinister Minister (16th) and Bob and John (17th) before making Preakness plans.

Trainers of Derby runners Jazil (fourth) and Lawyer Ron (12th) said they also may try the 1 3/16-mile Preakness. A Pimlico spokesman said other possibles are Aqueduct winners Like Now (Gotham Stakes) and Bernardini (Withers Stakes), and Simon Pure (fourth in the Arkansas Derby).

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