First Mission, Mage's Top Challenger, Scratched from Preakness Stakes

The road to the Triple Crown has seemingly been cleared for Mage to romp in the 148th Preakness Stakes. The Kentucky Derby winner’s top challenger, First Mission, has been scratched from racing Saturday at Pimlico Race Course.

Owned by Godolphin and trained by Brad Cox, First Mission was the 5-2 second choice on the morning line in the Preakness Stakes. First Mission was impressive in his last start, rallying to win in Keeneland’s Lexington Stakes. The three-year-old sired by Street Sense was sidelined due to an issue in its left hind leg.

“We are obviously very disappointed, but the welfare of the horse is our utmost concern, and we are going to take the necessary steps to determine the best course of action to get him back on the track,” said Godolphin director of bloodstock, Michael Banahan.

There are now only seven horses racing in Saturday’s Preakness Stakes. It’s the smallest field for the second leg of the Triple Crown since 1986.

It feels like deja vu all over again for Mage. Ahead of the Kentucky Derby its most formidable foe, Forte, was scratched on race day. Now about 36 hours away from the Preakness, Mage’s top challenger is once again out.

Without First Mission in the field, Mage will be a huge favorite at a short price. Anything short of a Mage victory will be an upset. If you’re looking to win big off a shocking result, earlier this week KSR broke down the Preakness Stakes with expert handicapper Peter T. Fornatale.

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Preakness Stakes Post Positions, Morning Line Odds, Trainer, Jockey

1. National Treasure, 4-1, Bob Baffert, John Velazquez

2. Chase the Chaos, 50-1, Ed Moger Jr., Armando Ayuso

3. Mage, 8-5, Gustavo Delgado, Javier Castellano

4. Coffeewithchris, 20-1, John E. Salzman Jr., Juan Rodriguez

5. Red Route One, 10-1, Steve Asmussen, Joel Rosario

6. Perform, 15-1, Shug McGaughey, Feargal Lynch

7. Blazing Sevens, 6-1, Chad Brown, Irad Ortiz Jr.

8. First Mission, 5-2, Brad Cox, Luis Saez

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