Bolt d’Oro Under Consideration For Preakness Stakes 2018
Bolt d’Oro, 12th in the Gr.I Kentucky Derby, is under consideration for a start in the Gr.I Preakness Stakes, owner/trainer Mick Ruis confirmed Thursday.
Ruis said clarified that given the son of Medaglia d’Oro’s dislike for the sloppy and muddy on Derby day at Churchill Downs, his colt would not run in the Preakness if the track comes up muddy or sloppy.
Ruis reported that Bolt d’Oro emerged from the experience otherwise unscathed, showing high energy levels in his time at Keeneland.
“He is doing really, really good–it doesn’t look like he even lost a pound,” Ruis said. “He’s really good and really happy. I’m glad I’m here at Keeneland, because our farm is only four miles away. It’s so mellow for him here. I couldn’t be happier. We’re going to try to make our residence in Kentucky.”
Jockey Corey Nakatani will be reunited with Bolt d'Oro in the Preakness, should the colt run. Nakatani rode the son of Medaglia d'Oro in his first four races, winning three, before being replaced by Javier Castellano in the San Felipe Stakes and the Santa Anita Derby, and then Victor Espinoza in the Run for the Roses.
“My dad still believes in the horse,” said Nakatani's son and agent, Matt. “We're excited to be back.”
Trainer Mick Ruis has laid several options on the table for Bolt d'Oro's next start, but the Preakness gets top priority pending a dry track. Other choices include the Penn Mile or the Woody Stephens.
By Ritesh Jamkhedkar-Ritesh.jamkhedkar@secretariatsworld.com