Pioneerof the Nile second in KY Derby – possible for Preakness

The Bob Baffert-trained Pioneerof the Nile was a game runner-up in the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 2nd at Churchill Downs, and the multiple Grade 1 winner could make his next start in the May 16th Preakness S. (G1) at Pimlico in Baltimore, where he would likely be one of the favorites in the 1 3/16-mile classic.

“He ran awesome. My horse ran, he showed up,” said Baffert, following Pioneerof the Nile’s gallant runner-up performance in the Run for the Roses. “I thought I had it. (Jockey) Garrett (Gomez) rode a beautiful race.”

Pioneerof the Nile was always in good position in the Derby, sweeping to the lead turning for home and gamely repelling outside challenges by Arkansas Derby winner Papa Clem and Illinois Derby winner Musket Man to determinedly hold on for second. But Mine That Bird, under Calvin Borel, used an improbable rail rally to take the Derby at odds of 50-1 over the the sloppy local main track, posting one of the biggest upsets in the history of the celebrated race.

“Calvin Borel, he’s got some magic here, I’ll tell you what. It’s amazing,” Baffert said. “Those cowboys, they came with a good horse.” he added.

Pioneerof the Nile came out of the Derby in good shape and is slated to go back to the track for training Wednesday, May 6th at Churchill Downs, where he could prepare for a rematch with Mine That Bird in two weeks in the Preakness, the second leg of the Triple Crown.

Baffert has won the Preakness four times, including Silver Charm in 1997, Real Quiet in 1998, Point Given in 2001 and War Emblem in 2002.