Super Saver ready for Preakness

Associated Press

Todd Pletcher is breaking one of his own rules in pursuit of a Triple Crown.

The Eclipse Award winning trainer likes to give his horses at least five weeks off between races. Super Saver’s win the Kentucky Derby, however, hasn’t left Pletcher much choice.

The 3-year-old colt will run on just two weeks’ rest in next Saturday’s Preakness. After finally capturing his first Derby following a decade of trying, Pletcher will gladly take his chances with his energetic star.

“I wish in a perfect world we would have more time but this is the way it’s laid out,” Pletcher said Thursday.

Super Saver hasn’t exactly looked tired since beating Ice Box by 21/2 lengths in the slop at Churchill Downs. He’s been active and lively in his stall and relaxed while jogging on the track under exercise rider Kevin Willey.

Pletcher said most horses are “wiped out” following a big race. Not Super Saver.

“He does not appear to be knocked out,” Pletcher said.

Good thing, because Super Saver will face a stiff challenge at Pimlico as he attempts to take the next step toward becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 32 years.

Beaten Derby favorite Lookin At Lucky could also be in the starting gate.

Trainer Bob Baffert said Thursday there’s a 51 percent chance Lookin At Lucky will be shipped to Pimlico next week. That’s up from the 50/50 odds the Hall of Famer offered after the Derby, when Lookin At Lucky finished sixth following a troubled trip along the rail.

The track won’t be quite as crowded at Pimlico. A full field of 14 is expected, meaning the Preakness won’t be the 20-horse traffic jam that slogged through the mud under the twin spires.