Kentucky Derby Winner magician (good magic) posted his final training at Churchill Downs on Saturday morning before shipping to Baltimore for GI Preakness S next weekend.
Rider JJ Delgado was forced to pause training to bandage a loose back after the first half mile, however, the last pony galloped about a mile and a half.
After a minor incident, the Derby winner continued circling the track before heading back to Barn 42, where coach Gustavo Delgado was set to transport the foal to Baltimore late Saturday afternoon.
“We’ve always wanted to be extra cautious before making the decision to join Preakness after the Derby,” said co-owner/assistant coach Gustavo Delgado Jr. said Saturday. “It’s fair to ask questions. We just wanted to make sure he gave us all the right signs after the Derby and he was right. The fact that he’s only had four starts and the foals tend to get better after they’ve had a few worse starts, that gives us a bit of confidence.
According to Steve Hargrave, Churchill Downs Senior Director of Stabilization, the van carrying Mage to Baltimore is expected to depart around 4pm. The trip is over 600 miles long and usually takes 8 hours and 45 minutes.
Delgado just started a horse in Preakness. In 2019, Delgado ran Bodexpress in the second crown jewel of the Triple Crown, where he beat rider John Velazquez out of the gate.
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This story was posted in News is shared, Top News and tagged Winner of the Kentucky Derby in 2023, GI Preakness S., good magic, Gustavo Delgado, Gustavo Delgado Jr., JJ Delgado, magician, Pimlico.
