BALTIMORE — Imperialism will make another run at Smarty Jones in Saturday's Preakness as part of a prospective 10-horse field that includes the top three finishers in the Kentucky Derby.
Imperialism, who took third behind winner Smarty Jones and Lion Heart, enjoyed a spirited gallop Monday in California and is expected to arrive at Pimlico Race Course today.
Steve Taub, owner of the Kentucky-bred colt, initially planned to skip the Preakness and focus on the Belmont on June 5. But Taub changed his mind, opting to challenge unbeaten Smarty Jones and eight other horses in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.
Imperialism closed with a flourish at Churchill Downs and appeared in excellent health Monday.
"He was taken to the gate for training at Hollywood and then galloped 1 1/2 times around the oval," Taub said. "His feet were dancing in the air when he got back to the stall."
Trained by 21-year-old conditioner Kristen Mulhall, Imperialism won the San Rafael and San Vincente, then placed second in the Santa Anita Derby when Rock Hard Ten (who's also in the Preakness) was disqualified to third.
That was followed by an encouraging run in the slop at Churchill Downs.
During an otherwise quiet day at Pimlico, Nick Zito carried on a tradition that's become as much a part of the Preakness as black-eyed Susans: bringing his horses to the stakes barn ahead of the other entrants.
The Cliff's Edge and Sir Shackleton made themselves at home along with Birdstone, who finished eighth in the Kentucky Derby but likely won't run in the Preakness.
In 2001 and 2002, Zito's horses were the first to arrive at Pimlico. The strategy proved sound three years ago, when A P Valentine took second. Two years ago, however, Straight Gin and Crimson Hero finished out of the money.
Zito didn't have a horse in the Preakness last year.