OWENDALE, SIGNALMAN, WARRIOR’S CHARGE BREEZE FOR PREAKNESS STAKES

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Saturday, May 11, 2019) – Preakness Stakes (Grade I) contenders Owendale, Signalman and Warrior’s Charge topped Saturday morning’s work tab at Churchill Downs as the trio put in their final preparation for the second jewel in racing’s Triple Crown on May 18.

Rupp Racing’s Lexington Stakes (GIII) winner Owendale was the first Preakness contender to breeze Saturday at 5:30 a.m. EDT and recorded a five-furlong bullet move in :59.20 – the fastest of 31 at the distance. Trained by Brad Cox, Owendale clipped through splits of :12.40, :24 and :46.80 before he galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.20, according to Churchill Downs clocker John Nichols.

About five minutes later, Owendale’s stablemate, Ten Strike Racing and Madaket Stables’ allowance winner Warrior’s Charge, worked five furlongs in 1:00.80 through fractions of :12.60, :24.60 and :48.60 before a six-furlong gallop out in 1:13.20, according to Nichols. The ownership of Warrior’s Charge would have to pay $150,000 to supplement to the Preakness Stakes.

“The track was really good this morning,” said Cox, who was joined on the Stakes Room balcony by eight clients and friends. “I think both horses ready to roll. Owendale has been doing phenomenal following the Lexington. He has that built in foundation from the race that will suit him well in the Preakness.

“Warrior’s Charge should be able to handle the extra distance and is showing us he’s on an upward trend. That’s why we decided to supplement him. He didn’t run in any of the Derby preps so he had some time to develop and grow into himself.”

About two hours later, Tommie Lewis, Steve Crabtree, Dean Demaree, David Bernsen, Jim Chambers and Magdalena Racing’s Signalman breezed a half-mile in :47.60 in company with Indian Counselor (:48).

Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. was aboard Signalman for the work and is scheduled to ride in the Preakness.

A total of seven contenders for the Preakness are based at Churchill Downs including a trio of runners from the Kentucky Derby: Improbable (4th), War of Will (7th) and Bodexpress (13th).

Oaklawn Invitational winner Laughing Fox, based in Steve Asmussen’s Barn 38 beneath the Twin Spires, is also a likely entrant for the Preakness.