Preakness Stakes Contender, Curlin tasted defeat for the first time

Trainer Steve Asmussen announced Thursday that pre-Kentucky Derby favorite Curlin will run in the Preakness Stakes on May 19, which means all of the top-three finishers from the Run for the Roses are officially in the field.

Curlin tasted defeat for the first time in his young career on May 5, finishing the Derby in third place, behind both Street Sense and Hard Spun. However, at 1 3/16-mile the Stakes is a much shorter race and Asmussen think this will favor his horse.

"The only hesitation was waiting for him to go back to the track'' said Asmussen of his horse during a conference call. "I was curious where he would be mentally. His appetite has stayed good. He's a very big, strong horse and we're very pleased how he came out of race physically. He was very relaxed going to the track, and I just wanted to make sure it was still him.''

Others Preakness probables include C P West, King of the Roxy, Xchanger, Flying First Class or Starbase and Mint Slewlep.

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