Preakness Updates: River Thames Breezes at Belmont, Brendan Walsh Green Light Gosger

[Wandering Eyes]

Breezing Saturday morning over the Belmont Park training track, 'TDN Rising Star' GISP River Thames (Maclean's Music) put in another half-mile move in advance of his anticipated start in the GI Preakness Stakes May 17 at Pimlico.

In company with MSP Trust Fund (Practical Joke), the New York-bred went a half-mile in :48.25 (9/37) with exercise rider Fernando Rivera in the irons. He began the work to the outside and just off of his workmate and ended it along the rail and at least a length in front. Trainer Todd Pletcher said he clocked the gallop out in 1:01 and 1:15, and was happy with what he saw from his charge.

“He went very well, in hand throughout,” said Pletcher. “He put in a nice half-mile in 48 [seconds] and change. He galloped out around the turn strongly and looked good. They followed the instructions perfectly.”

He continued, “We are happy with his condition. He has bounced out of the Blue Grass well. He has been training consistently here. He has put on a few pounds, so we are happy with the way he is coming into [The Preakness].”

River Thames will be looking to claim Pletcher's first victory in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown. The conditioner is a two-time Derby and four-time Belmont Stakes winner.

“I'd love to check that box, we will give it a try.”

Gosger gets the Green Light for Preakness after Keeneland Work

Working in company with Godolphin's Paris Lily (City of Light), who is being pointed to Friday's GII Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, Gosger (Nyquist) and the filly breezed five furlongs in 1:00.60, making the pair's move the fastest of 14 at the distance at Keeneland that morning. Carrying the colors of the late Harvey A. Clarke, the grey will attempt to collect his third straight win after he claimed the GIII Stonestreet Lexington Stakes Apr. 12 at the venue.

“He worked really well,” Walsh said. “He worked good; so, we're a go. I think he's ready to take a step forward again off the last race.”

Walsh will be trying for his first Preakness win with Gosger's entry.

Heart of Honor Set to Clear Quarantine Earlier, On Track Tuesday

G2 UAE Derby runner-up Heart of Honor (GB) (Honor A.P.) is now set to clear quarantine at Churchill Downs Sunday and will make his first appearance on track at Pimlico Tuesday after vanning over the day prior.

Trainer Jamie Osborne has earlier confirmed his daughter Saffie Osborne will have the Preakness mount. The elder Osborne has sent prior runners who competed in the UAE Derby to the States and enjoyed great success, but a win on the Triple Crown trail would be a first for Heart of Honor's connections.

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