Orb is at top of the class

Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas offered an ominous assessment for those hoping Kentucky Derby champion Orb will have his Triple Crown aspirations trampled at the Preakness Stakes today.

“If he’ll scratch, I’ll feel better about the whole race,” said Lukas, who will saddle three colts in the nine-horse race though none better than 12-1 odds in the morning line.

“That’s an exceptional horse, and in great hands. It’s going to be difficult to beat him. His work this week was great.”

Orb, an even-money favourite ridden by Joel Rosario, has been unbeatable this year – literally – with four straight wins and is riding a five-race winning streak.

The son of Malibu Moon will break from the one hole but trainer Shug McGaughey saw no problems opening along the rail.

“The ‘1’ is different here than it is at Churchill. The race starts at the three-sixteenths pole here and it’s a straight shot. We’ll be fine,” said McGaughey, who has not competed in the Preakness since 1989, when Easy Goer lost to Kentucky Derby winner Sunday Silence by a nose.

“If I got to pick it out, that wouldn’t have been what I picked, but I’m not worried about it.”

Orb came from off the pace at Churchill Downs on May 4 to win by 2 1/2 lengths, and should he win today’s 138th running of the Preakness, he can become the first Triple Crown winner since 1978 with a victory at the Belmont Stakes on June 9.

If the Kentucky-bred bay stumbles during his Triple Crown quest, it may be to Mylute, a grey colt who overcame a rough start to finish fifth at Louisville two weeks ago, or to well-rested Illinois Derby champion Departing.

Todd Quast, general manager of GoldMark Farm, co-owner of Mylute, said the mile-and-three-16ths Preakness sets up perfectly for his colt, who will be ridden by Rosie Napravnik.

“He is the consummate professional horse,” said Quast.

“His demeanour off the track is what you would want. He eats, sleeps and nothing bothers him. It’s a perfect type of situation.”

Napravnik would become the first female jockey to win the Preakness if she can guide Mylute to the winner’s circle at venerable Pimlico Race Course.