Contender Status
Stevil walked the shedrow at trainer Nick Zito’s barn at Churchill Downs on May 6, one day after working a half-mile in :48.60. Heather Stark, assistant to Zito, reported the Maria’s Mon colt came out of the work in good order.
The colt had his final workout at Churchill Downs on May 13 before being shipped to Pimlico.
"It was pretty nice, and he galloped out real nice" trainer Nick Zito said of the May 13 workout. "He's a very consistent horse, and hopefully he'll run well Saturday."
Zito will be saddling his 19th Preakness starter, tying him for second with Max Hirsch. Only D. Wayne Lukas (32) has run more horses in the Preakness.
May 13 - Four furlongs breezing in :47.80 at Churchill Downs, track fast. Sixth best of 61 workouts at the distance.
May 5 - Four furlongs breezing in :48.60 at Churchill Downs, track fast. Eighth best of 40 workouts at the distance.
Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 17 at Pimlico Race Course
Trainer Nick Zito, on selecting John Velazquez to ride Stevil in the Preakness Stakes (G1):
"John has ridden for me a lot of times. In fact, he worked Strike the Gold for me at Saratoga when he was a little 18-year-old apprentice."