The 150th Preakness Stakes showcased a thrilling race where the pre-race favorite, Journalism, overcame a bump from Goal Oriented to secure a dramatic victory. Despite a slow start, fifth-place finisher Heart of Honor (HOH) caught the attention of his trainer, Jaime Osborne, who noted that the horse’s poor performance stemmed from distractions at the starting gate. Osborne remains optimistic about HOH’s future, particularly with the upcoming Belmont Stakes, emphasizing the need for improved gate discipline.
To address HOH’s issues, Osborne plans extensive gate practice, recalling the horse’s strong performance prior to the UAE Derby. He believes that with focused training, HOH can perform better in the Belmont Stakes, especially since he nearly won the UAE Derby by a narrow margin. The trainer is determined to rectify the distractions that hindered HOH’s performance at the Preakness.
As the Belmont Stakes approaches, the competition is shaping up to be fierce, with notable contenders like Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty and other top-tier horses expected to compete. While Journalism’s connections are considering entering the Belmont, the anticipation builds for a potential rematch among the season’s top horses, making it crucial for Osborne to prepare HOH for the challenge ahead.
