Baffert adds Improbable to the Preakness 2019 mix

Trainer Bob Baffert said Monday, after Improbable hit the wire fifth and was placed fourth in the Kentucky Derby, that the colt is on target to run back in the May 18 Preakness Stakes.

Mike Smith will have the mount.

“He looks like he came out of his race really well," said Baffert, who has won the Preakness a record-tying seven times, most recently last year with Justify. "If he has a good week, that’s the plan.”

Baffert also saddled Game Winner (fifth) and Roadster (15th) in the Derby. But for a trip to Pimlico, “Improbable would be the only one right now.”

"I don't want to run him right back," Baffert added of Game Winner. "I'll freshen him up a bit. And Roadster, I need to get some weight on him. He got real light on me -- both of them got light after this."

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Improbable broke as the 4-1 Kentucky Derby favorite running for the familiar connections of WinStar Farm, China Horse Club and Starlight Racing.

Baffert has returned home to Southern California, while his Derby trio remains at Churchill Downs under the direction of top assistant Jimmy Barnes.

Baffert has another graded stakes-winning 3-year-old prepared for a stakes engagement, with Mucho Gusto pointing to the June 16 Affirmed (G3) at Santa Anita Park.