Hull Skips Preakness; Smith Named Backup

Derby Trial Stakes (gr. III) winner Hull, who is undefeated in three career starts, will bypass the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) and will run instead in the seven-furlong Woody Stephens Stakes (gr. II) on Belmont day. Also trainer Chip Woolley confirmed that Mike Smith will ride Mine That Bird if Rachel Alexandra runs in the Preakness.

“I don't like the way the pace scenario shapes up,” said Barry Irwin, who owns the son of Holy Bull with Heiligbrodt Racing Stable and Gary Barber. “I cannot see us getting the right kind of trip. I see there being too much pressure on him going two turns for the first time. I like this horse; he is training really well and I don't want to screw him up.”