Preakness Stakes day undercard an option for Catholic Boy

Catholic Boy, who last weekend put in his first half-mile breeze of 2019, could begin his 4-year-old season on the Preakness Stakes undercard.

Trainer Jonathan Thomas said Thursday that Pimlico’s Grade 2, $250,000 Dixie Stakes is among the first options should the son of More Than Ready remain on schedule.

“We’re still a few breezes away from really making up our minds,” Thomas said.

The Dixie, at 1 1/16 miles, runs on the turf, a surface over which the colt won last year’s Belmont Derby Invitational (G1). He then also took the Travers Stakes (G1) on the main track.

Connections have said Catholic Boy could again run on both surfaces this year.

Campaigned by Robert LaPenta, Sol Kumin’s Madaket Stables, Seina Farm and Twin Creeks Racing Stables, Catholic Boy posted his first three-furlong breeze of the year on March 22. He upped the distance to four furlongs in 50.20 on Saturday at Thomas’ winter base, Bridlewood Farm in Ocala, Fla.

It’s expected he’ll take on some racetrack breezes before entered for a return spot.

Catholic Boy was 13th last time in the Breeders’ Cup Classic when compromised by an inside post and rush to the first turn.

“He did really well with his time off,” Thomas said. “Subsequently, his breezes back have been very good. He seems to be traveling well and moving well. We’re excited to get him back on the work tab.”